The Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act has passed Congress! | Dr. Justine Lee

Posted by justinelee in Blog, Veterinary

Did you know that up to this point, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) prevents us veterinarians from transporting controlled drugs (e.g., like euthanasia solution, analgesics, and soon-to-be-tramadol) across state borders?

Well, good news for veterinarians in the United States! The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act unanimously yesterday on July 8, 2014. As Senators already approved this Act early in 2014, it means it can move on to the President Obama’s desk for final approval.

What does this mean to veterinarians? 

This act is important as it allows veterinarians to be able to freely transport drugs across state borders; this is especially important for mobile veterinarians or large animal/equine veterinarians (e.g., ambulatory) who need controlled drugs for anesthesia, euthanasia, and other procedures. Provided these veterinarians have a DEA license and a valid state license to practice, then this act works to amend the Controlled Substance Act (from 1970).

This is a huge victory for veterinarians, as it allows us to continue to provide care for those veterinarians who travel, are mobile, or live close to state borders!

More importantly, thanks to all the veterinarians who – upon the efforts of the American Veterinary Medical Association – have helped contribute and taking action into their own hands by sending thousands of letters to Congress to support this Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act. It made a difference!