Amending the Controlled Substance Act for Veterinarians

A week ago a Senate companion Bill was introduced to the House’s the Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act that was introduced by Oregon Congressman Kurt Schrader last month.

Both bills will make it legal for veterinarians to transport and dispense medications for pain management, or anesthesia that they need to properly care for animal patients in various settings.

As most ranchers realize most large animal vets come to their patients and need to be able to transport the needed medications from their vet clinics. Earlier this year, the Drug Enforcement Administration, which enforces the Controlled Substance Act, has taken a very narrow interpretation of the code and has stated that it is illegal to transport controlled substances -- such as those used by vets -- outside of their registered brick and mortar locations.

Field reporter Greg Martin explains more

Martin: “The Drug Enforcement Administration’s interpretation of the Controlled Substance Act has been causing problems for veterinarians who need to be able to treat many different kinds of animals in a variety of settings especially in rural areas where often vets make farm calls to assist with an injured large animal, as well as any vets who operate mobile veterinary clinics.

Earlier this year, the DEA sent letters to Californian veterinarians who practice vet medicine away from their clinics notifying them they were violation of the CSA. The DEA maintains that a statutory change would be necessary in order for any veterinarians to legally transport and use controlled substances outside of their registered locations.”

The passing of these bills will ensure animals do not endure pain and suffering unnecessarily because their veterinarians are not allowed to bring the tools they need to do their jobs.