The pet medication debate is heating up again and this affects all dog moms and dog dads.
At a recent Federal Trade Commission workshop,three panels met as to whether or not H.R. 1406, the proposed federal mandate on veterinary prescription writing, is necessary. Some panelists compared veterinarians to lawyers, car dealers, and undertakers. The American Veterinary Medical Association, however, maintained that vets are “uniquely qualified to deliver professional guidance, support and education to pet parents when it comes to providing clients with prescriptions for their pets and assisting them in learning to properly administer products.”
What this means to you, as a dog mom or dog dad: At the present time, 17 states require veterinarians to provide prescriptions on request to their clients. Another 10 states have adopted laws or include regulations which state that vets should honor client requests for a prescription.
If the proposed law passes, veterinarians are concerned that folks who may fill prescriptions will not be trained in veterinary pharmacology and mistakes could be made, which could be fatal in a worst case scenario. H.R. 140 is the Fairness to Pet Owners Act of 2011 and was introduced in April of 2011. The act includes the following mandates:
Dr. Douglas Aspros, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association(AVMA), stated, “Keep in mind that veterinarians primarily dispense drugs to ensure the health and welfare of their animal patients. ‘First, do no harm,’ as we go through the rest of the day.”
Should pet parents be allowed to decide where a prescription can be filled? Should we as dog moms and dog dads have the right to choose where we fill our pets’ medications? If so, do you feel comfortable and secure in obtaining them outside of your dog’s veterinarian?
I really trust my veterinarian. That is the first step. Know who you are working with–because it is a partnership. Vets need to talk with pet owners about the health of the pet. So you are a team, and yes, vets should be the ones who prescribe meds. Pet owners should be able to question and have a dialogue with their vet.
As you know I have a prescription drug discount card that I give out so pet owners can save $$ on pet meds. The card is free, and it can be used for people or pet medications with a prescription. Some people have saved up to 55% on their meds with this card.
that’s an interesting question. I may be naive but I thought that most prescriptions can ONLY be filled at the vet, I am embarrassed that I never thought about it.
I guess it is similar to your doctor. If you are prescribed meds you can fill them at any drugstore, you don’t fill the prescriptions at the doctor’s office who prescribed it.