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AVMA Objects Again to Pet Prescription Bill

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The American Veterinary Medical Association asserted its opposition last week to the proposed federal mandate on prescription writing and encouraged members to voice their opinions about topics covered at the Federal Trade Commission’s Pet Medication Workshop.

The FTC has extended the comment period to Nov. 1.

The AVMA previously called for support to quash the bill, HR1406, also known as the Fairness to Pet Owners Act, which would require veterinarians to provide a written prescription to pet owners regardless of whether the owner intends to fill the prescription in-house or through a different dispenser. The AVMA’s Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics already state that veterinarians should provide clients with a written prescription when requested.

“Essentially this is a solution without a problem,” said Mark Cushing, founding partner of the Animal Policy Group, during one of the workshop’s panel discussions in Washington, D.C. “Veterinarians routinely provide prescriptions to their clients.”

The overarching purpose of the daylong workshop was to establish whether the trend of pet medication dispensation shifting from veterinary to retail channels is ultimately good for the consumer. Industry stakeholders from veterinary organizations, businesses, academia, government and veterinarians participated in a series of discussions on topics including the distribution of pet medications, the portability of pet medications and lessons to be gleaned from the contact lens industry, which the FTC views as a possible parallel to the pet medication industry.

The FTC is accepting comments online.

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AVMA Objects Again to Pet Prescription Bill

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This law is redundant and not necessary. Veterinarians already provide written prescriptions for clients to fill at the pharmacy of their choice. I can only imagine how Walmart will answer a pet owner's questions about their prescription. Human pharmacists are NOT trained in veterinary pharmacology. Debbie, York, PA Posted: 10/22/2012 11:11:27 AM This is a non issue and further regulation is unnecessary and duplicitous. States already REQUIRE veterinarians to offer scripts if so desired. If a veterinarian has to provide a script to every client at every visit, this exercise will cost both time and money. Those increased costs will then HAVE to be passsed to the pet owner and this obviously has a stifling effect on both the veterinary practice and the consumer. This is a bill desired by Big Box stores as an additional income generator. It most certainly does not have the consumers best interests at heart. Michael, Grand Rapids, MI Posted: 10/10/2012 7:20:05 AM By requiring veterinary medical professionals to write a prescription for medications a pet needs I believe it will lower overall owner compliance and negatively impact the patient. Quite simply, owners are going to be less likely to fill a prescription once they leave the office. If it isn't broken, don't fix it. Susan, Oklahoma City, OK Posted: 10/8/2012 1:38:34 PM