HB 17-1274

House Bill 17-1274, which has been signed into law, allows veterinarians to keep and use custom-made medications (compounded drugs) for animals. The bill specifically outlines rules for when these custom drugs can be used in food animals, like cows or chickens raised for meat. It also clarifies that the term "patient" refers to animal patients rather than human ones. This means that veterinarians now have clearer guidelines on how they can use and distribute compounded medications for their animal clients, including those that are raised for food.

Official Summary

House Bill 16-1324 allowed a veterinarian to maintain an office stock of compounded drugs, which are drugs that are combined, mixed, or otherwise altered to create a specific drug or formulation, for later distribution or administration to animal patients. The bill defines 'food animal' and sets forth the limited circumstances under which a veterinarian may administer or dispense a compounded drug obtained from a prescription drug outlet for a food animal. The bill further clarifies that references to 'patient' set forth in House Bill 16-1324 refer to an 'animal patient'. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)

Votes