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Panel approves bill allowing veterinarians to treat bees without in‑person hive visits
Summary
House Bill 194 would expand the veterinary client‑patient relationship (VCPR) to allow veterinarians to treat bees without on‑site visits by authorizing third‑party inspections and creating a fee to avoid undercutting private vets; the committee approved the substitute and placed it on consent.
The Utah Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Standing Committee favorably recommended a substitute for House Bill 194, which establishes that a veterinarian may prescribe treatments for bees without a required in‑person hive visit if the veterinarian has diagnostic materials and a valid veterinarian‑client‑patient relationship (VCPR).
Representative Dufay, the sponsor, described the change as allowing a third‑party contractor or county apiary inspector to inspect a hive and provide diagnostic results so a veterinarian can issue treatment or a veterinary feed directive without traveling to every site. “This would allow for a third party contractor to go in and visit the hive and inspect the hive, and then the veterinarian could administer medication that way,” the sponsor said, noting benefits for beekeepers and veterinarians.
Nut Graf: The Department of Agriculture and Food testified that previous federal rules (the FDA’s veterinary feed directive requirements) create a need for a VCPR; the department said it will offer the service under a proposed fee so it does not undercut private veterinarians.
Amanda Price, state veterinarian with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, told the committee the department will work through diagnostic testing for American and European foulbrood and will charge a fee aligned to market rates so the department’s service is not a free competitor to private vets.
The committee approved the substitute bill and then voted to place HB 194 on consent for the next stage. Senator Stratton moved the favorable recommendation; the vote was unanimous.
Ending: HB 194 advances to the full Senate on a committee substitute and on consent; sponsors said the change aims to protect hive health while preserving private‑vet business opportunities.
