Ryan Leads Measure to Ensure Illinois Veterinarians Can Prescribe Vital Medications

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A new measure led by state Rep. Rick Ryan, D-Evergreen Park, which will ensure that Illinois veterinarians are free to prescribe pain relief and anti-epilepsy medications to animals across the state, just passed the legislature.

“I’m committed to keeping our neighborhood a great place to live, and I won’t stand by while thousands of pet owners and their pets live under the threat of losing access to vital prescriptions,” Ryan said. “It’s a privilege to help ensure that these animals aren’t put through needless hardship and their owners don’t have to deal with the pain of caring for sick pets while knowing that medication exists to ease these symptoms.”

Ryan’s record of passing legislation to cut red tape and streamline government is continuing with Senate Bill 2469, which shifts a regulation that would prevent veterinarians from prescribing certain medications—including pain killers and anti-epilepsy drugs—from taking effect next year.

This bill is an initiative of several veterinarians organizations across Illinois. It received strong bipartisan support in both the House and Senate and it’s going to the Governor’s desk for signature.