Buoy’s Law: Rx Information
Buoy’s Law
Have you heard about Buoy’s Law (NY Senate Bill S1289B)? This new law requires veterinarians to provide pet owners with specific information every time a new medication is prescribed or dispensed. Named after Buoy, a 3-year-old Labrador retriever who tragically passed away from renal failure after being treated with carprofen following knee surgery, the law was passed on December 15, 2022, and went into effect June 2024.
California passed a similar law in 2018, known as “Lizzie’s Law.” Both laws aim to ensure that pet owners are fully informed when medications are prescribed, helping them make better decisions for their pets’ health.
Key Points of Buoy’s Law
Under Buoy’s Law, veterinarians are required to provide the following details whenever they prescribe, dispense, or administer a medication to an animal:
- The name and description of the drug
- Directions for proper use
- Instructions for what to do if a dose is missed
- Guidelines for storing the medication
- Information on common, anticipated side effects
- Manufacturer precautions and relevant warnings
- This information can be shared in writing, verbally, or electronically, depending on what works best for the pet owner.
As veterinarians, it’s essential that we keep our patients safe and ensure their owners are well-informed. The more detailed information we provide, the better equipped pet owners will be to manage their pets’ care effectively.