January 2025 Report

This report shares short summary highlights of tracked legislative bills and rules & regulations that have seen recent activity, as well as available board and state VMA updates.

The legislative activity map reflects all activity and is updated daily. 

The regulation activity map reflects activity within the last month and will be updated monthly.

Legislative Activity

Regulation Activity​

Board Watch

United States

Colorado Board of Veterinary Medicine – October 10, 2024 Minutes

Connecticut State Board of Veterinary Medicine – November 1, 2024 Recorded Meeting

Delaware Board of Veterinary Medicine – October 8, 2024 Minutes

Delaware Board of Veterinary Medicine – September 10, 2024 Minutes

District of Columbia Board of Veterinary Medicine – November 21, 2024 Minutes

Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine – October 15, 2024 Minutes

Rules Committee Report – J. Sewell, LVT

700-7-.03. Continuing Veterinary Education

The Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine in accordance with the provisions of State Law and for the purpose of establishing certain minimum standards for continuing education in the best interest of and for the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare hereby adopts the following rule:

(a) General Requirements:

  1. Each veterinarian and veterinary faculty member licensed to practice in the State of Georgia must obtain thirty (30) hours of board-approved continuing education per biennium for license renewal
    1. (i) Of the thirty (30) hours required, two (2) per renewal period must be acquired in Georgia laws, rules, and professionalism (LEAP). Continuing education hours may be acquired in person, by live interactive webinars or pre-recorded, non-interactive webinars that incorporate measures to ensure active participation throughout the course, including but not limited to a content-based post-course test with a minimum of five questions per CE credit. Georgia licensees who do not practice in the State of Georgia are not required to meet the two (2) hour requirement in Georgia laws, rules, and professionalism; and
    2. (ii) Eighteen (18) of the thirty (30) hours must include scientific subject matter. Scientific subject matter includes all conventional medical and surgical sub-categories that are evidence-based in addition to the science of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease as they relate directly to patients and include a comprehensive range of the practice of veterinary medicine.
  2. At the time of license renewal, each veterinarian shall certify to the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine that he/she has completed the continuing education required for license renewal.
  3. Veterinarians and veterinary faculty members licensed during the first year of a biennium must obtain fifteen (15) hours of continuing education and are not required to meet the two (2) hour requirement in Georgia laws, rules, and professionalism. Veterinarians and veterinary faculty members licensed during the second year of a biennium are exempt from obtaining continuing education for that renewal period. After this time period, the entire thirty (30) hours is required for each renewal.
  4. In the event that a veterinarian or a veterinary faculty member fails to verify or submit documentation of continuing education credits at the same time as the renewal of his/her license, the Board will not process his/her renewal until continuing education requirements have been met and proof of such has been received and approved by the Board.
  5. If documentation of continuing education is requested in conjunction with any audit and not received by the Board on or before the deadline date provided, the licensee will be subject to disciplinary action.
  6. A veterinarian or veterinary faculty member may not carry over continuing education credits from one biennium license renewal period to the next.
  7. Each veterinarian or veterinary faculty member must maintain a record of credit hours earned and proof of attendance of such hours for a period of three years from the date of the preceding renewal period and must provide the Board with said documentation upon request. 8. Veterinarians or veterinary faculty members who attend programs where more than one course is taught must maintain proof of the courses attended and the number of hours awarded for each course.

(b) Approved Continuing Education Programs and Hours:

  1. Blanket approval is awarded to any National, State, and International veterinary association meetings, United States Department of Agriculture and Georgia Department of Agriculture sponsored meeting, Board Certified Specialties programs recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association, all AVMA-accredited veterinary college or school-sponsored classes and programs, all AAVSB RACE approved programs, any GVMA constituent organization programs, AAHA programs, programs sponsored by the United States or Southern Animal Health Association and any course approved by another state board.
  2. Blanket approval does not apply to any continuing education programs on Georgia laws, rules, and professionalism (LEAP).
    1. a. All LEAP courses and any other (non-LEAP) continuing education course that is not offered by a blanket-approved organization must be awarded Board approval before the course is offered.
      1. (i) Veterinarians who provide proof of completion of Level 1 accreditation of the USDA-APHIS modules may be awarded 1 hour to meet the LEAP requirement.
      2. (ii) Veterinarians who provide proof of completion of Level 2 accreditation of the USDA-APHIS modules may be awarded 2 hours to meet the LEAP requirement.
    2. b. If the LEAP course is a pre-recorded, non-interactive webinar, the provider must ensure that a passing score of 80% is achieved on the content-based post-course test before awarding credit for the course.
  3. Providers may be awarded Board approval for a continuing education course by submitting the following for consideration by the Board:
    1. (i) A continuing education application form;
    2. (ii) A detailed course outline or syllabus;
    3. (iii) A current curriculum vitae or resume must be provided for each speaker or lecturer;
    4. (iv) The procedure to be used for recording attendance; and,
    5. (v) The number of continuing education hours for which the course sponsor requests approval.
  4. In addition to the LEAP requirements, the remaining credit hours may be earned as follows:
    1. (i) One (1) hour may be given for each 50 minutes of contact time. Seminars are composed of lectures or labs; welcoming remarks, business sessions, unstructured demonstrations, or degree programs are not considered seminars.
    2. (ii) Three (3) hours can be for journal studies where follow-up testing is required. Fifteen (15) hours of non-interactive computer-generated courses will be allowed. Follow-up testing is required.
    3. (iii) A maximum of twelve (12) hours will be allowed per calendar day.
    4. (iv) A maximum of six (6) hours for veterinarians can be acquired through in-house training at the licensees’ place of employment.
    5. (v) A maximum of ten (10) hours can be acquired through in-house training for veterinary faculty at AVMA-accredited institutions. For the purposes of this rule, “in-house training” refers to programs that are only offered to employees of the institution. (vi) A maximum of three (3) hours can be acquired by licensees who conducted peer reviews for the Board.
    6. (vii) Two (2) hours of continuing education credit per lecture for a subject area, regardless of the number of times the licensee presents the course, for a maximum of five different subjects.

(c) Continuing Education Audit:

  1. During the renewal period, the Board staff will randomly select a percentage of its licensees to audit for continuing education compliance.
  2. If selected for continuing education audit, each licensee must submit continuing education records to meet the renewal requirements for that license renewal period.

(d) Provider and Sponsor Criteria: All providers and sponsors must provide the following information to the Board if they have not been awarded blanket approval:

  1. Each sponsor or provider shall have an administrator whose responsibility is to maintain the criteria for quality in programming.
  2. Providers shall use qualified personnel to develop and present the programs, which shall utilize appropriate instructional materials and resources.
  3. Providers shall provide to the Board adequate advanced promotional information, material about target audiences, program content, faculty credentials, and fees.
  4. Providers shall provide a means of registration of the participants at each program and maintain a record of attendance for a period of three years from the date of the program.
  5. Providers shall develop policies and procedures for the management of grievances.
  6. Providers shall provide each participant with adequate documentation of his/her successful completion of the program. The documentation shall include:
    1. (i) Name and license number of participant;
    2. (ii) Name of provider;
    3. (iii) Name and title of program to include the date and time each individual course was offered;
    4. (iv) Hours/CEUs completed;
    5. (v) Date of completion; and
    6. (vi) Authorizing signature.
  7. All continuing education providers seeking approval of the continuing education program by the Georgia State Board of Veterinary shall submit a current Program Approval Form for each program presented to include all program materials requested. These forms must be complete and should be submitted 60 days in advance in order to be considered by the Board.
  8. If the continuing education application and materials are not submitted 60 days in advance of the date the course is to be offered, the continuing education provider will be assessed penalties as follows:
    1. First offense: Assessed a monetary penalty of $ 100.00 to be paid in full at the time of application submission.
    2. Second offense:
      1. a. Assessed a monetary penalty of $ 200.00 to be paid in full at the time of application submission.
      2. b. The continuing education provider will not be allowed to submit any additional courses for approval for a period of 90 days from the Board’s decision on the continuing education application in question.
    3. Third offense:
      1. a. Assessed a monetary penalty of $ 300.00 to be paid in full at the time of application submission.
      2. b. The continuing education provider will not be allowed to submit any additional courses for approval for a period of six months from the Board’s decision on the continuing education application in question.
    4. Fourth offense: The continuing education provider will be presented to the Board to determine the next course of action.

Rule 700-7-.04. Veterinary Technician Continuing Education

Effective January 1, 2025, The Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine in accordance with the provisions of State Law and for the purpose of establishing certain minimum standards for continuing education in the best interest of and for the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare hereby adopts the following rule:

(a) General Requirements:

  1. Each veterinary technician licensed to practice in the State of Georgia must obtain eleven (11) hours of board-approved continuing education per biennium for license renewal. Of the eleven (11) hours required, one (1) per renewal period must be acquired in Georgia laws, rules, and professionalism (LEAP). Continuing education hours may be in person, live interactive webinars, or pre-recorded non-interactive webinars that incorporate measures to ensure active participation throughout the course, including but not limited to a content-based post-course test with a minimum of five questions per CE credit. Georgia licensees who do not practice in the State of Georgia are not required to meet the one (1) hour requirement in Georgia laws, rules, and professionalism.
  2. At the time of license renewal, each veterinary technician shall certify to the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine that he/she has completed the continuing education required for license renewal.
  3. A veterinary technician licensed during the first year of a biennium must obtain five (5) hours of continuing education and is not required to meet the one (1) hour requirement in Georgia laws, rules, and professionalism. A veterinary technician licensed during the second year of a biennium is exempt from obtaining continuing education for that renewal period. After this time period, the entire ten (10) hours are required for each renewal.
  4. In the event that a veterinary technician fails to verify or submit documentation of continuing education credits at the same time of renewal of his/her license, the Board will not process his/her renewal until continuing education requirements have been met and proof of such has been received and approved by the Board. If documentation of continuing education is requested and not received by the Board prior to the expiration date, the license will expire.
  5. A veterinary technician may not carry over continuing education credits from one biennium license renewal period to the next.
  6. Each veterinary technician must maintain a record of credit hours earned and proof of attendance of such hours for a period of three years from the date of the preceding renewal period and must provide the Board with said documentation upon request.
  7. Veterinary technicians who attend programs where more than one course is taught must maintain proof of the courses attended and the number of hours awarded for each course.

(b) Approved Continuing Education Programs and Hours:

  1. Blanket approval is awarded to any National, State, and International veterinary association meetings, United States Department of Agriculture and Georgia Department of Agriculture sponsored meeting, Board Certified Specialties programs recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association, all AVMA-accredited veterinary college or school-sponsored classes and programs, all AAVSB RACE approved programs, any GVMA constituent organization programs, AAHA programs, programs sponsored by the United State or Southern Animal Health Association and any course approved by another state board. Blanket approval does not apply to any continuing education programs on Georgia laws, rules, and professionalism.
  2. All continuing education courses on Georgia laws, rules, and professionalism (LEAP) or any continuing education course that is not offered by a blanket-approved organization must be awarded Board approval.
    1. (i) If the LEAP course is a pre-recorded, non-interactive webinar, the provider must ensure that a passing score of 80% is achieved on the content-based post-course test before awarding credit for the course.
    2. (ii) Veterinary technicians may satisfy the LEAP requirement by providing proof of completion of three USDA-APHIS modules.
  3. Providers may be awarded Board approval for a continuing education course by submitting the following:
    1. (i) A continuing education application form;
    2. (ii) A detailed course outline or syllabus;
    3. (iii) A current curriculum must be provided for each speaker or lecturer;
    4. (iv) The procedure to be used for recording attendance;
    5. (v) The number of continuing education hours for which the course sponsor requests approval.
  4. Of the required non-LEAP continuing education, a minimum of 8 hours must be in scientific subject matter to include the science of treatments, interventions, and disease prevention as it relates to the patients. The remaining 2 hours may be on scientific subject matter or non-medical content. These hours may be earned as follows:
    1. (i) One (1) hour may be given for each 50 minutes of contact time. Seminars are composed of lectures or labs; welcoming remarks, business sessions, unstructured demonstrations, or degree programs are not considered seminars.
    2. (ii) Not more than four (4) hours can be obtained from veterinary journal studies or noninteractive computer-generated courses where follow-up testing is required.
    3. (iii) A maximum of three (3) hours for veterinary technicians can be acquired through in-house training at the licensees’ place of employment.
    4. (iv) A maximum of five (5) hours can be acquired through in-house training for veterinary technicians at AVMA-accredited institutions.

(c) Continuing Education Audit:

  1. During the renewal period, the Board staff will randomly select up to 25% of its licensees to audit for continuing education compliance. If selected for continuing education audit, each licensee must submit continuing education records to meet the renewal requirements for that license renewal period.

(d) Provider and Sponsor Criteria: All providers and sponsors must provide the following information to the Board if they have not been awarded blanket approval:

  1. Each sponsor or provider shall have an administrator whose responsibility is to maintain the criteria for quality in programming.
  2. Providers shall use qualified personnel to develop and present the programs, which shall utilize appropriate instructional materials and resources.
  3. Providers shall provide to the Board adequate advanced promotional information, material about target audiences, program content, faculty credentials, and fees.
  4. Providers shall provide a means of registration of the participants at each program and maintain a record of attendance for a period of three years from the date of the program.
  5. Providers shall develop policies and procedures for the management of grievances.
  6. Providers shall provide each participant with adequate documentation of his/her successful completion of the program. The documentation shall include:
    1. (i) Name and license number of participant;
    2. (ii) Name of provider;
    3. (iii) Name and title of program;
    4. (iv) Hours/CEUs completed;
    5. (v) Date of completion; and
    6. (vi) Authorizing signature.
  7. All continuing education providers seeking approval of the continuing education program by the Georgia State Board of Veterinary shall submit a Program Approval Form for each program presented. These forms should be submitted 60 days in advance. 
  8. If the continuing education application and materials are not submitted 60 days in advance of the date the course is to be offered, the continuing education provider will be assessed penalties as follows:
    1. (i) First offense: Assessed a monetary penalty of $ 100.00 to be paid in full at the time of application submission.
    2. (ii) Second offense:
      1. a. Assessed a monetary penalty of $ 200.00 to be paid in full at the time of application submission.
      2. b. The continuing education provider will not be allowed to submit any additional courses for approval for a period of 90 days from the Board’s decision on the continuing education application in question.
    3. (iii) Third offense:
      1. a. Assessed a monetary penalty of $ 300.00 to be paid in full at the time of application submission.
      2. b. The continuing education provider will not be allowed to submit any additional courses for approval for a period of six months from the Board’s decision on the continuing education application in question.
    4. (iv) Fourth offense: The continuing education provider will be presented to the Board to determine the next course of action.

Dr. Bradley motioned, Dr. Malphus seconded, and the Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion to accept the rationales from the Rules Committee regarding BR 700-7-.03 Continuing Veterinary Education, and BR 700-7-.04 Veterinary Technician Continuing Education, and to refer to the Attorney General’s Office for a Memorandum of Authority.

Dr. Malphus motioned, Dr. Bradley seconded, and the Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion to post BR 700-7-.03 Continuing Veterinary Education, and BR 700-7-.04 Veterinary Technician Continuing Education for a Rules Hearing if no objections.

Dr. Malphus motioned, Dr. Bradley seconded, and the Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion to accept the economic impact discussion provided by the Rules Committee for BR 700-7-.03 Continuing Veterinary Education, and BR 700-7-.04 Veterinary Technician Continuing Education.

Rule 700-2-.04 Temporary Veterinary License

  1. A one-time, six-month temporary veterinary license may be granted for practice in government or nonprofit shelter medicine, nonprofit sterilization clinics, and nonprofit mobile sterilization programs registered with this state.
  2. To qualify, the applicant must submit:
    1. (a) A complete application in the manner required by the Board along with the application fee established by the Board; and
    2. (b) A verification of licensure from another state in which training, experience, and testing substantially meet or exceed the requirements of this state to obtain a license; and,
    3. (c) Proof of obtaining a specialty, certification, training, or other experience while employed in another state that substantially meets or exceeds the requirement to obtain a license in this state.
  3. Issuance of a temporary veterinary license shall authorize the holder to practice in this state for a period of up to six (6) months from the date of issuance.
  4. The holder of a temporary veterinary license may be subject to sanctions as provided in O.C.G.A. § 43-50- 41.
  5. Once the temporary veterinary license expires, it shall not be renewed, and the license holder must cease the practice of veterinary medicine in the State of Georgia unless and until he or she becomes licensed as a veterinarian by the Board.

Rule 700-6-.02 Temporary Veterinary Technician License

  1. A one-time, six-month temporary veterinary technician license may be granted for practice in government or nonprofit shelter medicine, nonprofit sterilization clinics, and nonprofit mobile sterilization programs registered with this state.
  2. To qualify, the applicant must submit:
    1. (a) A complete application in the manner required by the Board along with the application fee established by the Board; and
    2. (b) A verification of licensure from another state in which training, experience, and testing substantially meet or exceed the requirements of this state to obtain a license; and,
    3. (c) Proof of obtaining a specialty, certification, training, or other experience while employed in another state that substantially meets or exceeds the requirement to obtain a license in this state.
  3. Issuance of a temporary veterinary technician license shall authorize the holder to practice in this state for a period of up to six (6) months from the date of issuance.
  4. The holder of a temporary veterinary technician license may be subject to sanctions as provided in O.C.G.A. § 43-50-41.
  5. Once the temporary license expires, it shall not be renewed, and the license holder must cease the practice of veterinary medicine in the State of Georgia unless and until he or she becomes licensed as a veterinary technician by the Board.

Rule 700-14-.01. Immediate Supervision

  1. (1) Immediate Supervision means that the duly licensed veterinarian is in audible and in visual range of the animal patient and the person treating the animal.
  2. (2) A veterinary technician working under the direction, supervision, and control of a duly licensed veterinarian may provide the following animal patient care under immediate supervision:
    1. (a) Surgical assistance.
    2. (b)Placement of abdominal, thoracic, or percutaneous gastrotomy (PEG) tubes

Rule 700-14-.02. Direct Supervision

  1. Direct supervision means that the duly licensed veterinarian is on the premises and is quickly and easily available and that the animal patient has been examined by a licensed veterinarian at such time as acceptable veterinary medical practice requires, consistent with the particular delegated animal health care task.
  2. A veterinary technician working under the direction, supervision, and control of a duly licensed veterinarian may provide the following animal patient care under direct supervision:
    1. (a) Euthanasia;
    2. (b) Administration of blood or blood components to animal patients;
    3. (c) Application of splints and slings;
    4. (d) Dental procedures including, but not limited to the removal of calculus, soft deposits, plaque, and stains; the smoothing, filing, and polishing of teeth; or the floatation of equine teeth;
    5. (e) Non-emergency intubations;
    6. (f) Induce anesthesia;
    7. (g) Maintenance of anesthesia;
    8. (h) Assisting any duly licensed veterinarian in the measuring of quantities of medication, but excluding the dispensing, compounding, or mixing of drugs;
    9. (i) Dental extraction not requiring sectioning of the tooth or the resectioning of bone;
    10. (j) Perform central venous;
    11. (k) Perform arterial catheterization/arterial collection;
    12. (l) Regional anesthesia, including paravertebral blocks, epidurals, local blocks;
    13. (m) Placement of tubes, including but not limited to gastric, nasogastric, and nasoesophageal;
    14. (n) Fluid aspiration from a body cavity or organ (thoracocentesis, abdominocentesis);
    15. (o) Suturing, stapling, and gluing of an existing surgical incision;
    16. (p) Suturing a gingival incision;
    17. (q) Placement of epidural, intraosseous, and nasal catheters; and,
    18. (r) Castrate, dehorn, dock, for livestock and food animals, excluding equine species, in accordance with acceptable livestock and food animal management practices and the minimum standard of care;
    19. (s) Replacing a rectal prolapse with a purse string or a vaginal prolapse with a Buhner stitch or purse string for livestock and food animals, excluding equine species, in accordance with acceptable livestock and food animal management practices and the minimum standard of care.

Rule 700-14-.03. Indirect Supervision

  1. Indirect supervision means the duly licensed veterinarian is not on the premises but has given either written or oral instructions for the treatment of the animal patient and the animal has been examined by a licensed veterinarian at such times as acceptable veterinary medical practice requires, consistent with the particular delegated health care task.
  2. A veterinary technician working under the direction, supervision, and control of a duly licensed veterinarian may provide the following animal patient care under indirect supervision:
    1. (a) Administration and application of treatments, drugs, medication, and immunological agents, unless prohibited by government regulation;
    2. (b) Perform intravenous catheterizations and maintenance of intraarterial catheterizations;
    3. (c) Radiography including settings, positioning, processing, and safety procedures;
    4. (d) Collection of blood for diagnostic purposes; collection of urine by expression, or catheterization; collection of feces; collection and preparation of tissue, cellular, or microbiological samples by skin scrapings, impressions, or other non-surgical methods for diagnostic purposes;
    5. (e) Routine laboratory test procedures;
    6. (f) Collection of urine by cystocentesis;
    7. (g) Blood or blood component collection and preparation for transfusion;
    8. (h) Imaging including, but not limited to, radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and fluoroscopy and the administration of radio-opaque agents/materials;
    9. (i) Monitoring including, but not limited to, electrocardiogram (ECG), blood pressure, carbon dioxide (CO2) and blood oxygen saturation;
    10. (j) Laser therapy;
    11. (k) Animal rehabilitation therapies;
    12. (l) Ocular tonometry, Schirmer tear test, and fluorescein stain application;
    13. (m) Application of bandages; and,
    14. (n) Suture and staple removal.
  3. A veterinary technician working under the direction, supervision, and control of a duly licensed veterinarian may provide the following emergency animal patient care under indirect supervision:
    1. (a) Application of tourniquets and/or pressure bandages to control hemorrhage;
    2. (b) Initiate and perform CPR, including administration of medication and defibrillation, and provide immediate post-resuscitation care according to established protocols;
    3. (c) Application of temporary splints or bandages to prevent further injury to bones or soft tissues;
    4. (d) Application of appropriate wound dressings and external supportive treatment in severe wound and burn cases;
    5. (e) External supportive treatment in heat prostration cases;
    6. (f) Administration of a drug to manage and control pain, to prevent further injury, and prevent or control shock, including parenteral fluids, under direct communication with a Veterinarian or in accordance with written guidelines consistent with accepted standards of veterinary medical practice;
    7. (g) Administration of a drug to prevent the suffering of an animal, up to and including euthanasia, under direct communication with a Veterinarian;
    8. (h) Anti-seizure treatment; and,
    9. (i) Placement of orogastric, nasogastric, and nasoesophageal tubes.
  4. Grooming procedures and non-invasive skin (topical) treatment; and
  5. Handling and disposal of biohazardous waste materials.
  6. Ear notch, or remove needle teeth for livestock and food animals, excluding equine species, in accordance with acceptable livestock and food animal management practices and the minimum standard of care.

Dr. Corry motioned, Dr. Malphus seconded, and the Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion to accept the rationales from the Rules Committee regarding BR 700-14-.01. Immediate Supervision, BR 700-14-.02. Direct Supervision, and BR 700-14-.03. Indirect Supervision, and to refer to the Attorney General’s Office for a Memorandum of Authority.

Dr. Bradley motioned, Dr. Corry seconded, and the Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion to post BR 700- 14-.01. Immediate Supervision, BR 700-14-.02. Direct Supervision, and BR 700-14-.03. Indirect Supervision, for a Rules Hearing if no objections.

Dr. Malphus motioned, Dr. Bradley seconded, and the Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion to accept the economic impact discussion provided by the Rules Committee for BR 700-14-.01. Immediate Supervision, BR 700- 14-.02. Direct Supervision, and BR 700-14-.03. Indirect Supervision

Rule 700-12-.04. Record Keeping

  1. Complete, accurate, and legible records must be maintained on all animals, or animal groups, including but not limited to, animal owner information, animal identification, and veterinary care (hereinafter referred to as “patient records”).
    1. (a) All patient records must be maintained for a minimum of 3 years from the patient’s last office visit (including diagnostic imaging and other patient data) by the veterinary facility where the patient received treatment. If treatment is not performed at a veterinary facility, a patient record must be maintained by the veterinarian who provided treatment to the patient.
    2. (b) The veterinarian must furnish clients with an established mailing address for obtaining patient records.
    3. (c) The requirements of subparagraphs (a) shall not apply to a veterinarian who has retired or sold his or her professional practice if said veterinarian has notified the client of such retirement or sale and offered to provide the patient records or copies thereof to another veterinarian of the client’s choice or has furnished the client with an established mailing address to submit a request for obtaining patient records.
  2. Each licensed veterinarian must execute and maintain a record of an agreement naming an executor, administrator, or temporary administrator who shall be responsible for maintaining patient records for a period of six months from the date a veterinary facility closes or a licensed veterinarian dies, is incarcerated, or is no longer able to practice due to substantial impairment by reason of mental incompetence, illness or the use of alcohol, drugs, narcotics, chemicals, or any other type of material. Such agreement shall:
    1. (a) Provide the name of the executor, administrator, or temporary administrator, the address where the records will be maintained, a phone number, and an email address and an acknowledgment that this information will be shared with the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine and posted in the veterinary facility; and,
    2. (b) Grant the Georgia State Board of Veterinary permission to post the contact information for the executor, administrator, or temporary administrator on the website for a period of six months from the date of occurrence for public access, and,
    3. (c) Hold the executor, administrator, or temporary administrator responsible for notifying the clients of the basis for their possession of the records and how the records may be obtained.
    4. (d) Entitle the executor, administrator, or temporary administrator to release any information contained in the files and records to the client with an acknowledgment of receipt from the client for the record charge a reasonable fee to reimburse their cost to mail or produce the records to the client.
  3. On the 2026 renewal application and each renewal application thereafter, licensed veterinarians will be required to provide the name, address, contact number, and email address for the executor, administrator, or temporary administrator who is identified in the executed agreement as being responsible for the maintenance of patient records when the licensed veterinarian is no longer able.

Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine – December 13, 2024 Recorded Minutes

Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine – October 23, 2024 Minutes

Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine – Current Rulemaking Activity

2024-07a ~ LAC 46LXXXV.700, 701, 702, 704, 705, 707, and 712 – Veterinary Practice

  • 02-01-2024 The Board discussed and voted on amendments to several sections of Chapter 7, specifically §700 and §705. Minor amendments were made to clean the language up in Sections §701, §702, §704, §707, and §712. [Meeting Minutes – 02-01-24]
  • 07-18-2024 Notice of Intent and Fiscal & Economic Impact Statements submitted to Legislative Fiscal Office for review.
  • 08-02-2024 Legislative Fiscal Office approved fiscal and economic impact statement.
  • 08-09-2024 First Report submitted to Senate and House Legislative Oversight Committees on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development.
  • 08-09-2024 Notice of Intent submitted for publication in 2024 Louisiana Register, Volume 50, August edition.
  • 08-20-2024 Notice of Intent to be published in 2024 Louisiana Register, Volume 50, August edition.
  • 08-21-2024 Submission of written comments related to this rule proposal will be accepted only from August 21st to September 9th.
  • 09-09-2024 Deadline for submission of written comments to Board.*See instructions for submitting comments in Notice of Intent.
  • XX-XX-XXX NO PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED — * As there were no requests within twenty days (by August 9th, 2024) for a public hearing in accordance with §953.A(2)(b)(i), the Board will NOT hold a public hearing and will move forward with the rulemaking process.
  • 10-22-2024 Notice of Intent submitted to Department of Justice’s Occupational Licensing Review Program (OLRP) for review.
  • 11-26-2024 Favorable DOJ Opinion received from the OLRP review along with approval to move forward in the rulemaking process.
  • 11-26-2024 Summary Report submitted to Senate and House Legislative Oversight Committees on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development for final review.
  • 01-13-2025 Submitted Insertion Order for Final Rule to the Louisiana Register.
  • 02-20-2025 Final Rule published in 2025 Louisiana Register, Volume 50, February edition – effective 02/20/25.

Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine – September 19, 2024 Disciplinary Subcommittee Minutes

New Hampshire Board of Veterinary Medicine

Proposed Rules
Proposed Rule: Vet 300 various – Registration and Licensing Requirements
Public Hearing: Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.in the OPLC offices at 7 Eagle Square, Concord NH
*You do not need to attend the hearing to submit written comments.*
Deadline for Submitting Written Comment: 4:00 PM on Monday, February 3, 2025
Please submit comments to OPLC-Rules@oplc.nh.gov.

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New Hampshire Board of Veterinary Medicine – November 20, 2024 Minutes

New Jersey State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners – December 4, 2024 Minutes

Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board – November 13, 2024 Minutes

Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board – September 11, 2024 Minutes

South Carolina Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners – September 5, 2024 Minutes

Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners – August 14, 2024 Minutes

View minutes to see the August 2024 Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners Legislative Wrap.

Washington Veterinarian Board of Governors – September 18, 2024 Minutes

Washington Veterinarian Board of Governors – September 9, 2024 Minutes

Canada

College of Veterinarians of British Columbia – September 13, 2024 Minutes

College of Veterinarians of Ontario – Transition Council Recording January 9, 2025

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College of Veterinarians of Ontario – Transition Council Minutes December 5, 2025

Authorized Activities – Acupuncture Ms. Kirby introduced this topic noting that at its November 12th meeting, Council raised additional questions related to the reasoning and risk analysis behind the proposed recommendations and larger comments and considerations related to additional training requirements in performing acupuncture on animals. Ms. Kirby outlined the additional information gathered and answered various questions related to Chiropractors and animal rehabilitation.

Ms. Kirby outlined the authorized activities under consideration, including performing a procedure below the dermis and she listed the proposed qualifications that would be required for each category.

For chiropractors, they would be required to be a member of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO), adhere to all CCO standards including those related to obtaining 200 hours in both animal chiropractic and human acupuncture, and at least 35 additional hours in chiropractic acupuncture on animals. For a person offering animal rehabilitation, they would be required to have at least 125 hours of training in animal rehabilitation, and at least 35 additional hours in therapeutic acupuncture on animals.

A fulsome discussion ensued, and the Registrar and Ms. Kirby answered questions posed by Council.

For the proposed regulatory exemption for chiropractors, Council requested that staff clarify the standards that the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO) would be adhering to and to confirm that animal training is in addition to human training.

For the proposed regulatory exemption for animal rehabilitation, Council’s direction was to not expand acupuncture to persons in animal rehabilitation.

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College of Veterinarians of Ontario – 2024 Annual Council Meeting

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College of Veterinarians of Ontario – Legacy Council Meeting

VMA's

Canadian Veterinary Medical Association

Government Relations
The CVMA advocates on behalf of Canadian veterinarians to influence relevant legislative and policy issues that may threaten the scope of practice of veterinarians and the health of humans and animals.

The CVMA has been involved in the scheduling and registration of pharmaceuticals, drug access, prescribing privileges, the ability to use drugs extra-label, the use of antimicrobial drugs and antimicrobial resistance, animal protection and welfare legislation, labour mobility, and more.

CVMA Member Government Relations Toolkit
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) has prepared a Government Relations Toolkit for our members which includes key messages and relevant statistics, in addition to the three recommendations the CVMA submitted to the government prior to the 2024 and 2025 Federal budgets:

  • Recommendation #1 The federal government address workplace shortages and ensure there is a robust veterinary workforce through additional investments for projects and veterinary infrastructure.
  • Recommendation #2 The federal government address workplace shortages by investing in the mental health of all veterinary professionals.
  • Recommendation #3 The federal government invest in ways to maintain and strengthen the availability of critical veterinary drugs in the interest of protecting public health and safety, animal health and welfare, and food safety and security.

The kit is designed to support members in advocating for the veterinary profession and emphasizing its significance to community when meeting with their local Members of Parliament. Access the toolkit here.

Veterinary Workforce White Paper – To Evaluate Programs Designed to Attract, Recruit and Retain Veterinary Professionals

Federal Fall Economic Statement Summary
December 23, 2024
The 2024 Federal Fall Economic Statement tabled on behalf of the Minister of Finance and the federal government on December 16, 2024, outlines actions that could help the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s (CVMA) interests in addressing the veterinary workforce shortage.

The government has allocated $27.8 million towards a new Red Tape Reduction Office intended to streamline the regulatory system; establish measures to track, assess, and communicate the results of regulatory action; and improve accountability, oversight, and transparency in key sectors including medicine and health. This activity could advance the CVMA’s recommendation that the federal government invest in ways to maintain and strengthen the availability of critical veterinary drugs in the interest of protecting public health and safety, animal health and welfare, and food safety and security.

The federal government is also considering further measures to create a more nimble and resilient labour market that supports newcomer integration into their chosen professions, including removing the tax-exempt status of regulatory colleges that do not accelerate credential recognition and publishing a national credential recognition performance framework. This could be advantageous to the CVMA’s recommendation that the federal government ensure there is a robust veterinary workforce through additional investments for projects and veterinary infrastructure.

A sum of $600 million has been allocated to mental health and addictions services which could support the CVMA’s recommendation that the federal government address workplace shortages by investing in the mental health of all veterinary professionals.
Please see the highlighted sections of the report summary for more information about how the federal government’s future actions could positively impact the CVMA’s effort to address the national veterinary workforce shortage.