The North Carolina Veterinary Practice Act mandates the rules for the practice of veterinary medicine in North Carolina and its regulation by the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board.
It is comprised of two sections. They may be viewed at:
Alternatively, a copy maintained by the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board may be viewed at here.
During the 2001-2002 Legislative Session, House Bill 1449, filed May 9, 2001, a bill to rewrite the North Carolina Veterinary Practice Act was introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly. It was NOT enacted into law.
Dr. Hawkins reported on his meeting with the Executive Board of the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association to discuss potential legislative changes to the Veterinary Practice Act
Legislation Introduced in the N.C. General Assembly Affecting Veterinary MedicineRichard W. Hawkins, DVM, NCVMB President, stated that the areas identified for discussion regarding changes to the Practice Act and Board Rules are: licensing of graduates of non-accredited foreign veterinary colleges; fees; facility registrations and ownership; ownership of medical records; impairment; allowable duties of registered veterinary technicians; supervision of employees; regulation of veterinary consultants.
Thomas Mickey, NCVMB Executive Director, stated that the two issues at the top of 2013 legislative priorities are to add PAVE as an additional program by which graduates of veterinary colleges not accredited by the AVMA can qualify for licensure and authorization to raise the “cap” on fees assessed by the Board.
2013
From the February 1, 2013 NCVMB Minutes:
At 9:15 a.m. Ms. Claire Holley, Executive Director of the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association (NCVMA) presented a legislative issue to the Board for its consideration. The NCVMA Board is concerned that email addresses of licensees in the Board records are public record and, as such, could be obtained by individuals and businesses for marketing and other purposes. The NCVMA Board considers the email addresses to be private information. She presented draft language that would amend the Veterinary Practice Act to exclude such identifying information from the N. C. public records law (G.S. Chapter 132). Ms. Holley also presented a proposal from the NCVMA to restrict the number of continuing education hours in the category of practice management that may be earned for annual license renewal. She requested that the Board review and support the adoption of both proposals. She left the meeting at 9:50 a.m.
The Board scheduled a Board meting to be held by telephone conference call on February 19, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss (1) an amendment to the Veterinary Practice Act clarifying the requirements for reinstatement of a veterinary license or technician registration revoked for non-renewal; and (2) an amendment to the Board Rules to restrict the number of continuing education hours that may applied to annual license/registration renewal in the category of practice management. The Executive director and Board attorney will distribute draft language on both issues before the meeting.
(10) The substance of any anticipated request by the Board to the General Assembly to amend statutes:
Amend G.S. § 90-185 to raise the not to exceed amounds for various fees listed in this General Statute.
Amend G.S. § 90-187.9 license reinstatement; and to provide for confidentiality of electronic mail names or addresses as set forth in Senate Bil 382.
(11) The substance of any anticipated change in rules or anticipated adoption of new rules:
21 NCAC 66.0206 Minimum Standards for Continuing Education
This change would increase the number of allowable hours for audio, video or computer-based training from three to five hours.
21 NCAC 66.0207 Minimum Facility and Practice Standards
Revised the requirements for in-house or consultant laboratory services.
A proposed rule change to the Practice Act was published in the North Carolina Register, Volume 29, Issue 4, August 15, 2014, pages 423-424. "Notice is hereby given in accordance with G.S. 150B-21.2 that the NC Veterinary Medical Board intends to amend the rule cited as 21 NCAC 66 .0108 "
Proposed Effective Date: January 1, 2015
Proposed Action: Inspection of a veterinary practice facility:seventy-five dollars ($75.00)one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125.00).
(10) The substance of any anticipated request by the Board to the General Assembly to amend statutes:
Amend G.S. § 90-187.8(c) to provide the Board with an additional grounds [sic] for disciplinary action
(11) The substance of any anticipated change in rules or anticipated adoption of new rules:
21 NCAC 66.0108 Fees
Amend section 12 to conform to change made to G.S. 90-186(6)d during the last legislative session.
21 NCAC 66.0206 Minimum Standards for Continuing Education
This change would increase the number of allowable hours for audio, video or computer-based training from three to five hours.
21 NCAC 66.0207 Minimum Facility and Practice Standards
Revised the requirements for in-house or consultant laboratory services
"Mr. Mickey presented the amendment to 21 NCAC 66 .0108,(fees) as published in the North Carolina Register. Mr. Loftis made a motion to approve the amendment. Dr. Cochran seconded the motion which passed unanimously."
"Mr. Mickey presented some technical corrections to the Veterinary Practice Action [sic] that would require legislative action. Dr. Barber made a motion to approve the language as presented. Mrs. Morgan seconded the motion. This motion passed unanimously."
A proposed rule change to 21 NCAC 66.0108 - increase the issuance or renewal fee for professional corporations - was published in the North Carolina Register, Volume 30, Issue 03 on August 3, 2015.
An approved rule change to 21 NCAC 66.0209 - LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES - was published in the North Carolina Register, Volume 30, Issue 07 on October 1, 2015.
A proposed rule change to 21 NCAC 66.0105 - APPLICABILITY OF BOARD RULES - appeared on the NCVMB web site.
The Executive Director shall mail a copy of Article 11 of Chapter 90 of the North Carolina General Statutes and the rules of the Board adopted under Chapter 90 to all applicants applying for licensure. Additional copies are available from the Executive Director at the Board office.Rules adopted and published by the Board under the provisions of Article 11 of Chapter 90 and G.S. 150B shall be binding upon every individual holding a license from the Board, and upon all professional corporations and entities legally authorized to offer or to perform veterinary services in this state. All licensees of the Board are charged with having knowledge of the existence of the Board rules and shall be deemed to be familiar with their several provisions and to understand them.
"Mr. Hearn presented a draft of a proposed change to the Veterinary Practice Act concerning license exemption for administering to one's own animals (G.S. § 90-187.10)."
"(11) The substance of any anticipated change in rules or anticipated adoption of new rules:21 NCAC 66.0105 Applicability of Board Rules
Amend the requirement to mail a copy of Article 11 of Chapter 90 and rules adopted under Chapter 90 to all applicants applying for licensure.
21 NCAC 66.0206 Minimum Standards for Continuing Education
This change would increase the number of allowable hours for audio, video or computer-based training from three to five hours."
2016
"A proposed revision to 21 NCAC 66.0106, entitled, "Current Information required by the Board," was presented to the Board. Dr. Cochran made a motion to accept the proposed revision. Dr. Barber seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously."
"The Executive Director reported on a meeting of the Joint Legislative Administrative Procedure Oversight Committee of the North Carolina General Assembly. He presented copies of Draft Bill 2015-TQz-40[v.7] and Draft Bill 2015 SBz021[V.6]. These measures if adopted would affect certain aspects of most occupational licensing boards. No further action was taken."
"With the Board having received no public comment to the proposed rule amendment, Dr. Barber made a motion to approve the rule change to 21 NCAC 66.0105 entitled, "Current Information required by the Board". Dr. Bull seconded the motion and it passed unanimously."
"Following a discussion about minimum standards for continuing education, Dr. Bull made a motion to approve the proposed amendment (circulated to the Board) to 21 NCAC 66.0206, Minimum Standards for Continuing Education. The motion seconded by Dr. Cochran was approved unanimously."
"Dr. Meckes discussed the difficulties he was having filling positions within the North Carolina Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System. He explained that the veterinary positions require that an applicant be eligible for licensure. Several positions have not been able to be filled because of this requirement. To assist, the Board determined that it would like to pursue an amendment to Board rules that would further define the licensing requirement of a limited veterinary license. Mr. Hearn and Dr. Meckes will work on a draft amendment for review at the next Board meeting."
"Dr. Barber made a motion that the Board undertake rulemaking to amend 21 NCAC 66.0108, to increase the renewal fee for veterinary licenses, faculty and Zoo veterinarian certificates from $150 to $170 to be effective with the 2017 renewal applications. Dr. Meckes seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Dr. Bull made a motion that the Board undertake rulemaking to amend 21 NCAC 66.0311, entitled Limited Veterinary License. The amendment would allow veterinarians not otherwise eligible for a veterinary license and employed the the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services in a position with the N.C. Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory to obtain a limited veterinary license. Dr. Barber seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The Board discussed amending 21 NCAC 66.0206, entitled Minimum Standards for Continuing Education. Following discussion it was determined that additional changes are needed. The Board will consider this at its next meeting."
Dr. Bull made a motion, seconded by Dr. Cochran to initiate rule making to amend 21 NCAC 66.0206 - Minimum Standards for Continuing Education. The motion passed unanimously.
Dr. Bull, seconded by Dr. Barber, made a motion to initiate rule making to amend 21 NCAC 66.0106 - Current Information dRequired by the Board. The motion passed unanimously.
Proposed Effective Date: June 1, 2017
Reason for Proposed Action:
21 NCAC 66 .0206 – Add the American Association of Veterinary State Boards to the list of continuing education providers. To increase the number of continuing education hours allowed by computer. Allow veterinarians or technicians in the armed forces an extension to comply with continuing education requirements.
21 NCAC 66 .0311 – Allow a limited veterinary license to a person employed by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in a position with the North Carolina Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System.
Dr. Gemeinhardt opened a discussion of the Board's proposed amendments to Board Rule 21 NCAC 66.0206. The amendments would include changing the requirements for obtaining continuing education (CE) credits by allowing the annual credit hours required for license or registration renewal to be obtained through materials and media in lieu of attendance at approved seminars and meetings, although credits for attendance at seminars and meetings would still remain in the Rule. The NCVMA and others through correspondence and other communications had stated objections prior to and at the meeting to allowing more than 10 of the 20 hours required of licensees annually to be obtained by means other than attendance at approved seminars and meetings.,
Following the January meeting, the Board had filed the proposed draft amendments to Rule .0206 with the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) for consideration by the Rules Review Commission (RRC). Dr. Dean made a motion, seconded by Dr. Bull, to reopen the discussion on the proposed amendments to Rule .0206 as filed with OAH. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Mickey explained the rulemaking process and that the proposed amended Rule was being reviewed by the RRC. Dr. Dean made a motion, seconded by Ms. Lazaro, to stop the rulemaking process and file a formal withdrawal of the proposed Rule .0206 amendments with OAH. The motion passed unanimously. The Board directed Mr. Mickey and Mr. Hearn, with review by Dr. Schadler, to prepare a revised draft of proposed Rule .0206 amendments that would incorporate suggestions from the NCVMA as well as proposed wording offered by Dr. Gemeinhardt during the discussion. The suggestions and new wording would limit to 10 the number of CE credit hours and could be obtained for annual renewal by methods other than attendance at approved seminars and meetings.
Dr. Dean made a motion, seconded by Dr. Meckes, that following the Board's review of the revised draft of Rule .0206 to be developed by staff, the draft be shared with any interested party so comments might be presented to the Board for its consideration before finalizing the draft. The motion passed unanimously.
Representatives of the NCVMA were recognized for a discussion of drafts of two proposed legislative amendments to the Practice Act: (1) the first would permit certain surgical procedures on animals at shelters and similar organizations if the surgery if performed by a veterinarian licensed by the Board, through inspecting, confirms that the facility meets the minimum health and sanitary requirements imposed by Board rule on veterinary facilities; (2) the second would address aspects of telemedicine and amend part of the definition of "veterinary-patient relationship."
a) Review the public comments on .0311 and vote to approve the language as written in order to complete rule making.
Motion: With the Board having received no public comment to the proposed rule amendment, Dr. Meckes made a motion to approve the rule change to 21 NCAC 66.0311 entitled, "Limited Veterinary License". Dr. Cochran seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
b) Update on the revised draft rule .0206 (Continuing Education/online education
The rule as presented by Mr. Hearn, discussed, and currently the NCVMB is awaiting feedback from interested parties prior to proceeding.
Mr. Mickey presented to the Board a schedule for rule making and the proposed revisions to Rule 21 NCAC 66.0206, Minimum Standards for Continuing Education. Dr. Barber made a motion to approve the proposed amendments to the Rule with a second by Dr. Meckes. It was approved unanimously.
Mr. Mickey also reported the status of the amended Rule 21 NCAC 66.0311 limited veterinary licenses. The 60-day public comment period is complete. The Rule goes back to the Rules Review Commission to be submitted on May 8, 2017 for technical corrections.
GENERAL STATUTES SECTION OF THE N.C. VETERINARY MEDICAL PRACTICE ACT
N.C. GENERAL ASSEMBLY
General Statute Changes Regarding Veterinary Medicine and/or the Practice Act 2013-2014
§ 90‑179. Purpose of Article.
In order to promote the public health, safety, and welfare by safeguarding the people of this State against unqualified or incompetent practitioners of veterinary medicine, it is hereby declared that the right to practice veterinary medicine is a privilege conferred by legislative grant to persons possessed of the personal and professional qualifications specified in this Article. (1973, c. 1106, s. 1.)
§ 90‑180. Title.
This Article shall be known as the North Carolina Veterinary Practice Act. (1973, c. 1106, s. 1.)
§ 90‑181. Definitions.
When used in this Article these words and phrases shall be defined as follows:
(1) "Accredited school of veterinary medicine" means any veterinary college or division of a university or college that offers the degree of doctor of veterinary medicine or its equivalent and that conforms to the standards required for accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
(2) "Animal" means any animal, mammal other than man and includes birds, fish, and reptiles, wild or domestic, living or dead.
(2a) "Animal dentistry" means the treatment, extraction, cleaning, adjustment, or "floating" (filing or smoothing) of an animal's teeth, and treatment of an animal's gums.
(3) "Board" means the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board.
(3a) "Cruelty to animals" means to willfully overdrive, overload, wound, injure, torture, torment, deprive of necessary sustenance, cruelly beat, needlessly mutilate or kill any animal, or cause or procure any of these acts to be done to an animal; provided, that the words "torture," "torment," or "cruelty" include every act, omission, or neglect causing or permitting unjustifiable physical pain, suffering, or death.
(4) "Limited veterinary license" or "limited license" means a license issued by the Board under authority of this Article that specifically, by its terms, restricts the scope or areas of practice of veterinary medicine by the holder of the limited license; provided, that no limited license shall confer or denote an area of specialty of the holder of this limited veterinary license; and provided further, that unless otherwise provided by Board rule, the licensing requirements shall be identical to those specified for a veterinary license.
(5) "Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, association, joint venture, cooperative or corporation, or any other group or combination acting in concert; and whether or not acting as a principal, trustee, fiduciary, receiver, or as any kind of legal or personal representative, or as the successor in interest, assignee, agent, factor, servant, employee, director, officer, or any other representative of such person.
(6) "Practice of veterinary medicine" means:
a. To diagnose, treat, correct, change, relieve, or prevent animal disease, deformity, defect, injury, or other physical or mental conditions; including the prescription or administration of any drug, medicine, biologic, apparatus, application, anesthetic, or other therapeutic or diagnostic substance or technique on any animal.
b. To represent, directly or indirectly, publicly or privately, an ability and willingness to do any act described in sub‑subdivision a. of this subdivision.
c. To use any title, words, abbreviation, or letters in a manner or under circumstances which induce the belief that the person using them is qualified to do any act described in sub‑subdivision a. of this subdivision.
(7) "Veterinarian" shall mean a person who has received a doctor's degree in veterinary medicine from an accredited school of veterinary medicine and who is licensed by the Board to practice veterinary medicine.
(7a) "Veterinarian‑client‑patient relationship" means that:
a. The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animal and the need for medical treatment, and the client (owner or other caretaker) has agreed to follow the instruction of the veterinarian.
b. There is sufficient knowledge of the animal by the veterinarian to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal. This means that the veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal by virtue of an examination of the animal, or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal is kept.
c. The practicing veterinarian is readily available or provides for follow‑up in case of adverse reactions or failure of the regimen of therapy.
(7b) "Veterinary license" or "license" means a license to practice veterinary medicine issued by the Board.
(8) "Veterinary medicine" includes veterinary surgery, obstetrics, dentistry, and all other branches or specialties of veterinary medicine.
(9) "Veterinary student intern" means a person who is enrolled in an accredited veterinary college, has satisfactorily completed the third year of veterinary college education, and is registered with the Board as a veterinary student intern.
(10) "Veterinary student preceptee" means a person who is pursuing a doctorate degree in an accredited school of veterinary medicine that has a preceptor or extern program, has completed the academic requirements of that program, and is registered with the Board as a veterinary student preceptee.
(11) "Veterinary technician" means either of the following persons:
a. A person who has successfully completed a post‑high school course in the care and treatment of animals that conforms to the standards required for accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association and who is registered with the Board as a veterinary technician.
b. A person who holds a degree in veterinary medicine from a college of veterinary medicine recognized by the Board for licensure of veterinarians and who is registered with the Board as a veterinary technician. (1961, c. 353, s. 2; 1973, c. 1106, s. 1; 1993, c. 500 s. 1.)
§ 90‑181.1. Practice facility names and levels of service.
(a) In order to accurately inform the public of the levels of service offered, a veterinary practice facility shall use in its name one of the descriptive terms defined in subsection (b) of this section. The name of a veterinary practice facility shall, at all times, accurately reflect the level of service being offered to the public. If a veterinary facility or practice offers on‑call emergency service, that service must be as that term is defined in subsection (b) of this section.
(b) The following definitions are applicable to this section:
(1) "Animal health center" or "animal medical center" means a veterinary practice facility in which consultative, clinical, and hospital services are rendered and in which a large staff of basic and applied veterinary scientists perform significant research and conduct advanced professional educational programs.
(2) "Emergency facility" means a veterinary medical facility whose primary function is the receiving, treatment, and monitoring of emergency patients during its specified hours of operation. At this veterinary practice facility a veterinarian is in attendance at all hours of operation and sufficient staff is available to provide timely and appropriate emergency care. An emergency facility may be an independent veterinary medical after‑hours facility, an independent veterinary medical 24‑hour facility, or part of a full‑service hospital or large teaching institution.
(3) "Mobile facility" means a veterinary practice conducted from a vehicle with special medical or surgical facilities or from a vehicle suitable only for making house or farm calls; provided, the veterinary medical practice shall have a permanent base of operation with a published address and telephone facilities for making appointments or responding to emergency situations.
(4) "Office" means a veterinary practice facility where a limited or consultative practice is conducted and which provides no facilities for the housing of patients.
(5) "On‑call emergency service" means a veterinary medical service at a practice facility, including a mobile facility, where veterinarians and staff are not on the premises during all hours of operation or where veterinarians leave after a patient is treated. A veterinarian shall be available to be reached by telephone for after‑hours emergencies.
(6) "Veterinary clinic" or "animal clinic" means a veterinary practice facility in which the practice conducted is essentially an out‑patient practice.
(7) "Veterinary hospital" or "animal hospital" means a veterinary practice facility in which the practice conducted includes the confinement as well as the treatment of patients.
(c) If a veterinary practice facility uses as its name the name of the veterinarian or veterinarians owning or operating the facility, the name of the veterinary practice facility shall also include a descriptive term from those listed in subsection (b) of this section to disclose the level of service being offered.
(d) Those facilities existing and approved by the Board as of December 31, 1993, may continue to use their approved name or designation until there is a partial or total change of ownership of the facility, at which time the name of the veterinary practice facility shall be changed, as necessary, to comply with this section. (1993, c. 500, s. 2.)
§ 90‑182. North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board; appointment, membership, organization.
(a) In order to properly regulate the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery, there is established a Board to be known as the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board which shall consist of eight members.
Five members shall be appointed by the Governor. Four of these members shall have been legal residents of and licensed to practice veterinary medicine in this State for not less than five years preceding their appointment. The other member shall not be licensed or registered under the Article and shall represent the interest of the public at large. Each member appointed by the Governor shall reside in a different congressional district.
The General Assembly, upon the recommendation of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, shall appoint to the Board one member who shall have been a resident of and licensed to practice veterinary medicine in this State for not less than five years preceding the appointment. The General Assembly, upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, shall appoint to the Board one member who shall have been a legal resident of and registered as a veterinary technician in this State for not less than five years preceding the appointment.
In addition to the seven members appointed as provided above, the Commissioner of Agriculture shall biennially appoint to the Board the State Veterinarian or another veterinarian from a staff of a North Carolina department or institution. This member shall have been a legal resident of and licensed to practice veterinary medicine in North Carolina for not less than five years preceding his appointment.
Every member shall, within 30 days after notice of appointment, appear before any person authorized to administer the oath of office and take an oath to faithfully discharge the duties of the office.
(b) No person who has been appointed to the Board shall continue his membership on the Board if during the term of his appointment he shall:
(1) Transfer his legal residence to another state; or
(2) Own or be employed by any wholesale or jobbing house dealing in supplies, equipment, or instruments used or useful in the practice of veterinary medicine; or
(3) Have his license to practice veterinary medicine revoked for any of the causes listed in G.S. 90‑187.8.
(c) All members serving on the board on June 30, 1981, shall complete their respective terms. The Governor shall appoint the public member not later than July 1, 1981. No member appointed to the Board by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House of Representatives, or General Assembly on or after July 1, 1981, shall serve more than two complete consecutive five‑year terms, except that each member shall serve until his successor is appointed and qualifies.
(d) The appointing authority may remove his appointee for the reasons specified in subsection (b) or for any good cause shown and may appoint members to fill unexpired terms. (1903, c. 503, s. 2; Rev., s. 5432; C.S., s. 6755; 1961, c. 353, s. 3; 1973, c. 1106, s. 1; c. 1331, s. 3; 1981, c. 767, s. 1; 1993, c. 500, ss. 3, 4; 2001‑281, ss. 1, 2; 2001‑487, s. 104.)
§ 90‑183. Meeting of Board.
The Board shall meet at least four times per year at the time and place fixed by the Board. Other meetings may be called by the president of the Board by giving notice as may be required by rule. A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum. Meetings shall be open and public except that the Board may meet in closed session to prepare, approve, administer, or grade examinations, or to deliberate the qualification of an applicant for license or the disposition of a proceeding to discipline a veterinarian.
At its last meeting of the fiscal year the Board shall organize by electing, for the following fiscal year, a president, a vice‑president, a secretary‑treasurer, and such other officers as may be prescribed by rule. Officers of the Board shall serve for terms of one year and until a successor is elected, without limitation on the number of terms an officer may serve. The president shall serve as chairman of Board meetings. (1903, c. 503, ss. 3, 4, 6, 7; Rev., s. 5433; C.S., s. 6756; 1973, c. 1106, s. 1; 1993, c. 500, s. 5.)
§ 90‑184. Compensation of the Board.
In addition to such reimbursement for travel and other expenses as is normally allowed to State employees, each member of the Board, for each day or substantial portion thereof that the member is engaged in the work of the Board may receive a per diem allowance, as determined by the Board in accordance with G.S. 93B‑5. None of the expenses of the Board or of the members shall be paid by the State. (1903, c. 503, s. 9; Rev., s. 5434; C.S., s. 6757; 1961, c. 353, s. 4; 1973, c. 1106, s. 1; 1981, c. 767, s. 2; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 1011, s. 4; 1993, c. 500, s. 6.)
§ 90‑185. General powers of the Board.
The Board may:
(1) Examine and determine the qualifications and fitness of applicants for a license to practice veterinary medicine in the State.
(2) Issue, renew, deny, suspend, or revoke licenses and limited veterinary licenses, and issue, deny, or revoke temporary permits to practice veterinary medicine in the State or otherwise discipline veterinarians consistent with the provisions of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes and of this Article and the rules adopted under this Article.
(3) Conduct investigations for the purpose of discovering violations of this Article or grounds for disciplining veterinarians.
(4) Employ full‑time or part‑time personnel – professional, clerical, or special – necessary to effectuate the provisions of this Article, purchase or rent necessary office space, equipment, and supplies, and purchase liability or other insurance to cover the activities of the Board, its operations, or its employees.
(5) Appoint from its own membership one or more members to act as representatives of the Board at any meeting within or without the State where such representation is deemed desirable.
(6) Adopt, amend, or repeal all rules necessary for its government and all regulations necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this Article, including the establishment and publication of standards of professional conduct for the practice of veterinary medicine.
The powers enumerated above are granted for the purpose of enabling the Board effectively to supervise the practice of veterinary medicine and are to be construed liberally to accomplish this objective. (1973, c. 1106, s. 1; c. 1331, s. 3; 1981, c. 767, s. 3; 1987, c. 827, s. 1; 1993, c. 500, s. 7.)
§ 90‑186. Special powers of the Board.
In addition to the powers set forth in G.S. 90‑185 above, the Board may:
(1) Fix minimum standards for continuing veterinary medical education for veterinarians and technicians, which shall be a condition precedent to the renewal of a veterinary license, limited license, veterinary faculty certificate, zoo veterinary certificate, or veterinary technician registration, respectively, under this Article;
(2) Inspect any hospitals, clinics, mobile units or other facilities used by any practicing veterinarian, either by a member of the Board or its authorized representatives, for the purpose of reporting the results of the inspection to the Board on a form prescribed by the Board and seeking disciplinary action for violations of health, sanitary, and medical waste disposal rules of the Board affecting the practice of veterinary medicine, or violations of rules of any county, state, or federal department or agency having jurisdiction in these areas of health, sanitation, and medical waste disposal that relate to or affect the practice of veterinary medicine;
(3) Upon complaint or information received by the Board, prohibit through summary emergency order of the Board, prior to a hearing, the operation of any veterinary practice facility that the Board determines is endangering, or may endanger, the public health or safety or the welfare and safety of animals, and suspend the license of the veterinarian operating the veterinary practice facility, provided that upon the issuance of any summary emergency order, the Board shall initiate, within 10 days, a notice of hearing under the administrative rules issued pursuant to this Article and Chapter 150B of the General Statutes for an administrative hearing on the alleged violation;
(4) Provide special registration for "veterinary technicians," "veterinary student interns" and "veterinary student preceptees" and adopt rules concerning the training, registration and service limits of such assistants while employed by and acting under the supervision and responsibility of veterinarians. The Board has exclusive jurisdiction in determining eligibility and qualification requirements for these assistants. Renewals of registrations for veterinary technicians shall be required at least every 24 months, provided that the certificate of registration for the veterinary technician is otherwise eligible for renewal;
(5) Provide, pursuant to administrative rules, requirements for the inactive status of licenses and limited veterinary licenses;
(6) Set and require fees pursuant to administrative rule for the following:
a. Issuance or renewal of a certificate of registration for a professional corporation, in an amount not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
b. Administering a North Carolina license examination, in an amount not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).
c. Securing and administering national examinations, including the National Board Examination or the Clinical Competency Test, in amounts directly related to the costs to the Board.
d. Inspection of a veterinary practice facility in an amount not to exceed seventy‑five dollars ($75.00).
e. Issuance or renewal of a license or a limited license in an amount not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
f. Issuance or renewal of a veterinary faculty certificate, in an amount not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
g. Issuance or renewal of a zoo veterinary certificate, in an amount not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
h. Reinstatement of an expired license, a limited license, a veterinary faculty certificate, a zoo veterinary certificate, a veterinary technician registration, or a professional corporation registration in an amount not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00).
i. Issuance or renewal of a veterinary technician registration, in an amount not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00).
j. Issuance of a veterinary student intern registration, in an amount not to exceed twenty‑five dollars ($25.00).
k. Issuance of a veterinary student preceptee registration, in an amount not to exceed twenty‑five dollars ($25.00).
l. Late fee for renewal of a license, a limited license, a veterinary technician registration, a veterinary faculty certificate, a zoo veterinary certificate, or a professional corporation registration, in an amount not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00).
m. Issuance of a temporary permit to practice veterinary medicine in an amount not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
n. Providing copies, upon request, of Board publications, rosters, or other materials available for distribution from the Board, in an amount determined by the Board that is reasonably related to the costs of providing those copies.
The fees set under this subdivision for the renewal of a license, a limited license, a registration, or a certificate apply to each year of the renewal period.
(7) Pursuant to administrative rule, to assess and recover against persons holding licenses, limited licenses, temporary permits, or any certificates issued by the Board, costs reasonably incurred by the Board in the investigation, prosecution, hearing, or other administrative action of the Board in final decisions or orders where those persons are found to have violated the Veterinary Practice Act or administrative rules of the Board issued pursuant to the Act; provided, that all costs shall be the property of the Board. (1973, c. 1106, s. 1; 1981, c. 767, s. 4; 1987, c. 827, s. 1; 1993, c. 500, s. 8.)
§ 90‑187. Application for license; qualifications.
(a) Any person desiring a license to practice veterinary medicine in this State shall make written application to the Board.
(b) The application shall show that the applicant is a graduate of an accredited veterinary school, a person of good moral character, and such other information and proof as the Board may require by rule. The Board may receive applications from senior students at accredited veterinary schools but an application is not complete until the applicant furnishes proof of graduation and such other information required by this Article and Board rules. The application shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount established and published by the Board.
(c) An application from a graduate of a nonaccredited college of veterinary medicine outside the United States and Canada may not be considered by the Board until the applicant furnishes satisfactory proof of graduation from a college of veterinary medicine and of successful completion of the certification program developed and administered by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates of the American Veterinary Medical Association, which certification program shall include examinations with respect to clinical proficiency and comprehension of and ability to communicate in the English language.
(d) If the Board determines that the applicant possesses the proper qualifications, it may admit the applicant to the next examination, or if the applicant is eligible for a license without examination under G.S. 90‑187.3; the Board may grant the applicant a license. (1903, c. 503, ss. 3, 5, 8; Rev., s. 5435; C.S., s. 6758; 1951, c. 749; 1961, c. 353, s. 5; 1973, c. 1106, s. 1; 1981, c. 767, ss. 5, 6; 1993, c. 500, s. 9.)
§ 90‑187.1. Examinations.
The Board shall hold at least one examination during each year and may hold such additional examinations as may appear necessary. The executive director shall give public notice of the time and place for each examination at least 90 days in advance of the date set for the examination. A person desiring to take an examination shall make application at least 60 days before the date of the examination. The Board shall determine the passing score for the successful completion of an examination.
After each examination the executive director shall notify each examinee of the result of the examination. The Board shall issue licenses to the persons successfully completing the requirements for licensure required by this Article and by Board rule. (1903, c. 503, ss. 3, 5, 8; Rev., s. 5435; C.S., s. 6758; 1951, c. 749; 1961, c. 353, s. 5; 1973, c. 1106, s. 1; 1993, c. 500, s. 10.)
§ 90‑187.2. Status of persons previously licensed.
Any person holding a valid license to practice veterinary medicine in this State on July 1, 1974, shall be recognized as a licensed veterinarian and shall be entitled to retain this status so long as he complies with the provisions of this Article, and Board rules adopted pursuant thereto. (1973, c. 1106, s. 1.)
§ 90‑187.3. Applicants licensed in other states.
(a) The Board may issue a license without written examination, other than the written North Carolina license examination, to applicants already licensed in another state provided the applicant presents evidence satisfactory to the Board that:
(1) The applicant is currently an active, competent practitioner in good standing.
(2) The applicant has practiced at least three of the five years immediately preceding filing the application.
(3) The applicant currently holds an active license in another state.
(4) There is no disciplinary proceeding or unresolved complaint pending against the applicant at the time a license is to be issued by this State.
(4a) Any disciplinary actions taken against the applicant or his or her license by the other state in which he or she is licensed will not affect the applicant's competency to practice veterinary medicine as provided in this Article or any rules adopted by the Board.
(5) The licensure requirements in the other state are substantially equivalent to those required by this State.
(6) The applicant has achieved a passing score on the written North Carolina license examination.
(a1) Expired.
(b) The Board may issue a license without a written examination, other than the written North Carolina license examination, to an applicant who meets the requirements of G.S. 90‑187(c).
(c) The Board may at its discretion orally or practically examine any person qualifying for licensure under this section, by administering a nationally recognized clinical competency test as well as the North Carolina license examination.
(d) The Board may issue a limited license to practice veterinary medicine to an applicant who is not otherwise eligible for a license to practice veterinary medicine under this Article, without examination, if the applicant meets the criteria established in subdivisions (1) through (6) of subsection (a) of this section. (1959, c. 744; 1973, c. 1106, s. 1; 1981, c. 767, s. 7; 1993, c. 500, s. 11; 1999‑203, ss. 1, 2.)
§ 90‑187.4. Temporary permit.
(a) The Board may issue, without examination, a temporary permit to practice veterinary medicine in this State:
(1) To a qualified applicant for license pending examination, provided that such temporary permit shall expire the day after the notice of results of the first examination given after the permit is issued.
(2) To a nonresident veterinarian validly licensed in another state, territory, or district of the United States or a foreign country, provided that such temporary permit shall be issued for a period of no more than 60 days.
(3) Temporary permits, as provided in (1) and (2) above, may contain any restrictions as to time, place, or supervision, that the Board deems appropriate. The State Veterinarian shall be notified as to the issuance of all temporary permits.
(b) A temporary permit may be summarily revoked by majority vote of the Board without a hearing. (1903, c. 503, ss. 3, 5, 8; Rev., s. 5435; C.S., s. 6758; 1951, c. 749; 1961, c. 353, s. 5; 1973, c. 1106, s. 1; 1993, c. 500, s. 12.)
§ 90‑187.5. License renewal.
All licenses and limited licenses shall expire annually or biennially, as determined by the Board, on December 31 but may be renewed by application to the Board and payment of the renewal fee established and published by the Board. The executive director shall issue a new certificate of registration to all persons registering under this Article. Failure to apply for renewal within 60 days after expiration shall result in automatic revocation of the license or limited license and any person who shall practice veterinary medicine after such revocation shall be practicing in violation of this Article. Provided, that any person may renew an expired license or limited license at any time within two years following its expiration upon application and compliance with Board requirements and the payment of all applicable fees in amounts allowed by this Article or administrative rule of the Board; and further provided, that the applicant is otherwise eligible under this Article or administrative rules of the Board to have the license renewed. (1961, c. 353, s. 6; 1973, c. 1106, s. 1; 1993, c. 500, s. 13.)
§ 90‑187.6. Veterinary technicians and veterinary employees.
(a) "Veterinary technicians," "veterinary student interns," and "veterinary student preceptees," before performing any services otherwise prohibited to persons not licensed or registered under this Article, shall be approved by and registered with the Board. The Board shall be responsible for all matters pertaining to the qualifications, registration, discipline, and revocation of registration of these persons, under this Article and rules issued by the Board.
(b) The services of a technician, intern, preceptee, or other veterinary employee shall be limited to services under the direction and supervision of a veterinarian. This employee shall receive no fee or compensation of any kind for services other than any salary or compensation paid to the employee by the veterinarian or veterinary facility by which the employee is employed. The employee may participate in the operation of a branch office, clinic, or allied establishment only to the extent allowable under and as defined by this Article or by rules issued by the Board.
(c) An employee under the supervision of a veterinarian may perform such duties as are required in the physical care of animals and in carrying out medical orders as prescribed by the veterinarian, requiring an understanding of animal science but not requiring the professional services as set forth in G.S. 90‑181(6)a. In addition, a veterinary technician may assist veterinarians in diagnosis, laboratory analysis, anesthesia, and surgical procedures. Neither the employee nor the veterinary technician may perform any act producing an irreversible change in the animal. An employee, other than a veterinary technician, intern, or preceptee, may, under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, perform duties including collection of specimen; testing for intestinal parasites; collecting blood; testing for heartworms and conducting other laboratory tests; taking radiographs; and cleaning and polishing teeth, provided that the employee has had sufficient on‑the‑job training by a veterinarian to perform these specified duties in a competent manner. It shall be the responsibility of the veterinarian supervising the employee to ascertain that the employee performs these specified duties assigned to the employee in a competent manner. These specified duties shall be performed under the direct supervision of the veterinarian in charge of administering care to the patient.
(d) Veterinary student interns, in addition to all of the services permitted to veterinary technicians, may, under the direct personal supervision of a veterinarian, perform surgery and administer therapeutic or prophylactic drugs.
(e) Veterinary student preceptees, in addition to all of the services permitted to veterinary technicians and veterinary student interns, may, upon the direction of the employing veterinarian, make ambulatory calls and hospital and clinic diagnoses, prescriptions and treatments.
(f) Any person registered as a veterinary technician, veterinary student intern, or veterinary student preceptee, who shall practice veterinary medicine except as provided herein, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, and shall also be subject to revocation of registration. Any nonregistered veterinary employee employed under subsection (c) who practices veterinary medicine except as provided under that subsection shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
(g) Any veterinarian directing or permitting a veterinary technician, intern, preceptee or other employee to perform a task or procedure not specifically allowed under this Article and the rules of the Board shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. (1973, c. 1106, s. 1; 1981, c. 767, ss. 8‑11; 1993, c. 500, s. 14; c. 539, ss. 634, 635; 1995, c. 509, s. 42.)
§ 90‑187.7. Abandonment of animals; notice to owner; relief from liability for disposal; "abandoned" defined.
(a) Any animal placed in the custody of a licensed veterinarian for treatment, boarding or other care, which shall be unclaimed by its owner or his agent for a period of more than 10 days after written notice by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner or his agent at his last known address, shall be deemed to be abandoned and may be turned over to the nearest humane society, or dog pound or disposed of as such custodian may deem proper.
(b) The giving of notice to the owner, or the agent of the owner, of such animal by the licensed veterinarian, as provided in subsection (a) of this section, shall relieve the licensed veterinarian and any custodian to whom such animal may be given of any further liability for disposal.
(c) For the purpose of this Article the term "abandoned" shall mean to forsake entirely, or to neglect or refuse to provide or perform the legal obligations for care and support of an animal by its owner, or his agent. Such abandonment shall constitute the relinquishment of all rights and claims by the owner to such animal. (1973, c. 1106, s. 1.)
§ 90‑187.8. Discipline of licensees.
(a) Upon complaint or information, and within the Board's discretion, the Board may revoke or suspend a license issued under this Article, may otherwise discipline a person licensed under this Article, or may deny a license required by this Article in accordance with the provisions of this Article, Board rules, and Chapter 150B of the General Statutes. As used in this section, the word "license" includes a license, a limited license, a veterinary faculty certificate, a zoo veterinary certificate, and a registration of a veterinary technician, a veterinary student intern, and a veterinary student preceptee.
(b) The Board may impose and collect from a licensee a civil monetary penalty of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each violation of this Article or a rule adopted under this Article. The clear proceeds of these civil penalties shall be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund in accordance with G.S. 115C‑457.2.
The amount of the civil penalty, up to the maximum, shall be determined upon a finding of one or more of the following factors:
(1) The degree and extent of harm to the public health or to the health of the animal under the licensee's care.
(2) The duration and gravity of the violation.
(3) Whether the violation was committed willfully or intentionally or reflects a continuing pattern.
(4) Whether the violation involved elements of fraud or deception either to the client or to the Board, or both.
(5) The prior disciplinary record with the Board of the licensee.
(6) Whether and the extent to which the licensee profited by the violation.
(c) Grounds for disciplinary action shall include but not be limited to the following:
(1) The employment of fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in obtaining a license.
(2) An adjudication of insanity or incompetency.
(3) The impairment of a person holding a license issued by the Board, when the impairment is caused by that person's use of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances, and the impairment interferes with that person's ability to practice within the scope of the license with reasonable skill and safety and in a manner not harmful to the public or to animals under the person's care.
(4) The use of advertising or solicitation which is false, misleading, or deceptive.
(5) Conviction of a felony or other public offense involving moral turpitude.
(6) Incompetence, gross negligence, or other malpractice in the practice of veterinary medicine.
(7) Having professional association with or knowingly employing any person practicing veterinary medicine unlawfully.
(8) Fraud or dishonesty in the application or reporting of any test for disease in animals.
(9) Failure to keep veterinary premises and equipment in a clean and sanitary condition, violating an administrative rule of the Board concerning the minimum sanitary requirements of veterinary hospitals, veterinary clinics, or other practice facilities, or violating other State or federal statutes, rules, or regulations concerning the disposal of medical waste.
(10) Failure to report, as required by the laws and regulations of the State, or making false report of, any contagious or infectious disease.
(11) Dishonesty or gross negligence in the inspection of foodstuffs or the issuance of health or inspection certificates.
(12) Conviction of a criminal offense involving cruelty to animals or the act of cruelty to animals.
(13) Revocation of a license to practice veterinary medicine by another state, territory or district of the United States only if the grounds for revocation in the other jurisdiction would also result in revocation of the practitioner's license in this State.
(14) Unprofessional conduct as defined in regulations adopted by the Board.
(15) Conviction of a federal or state criminal offense involving the illegal use, prescription, sale, or handling of controlled substances, other drugs, or medicines.
(16) The illegal use, dispensing, prescription, sale, or handling of controlled substances or other drugs and medicines.
(17) Failure to comply with regulations of the United States Food and Drug Administration regarding biologics, controlled substances, drugs, or medicines.
(18) Selling, dispensing, prescribing, or allowing the sale, dispensing, or prescription of biologics, controlled substances, drugs, or medicines without a veterinarian‑client‑patient relationship with respect to the sale, dispensing, or prescription.
(19) Acts or behavior constituting fraud, dishonesty, or misrepresentation in dealing with the Board or in the veterinarian‑client‑patient relationship. (1903, c. 503, s. 10; Rev., s. 5436; C.S., s. 6759; 1953, c. 1041, s. 16; 1961, c. 353, s. 7; 1973, c. 1106, s. 1; c. 1331, s. 3; 1981, c. 767, ss. 12, 13; 1987, c. 827, s. 1; 1993, c. 500, s. 15; 1998‑215, s. 136.)
§ 90‑187.9. Reinstatement.
Any person whose license is suspended or revoked may, at the discretion of the Board, be relicensed or reinstated at any time without an examination by majority vote of the Board on written application made to the Board showing cause justifying relicensing or reinstatement. (1961, c. 353, s. 8; 1973, c. 1106, s. 1.)
§ 90‑187.10. Necessity for license; certain practices exempted.
No person shall engage in the practice of veterinary medicine or own all or part interest in a veterinary medical practice in this State or attempt to do so without having first applied for and obtained a license for such purpose from the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board, or without having first obtained from said Board a certificate of renewal of license for the calendar year in which such person proposes to practice and until he shall have been first licensed and registered for such practice in the manner provided in this Article and the rules and regulations of the said Board.
Nothing in this Article shall be construed to prohibit:
(1) Any person or his employee from administering to animals, the title to which is vested in himself, except when said title is so vested for the purpose of circumventing the provisions of this Article;
(2) Any person who is a regular student or instructor in a legally chartered college from the performance of those duties and actions assigned as his responsibility in teaching or research;
(3) Any veterinarian not licensed by the Board who is a member of the armed forces of the United States or who is an employee of the United States Department of Agriculture, the United States Public Health Service or other federal agency, or the State of North Carolina, or political subdivision thereof, from performing official duties while so commissioned or employed;
(4) Any person from such practices as permitted under the provisions of G.S. 90‑185, House Bill 659, Chapter 17, Public Laws 1937, or House Bill 358, Chapter 5, Private Laws 1941;
(5) Any person from dehorning or castrating male food animals;
(6) Any person from providing for or assisting in the practice of artificial insemination;
(7) Any physician licensed to practice medicine in this State, or his assistant, while engaged in medical research;
(8) Any certified rabies vaccinator appointed, certified and acting within the provisions of G.S. 130A‑186;
(9) Any veterinarian licensed to practice in another state from examining livestock or acting as a consultant in North Carolina, provided he is directly supervised by a veterinarian licensed by the Board who must, at or prior to the first instance of consulting, notify the Board, in writing, that he is supervising the consulting veterinarian, give the Board the name, address, and licensure status of the consulting veterinarian, and also verify to the Board that the supervising veterinarian assumes responsibility for the professional acts of the consulting veterinarian; and provided further, that the consultation by the veterinarian in North Carolina does not exceed 10 days or parts thereof per year, and further that all infectious or contagious diseases diagnosed are reported to the State Veterinarian within 48 hours; or
(10) Any person employed by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as a livestock inspector or by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as an animal health technician from performing regular duties assigned to him or her during the course and scope of that person's employment. (1903, c. 503, s. 12; Rev., s. 5438; C.S., s. 6761; 1961, c. 353, s. 9; 1973, c. 1106, s. 1; 1983, c. 891, s. 11; 1993, c. 500, s. 16; 1995, c. 509, s. 43; 1997‑261, s. 11.)
§ 90‑187.11. Partnership, corporate, or sole proprietorship practice.
A veterinary medical practice may be conducted as a sole proprietorship, by a partnership, or by a duly registered professional corporation.
Whenever the practice of veterinary medicine is carried on by a partnership, all partners must be licensed.
It shall be unlawful for any corporation to practice or offer to practice veterinary medicine as defined in this Article, except as provided for in Chapter 55B of the General Statutes of North Carolina. (1961, c. 353, s. 8; 1973, c. 1106, s. 1; 1993, c. 500, s. 17.)
§ 90‑187.12. Unauthorized practice; penalty.
If any person shall
(1) Practice or attempt to practice veterinary medicine in this State without first having obtained a license or temporary permit from the Board; or
(2) Practice veterinary medicine without the renewal of his license, as provided in G.S. 90‑187.5; or
(3) Practice or attempt to practice veterinary medicine while his license is revoked, or suspended, or when a certificate of license has been refused; or
(4) Violate any of the provisions of this Article,
said person shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Each act of such unlawful practice shall constitute a distinct and separate offense. (1913, c. 129, s. 2; C.S., s. 6762; 1961, c. 353, s. 10; c. 756; 1973, c. 1106, s. 1; 1993, c. 539, s. 636; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)
§ 90‑187.13. Injunctions.
The Board may appear in its own name in the superior courts in an action for injunctive relief to prevent violation of this Article and the superior courts shall have power to grant such injunctions regardless of whether criminal prosecution has been or may be instituted as a result of such violations. Actions under this section shall be commenced in the superior court district or set of districts as defined in G.S. 7A‑41.1 in which the respondent resides or has his principal place of business or in which the alleged acts occurred. (1981, c. 767, s. 14; 1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 1037, s. 102.)
§ 90‑187.14. Veterinary faculty certificates and zoo veterinary certificates.
(a) The Board may, upon application, issue veterinary faculty certificates in lieu of a license that otherwise would be required by this Article.
(b) The Board may, upon application, issue zoo veterinary certificates in lieu of a license that otherwise would be required by this Article, to veterinarians employed by the North Carolina State Zoo.
(c) The Board shall determine by administrative rule the application procedure, fees, criteria for the issuance, continuing education, renewal, suspension or revocation, and the scope of practice under the veterinary faculty certificate or the zoo veterinary certificate. There shall be an annual renewal of each certificate and all persons holding these certificates shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the Board in all respects under this Article. (1993, c. 500, s. 18.)
G.S. 90-187(c) - Allow PAVE Certification/Veterinary License
House Bill 194 Filed 2-28-2013
Ch. SL 2013-356 on 7-25-13
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT ALLOWING THE NORTH CAROLINA VETERINARY BOARD TO ACCEPT PROGRAM FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF VETERINARY EDUCATION EQUIVALENCE (PAVE) CERTIFICATION TO MEET LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1. G.S. 90‑187(c) reads as rewritten:
"(c) An application from a graduate of a nonaccredited college of veterinary medicine outside the United States and Canadaprogram not accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association may not be considered by the Board until the applicant furnishes satisfactory proof of graduation from a college of veterinary medicine and of successful completion of the a certification program developed and administered by by (i) the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates of the American Veterinary Medical which Association,Association or (ii) the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards. The certification program programs shall include examinations with respect to clinical proficiency and comprehension of and ability to communicate in the English language."
SECTION 2. This act is effective when it becomes law.
G.S. 90-113.72 - Revise Controlled Substances Reporting
Senate Bill 222 (=H173) Filed 3-6-2013
Ch. SL 2013-154 on 6-19-13
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO REVISE THE NORTH CAROLINA CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES REPORTING SYSTEM ACT, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CHILD FATALITY TASK FORCE.
"§ 90-113.72. Definitions (4) "Dispenser" means a person who delivers a Schedule II through V controlled substance to an ultimate user in North Carolina, but does not include any of the following:
d. A person licensed to practice veterinary medicine pursuant to Article 211 of Chapter 90 of the General Statutes.
G.S. 90-186(6) - Veterinary Licensure Fees
G.S. 90-187(9) - Veterinary License Reinstatement
House Bill 379 Filed on 3-07-2013 as An Act to Clarify the Authority of the Board of Agriculture Over (Horticultural) Plants;
On 6-24-2014 the Senate Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources Committee adopted substitued text regarding veterinary licensure fees and license reinstatement from Senate Bill 382, only Sections 1 and 2 as filed on 3-20-1013.
Ch. SL 2014-63 on 7-8-14
AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE NORTH CAROLINA VETERINARY MEDICAL BOARD TO AMEND THE BOARD'S LAWS PERTAINING TO LICENSURE FEES AND LICENSE REINSTATEMENT.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1. G.S. 90‑186(6) reads as rewritten:
"§ 90‑186. Special powers of the Board.
In addition to the powers set forth in G.S. 90‑185 above, the Board may:
…
(6) Set and require fees pursuant to administrative rule for the following:rule. The Board may increase the following fees, provided (i) no fee shall be increased more than fifteen percent (15%) within a calendar year and (ii) the cumulative total increases of any fee shall not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the fee amounts set in this subdivision:
a. Issuance or renewal of a certificate of registration for a professional corporation, in an the amount not to exceedof one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
b. Administering a North Carolina license examination,examination for applicants for licensure, certification, and registration, in an the amount not to exceedof two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).
c. Securing and administering national examinations, including the National Board Examination or the Clinical Competency Test,Administering competency examinations for applicants seeking licensure or registration, in amounts directly related to the costs to the Board. Fees associated with administering national competency examinations shall be set in rules adopted by the Board.
d. Inspection of a veterinary practice facility in an amount not to exceed seventy‑five dollars ($75.00).the amount of one hundred twenty‑five dollars ($125.00).
e. Issuance or renewal of a license or a limited license license, in an the amount not to exceedof one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
f. Issuance or renewal of a veterinary faculty certificate, in an the amount not to exceedof one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
g. Issuance or renewal of a zoo veterinary certificate, in an the amount not to exceedof one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
h. Reinstatement of an expired a revoked license, a limited license, a veterinary faculty certificate, a zoo veterinary certificate, a veterinary technician registration, or a professional corporation registration registration, in an the amount not to exceedof one hundred dollars ($100.00).
i. Issuance or renewal of a veterinary technician registration, in an the amount not to exceedof fifty dollars ($50.00).
j. Issuance of a veterinary student intern registration, in an the amount not to exceedof twenty‑five dollars ($25.00).
k. Issuance of a veterinary student preceptee registration, in an the amount not to exceedof twenty‑five dollars ($25.00).
l. Late fee for renewal of a license, a limited license, a veterinary technician registration, a veterinary faculty certificate, a zoo veterinary certificate, or a professional corporation registration, in an the amount not to exceedof fifty dollars ($50.00).
m. Issuance of a temporary permit to practice veterinary medicine medicine, in an the amount not to exceedof one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
n. Providing copies, upon request, of Board publications, rosters, or other materials available for distribution from the Board, in an amount determined by the Board that is reasonably related to the costs of providing those copies.
The fees set under this subdivision for the renewal of a license, a limited license, a registration, or a certificate apply to each year of the renewal period."
SECTION 2. G.S. 90‑187.9 reads as rewritten:
"§ 90‑187.9. Reinstatement.
Any person whose license is suspended or revoked may, at the discretion of the Board, be relicensed or reinstated at any time without an examination by majority vote of the Board on written application made to the Board showing cause justifying relicensing or reinstatement.
(a) A person licensed or registered as a veterinary technician under this Article who has had his or her license or registration revoked for failure to apply for renewal may be reinstated at any time within three years following revocation upon filing an application for reinstatement and paying all accrued renewal fees and the reinstatement fee. As a condition of reinstatement, the applicant shall submit proof to the Board that the applicant has earned the continuing education credits required under this Article and rules adopted by the Board for each year the license or registration was revoked.
(b) A person whose license has been revoked for more than three years for failure to apply for license renewal may qualify for licensure upon filing an application with the Board and meeting the requirements of G.S. 90‑187 or G.S. 90‑187.3.
(c) A person whose registration has been revoked for more than three years for failure to apply for registration renewal may qualify for registration upon filing an application with the Board and meeting the requirements of G.S. 90‑186(4) and any applicable rules adopted by the Board.
(d) Subject to conditions as may be imposed by the Board, any person whose license or registration is revoked for reasons other than failure to apply for renewal may, in the Board's discretion, be relicensed or reregistered at any time by majority vote of the Board upon submitting written application to the Board showing cause for justifying relicensure or reregistration."
SECTION 3. This act becomes effective October 1, 2014.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 30th day of June, 2014.
s/ Daniel J. Forest
President of the Senate
s/ Tim Moore
Presiding Officer of the House of Representatives
s/ Pat McCrory
Governor
Approved 4:18 p.m. this 7th day of July, 2014
Senate Bill 382 Not Ratified
See substituted text for only Sections 1 and 2 as House Bill 379 (above)
Senate Bill 382 - Amend Veterinary Practice Act / Fees, Reinstatement, Electronic Mail Names or Addresses Are Not Public Record
Filed 3-20-2013
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE NORTH CAROLINA VETERINARY MEDICAL BOARD TO AMEND THE BOARD'S LAWS PERTAINING TO LICENSURE FEES, LICENSE REINSTATEMENT, AND THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF IDENTIFYING INFORMATION.
SECTION 1. G.S. 90-186(6) reads as rewritten:
"§ 90-186. Special powers of the Board.
In addition to the powers set forth in G.S. 90-185 above, the Board may:
(6) Set and require fees pursuant to administrative rule for the following:rule. The Board may increase the following fees, provided (i) no fee shall be increased more than fifteen percent (15%) within a calendar year and (ii) the cumulative total increases of any fee shall not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the fee amounts set in this subdivision:
a. Issuance or renewal of a certificate of registration for a professional corporation, in an the amount not to exceed of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
b. Administering a North Carolina license examination, examination for applicants for licensure, certification, and registration, in an the amount not to exceed of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).
c. Securing and administering national examinations, including the National Board Examination or the Clinical Competency Test, Administering competency examinations for applicants seeking licensure or registration, in amounts directly related to the costs to the Board. Fees associated with administering national competency 26 examinations shall be set in rules adopted by the Board.
d. Inspection of a veterinary practice facility in an amount not to exceed seventy-five dollars ($75.00). the amount of one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125.00).
e. Issuance or renewal of a license or a limited license license, in an the amount not to exceed of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
f. Issuance or renewal of a veterinary faculty certificate, in an the amount not to exceed of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
g. Issuance or renewal of a zoo veterinary certificate, in an the amount not to exceed of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
h. Reinstatement of an expired a revoked license, a limited license, a veterinary faculty certificate, a zoo veterinary certificate, a veterinary technician registration, or a professional corporation registration registration, in an the amount not to exceed of one hundred dollars ($100.00).
i. Issuance or renewal of a veterinary technician registration, in an the amount not to exceed of fifty dollars ($50.00).
j. Issuance of a veterinary student intern registration, in an the amount not to exceed of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
k. Issuance of a veterinary student preceptee registration, in an the amount not to exceed of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
l. Late fee for renewal of a license, a limited license, a veterinary technician registration, a veterinary faculty certificate, a zoo veterinary certificate, or a professional corporation registration, in an the amount not to exceed of fifty dollars ($50.00).
m. Issuance of a temporary permit to practice veterinary medicine medicine, in an the amount not to exceed of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00). n. Providing copies, upon request, of Board publications, rosters, or other materials available for distribution from the Board, in an amount determined by the Board that is reasonably related to the costs of providing those copies.
The fees set under this subdivision for the renewal of a license, a limited license, a registration, or a certificate apply to each year of the renewal period.
…."
SECTION 2. G.S. 90-187.9 reads as rewritten:
"§ 90-187.9. Reinstatement.
Any person whose license is suspended or revoked may, at the discretion of the Board, be relicensed or reinstated at any time without an examination by majority vote of the Board on written application made to the Board showing cause justifying relicensing or reinstatement.
(a) A person licensed or registered as a veterinary technician under this Article who has had his or her license or registration revoked for failure to apply for renewal may be reinstated at any time within three years following revocation upon filing an application for reinstatement and paying all accrued renewal fees and the reinstatement fee. As a condition of reinstatement, the applicant shall submit proof to the Board that the applicant has earned the continuing education credits required under this Article and rules adopted by the Board for each year the license or registration was revoked.
(b) A person whose license has been revoked for more than three years for failure to apply for license renewal may qualify for licensure upon filing an application with the Board and meeting the requirements of G.S. 90-187 or G.S. 90-187.3.
(c) A person whose registration has been revoked for more than three years for failure to apply for registration renewal may qualify for registration upon filing an application with the Board and meeting the requirements of G.S. 90-186(4) and any applicable rules adopted by the Board.
(d) Subject to conditions as may be imposed by the Board, any person whose license or registration is revoked for reasons other than failure to apply for renewal may, in the Board's discretion, be relicensed or reregistered at any time by majority vote of the Board upon submitting written application to the Board showing cause for justifying relicensure or reregistration."
SECTION 3. Article 11 of Chapter 90 of the General Statutes is amended by adding the following new section to read:
"§ 90-187.16. Electronic mail names or addresses not a public record.
Notwithstanding G.S. 132-1.10(b)(5) or any other provision of law, identifying information contained in any application, document, communication, or other record received by the Board shall be confidential, shall not be released by the Board, and shall not be considered a public record under Chapter 132 of the General Statutes. For purposes of this section, "identifying information" means electronic mail names or addresses of persons licensed or registered under this Article. A record with identifying information removed or redacted is a public record if it would otherwise be a public record under Chapter 132 of the General Statutes. The presence of identifying information shall not change the nature of the public record. If all other public records requirements are met under Chapter 132 of the General Statutes, the Board shall respond, as promptly as possible, to a public records request even if the records contain identifying information by providing the public records with the identifying information removed or redacted."
SECTION 4. This act is effective when it becomes law.
ADMINISTRATIVE CODE SECTION OF THE N.C. VETERINARY MEDICAL PRACTICE ACT
RULES DIVISION OF N.C. OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS