The AVMA legislative initiative

The AVMA's legislative initiative impacts veterinarians, animal owners and producers, and the general public. The purpose of this report is to review the history that led to the AVMA's Executive Board decision in November 1991, to commit manpower and resources to seek a legislative solution to the dilemma facing veterinarians in choosing between following the letter of the law or their professional oath when use of a drug in an extra-label manner is indicated. This action resulted in the introduction into the 102nd Congress of 2 bills that would have codified existing FDA policy on extra-label use. This proposed legislation, in turn, encouraged an open forum on this issue. This report addresses some of the frequently voiced concerns including the scope of the legislation and its impact on public health.