Kansas task force evaluates DVM's exemption for state's prescription monitoring program

Topeka, Kan. — A newly formed veterinary task force in Kansas will determine whether DVMs there will remain exempt from a new law requiring those who dispense scheduled substances to report to an electronic prescription-monitoring program.

The law, which went into effect in July, requires the State Board of Pharmacy to establish and maintain a prescription-monitoring program for scheduled substances and drugs of concern.

The Kansas Veterinary Medical Association (KVMA) lobbied for a veterinary exemption and won, with the stipulation that a Veterinary Prescription Monitoring Program Task Force be established to study whether to require licensed DVMs to report to the program. The study will include methods and procedures of reporting by veterinarians and necessary database field information.

The veterinary task force is composed of three members — one appointed by the Prescription Monitoring Program Advisory Committee (PMPAC); one appointed by the Kansas Board of Veterinary Examiners (KBVE); and one nominated by KVMA and appointed by KBVE.

Dr. Rick Tanner will represent KVMA on the task force and Dr. Vern Otte will represent KBVE. The PMPAC has appointed Dr. Shirley Arck.

The group will report its findings and progress to the PMPAC annually or when requested by the advisory committee.

It also will be required to report its progress to the Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare and the House Committee on Health and Human Services, if requested.

The prescription-monitoring program task force has five years to report its recommendations.