1707 Uniform classification guidelines for foreign substances and recommended penalties and model rule

Uniform Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances and Recommended Penalties and Model Rule

[46 Pa.B. 6207]
[Saturday, October 1, 2016]

 The State Horse Racing Commission (Commission), in accordance with the authority in section 2812-D(6)(i) and (ii) of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § 720.32(b)(i) and (ii)) and more specifically 58 Pa. Code § 163.304 (relating to substances of therapeutic value), adopts the Uniform Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances and Recommended Penalties and Model Rule (Uniform Medication Guidelines) established by the Nationally-recognized Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) and adopted by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI).

 Under 58 Pa. Code § 163.304, the Commission may approve and adopt by reference the RMTC/ARCI Uniform Medication Guidelines for use in the thoroughbred horse racing sector of the racing industry within this Commonwealth. On July 27, 2016, the Commission formally approved the Uniform Medication Guidelines. The Uniform Medication Guidelines have been posted and published on the Commission's web site and a copy may be accessed through http://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Protect/RacingCommission/Pages/Publications.aspx.

 The ARCI Uniform Medication Guidelines are intended to assist the Commission or its Board of Stewards and hearing officers in evaluating the seriousness of alleged medication violations—in conjunction with its existing statutory and regulatory oversight of the use and administration of any medication, drug or foreign substance to a race horse within this Commonwealth. The specific drug classifications and penalty provisions are intended only as guidelines to assist the adjudicators and factfinders in understanding the seriousness of the alleged offense. Mitigating or aggravating circumstance may be taken into account as the facts of each case are always different.

 As the RMTC/ARCI continues to research testing methodologies and new drugs/medications the Commission will thereafter publish any subsequent amendments or additions, or both.

THOMAS F. CHUCKAS, Jr., 
Director
Bureau of Thoroughbred Horse Racing

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 16-1707. Filed for public inspection September 30, 2016, 9:00 a.m.]