Veterinarians should be aware that starting July 1, 2005, it is unlawful to fax an unsolicited advertisement without the prior written permission of the recipient of the advertisement. The Federal Communications Commission established this new rule.

An unsolicited advertisement is defined as any material advertising the commercial availability or quality of any property, goods, or services that is transmitted to any person without that person's prior express invitation or permission. A person may grant permission to send a fax advertisement only with a signed, written statement that includes the fax number to which any advertisements may be sent. Until July 1, a fax sender can continue to rely on an established business relationship for permission to fax an advertisement.

Veterinarians should also be aware that an entity sending out a fax must identify itself in the top or bottom margin of each page or on the first page of the fax message. An entity must also include its telephone number and the date and time the fax is sent. Faxes sent to fax servers and personal computers are covered by the faxing rules.

For additional information, turn to the Oct. 28, 2004 issue of the Federal Register, www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html.