(

a) Notwithstanding any other law, a registered veterinary technician or a veterinary assistant may administer a drug, including, but not limited to, a drug that is a controlled substance, under the direct or indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian when done pursuant to the order, control, and full professional responsibility of a licensed veterinarian. However, no person, other than a licensed veterinarian, may induce anesthesia unless authorized by regulation of the California Veterinary Medical Board. (

b) A veterinary assistant may obtain or administer a controlled substance pursuant to the order, control, and full professional responsibility of a licensed veterinarian, only if they meet both of the following conditions:

(1) Is designated by a licensed veterinarian to obtain or administer controlled substances.

(2) Holds a valid veterinary assistant controlled substance permit issued pursuant to

Section 4836.2. (

c) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), if the California Veterinary Medical Board, in consultation with the California State Board of Pharmacy, identifies a dangerous drug, as defined in

Section 4022, as a drug that has an established pattern of being diverted, the California Veterinary Medical Board may restrict access to that drug by veterinary assistants. (

d) For purposes of this section, the following

definitions apply: (1) “Controlled substance” has the same meaning as that term is defined in

Section of the Health and Safety Code. (2) “Direct supervision” has the same meaning as that term is defined in subdivision (

e) of

Section of Title of the California Code of Regulations. (3) “Drug” has the same meaning as that term is defined in

Section of the Health and Safety Code. (4) “Indirect supervision” has the same meaning as that term is defined in subdivision (

f) of

Section of Title of the California Code of Regulations. (

e) This

section shall become operative on the date

Section 4836.2 becomes operative.