§ 7 §3910-C — Companion Animal Sterilization Program

1.
Definitions.
As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
2.
Establishment.
The Companion Animal Sterilization Program is established within the department to provide sterilization services in order to reduce:
3.
Eligibility.
A person is eligible to have a companion animal, a stray animal or a feral cat sterilized under the program if the person is:
4.
Copayment.
A person who meets the eligibility requirements under subsection 3 and who receives services under the program shall submit to the administrator or the veterinary provider, whichever is applicable, a copayment determined by the department unless the animal that is spayed or neutered is a feral cat. The department shall determine the copayment on an annual basis. The administrator may waive the copayment if the administrator determines that the copayment creates a financial hardship for the person.
5.
Veterinary provider participation and payment.
On an annual basis, a veterinary provider that wishes to receive payments for sterilization services under the program shall sign an agreement with the department on a form provided by the department. Under the agreement, the veterinary provider agrees to fees that may be charged for sterilization services, as established by the department, and all other program conditions and elects the manner of payment under the program in accordance with this subsection. The agreement must specify that the program only provides payments for the specific services covered under the program pursuant to subsection 6.
6.
Voucher reimbursement rate.
The department shall establish by rule voucher reimbursement rates under the program in consultation with a statewide association of veterinarians. The reimbursement rates must cover the cost of the presterilization examination, the sterilization and a rabies vaccination. The reimbursement rate may cover additional procedures approved by the department, including feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus and feline panleukopenia vaccinations; distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus vaccinations; and flea and tick treatment and may cover pain management and a device that prevents the cat or dog from reaching the surgical site. The owner of a companion animal or keeper of a stray animal or feral cat is responsible for the payment of any additional procedures administered by the veterinary provider that are not covered by the program.
7.
Program administration.
The department through a competitive selection process shall contract with a suitable animal welfare organization to administer the program. The administrator must have adequate resources and staff, or plans for adding sufficient staff, to administer the program, as determined by rule by the department. Other than the payment of administrative costs under section 3910‑B, subsection 1‑A, the administrator may not have any direct or indirect pecuniary interest in or receive or be eligible to receive, directly or indirectly, any benefit that may arise from a contract with the State under this section. In the event that the department is unable to contract with a suitable animal welfare organization, the department is the administrator. The administrator shall:
8.
Rules.
The department shall adopt rules necessary to implement this section. Notwithstanding Title 5, section 8071, subsection 2, rules adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A.

Legislative History

PL 2023, c. 484, §3 (NEW).