November 2024 Report

Arizona State Board of Veterinary Medical Examining Board – August 21, 2024 Minutes

Arizona State Board of Veterinary Medical Examining Board – September 18, 2024 Minutes

California Veterinary Medical Board

October 16, 2024 – Webcast
October 17, 2024 – Webcast

District of Columbia Board of Veterinary Medicine – September 19, 2024 Minutes

Toggle Content

Emergency Order 2024-11 has been issued in response to Hurricane Milton.

The Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine has a 30-Day Temporary Veterinarian License available to out-of-state veterinarians who wish to come to Florida to provide relief veterinary services but do not hold a current Florida Veterinary License. The application form for the 30-Day Temporary Veterinarian License is available HERE.

Florida licensed veterinarians interested in offering volunteer services should contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Veterinary Corps for information at 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352).

Georgie State Board of Veterinary Medicine

Notice of Intent to Adopt Proposed Rules – 700-2-.04 & 700-6-.02
RULE 700-2-.04 TEMPORARY VETERINARY LICENSE RULE 700-6-.02 TEMPORARY VETERINARY TECHNICIAN LICENSE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the authority set forth below, the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine (hereinafter “Board”) proposes to adopt new rules for Board Rule Chapter 700-2, Rule 700-2-.04 Temporary Veterinary License and Board Rule Chapter 700-6,
Rule 700-6-.02 Temporary Veterinary Technician License.

This notice, an exact copy of the proposed rules, and a synopsis of the proposed rules are being sent to all persons who have requested, in writing, to be included on a notification list. This notice, an exact copy of the proposed rules, and a synopsis of the proposed rules may also be reviewed during normal business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except official State holidays, at the Office of the Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards Division, 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia 31217. The documents will also be available for review on the Board’s website at https://sos.ga.gov/page/georgia-board-veterinary-medicine-rules-and-laws. Copies may also be requested by contacting the Board office at (404) 424-9966.

The public will have an opportunity to comment upon and provide input into the proposed rules at a public hearing to be held at 10:00 a.m., December 11, 2024, via WebEx. Please see the Board’s website for information on how to join the hearing.

Interested parties affected by the rules may submit written comments to the Board no later than close of business on December 4, 2024. Written comments must be legible, signed, contain contact information from the maker (address, telephone number, email address), and addressed to Todd Zandrowicz, Division Director, Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards Division, Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine, 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia 31217. The written comments may also be emailed to PLB-Healthcare2@sos.ga.gov. Please indicate that your email is a written comment for the December 11, 2024, public rule hearing in the subject line of your email.

During the public hearing, anyone may present data, make a statement, comment, or offer a viewpoint or argument, whether orally or in writing. Lengthy statements or statements of a considerable technical or economic nature, as well as previously recorded messages, must be submitted for the official record. Oral statements will be limited to five (5) minutes per person.
The Board voted to post this Notice of Intent at its meeting on October 15, 2024. The Board also voted that the formulation and adoption of this rule amendment do not impose an excessive regulatory cost on any licensee, and any cost to comply with the proposed rule amendment cannot be reduced by a less expensive alternative that fully accomplishes the objectives of O.C.G.A. § 43-50-42.1. Additionally, the Board voted that it was neither legal nor feasible in meeting the objectives of O.C.G.A. § 43-50-42.1 to adopt or implement differing actions for businesses as listed in O.C.G.A. § 50-13- 4(a)(3)(A), (B), (C) and (D). The formulation and adoption of these proposed rules will impact every licensee in the same manner and each licensee is independently licensed in the field of veterinary medicine.

According to the Department of Law of the State of Georgia, the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine has the authority to adopt proposed Rules 700-2-.04 Temporary Veterinary License and 700-6-.02. Temporary Veterinary Technician License pursuant to authority contained in O.C.G.A. § 43-50-42.1.

______________________________________________

Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine – August 5, 2024 Rules Committee Minutes

Discussion – Radiological Safety
Ms. Price provided the Committee with a refresher on the discussion concerning radiology that took place during the last Rules Committee meeting and the Memorandum of Advice provided by the Attorney General’s Office regarding instituting random veterinary facility inspections for radiology equipment and the authority to add a question concerning the use of radiology to the renewal application. The AG responded that the Board does have the authority to add the question to the renewal application, and if the response is affirmative, to require documentation of current inspection forms as well as proof of employee training on the radiology equipment. The Attorney General’s Office also confirmed that the Board does have the authority to conduct random inspections on the radiological equipment for those practices that utilize the equipment. It was noted that the Board must provide resources for licensees to refer to as far as how to find persons and entities who can conduct the equipment inspections and where to find the training for the practice employees.

The Board requested that Ms. Sewell conduct a search for radiology training courses that would be available to the veterinary community. Ms. Sewell provided information for an educational program that offers the training in their curriculum, in addition to the courses offered by Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA). Ms. Sewell underscored that there is a cost for such training but there should be several cost-effective options available to veterinary practices so that they can comply with future requirements. She shared that Gwinnett Technical College’s veterinary technician program partners with entities in the community to provide radiology safety training and suggested finding partners to provide a mock demo as an option as well. This would reduce financial considerations by averting having to use live machines as well as decrease the need for logistical considerations that would be required in a physical training atmosphere, but rather offer something that demonstrates adequate instruction on PPE (personal protective equipment), positioning practices, and collimating, for example.

The Committee determined that the course could be a pre-recorded program with a posttest and certificate of completion for those using radiology equipment. Access to training should be available at least twice a year so interested parties could have access from all over the state, especially in rural settings, not just for those in urban areas. Dr. Wright noted that the Board cannot require this through a rule change until the resources are in place as the requirement would create an undue hardship on the veterinary practice.

Dr. Cuevas reiterated that GVMA provided the Board with a list of nuclear physicists who are able to perform the required inspections, so this resource sheet could be posted on the Board website for facilities so they can obtain the appropriate proof of inspection paperwork. She continued that these inspections are so important as they affect everyone’s safety. The creation of a radiology course may take more time, but she stated the inspection process should be put into the rules. Ms. Sewell shared that unless a veterinary hospital is AHAA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited, the equipment may be sorely out of date and in need of calibration. Ms. Sewell continued that she would follow up with Gwinnett Technical College to find out what is required for the creation of a training program.

Ms. Price recommended that the Committee consider asking the Board to institute a phased process/education campaign for adding the requirements via a Board Rule to include developing a Radiology Information Page on the Board website that includes the radiology checklist and inspection form and a Position Statement concerning the importance of safe radiology practices and possibly an email blast that amendments to the rules will be coming. These actions will alert licensees to the upcoming requirements. A link to the Georgia DCH (Department of Community Health) rules on x-ray equipment could also be posted on the Board website, and a notice of course development, as well as GVMA’s radiology course list resource could all be referenced on that page, all in an effort to provide education and information for licensees to meet the requirements and we can continue to add information as it becomes available prior to starting the rule promulgation process.

Dr. Wright recommended that the information be posted on the website in summer of 2025 in preparation for the 2026 renewal period and that inspections and training be required for the 2028 biennium through the rule process. He wanted to underscore the importance of not waiting until the last minute in case calibrations and/or additional inspections may be required, especially if a practice has never had its radiology equipment inspected. Dr. Wright said this will allow ample time for businesses to look at their budgets and have everything in place since the information will have been posted for four years prior to instituting the requirements. Veterinary practices should be leveraging avenues throughout the process to get the work done. The Board will determine the timeline for e-blast notices pending resource development and the rule promulgation process which may begin summer of 2025.

Ms. Price suggested to the Committee members to reach out to the physicists on the resource list provided by GVMA to see if they have recommendations on courses or if they themselves offer courses, and to determine which, if any of these courses would be accepted by the Board. The question will be added for the 2026 renewal biennium with the caveat that there will be no action required until the 2028 renewal biennium; and that future renewal cycles (2028 biennium) will require proof of inspection according to the answer on the renewal form.

Dr. Cuevas also recommended that for those who receive a certificate of completion and may leave a practice, that they are able to take the certificate with them to their next position; that the training is not for the facility but for the individual licensee. Dr Cuevas also stated that she feels the employer should pay for the course because it is a requirement for their staff to be able to safely take radiographs for that practice and to take the cost factor into consideration. Ms. Price countered that the Board’s purpose is public safety and protection, and payment for the course would be between the employer and their employee.

______________________________________________

Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine – August 21, 2024 Minutes

______________________________________________

Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine – October 1, 2024 Rules Committee Minutes

Discussion – Proposed Revisions to Board Rule 700-14 Scope of Practice for Veterinary Technicians. from Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA)

The Committee entered a discussion regarding the proposed rule revision submitted by the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA) for Rules Chapter 700-14 Scope of Practice for Veterinary Technicians. After detailed analysis, the Committee determined that the rule amendments suggested by GVMA, and those changes that their discussion fine-tuned, serve to safeguard and protect veterinarians from overwork and burnout which may be a danger to the clients/patients, particularly when there are many more duties that veterinarian technicians can carry out. Georgia veterinarians should be able to leverage their staff to provide care in a safe and efficient manner.

The Committee determined that the recommendations protect the public by increasing access to care and delegating more of the practice workload to the licensed technicians. The workflow delegation will allow veterinarians to serve a greater client base and not suffer themselves in the process. Large animal vets are overworked and stretched, especially in rural areas. The basis for rule promulgation loosens the perceived reigns for the LVT roles and expands their scope of practice while under some level of supervision by the licensed veterinarian.

It was noted that the laws and rules in Georgia define direct and indirect supervision and the GVMA and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) have shared that their research reveals that veterinarians want to expand access to care while at the same time covering themselves and their clients/patients. The proposed amendments to the Board Rule will provide clarity to the licensed veterinarian about the skills and practices licensed veterinary technicians are able to perform. The amendments may also stay any efforts by non-profit groups, such as the Mid-level Practitioner Coalition, to statutorily establish a mid-level practitioner rule when licensed veterinary technicians already possess the level of training and expertise to perform additional tasks in the veterinary healthcare environment. Other jurisdictions, such as Arizona and Colorado, had legislation introduced to develop mid-level practitioners in veterinary medicine and the statute has passed in Colorado; however, the implementation has proven problematic as there is some confusion about the difference between those practitioners and licensed veterinary technicians

The Committee further noted that whereas the Georgia Veterinary Practice Act may be a little outdated when it comes to the scope of practice for a licensed veterinary technician, the Board does have some discretion in clarifying the scope within the rules to represent the evolution in scope for veterinary technicians.

Dr. Riddick was invited to detail why the rule revision was formulated and she explained that GVMA created a task force to review the current standards for LVTs. She continued that GVMA has historically been watching LVTs in the legislative arena and has had concerns for at least the last 10 years. Dr. Riddick noted that AAVSB and AVMA do not see a need for mid-level practitioners. Instead, they are lobbying for an increase in scope of practice for LVTs. From a practitioner point of view, it’s now time to understand more than ever what LVTs do is critically necessary. There is not enough information published on what licensed technicians can do legally. Conversely, there are a lot of untrained individuals and veterinary assistants performing services and duties they are not trained or qualified to perform.

Dr. Riddick used the example of the state of Texas where their practice act does not detail the specific duties of LVTs, but provides more clarity on direct and indirect supervision which allows veterinarians to use discretion. She continued that GVMA also followed the model language provided by AAVSB as well as the rationale they provided for the suggested changes submitted to the Board. Dr. Riddick noted that Michigan and Colorado did not have regulations for technicians until recently which created a legal liability for the veterinarian in those jurisdictions.

The Committee entered a discussion of the economic impact of the recommended rule amendment and determined this will be positive for veterinarians as they can now feel more confident in leveraging the LVTs to provide services to clients/patients that they once had to perform; thus, allowing them to care for more patients and generate more revenue for the practice. The LVTs may also be able to receive higher wages for the scope expansion. Elevating their role may help to improve or saturate the availability of LVTs in the state of Georgia where there is currently a shortage. There is a slight potential for a negative economic impact in relation to the cost for a veterinarian to hire LVTs; however, such impact is negated by the elevation of the LVT role for the more capacity the licensed veterinarian has to utilize LVTs, the more care is provided which generates more revenue for all and may also prove to help the profession retain LVTs as well as encourage others to enter into the profession.

The Committee voted by acclimation to refer BR 700-14 Scope of Practice for Veterinary Technicians to the full Board for their review with a recommendation that the Board vote to refer to the Attorney General’s Office for authority and if authority is granted, post for hearing.

See proposed language here.

______________________________________________

Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine – October 8, 2024 Investigative Committee Minutes

______________________________________________

Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine – October 9, 2024 Minutes

Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine – October 23, 2024 Recorded Minutes

Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine – September 26, 2024 Minutes

Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners

Filed in September:

• 201 KAR 16:520 (amend) – Approved veterinary colleges; approved programs for veterinary technicians.
• 201 KAR 16:530 (amend) – Examination requirements for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
  • Material Incorporated by Reference (MIR): “Application for a Special Permit” form
• 201 KAR 16:562 (amend) – Duties and responsibilities of an animal euthanasia specialist.
• 201 KAR 16:590 (amend) – Continuing education requirements, veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
  • MIR: “Request for Continuing Education Approval” form
• 201 KAR 16:612 (new) – Notice to Comply (NOC) and Notice of Violation (NOV).
• 201 KAR 16:614 (new) – Fines.

Written comments may be submitted through November 30, 2024, to Michelle.Shane@ky.gov or KBVE, 4047 Iron Works Pkwy, Suite 104, Lexington, KY 40511.

A public hearing will only be held upon request at least five (5) days in advance of the scheduled hearing on November 22, 2024, at 1:00 pm EST. If no request is received to be heard at the scheduled public hearing, the hearing will be canceled.

Filed in October:
An informational meeting about the below filings is scheduled via Zoom on Nov 20 at 6:30 PM EST. To register for the meeting, email Vet@ky.gov by Nov 18. The meeting that was scheduled for Oct 30 was canceled due to low RSVP.
Amendments to Current Regulations:

• 201 KAR 16:510 (amend) – Fees for veterinarians.

New Veterinary Facility Registration Regulations:

• 201 KAR 16:515 (new) – Fees for veterinary facility registrations.
• 201 KAR 16:762 (new) – Application requirements for veterinary facility registration; Veterinary managers; Registered responsible parties.
  • MIR: “Application for Veterinary Facility Registration” form
  • MIR: “Registration for Mass Rabies Immunization Clinic” form
• 201 KAR 16:765 (new) – Veterinary facilities — Renewal notice — Requirements for renewal and reinstatement.
  • MIR: “Renewal Application for Registered Veterinary Facilities” form
  • MIR: “Reinstatement Application for Registered Veterinary Facilities” form
• 201 KAR 16:767 (new) – Registered Veterinary Facilities — Duties of Registered Responsible Parties and Veterinarian Managers.
  • MIR: “Request for Facility Information Change” form
  • MIR: “Request for a New Veterinarian Manager” form

New Allied Animal Health Professional (AAHP) Permit Regulations:

• 201 KAR 16:513 (new) – Fees for Allied Animal Health Professional (AAHP) Permits.
• 201 KAR 16:730 (new) – Approved allied animal health professional (AAHP) programs; education requirements.
• 201 KAR 16: 731 (new) – Examination requirements for allied animal health professionals.
• 201 KAR 16:732 (new) – Application requirements for allied animal health professional permits — reinstatement.
  • MIR: “Application for Allied Animal Health Professional (AAHP) Provider Permit” form
  • MIR: “Reinstatement Application for AAHP Permits” form
• 201 KAR 16:735 (new) – Renewal requirements for AAHP permits — renewal notice — expiration.
  • MIR: “Renewal Application for AAHP Permits” form
• 201 KAR 16:737 (new) – Responsibilities for allied animal health professionals (AAHPs); limitations on practice.

New AAHP Facility Registration Regulations:

• 201 KAR 16:517 (new) – Fees for allied animal health professional facility registrations.
• 201 KAR 16:772 (new) – Application requirements for AAHP Facility Registration; AAHP Managers; Registered Responsible Parties.
  • MIR: “Application for AAHP Facility Registration” form
• 201 KAR 16:775 (new) – AAHP facilities — Renewal notice — Requirements for renewal and reinstatement.
  • MIR: “Renewal Application for Registered AAHP Facilities” form
  • MIR: “Reinstatement Application for Registered AAHP Facilities” form
• 201 KAR 16:777 (new) – Registered AAHP Facilities — Duties of Registered Responsible Parties and AAHP Managers.
  • MIR: “Request for a New AAHP Manager” form

Written comments may be submitted through December 31, 2024, to Michelle.Shane@ky.gov or KBVE, 4047 Iron Works Pkwy, Suite 104, Lexington, KY 40511.

A public hearing will only be held upon request at least five (5) days in advance of the scheduled hearing on December 23, 2024, at 10:00 am EST. If no request is received to be heard at the scheduled public hearing, the hearing will be canceled.

Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine – Current Rulemaking Activity

2024-10 ~ LAC 46LXXXV.301, 801, and 1201 – Licensing Procedures

• 10-03-2024 Board discussed and voted on amendments to sections 301, 801, and 1201. [Meeting Minutes – 10-03-24 — minutes must be ratified at the Dec. 5th meeting before being published.]
• 10-21-2024 Notice of Intent and Fiscal & Economic Impact Statements submitted to Legislative Fiscal Office for review. The Notice of Intent will be published and notification sent to licensees after LFO approval is received.

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

• 02-01-2024 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.

2024-04 ~ LAC 46LXXXV.1007, 1011, 1025, 1039, 1051, 1057, and 1063 – Rules of Professional Conduct

• 04-04-2024 Board discussed and voted on amendments to several sections, including §1007, §1011, §1025, §1039, §1051, §1057, and §1063. [Meeting Minutes – 04-04-24]
• 05-08-2024 Notice of Intent and Fiscal & Economic Impact Statements submitted to Legislative Fiscal Office for review.
• 06-28-2024 Legislative Fiscal Office approved fiscal and economic impact statement.
• 06-28-2024 First Report submitted to Senate and House Legislative Oversight Committees on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development.
• 06-28-2024 Notice of Intent submitted for publication in 2024 Louisiana Register, Volume 50, July edition.
• 07-20-2024 Notice of Intent published in 2024 Louisiana Register, Volume 50, July edition.
• 07-20-2024 Submission of written comments related to this rule proposal will be accepted only from July 21st to August 9th.
• 08-09-2024 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.
• 08-12-2024 Summary Report submitted to Senate and House Legislative Oversight Committees on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development for final review.
• 08-14-2024 Notice of Intent submitted to Department of Justice’s Occupational Licensing Review Program (OLRP) for review.
• 10-08-2024 Favorable review in the OLRP opinion and approval received to move forward in the rulemaking process.
• 09-14-2024 Approval received from Senate and House Legislative Oversight Committees on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development.
• 10-21-2024 Submitted Insertion Order for Final Rule to the Louisiana Register.
• 11-20-2024 Final Rule to be published in 2024 Louisiana Register, Volume 50, November edition – effective 11/20/24.

Massachusetts Board of Registration Veterinary Medicine – August 8, 2024 Minutes

Discussion Items:

NAVLE Retake Approval Process: The Board’s Executive Director presented to the Board that the AAVSB has been submitting requests seeking approval from the Massachusetts Board for a Massachusetts candidate to re-take the NAVLE exam after three failed attempts. Board Counsel pointed out that there is nothing in our Statutes or Regulations that limits the number of times a candidate can take the exam, nor are there any requirements for a remedial course before a candidate can retake the exam. Upon discussion, Board Members affirmed that they do not want to restrict the number of times a candidate can take the NAVLE exam and that a candidate should not have to obtain approval to re-take the exam from the Massachusetts Board.

Neogen Corp Question: Board Members discussed a question that came in from the Regulatory Affairs Manager of Neogen Corp. The question involved whether a Q-draw needle, that would be used to draw blood from animals, could be sold over the counter for animal use in Massachusetts. The blood sample would then be sent back to Neogen for testing. Board Members discussed and agreed that this is not a matter that the Board would be involved in, as the testing kits involve use on people’s pets.

Nebraska Board of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery – October 23, 2024 Minutes

2024 LEGISLATION UPDATES
Megan Kilgore, Executive Director of the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) was present via WebEx for discussion with the Board. LR375 – Interim study to examine different methods, including potential statutory changes, to address the need to recruit, train, and retain individuals who practice production animal veterinary services in Nebraska. https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Intro/LR375.pdf

Hearing is scheduled for November 1, 2024. Megan indicated that the NVMA will be testifying at the Hearing along with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

New Hampshire Board of Veterinary Medicine – September 18, 2024 Minutes

New Jersey State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners – September 18, 2024 Minutes

New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine – September 11, 2024 Minutes

New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine – August 28, 2024 Minutes

Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board

• August 22-23, 2024 VIDEO Part 1
• August 22-23, 2024 VIDEO Part 2

Utah Veterinary Physicians Licensing Board – September 19, 2024 Audio

Vermont Board of Veterinary Medicine – November 14, 2024 Recording

Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine – September 23, 2024 Informal Conferences Minutes

Public Meeting Notice: Animal Healthcare Tasks Subcommittee

The Veterinary Board of Governors is holding a subcommittee meeting on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 8 am.

The subcommittee will discuss WACs 246-935-010, 040, and 050.

Current DRAFT language of WAC & Tasks in Table WAC.
Meeting agenda.

If you have more questions regarding this agenda, please contact Poppy Budrow at veterinary@doh.wa.gov.

West Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine – July 16, 2024 Minutes