I just received this notice regarding the proposed legislation effecting pet owners. I realize that this isn't applicable to our equines as they are considered livestock but most all of us have cats and dogs as part of our lives. Who knows, if this gets passed this time, some lawmaker may decide it needs to be done for the livestock industry.
Please contact your House of Representatives’ member in opposition to the Fairness to Pet Owners Act (H.R. 4023) today!
Action Alert: Mandatory prescription bill reintroduced in Congress
| Oppose the Fairness to Pet Owners Act of 2014 | |
Tell Congress to oppose mandatory prescription writing! On February 10, Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT-4th) reintroduced the so-called “Fairness to Pet Owners Act” (H.R. 4023). Like its predecessor in the previous Congress, H.R. 1406, the legislation would require a veterinarian to provide a client with a written prescription for domesticated household animals, whether or not requested by the client. The veterinarian would be prohibited from charging for the prescription or asking a client to sign a liability waiver related to writing the prescription.
The legislation, cosponsored by Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT-3rd), was referred to the House Energy & Commerce Committee. While currently reviewing the legislation, the AVMA was vehemently opposed to similar language in the 112th Congress. It is burdensome and unnecessary to require a written prescription be provided, regardless of whether or not the client is having the prescription filled by the veterinarian. Clients already have the flexibility to fill a prescription at their veterinary clinic or off-site at a pharmacy of their choice. The AVMA is supportive of a client’s right to choose where they have their prescription filled. At the same time, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is working on a report with its findings and recommendations following a public workshop it held in October 2012, which examined the competition and consumer protection issues in the pet medications industry. Veterinarians and the AVMA participated as panelists throughout the workshop. It seems premature to consider a “solution,” such as this sweeping federal mandate, prior to publication of the report and clear identification of whether a problem actually exists. Please contact your House of Representatives’ member in opposition to the Fairness to Pet Owners Act (H.R. 4023) today! | |
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