SB 874: Equality Caucus; Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine; Veterinary Medicine; Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship; Pet Medication; Consumer Prescription Choice

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO VETERINARY MEDICINE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The purpose of this Act is to promote consumer choice, affordability, and transparency by ensuring that pet owners in the State have the right to obtain and fill prescriptions for their animals at a pharmacy of their choice.  This Act is intended to remove barriers to competitive pricing, ensure fair access to veterinary medications, and enhance trust between veterinarians and their clients.  This Act also seeks to protect consumer rights while maintaining safety and efficacy in the dispensing of pet medications.  Additionally, this Act supports the integrity of veterinary practice by preserving the focus on medical care over retail functions and ensuring that veterinarians continue to play a central role in animal health management.  Lastly, this Act furthers the State's commitment to consumer rights, affordability, and fair market competition by aligning with existing consumer protection laws and economic policies, such as statutes against unfair or deceptive acts or practices, which promote transparency and fairness in consumer transactions and ensure pet owners, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, can access medications at reasonable costs while preserving high standards of veterinary care.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 471, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§471-     Requirements for written prescriptions.  (a)  A veterinarian shall, upon the request of a client, provide a written prescription for any medication prescribed for the client's animal patient without requiring the medication to be dispensed directly by the veterinarian.

     (b)  A veterinarian shall give notice to a client of the client's right to request a written prescription from the veterinarian and the option to have it filled at a pharmacy of the client's choice; provided that the notice may be given via direct communication, posted signage, or digital communication.

     (c)  No veterinarian shall issue a written prescription without the prior establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, which shall require that a veterinarian has conducted a timely examination of the animal patient or has made medically appropriate visits to the premises where the animal patient is kept.  A veterinarian with an existing veterinarian-client-patient relationship shall also have sufficient knowledge of the animal patient's health to make an informed medical judgment and ensure the availability of follow-up care as needed.

     (d)  A written prescription shall contain all of the following information:

     (1)  The name and address of the prescribing veterinarian;

     (2)  The name and species of the animal patient;

     (3)  The name, strength, and quantity of the prescribed medication;

     (4)  Directions for use;

     (5)  The date of issuance; and

     (6)  The veterinarian's signature or equivalent.

     (e)  Any pharmacy duly licensed in the State may dispense the medication prescribed by a licensed veterinarian pursuant to this section; provided that all federal and state certification requirements for handling and dispensing veterinary pharmaceuticals are met.

     (f)  Any veterinarian providing a written prescription shall not be held:

     (1)  Responsible for the improper storage, potential counterfeiting, medication substitution, or dosage errors that may be associated with dispensing from a third-party pharmacy; or

     (2)  Liable for any adverse effects or lack of efficacy in treatment due to externally sourced products.

     (g)  Any veterinarian who violates or fails to comply with this section shall be deemed to have engaged in professional misconduct and may be subject to disciplinary action by the board pursuant to section 471-10, which may include fines, the suspension or revocation of a license, or both.

     (h)  For the purposes of this section, "prescription" means a written order for medication issued by a veterinarian licensed in the State for the treatment of an animal patient."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

Equality Caucus; Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine; Veterinary Medicine; Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship; Pet Medication; Consumer Prescription Choice

Description:

Requires veterinarians to provide a written prescription, upon the request of a client, for any animal patient of a client with whom the veterinarian has established an existing veterinarian-client-patient relationship, to be filled at the pharmacy of the client's choosing.  Allows pharmacies licensed in the State to dispense medications prescribed by veterinarians.  Specifies that violators may be subject to disciplinary action by the Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine, which may include fines or suspension or revocation of a license.  (CD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO VETERINARY MEDICINE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The purpose of this Act is to promote consumer choice, affordability, and transparency by ensuring that pet owners in the State have the right to obtain and fill prescriptions for their animals at a pharmacy of their choice.  This Act is intended to remove barriers to competitive pricing, ensure fair access to veterinary medications, and enhance trust between veterinarians and their clients.  This Act also seeks to protect consumer rights while maintaining safety and efficacy in the dispensing of pet medications.  Additionally, this Act supports the integrity of veterinary practice by preserving the focus on medical care over retail functions and ensuring that veterinarians continue to play a central role in animal health management.  Lastly, this Act furthers the State's commitment to consumer rights, affordability, and fair market competition by aligning with existing consumer protection laws and economic policies, such as statutes against unfair or deceptive acts or practices, which promote transparency and fairness in consumer transactions and ensure pet owners, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, can access medications at reasonable costs while preserving high standards of veterinary care.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 471, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§471-     Requirements for written prescriptions.  (a)  A veterinarian shall, upon the request of a client, provide a written prescription for any medication prescribed for the client's animal patient without requiring the medication to be dispensed directly by the veterinarian.

     (b)  A veterinarian shall give notice to a client of the client's right to request a written prescription from the veterinarian and the option to have it filled at a pharmacy of the client's choice; provided that the notice shall be provided through direct communication at the time a prescription medication is recommended or prescribed, but need not be provided more than once per visit.

     (c)  No veterinarian shall issue a written prescription without the prior establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, which shall require that a veterinarian has conducted a timely examination of the animal patient or has made medically appropriate visits to the premises where the animal patient is kept.  A veterinarian with an existing veterinarian-client-patient relationship shall also have sufficient knowledge of the animal patient's health to make an informed medical judgment and ensure the availability of follow-up care as needed.

     (d)  A written prescription shall contain all of the following information:

     (1)  The name and address of the prescribing veterinarian;

     (2)  The name and species of the animal patient;

     (3)  The name, strength, and quantity of the prescribed medication;

     (4)  Directions for use;

     (5)  The date of issuance; and

     (6)  The veterinarian's signature or equivalent.

     (e)  Any pharmacy duly licensed in the State may dispense the medication prescribed by a licensed veterinarian pursuant to this section; provided that all federal and state certification requirements for handling and dispensing veterinary pharmaceuticals are met.

     (f)  Any veterinarian providing a written prescription shall not be held:

     (1)  Responsible for the improper storage, potential counterfeiting, medication substitution, or dosage errors that may be associated with dispensing from a third-party pharmacy; or

     (2)  Liable for any adverse effects or lack of efficacy in treatment due to externally sourced products.

     (g)  Any veterinarian who violates or fails to comply with this section shall be deemed to have engaged in professional misconduct and may be subject to disciplinary action by the board pursuant to section 471-10, which may include fines, the suspension or revocation of a license, or both.

     (h)  For the purposes of this section, "prescription" means a written order for medication issued by a veterinarian licensed in the State for the treatment of an animal patient."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Equality Caucus; Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine; Veterinary Medicine; Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship; Pet Medication; Consumer Prescription Choice

Description:

Requires veterinarians to provide a written prescription, upon the request of a client, for any animal patient of a client with whom the veterinarian has established an existing veterinarian-client-patient relationship, to be filled at the pharmacy of the client's choosing.  Allows pharmacies licensed in the State to dispense medications prescribed by veterinarians.  Specifies that violators may be subject to disciplinary action by the Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine, which may include fines or suspension or revocation of a license.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD2)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO VETERINARY MEDICINE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The purpose of this Act is to promote consumer choice, affordability, and transparency by ensuring that pet owners in the State have the right to obtain and fill prescriptions for their animals at a pharmacy of their choice.  This Act is intended to remove barriers to competitive pricing, ensure fair access to veterinary medications, and enhance trust between veterinarians and their clients.  This Act also seeks to protect consumer rights while maintaining safety and efficacy in the dispensing of pet medications.  Additionally, this Act supports the integrity of veterinary practice by preserving the focus on medical care over retail functions and ensuring that veterinarians continue to play a central role in animal health management.  Lastly, this Act furthers the State's commitment to consumer rights, affordability, and fair market competition by aligning with existing consumer protection laws and economic policies, such as statutes against unfair or deceptive acts and practices, which promote transparency and fairness in consumer transactions and ensure pet owners, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, can access medications at reasonable costs while preserving high standards of veterinary care.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 471, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§471-     Requirements for written prescriptions.  (a)  A veterinarian shall, upon the request of a client, provide a written prescription for any medication prescribed for the client's animal patient without requiring the medication to be dispensed directly by the veterinarian.

     (b)  A veterinarian shall give notice to a client of the client's right to request a written prescription from the veterinarian and the option to have it filled at a pharmacy of the client's choice; provided that the notice may be given via direct communication, posted signage, or digital communication.

     (c)  No veterinarian shall issue a written prescription without the prior establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, which shall require that a veterinarian has conducted a timely examination of the animal or has made medically appropriate visits to the premises where the animal is kept.  A veterinarian with an existing veterinarian-client-patient relationship shall also have sufficient knowledge of the animal's health to make an informed medical judgment and ensure the availability of follow-up care as needed.

     (d)  A written prescription shall contain all of the following information:

     (1)  The name and address of the prescribing veterinarian;

     (2)  The name and species of the animal patient;

     (3)  The name, strength, and quantity of the prescribed medication;

     (4)  Directions for use;

     (5)  The date of issuance; and

     (6)  The veterinarian's signature or equivalent.

     (e)  Any pharmacy duly licensed in the State may dispense the medication prescribed by a licensed veterinarian pursuant to this section; provided that all state and federal certification requirements for handling and dispensing veterinary pharmaceuticals are met.

     (f)  Any veterinarian providing a written prescription shall not be held:

     (1)  Responsible for the improper storage, potential counterfeiting, medication substitution, or dosage errors that may be associated with dispensing from a third-party pharmacy; or

     (2)  Liable for any adverse effects or lack of efficacy in treatment due to externally sourced products.

     (g)  Any veterinarian who violates or fails to comply with this section shall be deemed to have engaged in professional misconduct and may be subject to disciplinary action by the board pursuant to section 471-10, which may include fines, the suspension or revocation of a license, or both.

     (h)  For the purposes of this section, "prescription" means a written order for medication issued by a veterinarian licensed in the State for the treatment of an animal."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Equality Caucus; Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine; Veterinary Medicine; Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship; Pet Medication; Consumer Prescription Choice

Description:

Requires veterinarians to provide a written prescription, upon the request of a client, for any animal patient of a client with whom the veterinarian has established an existing veterinarian-client-patient relationship, to be filled at the pharmacy of the client's choosing.  Allows pharmacies licensed in the State to dispense medications prescribed by veterinarians.  Authorizes the Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine to establish penalties, which may include fines or suspension or revocation of a license.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO VETERINARY MEDICINE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The purpose of this Act is to promote consumer choice, affordability, and transparency by ensuring that pet owners in the State have the right to obtain and fill prescriptions for their animals at a pharmacy of their choice.  This Act is intended to remove barriers to competitive pricing, ensure fair access to veterinary medications, and enhance trust between veterinarians and their clients.  This Act also seeks to protect consumer rights while maintaining safety and efficacy in the dispensing of pet medications.  Additionally, this Act supports the integrity of veterinary practice by preserving the focus on medical care over retail functions and ensuring that veterinarians continue to play a central role in animal health management.  Lastly, this Act furthers the State's commitment to consumer rights, affordability, and fair market competition by aligning with existing consumer protection laws and economic policies, such as the statutes against unfair or deceptive acts and practices, which promote transparency and fairness in consumer transactions and ensure pet owners, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, can access medications at reasonable costs while preserving high standards of veterinary care.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 471, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§471-    Requirements for written prescriptions.  (a)  A veterinarian shall, upon the request of a client, provide a written prescription for any medication prescribed for the client's animal patient without requiring the medication to be dispensed directly by the veterinarian.

     (b)  A veterinarian shall give notice to a client of the client's right to request a written prescription from the veterinarian and the option to have it filled at a pharmacy of the client's choice; provided that the notice may be given via direct communication, posted signage, or digital communication.

     (c)  No veterinarian shall issue a written prescription without the prior establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, which shall require that a veterinarian has conducted a timely examination of the animal or has made medically appropriate visits to the premises where the animal is kept.  A veterinarian with an existing veterinarian‑client‑patient relationship shall also have sufficient knowledge of the animal's health to make an informed medical judgment and ensure the availability of follow-up care as needed.

     (d)  A written prescription shall contain all of the following information:

     (1)  The name and address of the prescribing veterinarian;

     (2)  The name and species of the animal patient;

     (3)  The name, strength, and quantity of the prescribed medication;

     (4)  Directions for use;

     (5)  The date of issuance; and

     (6)  The veterinarian's signature or equivalent.

     (e)  Any pharmacy duly licensed in the State may dispense the medication prescribed by a licensed veterinarian pursuant to this section; provided that all state and federal certification requirements for handling and dispensing veterinary pharmaceuticals are met.

     (f)  Any veterinarian providing a written prescription shall not be held:

     (1)  Responsible for the improper storage, potential counterfeiting, medication substitution, or dosage errors that may be associated with dispensing from a third-party pharmacy; or

     (2)  Liable for any adverse effects or lack of efficacy in treatment due to externally sourced products.

     (g)  Any veterinarian who violates or fails to comply with this section shall be deemed to have engaged in professional misconduct and may be subject to disciplinary action by the board pursuant to section 471-10, which may include fines, the suspension or revocation of a license, or both.

     (h)  For the purposes of this section, "prescription" means a written order for medication issued by a veterinarian licensed in the State for the treatment of an animal."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

Equality Caucus; Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine; Veterinary Medicine; Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship; Pet Medication; Consumer Prescription Choice

Description:

Requires veterinarians to provide a written prescription, upon the request of a client, for any animal patient of a client with whom the veterinarian has established an existing veterinarian‑client-patient relationship, to be filled at the pharmacy of the client's choosing.  Allows pharmacies licensed in the State to dispense medications prescribed by veterinarians.  Authorizes the Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine to establish penalties, which may include fines or suspension or revocation of a license.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD2)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO VETERINARY MEDICINE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The purpose of this Act is to promote consumer choice, affordability, and transparency by ensuring that pet owners in the State have the right to obtain and fill prescriptions for their animals at a pharmacy of their choice.  This Act is intended to remove barriers to competitive pricing, ensure fair access to veterinary medications, and enhance trust between veterinarians and their clients.  This Act also seeks to protect consumer rights while maintaining safety and efficacy in the dispensing of pet medications.  Additionally, this Act supports the integrity of veterinary practice by preserving the focus on medical care over retail functions and ensuring that veterinarians continue to play a central role in animal health management.  Lastly, this Act furthers the State's commitment to consumer rights, affordability, and fair market competition by aligning with existing consumer protection laws and economic policies, such as the statutes against unfair or deceptive acts and practices, which promote transparency and fairness in consumer transactions and ensure pet owners, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, can access medications at reasonable costs while preserving high standards of veterinary care.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 471, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§471-    Requirements for written prescriptions.  (a)  A veterinarian shall, upon the request of a client, provide a written prescription for any medication prescribed for the client's animal patient without requiring the medication to be dispensed directly by the veterinarian.

     (b)  A veterinarian shall give notice to a client of the client's right to request a written prescription from the veterinarian and the option to have it filled at a pharmacy of the client's choice; provided that the notice may be given via direct communication, posted signage, or digital communication.

     (c)  No veterinarian shall issue a written prescription without the prior establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, which shall require that a veterinarian has conducted a timely examination of the animal or has made medically appropriate visits to the premises where the animal is kept.  A veterinarian with an existing veterinarian‑client‑patient relationship shall also have sufficient knowledge of the animal's health to make an informed medical judgment and ensure the availability of follow-up care as needed.

     (d)  A written prescription shall contain all of the following information:

     (1)  The name and address of the prescribing veterinarian;

     (2)  The name and species of the animal patient;

     (3)  The name, strength, and quantity of the prescribed medication;

     (4)  Directions for use;

     (5)  The date of issuance; and

     (6)  The veterinarian's signature or equivalent.

     (e)  Any pharmacy duly licensed in the State may dispense the medication prescribed by a licensed veterinarian pursuant to this section; provided that all state and federal certification requirements for handling and dispensing veterinary pharmaceuticals are met.

     (f)  Any veterinarian providing a written prescription shall not be held:

     (1)  Responsible for the improper storage, potential counterfeiting, medication substitution, or dosage errors that may be associated with dispensing from a third-party pharmacy; or

     (2)  Liable for any adverse effects or lack of efficacy in treatment due to externally sourced products.

     (g)  Any veterinarian who violates or fails to comply with this section shall be deemed to have engaged in professional misconduct and may be subject to disciplinary action by the board pursuant to section 471-10, which may include fines, the suspension or revocation of a license, or both.

     (h)  For the purposes of this section, "prescription" means a written order for medication issued by a veterinarian licensed in the State for the treatment of an animal."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

Equality Caucus; Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine; Veterinary Medicine; Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship; Pet Medication; Consumer Prescription Choice

Description:

Requires veterinarians to provide a written prescription, upon the request of a client, for any animal patient of a client with whom the veterinarian has established an existing veterinarian‑client-patient relationship to be filed at the pharmacy of the client's choosing.  Allows pharmacies licensed in the State to dispense medications prescribed by veterinarians.  Authorizes the Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine to establish penalties, which may include fines or suspension or revocation of a license.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO veterinary medicine.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The purpose of this Act is to promote consumer choice, affordability, and transparency by ensuring that pet owners in the State have the right to obtain and fill prescriptions for their animals at a pharmacy of their choice.  This Act is intended to remove barriers to competitive pricing, ensure fair access to veterinary medications, and enhance trust between veterinarians and their clients.  This Act also seeks to protect consumer rights while maintaining safety and efficacy in the dispensing of pet medications.  Additionally, this Act supports the integrity of veterinary practice by preserving the focus on medical care over retail functions and ensuring that veterinarians continue to play a central role in animal health management.  Lastly, this Act furthers the State's commitment to consumer rights, affordability, and fair market competition by aligning with existing consumer protection laws and economic policies, such as the statutes against unfair or deceptive acts and practices, which promote transparency and fairness in consumer transactions and ensure pet owners, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, can access medications at reasonable costs while preserving high standards of veterinary care.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 471, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§471-    Requirements for written prescriptions.  (a)  A veterinarian shall, upon the request of a client, provide a written prescription for any medication prescribed for the client's animal patient without requiring the medication to be dispensed directly by the veterinarian.

     (b)  A veterinarian shall inform a client of the client's right to request a written prescription from the veterinarian and the option to have it filled at a pharmacy of the client's choice.

     (c)  No veterinarian shall issue a written prescription without the prior establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, which shall require that a veterinarian has conducted a timely examination of the animal or has made medically appropriate visits to the premises where the animal is kept.  A veterinarian with an existing veterinarian‑client‑patient relationship shall also have sufficient knowledge of the animal's health to make an informed medical judgment and ensure the availability of follow-up care as needed.

     (d)  A written prescription shall contain all of the following information:

     (1)  The name and address of the prescribing veterinarian;

     (2)  The name and species of the animal patient;

     (3)  The name, strength, and quantity of the prescribed medication;

     (4)  Directions for use with any cautionary statements, as needed;

     (5)  The date of issuance; and

     (6)  The veterinarian's signature or equivalent.

     (e)  No additional fee shall be charged by a veterinarian for providing a written prescription.

     (f)  Any pharmacy duly licensed in the State may dispense the medication prescribed by a licensed veterinarian pursuant to this section; provided that all state and federal certification requirements for handling and dispensing veterinary pharmaceuticals are met.

     (g)  Any veterinarian who violates or fails to comply with this section shall be deemed to have engaged in professional misconduct and may be subject to disciplinary action by the board pursuant to section 471-10, which may include fines, or the suspension or revocation of a license, or both.

     (h)  For the purposes of this section, "prescription" means a written order for medication issued by a veterinarian licensed in the State for the treatment of an animal."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine; Veterinary Medicine; Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship; Pet Medication; Consumer Prescription Choice

Description:

Requires veterinarians to provide a written prescription, upon the request of a client, for any animal patient of a client with whom the veterinarian has established an existing veterinarian‑client-patient relationship.  Allows pharmacies licensed in the State to dispense medications prescribed by veterinarians.  Authorizes the Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine to establish penalties, which may include fines or suspension or revocation of a license.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2910

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 874

        S.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 874, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO VETERINARY MEDICINE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require veterinarians to provide a written prescription, upon the request of a client, for any animal patient of a client with whom the veterinarian has established an existing veterinarian-client-patient relationship, to be filled at the pharmacy of the client's choosing;

     (2)  Allow pharmacies licensed in the State to dispense medications prescribed by veterinarians; and

     (3)  Authorize the Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine to establish penalties, which may include fines or suspension or revocation of a license.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Maui Humane Society, Animal Interfaith Alliance in Britain, Hawaiian Humane Society, Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, and fourteen individuals.

     Your Committee finds that pet owners in the State face challenges finding affordable veterinary care.  In a 2024 survey of pet owners in the State, forty-five percent identified cost as a top challenge.  In the same survey, thirty-three percent of pet owners said they struggled to afford veterinary care.  Despite these high costs, seventy-five percent of pet owners took their pets to see a veterinarian at least once each year.  This measure would introduce competition in the provision of prescribed medications for pets and enable pet owners to seek more economical prices, including at licensed pharmacies.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 874, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 874, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2101

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 874

        S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 874 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO VETERINARY MEDICINE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require veterinarians to provide a written prescription, upon the request of a client, for any animal patient of a client with whom the veterinarian has established an existing veterinarian-client-patient relationship;

     (2)  Allow pharmacies licensed in the State to dispense medications prescribed by veterinarians; and

     (3)  Authorize the Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine to establish penalties, which may include fines or suspension or revocation of a license.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine; Hawaiian Humane Society; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; and twenty-four individuals.

     Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Libertarian Party of Hawaii.

     Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association.

     Your Committee finds that Hawaii pet owners are facing increased costs due to their inability to easily obtain a written prescription for their pets to be filled at a location of their choosing.  Removing overly restrictive barriers to competitive pricing and access to veterinary medications will enhance trust between veterinarians and their clients.  Therefore, this measure will promote consumer choice and increase affordability by allowing pet owners to take prescriptions written by their pets' veterinarians to a pharmacy of their choice.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Specifying that direct communication, posted signage, or digital communication shall be considered sufficient for a veterinarian to comply with the requirement to notify clients of the client's right to request a written prescription from the veterinarian;

     (2)  Deleting language that would have required written prescriptions to include cautionary statements;

     (3)  Deleting language that would have prohibited veterinarians from charging any additional fees when providing a written prescription;

     (4)  Clarifying that veterinarians shall not be liable for certain actions associated with dispersing from a third‑party pharmacy or for any adverse effects or lack of efficacy in treatment due to externally sourced products; and

     (5)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 874, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 874, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,