Minnesota law sets rules for veterinary care and donated medicines

A veterinarian or veterinary facility may accept eligible donated medicines and give them to others for free. An animal's owner or legal caretaker may donate medicine dispensed for that animal to a veterinarian at a veterinary facility that accepts it. The medicine must be unexpired, not controlled or compounded, and the veterinarian or facility must have no reason to believe it was adulterated. Donated medicines may not be resold. They may be given to another client who could benefit, a nonprofit animal shelter, or a pound.

Licensed veterinary technicians must keep animal care records, respond to written record requests, and complete continuing education. The record rules apply when a licensed technician works under a veterinarian's direct or remote supervision, including at a facility or on an owner's or caretaker's premises. Technicians must complete training during each two-year license period. Records must be kept private and shared with third parties only with client permission or when the law requires it. A radiograph may be released only on a veterinarian's written request and with the animal owner's written authorization. At least 12 of the 16 continuing education hours must cover medical topics. Extra hours cannot carry over, and the board may require more training after a disciplinary proceeding. Technicians must provide records or an accurate summary within two weeks of a written request. A reasonable copying fee may apply, except for board investigations. The record and training provisions take effect July 1, 2026.

A veterinarian must establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship before practicing veterinary medicine, with exceptions for emergency help and teletriage. The relationship is between a licensed veterinarian, the client, and the animal receiving care. A veterinarian may provide emergency stabilization or teletriage without first establishing the relationship. Teletriage may include first aid or an immediate referral in urgent, uncertain situations, but it does not include diagnosing the animal.