AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Rabies is endemic in the bat and skunk population in Texas. A teenager from Humble died of rabies in 2005 as the result of a bat bite. In 2015, a dog in Tomball tested positive for rabies, and in Zilker Park, in Austin,  several residents had to be treated for rabies because they were exposed to a dog that tested positive for rabies.

           

For over 27 years, animal run shelters in Texas cities and counties have vaccinated animals against rabies under the direct supervision of a veterinarian per Section 826.023 (Use and Sale of Rabies Vaccine), Health and  Safety Code, to protect public health and safety.

 

22 T.A.C. Section 573.10 was amended in 2012 by the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (TBVME), requiring that a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) be established before a rabies vaccine is administered.

 

The rule change means a licensed veterinarian must complete a full examination of an animal before it can be vaccinated for rabies.  This creates a financial burden for pet owners, who may decide to ignore the law requiring the rabies vaccination.

 

Abrupt suspension of rabies vaccination services provided at shelters occurred as a result of the rule change. Prior to the change, shelters would provide large numbers of rabies shots per month, primarily for cats and dog in areas underserved by veterinarians in which pet owners do not typically seek routine veterinary care

 

S.B. 1780 amends Chapter 826, Health and Safety Code, by exempting a veterinarian employed by a county or city with a rabies control program from the requirement that a full examination be given prior to a rabies vaccination. 

 

S.B. 1780 improves community access to rabies vaccination services, an essential feature of an effective rabies control strategy employed by health departments to protect the public from rabies, a virus that is endemic in Texas.

 

As proposed, S.B. 1780 amends current law relating to the administration of rabies vaccine under a local rabies control program.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 826, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 826.018 as follows:

 

Sec. 826.018.  LOCAL RABIES CONTROL PROGRAMS. (a) Provides that this section applies to a veterinarian who:

 

(1) is employed by a county or municipality; and

 

(2) administers or supervises the administration of rabies vaccine as part of a local rabies control program established by a county or municipality under this chapter.

 

(b) Provides that a veterinarian described by Subsection (a) is not required to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship before administering rabies vaccine or supervising the administration of rabies vaccine.

 

(c) Provides that to the extent of any conflict between this section and any other law or rule relating to the administration of rabies vaccine, this section controls.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2015.