# Title 87 — Veterinary Medical Examiners, Board of

## Article 87-04 — Veterinary Prescriptive Practices

## Chapter 87-04-01 — Prescriptions and Records

### § 87-04-01-01. Veterinary prescription drugs.

Veterinary prescription drugs are to be used or prescribed only within the context of a valid
veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Veterinary prescription drugs are those drugs restricted by
federal law to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
History: Effective January 1, 1999.
General Authority: NDCC 43-29-03
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-29-03
### § 87-04-01-02. Prescription drugs - Records - Labeling - Dispensing.

1. Adequate treatment records must be maintained by the veterinarian for at least three years,
for all animals treated, to show that the drugs were supplied to clients with whom a valid
veterinarian-client-patient relationship has existed. Such records must include the information
set forth in section 87-04-01-03.
2. All veterinary prescription drugs must be properly labeled when dispensed. A complete label
must include the information set forth in section 87-04-01-03. If that information is included in
a manufacturer's drug label, it is unnecessary to repeat it in the veterinarian's label. If there is
inadequate space on the label for complete instructions, the veterinarian must provide
additional information to accompany the drug dispensed or prescribed.
3. When veterinary prescription drugs are dispensed to companion animal owners, such drugs
must be placed in child-resistant containers, unless otherwise requested by the client.
4. After a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship has been established, a veterinarian shall
make available, upon request, and may assess a reasonable cost for, a prescription for a drug
that has been determined by the veterinarian to be appropriate for the patient.
5. Nonpharmacologic and non-opioid treatment must be given consideration before dispensing
an opioid or other controlled substance.
History: Effective January 1, 1999; amended effective April 1, 2009; July 1, 2016; April 1, 2022.
General Authority: NDCC 43-29-03
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-29-03
### § 87-04-01-03. Basic information of records, prescriptions, and labels.

1. Records of prescription drugs must contain the:

a. Name, address, and telephone number of veterinarian.
b. Name, address, and telephone number of client.
c. Identification of animals or herds treated.
d. Date of treatment, prescribing, or dispensing of drug.
e. Name and quantity of the drug to be prescribed or dispensed.
f. Dosage and duration directions for use.
g. Number of refills authorized.
h. Cautionary statements, as needed.
2. Prescriptions must contain the:
a. Name, address, and telephone number of veterinarian.
b. Name, address, and telephone number of client.
c. Identification of animals or herds treated.
d. Date of treatment, prescribing, or dispensing of drug.
e. Name and quantity of the drug to be prescribed or dispensed.
f. Dosage and duration directions for use.
g. Number of refills authorized.
h. Cautionary statements, as needed.
i. Signature or equivalent.
3. Prescription labels must contain the:
a. Name, address, and telephone number of veterinarian.
b. Name of client.
c. Identification of animals or herds treated.
d. Date of treatment, prescribing, or dispensing of drug.
e. Name and quantity of the drug to be prescribed or dispensed.
f. Dosage and duration directions for use.
g. Cautionary statements, as needed.
h. Expiration date.
History: Effective January 1, 1999.
General Authority: NDCC 43-29-03
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-29-03

### § 87-04-01-04. Storage of prescription drugs.

Veterinary prescription drugs must be stored separately from over-the-counter drugs. Drugs must
be stored under conditions recommended by the manufacturer.
The drug enforcement administration registrant under which the drugs were purchased is
responsible for the effective security of the drug stock. Opioids and other controlled substances must
be stored in a securely locked cabinet of substantial construction as per drug enforcement
administration requirements.
History: Effective January 1, 1999; amended effective April 1, 2022.
General Authority: NDCC 43-29-03
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-29-03
