Committee advances bill to create veterinary professional associates to expand care

Representative Mello presented CS for HB 805, saying the bill would create the title "veterinary professional associate" (VPA), modeled on physician assistants for human health care, to expand access to veterinary services across Florida.

Dr. Bob Murtaugh, a veterinarian and practice owner, said a recent survey showed half of Florida counties lack veterinary services and said the VPA role would increase appointment availability while requiring supervisory safeguards. "The VPA provider role in veterinary medicine will bring with it increased access to care," Murtaugh said.

Dr. April Steele, representing the Coalition for the Veterinary Professional Association, described statewide shortages, rising fees and economic euthanasia and urged approval. "I urge you to vote yes on HB 805, making Florida the second state in the nation to thoughtfully address this crisis," Steele said.

There were no amendments. After public testimony and brief debate, the committee voted to report CS for HB 805 favorably.