On Thursday, March 4th, 2010, The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed HB 3202 as amended by Don Armes. A united veterinary community will make a stand in the Oklahoma State Senate to derail this mis-guided legislation.

There are multiple bills that were introduced in both the House and the Senate of Oklahoma's 2010 legislative session that relate to the equine tooth floating issues.

The unsatisfactory bills that would allow non-certified laymen to perform medical procedures are HB3202 in the House and both SB1999 and SB2000 in the Senate.

"Compromise bills" have also been introduced that would, on a limited basis, allow some non-veterinary individuals meeting specific criteria to work floating teeth in the state, but would also preclude them from performing more invasive dental procedures and from administering sedation drugs. These bills are HB2752 in the House and SB1400 in the Senate.

UNSATISFACTORY BILL: House Bill 3202 (PDF)

COMPROMISE BILL: House Bill 2752 (PDF)

UNSATISFACTORY: Senate Bill 1999 (PDF)

UNSATISFACTORY: Senate Bill 2000 (PDF)

COMPROMISE: Senate Bill 1400 (PDF)

Everyone still needs to contact their legislators as much as possible including letters, in person visits and emails. Let them know that you don't support HB3202, SB1999 and SB2000. But DO tell them you want a valid option that allows teeth floaters the opportunity to achieve certification in good faith. That appropriate compromise between the veterinary community and the teeth floaters exists in both HB2752 and SB1400

The compromise legislation will do the following in regards to equine teeth floating:

Teeth floaters will have to apply for certification from the Vet Board.

Initial certification will only be available for a period of one year.

Criteria for certification will include: two years of Oklahoma residency, letters of recommendation by a veterinarian, certification from a board approved teeth floating program, a practical examination.

Teeth floaters will be required to carry acceptable liability insurance.

Teeth floaters will not be allowed to administer drugs in connection with teeth floating.

Teeth floating will be defined as "floatation or dressing of equine teeth consisting of the removal of deciduous incisor and premolar teeth or caps of equine."

Any other equine dentistry procedures would still be considered veterinary medicine.

The fees for the misdemeanor crime of practicing veterinary medicine without a license would increase from $500 to at least $2500.