Maryland Board of Pharmacy HB 986 as it Relates to Veterinarians and Pets or Animals

) Draft Board Response to Pet Owners 

 

Schultheiss - Vet 072413 

 

Thank you for providing comments in reference to the HB 986 State 

Board of Pharmacy – Sterile Compounding – Permits, Chapter 

HB 986 applies to sterile compounding only. Many compounded pet 

medications are not sterile under USP <797> and HB 986 does not 

apply to those compounds. 

 

The purpose of HB 986 and the pending regulations is to ensure the 

quality and safety of the drugs that pets receive. 

 

Until the new sterile compounding laws become effective (both State 

and federal), veterinarians may continue to compound and 

dispense sterile products in accordance with applicable standards of 

practice. Veterinarians may compound a limited quantity of a 

particular medication in anticipation of immediate future need 

as based on previously documented prescriptions filled for 

that medication. Veterinarians who wish to engage in sterile 

compounding after the implementation of the new Maryland law 

must obtain an additional permit from the Board of Pharmacy and 

comply with certain minimum standards. Veterinarians who 

compound non-sterile products do not require an additional permit 

from the Board. 

 

If using a pharmacy, a pharmacy would have the ability 

to compound in anticipation of receipt of a patient specific 

prescription. Any compounded prescription that is dispensed must be 

pursuant to a patient specific prescription. See COMAR 10.34.19.08. 

This regulation may provide a solution to some veterinarian 

concerns. The veterinarian should work with the pharmacy to 

arrange availability in emergency situations. 

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