A measure that allows individuals who are not licensed veterinarians to float horses' teeth if they meet state certification requirements took another step toward becoming law on April 8 when the Oklahoma House of Representatives approved the state Senate's final amended version of the bill.

Originally, HB 3202 would also have amended the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act to allow horse owners and their employees to buy and administer veterinary prescription sedatives sometimes used in teeth floating procedures. The Oklahoma House of Representatives approved that version of the measure in early March. The Senate amended the House bill, passed its version in late March, then returned the amended version to the House for final passage.

The Senate-amended bill restricts non-veterinarian equine dentists to obtaining sedatives used in equine dental procedures only on horse owners' approval and only from licensed veterinarians. It also prohibits lay equine dentists from administering the sedatives.

The bill is expected to reach Gov. Brad Henry's desk this week