Prescription Drug Monitoring Program - Dispensers - Veterinarians

SB 233 amends Maryland’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) to include licensed veterinarians who dispense controlled substances for animals in the usual course of veterinary care as "dispensers" under the law. This change directly affects veterinarians treating animals with controlled medications, requiring them to report to the PDMP like other dispensers (e.g., pharmacists). The bill also clarifies that the PDMP is not required to share prescription monitoring data with veterinarians. These updates revise specific sections of Maryland’s health code (21-2A-01 and 21-2A-06) to align with the expanded definition of "dispenser." The policy change ensures veterinary use of controlled substances for animals is tracked within the state’s drug monitoring system.