January 2022 Report
Monthly reports share short summary highlights of tracked legislative bills and rules & regulations that have seen recent activity, as well as available board and state VMA updates.
There are two report views available! The January 2022 Conventional Report sorts the same reported items by activity and topic. The Conventional Report is also available as a PDF download
Updates by Jurisdiction
Alaska
Licensure
In their fall meeting, the Board discussed solutions for staffing shortages and legislation for military reciprocal licensure.
Arkansas
Licensure
The Board has posted a link to their website for Military Automatic Licensure applicants to comply with 2021 legislation, A.C.A. § 17-4-106.
Arizona
AZ HB2224 Allows for declawing. A veterinarian may perform or cause to be performed the declawing, onychectomy, or tendonectomy of a cat only if the veterinarian is licensed pursuant to this chapter and the procedure is for a therapeutic purpose. A veterinarian who performs a declawing, onychectomy, or tendonectomy on a cat shall keep a record of the procedure for at least four years after the veterinarian’s last contact with the cat.
AZ HB2346 increases the Veterinary Board from 9 to 11 members and stipulates at least one of these members must be a veterinary surgeon specialist.
California
CCR Section 2090–2095
Drug Compounding in a Veterinary Premises
- Notice of Proposed Regulatory Action
- Initial Statement of Reasons
- Proposed Regulatory Language
- Modification to Language (November 19, 2020)
- Modification to Language (July 28, 2021)
- Notice Publication/Regulations Submission (Std. Form 400) and Final Statement of Reasons
- Order of Adoption
- Notice of Approval of Regulatory Action
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State: January 4, 2022
Effective: April 1, 2022
Veterinary Medical Board Disciplinary Guidelines
The Board saw proposed regulatory action for CCR Section 2090-2095 on 11/19/20. The text was modified on that date, and again on 07/28/21, at which time it was adopted. The regulations were filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on 01/04/22 and approved. The amendments to Section 2006 of Article 1 of Division 20 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations will become effective 04/01/22.
Animal Physical Rehabilitation
The amendments to Section 2038.5 to Article 4 of Division 20 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations went into effect 01/01/22.
Assembly Bill (AB) 1535 (Committee on Business and Professions, Chapter 631, Statutes of 2021) enacts most of the Board’s legislative proposals and makes various changes to the regulation of veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians (RVT), Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substances Permit (VACSP) holders, veterinary schools, and veterinary premises. AB 1535 is the result of the joint sunset review of the Board by the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions and the Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development, and extends the provisions establishing the Board until January 1, 2026. The Board’s Winter Newsletter provides a detailed summary of how the changes will affect the industry and consumers.
The newsletter also contains an email sent from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to all DEA registered pharmacies and practitioners to remind registrants that paper prescriptions must be manually signed by the prescribing practitioner.
Colorado
CO SB027 Requires each licensed healthcare practitioner to query the prescription drug monitoring program prior to filling a prescription for every opioid or benzodiazepine instead of every second fill. Stipulates that only licensed practitioners with a DEA registration must register. Vets are still not required to query, voluntary only.
CO SB013 changes the membership of the veterinary loan repayment council. States that “directors are appointed for terms of four years; except that the terms shall be staggered so that no more than three directors’ terms expire in the same year. “
D.C.
DC B24-0560 addresses sexual contact, declawing, a pet sale ban, and custody in divorces. Prohibits sexual contact with animals (e) This section shall not apply to lawful and accepted practices that relate to veterinary medicine performed by a licensed veterinarian or a certified veterinary technician under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian, artificial insemination of animals for the purpose of procreation, accepted animal husbandry practices, including raising, breeding or assisting with the birthing process of animals, or any other practice that provides care for animals, or conformation judging.
Bans declawing except when necessary for a therapeutic purpose.
Prohibits a pet store operator shall not sell a live dog, cat, or aquatic turtle in a pet store unless the dog, cat, or aquatic turtle was obtained from a rescue group. Requires pet store to keep documentation
Allows a court to assign sole or joint ownership of a pet animal taking into consideration the care and best interest of the pet animal.
Licensing Proposed Rule Making To implement Section 2 of the Standard of Care for Animals Amendment Act of 2017, effective December 20, 2017 (D.C. Law 22-37; D.C. Official Code § 8-1814) by establishing a schedule of fines for various infractions of the Act’s provisions. The rulemaking will update existing regulations governing responsible ownership and care of domestic dogs and cats and establish in regulation vaccination requirements for domestic cats. The proposed rulemaking establishes a schedule of fines for various infractions of the Act’s provisions governing the care and treatment of animals, both domestic and non-domestic, by establishing a process by which infractions will be enforced, and by adding a definition section to define certain terms concerning the care and treatment of animals. Vaccination changes: The veterinarian administering the anti-rabies and distemper vaccines shall execute a certificate of vaccination and furnish the original to the owner or other person presenting the dog or cat for vaccination. The certificate shall be on a form prescribed by the Director. A copy or duplicate of the certificate of vaccination shall be retained or electronically stored by the veterinarian until the later of: (1) at least one (1) year following the death of the animal, if the animal was still under the care of the veterinarian on the date of death; or (2) at least three (3) years after the date that the veterinarian is no longer providing care to the animal. Each veterinarian practicing in the District shall timely furnish to the Director any reports concerning dogs or cats vaccinated against rabies and distemper by the veterinarian that may be required by the Director. Upon completion of a rabies vaccination, a veterinarian shall furnish a numbered vaccination tag to the owner or other person presenting the dog or cat for vaccination. |
Each person who owns, keeps, or has custody of a dog in the District of Columbia shall have that dog vaccinated against rabies and canine distemper by a licensed veterinarian before the dog is four (4) months old or within fifteen (15) days after the person becomes the owner, keeper or custodian of the dog (if the dog has not previously been vaccinated), whichever is later.
As introduced Bill 24-560 makes changes pertaining to domestic animal care and animal control operations. It would authorize animal control vehicles to operate emergency lights and sirens when responding to life-threatening emergencies. It allows the Washington Humane Society to recover costs incurred boarding animals during a pending criminal or other proceedings. It would ban dogfighting tools and equipment, sexual contact with animals, and cat declawing. The legislation also requires pet stores to sell rescued animals and addresses pet ownership in divorce.
Florida
FL H1289/S1612 is a labeling bill for dosage form animal products. “Dosage form animal product” means a feedstuff that includes any product intended to affect the structure or function of the animal’s body other than by providing nutrition to the animal. the term includes oils, tinctures, capsules, tablets, liquids, and chewables. the term does not include a drug, a mineral or vitamin supplement, a product represented as a primary meal for the intended animal species, any other product intended as a treat, or a dental product providing mechanical or abrasive action, or both. except as provided by law or rule, all terms used in connection with commercial feed or feedstuff have the meanings ascribed to them by the association of American feed control officials.
FL H1463/ S1838 student loan repayment program for varied health professions, including veterinarians. Must serve in a shortage area (geographic).
Hawaii
HI SB1115 allows a person who is a spouse of an active duty service member in the military; accompanies the service member a permanent change of station to Hawaii; and holds a current, unencumbered license in another jurisdiction in specific professions to apply for temporary licensure on an expedited basis in the State of Hawaii, and exempts dependents of military service members from state residency requirement for employment with state or county government if the military servicemember is in Hawaii on bona fide military orders.
At their November meeting, The Board voted unanimously to accept proposed legislation concerning Out-of-State Veterinarians. |
Changes include updates to definitions for consultation, emergency response, and VCPR. The proposal would allow sponsored veterinarians to serve in an emergency capacity for no longer than 21 consecutive days
Indiana
IN HB1199 requires vet clinics to have fire suppression systems or staff on-site when boarding.
IN SB0285 changes the definition of practitioner for disciplinary purposes to include anyone who held a license at time of infraction if that license is currently inactive. States that practicing on an inactive license carries the same penalty as practicing without a license.
IN HB1060 reduces the membership of The Indiana board of veterinary medical examiners from 7 to 5 members.
IN HB1148/ SB0177 changes the name of the vet board and creates a center for animal policy. Grants the State Veterinarian additional authority.
Title 345 Indiana State Board of Animal Health | |
DIN: 20211215-IR-345210268FRA ( HTML – PDF – Related Documents ) | |
Type: FR Posted: 12/15/2021 LSA Doc #21-268 Title 345
Amends 345 IAC 1-1.5-2 to include factors that may be considered when the state veterinarian is approving forms that qualify as official certificates of veterinary inspection. Amends 345 IAC 1-3-1.5 to clarify the definition of “certificate of veterinary inspection” (CVI). Amends 345 IAC 1-3-7.5 to remove the requirement for a pre-entry permit for cattle and bison moving into Indiana if an electronic CVI has been filed with the board prior to the date of movement. Amends 345 IAC 1-3-11 to remove the requirement for a pre-entry permit for swine moving into the state if an electronic CVI has been filed with the board prior to the date of movement. Amends 345 IAC 1-3-16.5 to clarify reporting requirements for swine moving within a production system. Amends 345 IAC 1-3-31.5 to clarify pre-entry permit requirements for fish moving into Indiana and revise the entities that may issue documentation that certifies the fish have tested negative for the viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) virus. Effective 30 days after filing with the Publisher. Effective 30 days after filing (01/15/22) | |
Kentucky
KY HB271 The state veterinarian shall be an agent of the board, shall enforce the administrative regulations of the board “pertaining to livestock, poultry, and fish” and, under the direction of the board, shall supervise and control the activities of all deputies, inspectors, agents, and specialists within the office of the state veterinarian. he or she shall devote his or her entire time to the duties of the office. he or she shall recommend from time to time such changes in the administrative regulations of the board, as he or she deems necessary, and do all other things necessary and proper for the successful enforcement of this chapter.
Maine
ME LD1885 changes the qualifications for the veterinary medicine loan program, expands the number of grants from 2 to 10, and the award from $25,000 to $50,000.
Maryland
Michigan
Licensing & Regulatory Affairs – Bureau of Professional Licensing (2021-30) PART 1. GENERAL RULES R 338.4971 Definitions. (a) “Animal patient” means an animal as defined in section 18802(2) of the code, MCL 333.18802. (b) “Board” means the Michigan board of veterinary medicine created in section 18821 of the code, MCL 333.18821. (c) “Code” means the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211. (d) “Department” means the department of licensing and regulatory affairs. (2) A term defined in the code has the same meaning when used in these rules. PART 2. EDUCATION AND EXAMINATION R 338.4971a Approval of veterinary technician training programs; standards adopted by reference. (2) The standards for accrediting programs for training veterinary technicians adopted by the CVTEA are available at no cost from the AVMA website at http://www.avma.org. A copy of the standards is available for inspection or distribution at a cost of 10 cents per page from the Board of Veterinary Medicine, Bureau of Professional Licensing, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, 611 West Ottawa, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, Michigan 48909. R 338.4971b Examination; approval and adoption; passing score. (2) The passing score for the VTNE is the score determined by the AAVSB or its predecessor organization. PART 3. LICENSURE R 338.4972 Licensure by examination; requirements. (a) Have successfully completed a program for training veterinary technicians approved and adopted in R 338.4971a. The educational institution must provide the department with the applicant’s final, official transcript. (b) Have achieved a passing score on the examination approved and adopted in R 338.4971b. R 338.4976 Licensure by endorsement; requirements. (a) Establish that he or she is of good moral character as defined under 1974 PA 381, MCL 338.41 to MCL 338.47. (b) Submit fingerprints as required under section 16174(3) of the code, MCL 333.16174. (c) Achieve a passing score on the examination approved under R 338.4971b. (i) Disclose each license, registration, or certification in a health profession or specialty issued by any other state, the United States military, the federal government, or another country on the application form. (ii) Satisfy the requirements of section 16174(2) of the code, MCL 333.16174, which includes verification from the issuing entity showing that disciplinary proceedings are not pending against the applicant and sanctions are not in force at the time of application. R 338.4978 Rescinded. Rule 91. (1) Beginning with licenses that expire on December 31, 2022, and for all renewals thereafter, an applicant for license renewal shall have completed at least 15 hours of continuing education that satisfies the requirements of R 338.4993 in the 3 years immediately preceding the application for renewal. (2) Submission of an application for renewal constitutes the applicant’s certification of compliance with the requirements of this rule. The department may require a licensee to submit evidence to demonstrate compliance with this rule. (3) A request for a waiver under section 16205 of the code, MCL 333.16205, must be received by the department before the expiration date of the license. (4) The licensee shall retain documentation of satisfying the requirements of this rule for a period of 4 years from the date of applying for license renewal. Failure to comply with this rule is a violation of section 16221(h) of the code, MCL 333.16221. R 338.4993 Acceptable continuing education; requirements; limitations. (a) Not more than 12 hours may be earned during one 24-hour period. (b) A licensee may not earn credit for a continuing education program or activity that is identical or substantially identical to a program or activity for which the licensee has already earned credit during the same renewal period. (c) A minimum of 10 hours of continuing education must be scientific in nature. A continuing education program or activity is scientific in nature if it includes the science of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease as it relates directly to an animal patient or topics of public veterinary practice, epidemiology, food safety, public animal health, animal welfare, or antimicrobial stewardship. (d) A minimum of 5 hours of continuing education must be completed in-person or through live, synchronous contact. (e) A maximum of 5 hours of continuing education may be earned collectively for activities in subrule (2)(c) to (g) of this rule. – The Board lists acceptable continuing education. Effective 12/16/22 |
Mississippi
MS HB619 changes denial of a license from a felony to a “disqualifying crime as provided in the Fresh Start Act”. Replaces “any crime of moral turpitude” with “Any crime involving unlawful sexual contact, child abuse, the use or threatened use of a weapon, the infliction of injury, indecent exposure, perjury, false reporting, criminal impersonation, forgery and any other crime involving a lack of truthfulness, veracity or honesty, intimidation of a victim or witness, larceny, or alcohol or drugs.”
MS HB447 clarifies that a person with an occupational license from another state who applies for a license in his or her practice area in Mississippi shall not be required to take an examination in order to receive a license to practice in Mississippi.
MS HB410 requires a prescription for syringes
MS SB2052 For the board of animal health…the members of the board as constituted on July 1, 2022, who are appointed by the governor and whose terms have not expired shall serve the balance of their terms, after which time the membership of the board shall be appointed as follows: not more than three (3) members of the board shall be appointed from any of the Mississippi congressional districts as they currently exist, and the governor shall make appointments from the congressional district having the smallest number of board members until the membership includes not less than two (2) members from each district as required.
MS HB564 creates a prison reform program and identifies veterinary technicians.
Missouri
MO SB1058 preempts localities from interfering in veterinary medicine and prevents declawing bans.
New Hampshire
NH HB1226 bans declawing except when necessary to address the physical medical condition of the cat, such as an existing or recurring illness, infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the claw that compromises the cat’s health. No person shall remove the claws of a cat for cosmetic or aesthetic reasons or for reasons of convenience in keeping or handling the cat.
NH SB313 clarifies that the executive director of the office of professional licensure and certification has authority to establish fees on behalf of the boards, commissions, and councils administered by the office of professional licensure and certification.
NH HB1460 Removes the requirement to a person must be at least 18 years old from veterinary licensure requirements.
New Jersey
NJ S333 requires all animal enterprises to do background checks on current and future employees and volunteers. No one with an animal abuse conviction may work at an animal enterprise. No person who is convicted of a criminal animal cruelty offense shall: (1) commence, operate, apply for employment, be employed, or volunteer at, or participate in any capacity in an animal-related enterprise; or (2) acquire, own, or reside with any animal for the period of time specified by the court pursuant to subsection c. of this section.
NJ A384 This bill requires for-profit veterinary facilities that board domestic companion animals overnight without having a person physically present at the facility to obtain a signed consent form from the owner of the animal or the person bringing the animal to the veterinary facility for care or treatment.
NJ A188 states that prescriptions must be in owner and animals name, with as many owners listed as requested. Adds veterinarians to the PMP requirements
NJ A127 Vet clinics cannot refuse to accept a surrendered animal and must post signage. Any person may voluntarily deliver a domestic companion animal to a shelter, pound, veterinary hospital, or police station in the State, and leave the animal with an employee, veterinarian, or police officer at the facility, whenever it is open or, in the case of a police station, has an officer present to receive the animal. No employee, veterinarian, or police officer at the shelter, pound, veterinary hospital, or police station, as applicable, may refuse to accept any domestic companion animal delivered to the facility.
Each shelter, pound, veterinary hospital, and police station in the State shall post at its front entrance a conspicuous sign stating:
(1) the hours of operation during which the facility is open and a person is on the premises to receive a domestic companion animal;
(2) the telephone number and address of a facility where a domestic companion animal may be delivered when the shelter, pound, veterinary hospital, or police station is closed; and
(3) a warning against abandoning or relinquishing the domestic companion animal in any way other than delivering the animal to a person at a facility who can receive and care for the animal.
NJ A785 Establishes licensure for veterinary technicians. The bill also amends statutory law to allow veterinary technicians, under the responsible supervision of a licensed veterinarian, to perform any task for which the technician has been trained as delineated in the American Veterinary Medical Association’s essential talks list for veterinary technician teaching programs.
NJ A382 requires veterinary facilities to be inspected annually.
NJ A323 establishes a Veterinary Medicine Loan Redemption Program to address the current large animal veterinarian shortage in New Jersey.
New Mexico
NM HB56 stipulates that temporary permits are for nonresident veterinarians and they are limited to one 60-day permit per year and two in total.
Adds the following exception. If a nonresident veterinarian is employed by or has a contract with the state, a municipality, or a county to provide veterinary services at a nationally accredited zoo or aquarium located in New Mexico, the temporary permit shall be issued for a period lasting no more than six months and no more than two consecutive six-month, temporary permits shall be issued.
New York
NY A00721 No later than 12 months after a priority chemical is listed on the list published pursuant to section 37-1003 of this title, every manufacturer who offers a pet product for sale or distribution in this state that contains an intentionally added priority chemical shall report such chemical use to the department. The department may collaborate with other states and an interstate chemicals clearinghouse in developing such form. The department shall post lists of priority chemicals and chemicals of high concern on the department’s website. “Pet product” means a product primarily intended for, made for, or marketed for use by a pet, such as toys, car seats, bedding, personal care products, a product designed or intended by the manufacturer to be chewed by the pet, and pet apparel. “Pet product” does not include food or beverage or an additive to a food or beverage regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
NY S07605 requires a personal use pharmaceutical disposal system to be provided at the time of dispensing an opioid prescription at no cost to the ultimate user of such prescribed opioid.
NY A06585 exempts services provided to board an animal when rendered by a veterinarian licensed and registered as required by the education law or by a commercial horse boarding operation from sales and use taxes.
North Carolina
Controlled Substances Reporting System (CSRS) Utilization Project The NCVMB is working with the NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Controlled Substances Reporting System (CSRS) Utilization Project to aid veterinarians in ensuring that they are in compliance with the STOP Act. The Board is working with DHHS to develop reports for the veterinary community that will assist in continuing efforts and adherence to strategies to address the state’s opioid crisis. The CSRS Utilization Team is working to identify gaps in understanding and technology needed to bridge the differences between human and animal care for this purpose, thus making the database more effective for all members of the medical profession. Veterinarians and staff members who find the CSRS confusing will be able to receive training that counts toward fulfilling the annual opioids CE requirement, and they will be able to receive one-to-one technical assistance along with the opportunity to find self-help materials for their office. For any immediate questions or concerns, you can notify the CSRS Utilization team at CSRS.Utilization@dhhs.nc.gov. Announcement for the 2022 Continuing Education Requirement for the 2023 Renewal- In response to the ongoing COVID situation, the NCVMB has suspended the requirement that only 10 hours of CE may be obtained via online learning. Therefore, for the years 2022 (2021 Renewal) & 2023 (2022 Renewal) Veterinarians and Registered Veterinary Technicians may obtain their CE completely online/virtually (both interactive and non-interactive) if necessary, to complete their requirement. It is important to remember that you are still required to complete 2 CE hours of opioid training for each renewal Proposed Regulations (Summarized: Underlined text is new language taken verbatim; text that is not underlined is a summary of changes. Full text available for download in NC Register Volume 36 issue 12) 02 NCAC 52J .0210 VETERINARY CARE Adds to the requirements of a written program of veterinary care (PVC) disposition of diseased, ill, injured, infirm or deformed animals PVC must be established with veterinary assistance, must include a veterinary signature. Boarding kennels must submit PVC as part of the license/renewal application. Changes must be reported to AWS within 10 days of the effective date. (b) If there is a disease problem that persists for more than seven days at the facility, the facility operator shall consult with a veterinarian…It must be documented (g) Full written disclosure of the medical condition of the animal shall be provided to the new owner. and all veterinary medical treatments provided to the animal shall be provided to the person or organization receiving…animal and signed by the receiver. (i) If surgical procedures are performed at the registered/licensed facility, the facility shall: (1) only perform surgical procedures on animals owned by the facility. The facility may not perform surgery on animals owned by the public unless the practice of veterinary medicine at that facility falls under the jurisdiction of the NC Board of Veterinary Medicine; (2) appoint a NC licensed veterinarian to be the supervising veterinarian to direct, oversee and be responsible for the performance of all surgical procedures and for the condition of the surgical facility; (3) ensure all surgical procedures are performed by a NC licensed veterinarian and performed within the designated surgical area; (4) ensure that the designated surgical area meets the minimum standards for surgery in 21 NCAC 66 .0207(b)(9), the drug procedures meet the minimum standards in 21 NCAC 66 .0207(b)(11) and the recordkeeping procedures meet the minimum standards in 21 NCAC 66 .0207(b)(12); (5) ensure that the minimum standards for after-hours emergency service in 21 NCAC 66 .0207(b)(19) for the provision of after-hours emergency veterinary care for an animal receiving surgical procedure(s) are met; and (6) surgical procedures are not performed until the inspection of the surgical facility and supporting procedures noted in this section has occurred and all deficiencies have been corrected. (j) Boarding facilities may not administer prescription medications or tranquilizers, sedatives, or any pharmaceutical drug designed to calm an animal unless the medication or drug is administered under the direction of the animal’s veterinarian, with a written prescription from the animal’s veterinarian, and with written permission from the animal’s owner. In the event a boarding facility agrees to administer such medications or substances, the medications must be in the original container issued by a veterinarian or pharmacy and administered according to label directions. The label must include: client name/pet name, dosage, drug name, veterinarian’s name, and date issued. The administration of these medications or substances shall be documented as required by 02 NCAC 52J .0102. 02 NCAC 52J .0301 VEHICLES Specifies that the interior of the animal holding space must be cleaned after the transport of each animal. It shall be sanitized daily or between shipments of animals if more than one shipment occurs in a 24-hour period. 02 NCAC 52J .0302 PRIMARY ENCLOSURES USED IN TRANSPORTING DOGS AND CATS Adds a functional thermometer to the requirements of vehicle holding spaces. Requires special provisions sufficient for the animal to maintain its normal body temperature to any animal that cannot maintain its normal body temperature during transportation. Must be documented. 02 NCAC 52J .0303 FOOD AND WATER REQUIREMENTS If the transport lasts for six hours or more, the enclosures containing cats shall be equipped with a clean litter box with litter. 02 NCAC 52J .0304 CARE IN TRANSIT If transport is more than 6 hours, the transporter must log necessary information (outlined in statute) and keep documentation for at least 1 year. 02 NCAC 52J .0407 TRAINING AND EXAMINATIONS (Euthanasia) Adds to the list of required program/material topics: Proper dosing for the specific route of administration for the EBI; and Proper and accurate verification of lack of pain perception; Clarifies that proper record-keeping includes documentation of justification for intracardiac and for early euthanasia. Prohibits note-taking or other assistance during the written exam. Those who fail must attend another classroom training session and pass a different written exam before taking the practical exam. Trainers must provide AWS office with copies of tests and results within 10 days of examination. 02 NCAC 52J .0418 DUTIES Adds to requirements: scanning for a microchip, documenting absence of or unsuccessful attempts to reach owner in emergency circumstances. SECTION .0500 – EUTHANASIA BY INJECTION 02 NCAC 52J .0402 AUTHORIZED PERSONS Removed Probationary Euthanasian Technicians from a list of those authorized to euthanize. 02 NCAC 52J .0403 DEFINITIONS Removes “commercial manufactured chamber” from definitions, and following statute, effectively removing it as a method for euthanasia. Adds Euthanasia by injection (EBI) means the injection of an approved commercially-manufactured euthanasia medication via an intravenous, intraperitoneal or intracardiac (subject to additional conditions) injection into an animal to cause the death of that animal. 02 NCAC 52J .0501 INTRACARDIAC INJECTION Intracardiac injection shall only be used on animals that have been anesthetized or heavily sedated. Intracardiac injection for euthanasia may only be administered under the following conditions: (1) due to injury or other medical condition, the animal is unconscious, or the animal has been rendered unconscious by administration of a general anesthetic; (2) due to medical condition of the animal and/or size of the animal, intravenous or intraperitoneal administration is not practical or humane; (3) the absence of a pain response has been verified prior to the administration of the intracardiac injection and this verification is documented in the animal’s record; and (4) the justification for an intracardiac injection rather than an intravenous or intraperitoneal route of administration has been documented in the animal’s record 02 NCAC 52J .0702 GUNSHOT OR OTHER METHODS Limits the people who can use gunshot or extreme methods of euthanasia to shelter employees trained in the euthanasia method for that species 02 NCAC 52J .0704 TECHNICIAN NOT REQUIRED If an extraordinary circumstance or situation occurs and euthanasia is necessary, the person shelter employee performing the euthanasia is not required to be a Certified Euthanasia Technician at a certified facility. facility so long as the shelter employee is trained in the euthanasia method for that species that was used in the situation. 02 NCAC 52J .0803 ADDITIONAL CONTENTS A certified facility’s policy and procedure manual shall be kept consistent with the publications listed below and reflect the current information for each. The manual shall include: A copy of the most recent AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals (replacing 2000 Report of the American Veterinary Medical Association Panel on Euthanasia) Procedures to follow including the names(s) of shelter manager designee(s) when the shelter manager is not available to make the decisions necessary and complete the required paperwork when an animal is to be euthanized prior to the end of the 72-hour holding period; A material safety data sheet for any chemical or gas used for euthanasia in that shelter; Original of the NC Health and Human Services certificate permitting the storage and use of controlled substances; |
A material Material safety data sheets sheet for any anesthetic or tranquilizer, all chemical, anesthetic, tranquilizing, sedation, and euthanasia medications used in that facility;
Ontario
Veterinarians are included in definitions of prescriber and practitioner but have an exemption. There are some requirements though.
(pg. 5) Veterinarians shall not be required to use a computerized system in order to submit required information to the Database. Instead, veterinarians may elect to submit information to the Database by any appropriate method set forth in the Tennessee Controlled Substance Database Data Collection Manual.
The information to be included in the Database shall be submitted each business day and no later than the close of business on the business day after dispensing for all controlled substances as set forth in the Prescription Safety Act of 2016. Consistent with the Prescription Safety Act of 2016, veterinarians shall only be required to submit information to the Database every fourteen days.
The dispensing healthcare practitioner or its agent, excluding a veterinarian, shall transmit or enter into the data collection application the data that is required pursuant to T.C.A. § 53-10-305 in the 2009 version of the Telecommunications Format for Controlled Substances established by the American Society for Automation in Pharmacy (ASAP). Beginning on July 1, 2022, the dispensing healthcare practitioner or its agent, excluding a veterinarian, shall transmit or enter into the data collection application the data that is required pursuant to T.C.A. § 53-10-305 in the June 2017 version 4.2A of the Telecommunications Format for Controlled Substances established by the ASAP. The committee shall have the power to grant a waiver of the requirement to report or submit data in the June 2017 version 4.2A of the Telecommunications Format for Controlled Substances established by the ASAP upon a showing of hardship. Such waiver shall be good for up to two (2) years. The dispenser shall report, at minimum, all required fields even when reporting using an alternative method as per waiver.
Effective 01/26/22
Tennessee
Telemedicine
In policy work, Council reviewed its standard concerning telemedicine and approved the revised standard for publishing this winter. Council’s ongoing work in telemedicine has been beneficial in enabling veterinarians to deliver services virtually when appropriate throughout the pandemic. Council’s discussion on the draft standard focused on jurisdiction and prescribing, with the benefit of input received through the recent public consultation on telemedicine. The revised standard and guide will be published later this winter. See their latest agenda/meeting materials for extensive data, public feedback, and previous drafts.
VCPR
Council reviewed potential updates to its standard on the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR). The VCPR is fundamental to the provision of safe, competent, informed, and accessible veterinary care. The College’s practice advisory service frequently receives inquiries related to the VCPR, particularly around terminating a VCPR, determining if a VCPR exists and the time period for which a VCPR is valid. The Council approved changes to the standard relating to the expectations for discontinuing the VCPR, ease of reference to related documents; and encouragement for discussions with clients related to the scope of services. The Council approved the draft document for circulation for public consultation
Texas
Proposed Regulations RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT (Proposed) 22 TAC §573.52 Veterinarian Patient Record Keeping. The purpose of the proposed amendment is to clarify what information is required for complete medical records. (a) Individual records shall be maintained at the veterinarian’s place of business, shall be complete, contemporaneous, and legible, and shall include, but are not limited to: … (7) vital signs, including temperature, pulse, and respiration rate, if required for diagnosis or treatment (if treating a herd, flock, or individual animal where the vital sign(s) cannot be safely or practically obtained, then the reason for not obtaining the vital sign(s) should be noted instead) [temperature if required for diagnosis or treatment except when treating a herd, flock, or a species, or an individual animal that is difficult to obtain a temperature]; … (12) other details necessary to substantiate or document the examination, diagnosis, and treatment provided, and/or surgical procedure performed, including surgical procedure details, anesthesia records, monitoring and support, and pre- and post-operative care; 22 TAC §573.75 Duty to Cooperate with the Board. The purpose of the proposed amendment is to clarify the requirements for cooperating with a Board inspection or investigations to help ensure efficient use of the agency’s resources. A licensee shall: (1) cooperate fully with any Board inspection or investigation; [and] (2) submit a written response including complete medical records to the Board [respond] within twenty-one (21) days of receipt to requests for information regarding complaints and other requests for information from the Board, except where: (A) the Board in contacting a licensee imposes a different response date; or (B) the licensee is unable for good cause to meet the response date and requests a different response date; and [.] (3) certify via a signature form that the submitted records or information are complete and accurate to the licensee’s knowledge. 22 TAC §577.5 Committees of the Board. The purpose of the proposed amendment is to add a standing Rules Committee to the Board’s structure to assist in the streamlining and updating of the Board’s Rules of Professional Conduct. |
Virginia
VA HB672/SB249 provides that any person who knowingly (i) engages in sexual contact with an animal; (ii) causes another person by force, threat, or intimidation to engage in sexual contact with an animal; (iii) advertises, solicits, offers, sells, purchases, or possesses an animal with the intent that the animal be subject to sexual contact; (iv) permits sexual contact with an animal to be conducted on any premises under his ownership or control; (v) produces, distributes, publishes, sells, transmits, finances, possesses with the intent to distribute, publish, sell, or transmit, or makes any attempt to produce, distribute, publish, sell, transmit, or finance an obscene item depicting a person engaged in sexual contact with an animal is guilty of a Class 6 felony. The bill also provides that any person convicted of sexual abuse of an animal may be prohibited from possessing, owning, or exercising control over any animal for a period of up to five years and may be ordered to attend an appropriate treatment program or obtain psychiatric or psychological counseling.
VA HB551/ SB517 Exempts veterinarians from sales and use tax on the purchase or prescription of medicines and drugs that are administered to patients within a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Repeals provisions of current law which provide that a veterinarian dispensing or selling medicines or drugs on prescription shall be deemed to be the user or consumer of all such medicines and drugs.
VA HB1074 allows vets to exempt animals from rabies vaccines due to health concerns. Creates a certificate.
Vermont
VT H504 directs the secretary to compare New England animal welfare laws and report to the legislature.
Washington
WA SB5753 expands the veterinary board from seven to nine. Changes the quorum rule from four to “a majority of the board members appointed and serving constitutes a quorum for the transaction of board business. the affirmative vote of a majority of a quorum of the board is required to carry a motion or resolution, to adopt a rule, or to pass a measure. Stipulates which positions must be licensed.
Utah
UT SB0043 removes the ability of the Veterinary Board to recommend a person for licensure without an exam.
West Virginia
WV HB3053 Replaces veterinary technician with veterinary nurse. Changes application requirements around citizenship and previous crimes. Specifies VTNE for required exam.
Wisconsin
Submittal of Rules to Legislature in Final Draft Form CR 21-061 – Amends ATCP 16.08 (1) and (2), and 16.12 (6) relating to the dog sellers and dog facility operators. – Updates fees set in 2011. This rule proposal includes a 100% license fee increase for shelter/control facilities, a 120% license fee increase for all other entities (dog sellers), and a 167% reinspection fee increase |