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AGENCY UMBRELLA-UNIT NUMBER: 02-285
AGENCY NAME: Department of Professional & Financial Regulation, Office of Licensing & Registration, Board of Veterinary Medicine

CONTACT PERSON: Geraldine L. Betts, Board Administrator, 35 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0035, tel. (207) 624-8625

EMERGENCY RULES ADOPTED SINCE THE LAST REGULATORY AGENDA: None

EXPECTED 2003-2004 RULE-MAKING ACTIVITY: The Board will review and amend current rules as may be necessary. Specifically, the Board will review the requirements and procedures for veterinary technicians, requirements and procedures for continuing professional education, and standards of safe and sanitary practices of veterinary clinics. In response to Public Law 2003 Chapter 251, the Board may need to amend current rules to conform to statutory changes with regard to foreign educated applicants and educational requirements for licensing veterinarians. Other rules affected by licensing and/or continuing education changes may be subject to change. Outdated or duplicative rules that may exist in rules established by the Office of Licensing and Registration as authorized by 10 MRSA §8003 will be repealed.

CHAPTER 1: Definitions and General Provisions
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 32 MRSA §§4859(1) and (3), and 4861(5)(C)
PURPOSE: Defines terms used throughout the Board's rules and sets standards for conducting meetings and hearings, issuing advisory rulings, recordkeeping, and the manner in which complaints are handled. The Board may review this for conformance with current statutes and make changes as needed.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Within one year, if necessary.
AFFECTED PARTIES: Licensees
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: Not Contemplated

CHAPTER 2: Licensure Requirements for Veterinarians and Permit for Performance of Relief Veterinary Service
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 32 MRSA §§4859(1), 4861(4), AND 4871(2)
PURPOSE: Establish requirements for issuance of a license to practice veterinary medicine and permits for the performance of relief veterinary service including: application, education, experience, and references. The Board may review this for conformance with current statutes and make changes as needed.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Within one year, if necessary.
AFFECTED PARTIES: Licensees
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: Not Contemplated

CHAPTER 3: Registration Requirements for Veterinary Technicians
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 32 MRSA §§4859(6)
PURPOSE: Establish registration requirements and procedures for veterinary technicians. The Board may review this for conformance with current statutes and make changes as needed.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Within one year, if necessary.
AFFECTED PARTIES: Licensees
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: Not Contemplated

CHAPTER 4: Standards for Continuing Professional Education for Veterinary Doctors
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 32 MRSA §§4871(2)
PURPOSE: Establish requirements for continuing professional education for licensing renewal. The Board may need to amend this chapter to conform to recently adopted rules by the Office of Licensing and Registration on substantiation of continuing education by licensed practitioners.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Within one year, if necessary.
AFFECTED PARTIES: Licensees
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: Not Contemplated

CHAPTER 5: Standards for Veterinary Practice Facilities and Recordkeeping
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 32 MRSA §§4859(3)
PURPOSE: Establish safety, sanitation, and procedural guidelines with which a veterinary clinic must comply. The Board may review this for conformance with current statutes and improve the manner in which veterinary clinics operate within the Board's statutory authority, particularly with regard to recordkeeping.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Within one year, if necessary.
AFFECTED PARTIES: Licensees
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: Not Contemplated

CHAPTER 6: Enforcement and Disciplinary Procedures
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 32 MRSA §§4859(3)
PURPOSE: Establish enforcement and disciplinary procedures used by the Board. The Board may review this for conformance with current statutes and make changes as needed.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Within one year, if necessary.
AFFECTED PARTIES: Licensees
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: Not Contemplated

CHAPTER 7: Code of Ethics
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 32 MRSA §§4859(2) and (3), and 4864(11)
PURPOSE: Establish professional practice standards for the practice of veterinary medicine. The Board may review this chapter and make changes to reflect current practice expectations for the protection of the public being served.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Within one year, if necessary.
AFFECTED PARTIES: Licensees
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: Not Contemplated

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