Bill: SB 1780, 84(R) - 2015

Bill Caption

Relating to the administration of rabies vaccine under a local rabies control program.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal impact to the State or local governments is expected. 

Bill Analysis

SB 1780 would allow veterinarians employed by a county or municipality who administer or supervise the administration of a rabies vaccine as part of a local rabies control program, to forego the veterinarian-client-patient relationship normally required before administering or supervising the administration of a rabies vaccine. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

SB 1780 would help expedite vaccinating animals for rabies through county or municipal rabies control programs. The bill states that the veterinarian "is not required" to establish the veterinarian-client-patient relationship, which consists of a full health examination of the animal. This could allow the veterinarian leeway in determining if the animal is healthy enough for the rabies vaccine or if a full health screening is necessary before administering the vaccine. 

Rabies is a disease which can be communicated to humans through the bite of an infected animal. If exposed to rabies a person can still be vaccinated with a high degree of success if the vaccine is administered before symptoms take place. After a person is symptomatic there is nothing that can be done to prevent rapid degeneration and death. Animal vaccination programs substantially diminish the risk of rabies exposure to humans. 

This legislation supports our personal responsibility principle by allowing veterinarians to use their discretion in administering the rabies vaccine to an animal regardless of whether they have established a "veterinarian-client patient relationship" with the animal before hand. This would make the administration of the rabies vaccine more efficient which also supports our limited government principle. 

Source URL (retrieved on 04/18/2024 12:04 PM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/84r/sb1780?print_view=true