Title of Regulation: 18VAC150-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Veterinary Medicine (amending 18VAC150-20-10, 18VAC150-20-15, 18VAC150-20-30, 18VAC150-20-70, 18VAC150-20-115, 18VAC150-20-120, 18VAC150-20-130, 18VAC150-20-140, 18VAC150-20-172, 18VAC150-20-180, 18VAC150-20-181, 18VAC150-20-190, 18VAC150-20-195, 18VAC150-20-200, 18VAC150-20-210; adding 18VAC150-20-121).

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-3800 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: November 25, 2009.

Agency Contact: Leslie L. Knachel, Executive Director, Board of Veterinary Medicine, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 662-4426, FAX (804) 527-4471, or email leslie.knachel@dhp.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The amendments (i) expand the criteria for cases that may be delegated to an agency subordinate for informal fact-finding; (ii) expand the courses and the provider list for approved continuing education; (iii) accept the accreditation by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association for technician education; (iv) provide an additional alternative for meeting requirements for licensure by endorsement for veterinary technicians; (v) provide additional grounds for disciplinary action; (vi) clarify rules for delegation of veterinary tasks to unlicensed persons; (vii) establish rules for injection of microchips; (viii) allow biennial inventory to be performed by licensee other than the veterinarian-in-charge; (ix) clarify regulations for drug storage, recordkeeping, and reconstitution; (x) clarify minimal requirements for a patient record; and (xi) define companion animals to include horses.

Since the publication of the proposed regulation (i) two definitions are added to ensure that animal shelters and pounds have the same ability to care for animals in their possession as persons who have a property right in an animal; (ii) 18VAC150-20 is amended to allow licensees who do relief work to either carry the license with them or, if they prefer, to post it at the establishment; (iii) in 18VAC150-20-121, the requirement that the applicant for licensure by endorsement must have taken the examination within the past four years is eliminated; (iv) in 18VAC150-20-130, language requiring tech students to be duly enrolled and in good standing in their program was inadvertently omitted in the amended section and is inserted; (v) the provision on release of patient records was clarified to specify that the request must come from the owner, a law-enforcement entity, or a health regulatory agency (like the local health department); (vi) in 18VAC150-20-172, an amendment allows veterinarians to delegate supragingival (above the gum line) scaling but the regulation would continue to prohibit unlicensed assistants from scaling subgingivally (below the gum line); (vii) an amendment includes pounds in the establishments that may inject microchips into animals while in their possession; and (viii) the proposed requirement to include the first and last name of the client is deleted because there was confusion about its meaning.

Summary of Public Comments and Agency's Response: A summary of comments made by the public and the agency's response may be obtained from the promulgating agency or viewed at the office of the Registrar of Regulations.

Part I
General Provisions

18VAC150-20-10. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Animal shelter" means a facility, other than a private residential dwelling and its surrounding grounds, that is used to house or contain animals and that is owned, operated, or maintained by a nongovernmental entity including, but not limited to, a humane society, animal welfare organization, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or any other organization operating for the purpose of finding permanent adoptive homes for animals.

"Automatic emergency lighting" is lighting that is powered by battery, generator, or alternate power source other than electrical power, is activated automatically by electrical power failure, and provides sufficient light to complete surgery or to stabilize the animal until surgery can be continued or the animal moved to another establishment.

"AVMA" means the American Veterinary Medical Association.

"Board" means the Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine.

"Companion animal" means any dog, cat, horse, nonhuman primate, guinea pig, hamster, rabbit not raised for human food or fiber, exotic or native animal, reptile, exotic or native bird, or any feral animal or animal under the care, custody or ownership of a person or any animal that is bought, sold, traded, or bartered by any person. Agricultural animals, game species, or any animals regulated under federal law as research animals shall not be considered companion animals for the purposes of this chapter.

"CVMA" means the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.

"Full-service establishment" means a stationary or ambulatory facility that provides surgery and encompasses all aspects of health care for small or large animals, or both.

"Immediate and direct supervision" means that the licensed veterinarian is immediately available to the licensed veterinary technician or assistant, either electronically or in person, and provides a specific order based on observation and diagnosis of the patient within the last 36 hours.

[ "Owner" means any person who (i) has a right of property in an animal; (ii) keeps or harbors an animal; (iii) has an animal in his care; or (iv) acts as a custodian of an animal.

"Pound" means a facility operated by the state or a locality for the purpose of impounding or harboring seized, stray, homeless, abandoned, or unwanted animals; or a facility operated for the same purpose under a contract with a locality or an incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals. ]

"Preceptorship or externship" means a formal arrangement between an AVMA accredited college of veterinary medicine or an AVMA accredited veterinary technology program and a veterinarian who is licensed by the board and responsible for the practice of the preceptee. A preceptorship or externship shall be overseen by faculty of the college or program.

"Professional judgment" includes any decision or conduct in the practice of veterinary medicine, as defined by § 54.1-3800 of the Code of Virginia.

"Restricted service establishment" means a stationary or ambulatory facility which does not meet the requirements of a full-service establishment.

"Surgery" means treatment through revision, destruction, incision or other structural alteration of animal tissue. Surgery does not include routine dental extractions of single-rooted teeth or skin closures performed by a licensed veterinary technician upon a diagnosis and pursuant to direct orders from a veterinarian.

"Veterinarian in charge" means a veterinarian who holds an active license in Virginia and who is responsible for maintaining a veterinary establishment within the standards set by this chapter, for complying with federal and state laws and regulations, and for notifying the board of the establishment's closure.

"Veterinary establishment" means any fixed or mobile practice, veterinary hospital, animal hospital or premises wherein or out of which veterinary medicine is being conducted.

18VAC150-20-15. Criteria for delegation of informal fact-finding proceedings to an agency subordinate.

A. Decision to delegate. In accordance with § 54.1-2400 (10) of the Code of Virginia, the board may delegate an informal fact-finding proceeding to an agency subordinate upon determination that probable cause exists that a practitioner may be subject to a disciplinary action.

B. Criteria for delegation. Cases that may be delegated to an agency subordinate are those that only involve failure to satisfy continuing education requirements do not involve standard of care or those that may be recommended by a committee of the board.

C. Criteria for an agency subordinate. An agency subordinate authorized by the board to conduct an informal fact-finding proceeding shall include current or former board members deemed knowledgeable by virtue of their training and experience in administrative proceedings involving the regulation and discipline of health professionals.

18VAC150-20-30. Posting of licenses; accuracy of address.

A. All licenses, registrations and permits issued by the board shall be posted in a place conspicuous to the public at the establishment where veterinary services are being provided or available for inspection at the location where an equine dental technician is working. Licensees who do relief or temporary work in an establishment shall carry a license with them [ or post it at the establishment ]. Ambulatory veterinary practices that do not have an office accessible to the public shall carry their licenses and permits in their vehicles.

B. It shall be the duty and responsibility of each licensee, registrant and holder of a registration permit to operate a veterinary establishment to keep the board apprised at all times of his current address of record and the public address, if different from the address of record. All notices required by law or by this chapter to be mailed to any veterinarian, certified veterinary technician, registered equine dental technician or holder of a permit to operate a veterinary establishment, shall be validly given when mailed to the address of record furnished to the board pursuant to this regulation. All address changes shall be furnished to the board within 30 days of such change.

18VAC150-20-70. Licensure renewal requirements.

A. Every person licensed by the board shall, by January 1 of every year, submit to the board a completed renewal application and pay to the board a renewal fee as prescribed in 18VAC150-20-100. Failure to renew shall cause the license to lapse and become invalid, and practice with a lapsed license may subject the licensees to disciplinary action by the board. Failure to receive a renewal notice does not relieve the licensee of his responsibility to renew and maintain a current license.

B. On and after March 1, 1997, veterinarians Veterinarians shall be required to have completed a minimum of 15 hours, and veterinary technicians shall be required to have completed a minimum of six hours, of approved continuing education for each annual renewal of licensure. Continuing education credits or hours may not be transferred or credited to another year.

1. Approved continuing education credit shall be given for courses or programs related to the treatment and care of patients and shall be clinical courses in veterinary medicine or veterinary technology or courses that enhance patient safety, such as medical recordkeeping or compliance with requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA).

2. An approved continuing education course or program shall be sponsored by one of the following:

a. The AVMA or its constituent and component/branch associations, specialty organizations, and board certified specialists in good standing within their specialty board;

b. Colleges of veterinary medicine approved by the AVMA Council on Education;

c. National or regional conferences of veterinary medicine;

d. Academies or species specific interest groups of veterinary medicine;

e. State associations of veterinary technicians;

f. North American Veterinary Technicians Association;

g. Community colleges with an approved program in veterinary technology;

h. State or federal government agencies;

i. American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) or its constituent and component/branch associations;

j. Journals or veterinary information networks recognized by the board as providing education in veterinary medicine or veterinary technology; or

k. A sponsor approved by the Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine provided the sponsor has submitted satisfactory documentation on forms provided by the board An organization or entity approved by the Registry of Approved Continuing Education of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards.

3. A licensee is exempt from completing continuing education requirements and considered in compliance on the first renewal date following his initial licensure by examination.

4. The board may grant an exemption for all or part of the continuing education requirements due to circumstances beyond the control of the licensee, such as temporary disability, mandatory military service, or officially declared disasters.

5. The board may grant an extension for good cause of up to one year for the completion of continuing education requirements upon written request from the licensee prior to the renewal date. Such an extension shall not relieve the licensee of the continuing education requirement.

6. Licensees are required to attest to compliance with continuing education requirements on their annual license renewal and are required to maintain original documents verifying the date and subject of the program or course, the number of continuing education hours or credits, and certification from an approved sponsor. Original documents must be maintained for a period of two years following renewal. The board shall periodically conduct a random audit to determine compliance. Practitioners selected for the audit shall provide all supporting documentation within 10 days of receiving notification of the audit.

7. Continuing education hours required by disciplinary order shall not be used to satisfy renewal requirements.

C. A licensee who has requested that his license be placed on inactive status is not authorized to perform acts which are considered the practice of veterinary medicine or veterinary technology and, therefore, shall not be required to have continuing education for annual renewal. To reactivate a license, the licensee is required to submit evidence of completion of continuing education hours as required by § 54.1-3805.2 of the Code of Virginia equal to the number of years in which the license has not been active for a maximum of two years.

18VAC150-20-115. Requirements for licensure by examination as a veterinary technician.

A. The applicant, in order to be licensed by the board as a veterinary technician, shall:

1. Have received a degree in veterinary technology from a college or school accredited by the AVMA or the CVMA.

2. Have filed with the board the following documents:

a. A complete and notarized application on a form obtained from the board;

b. An official copy, indicating a veterinary technology degree, of the applicant's college or school transcript; and

c. Certification that the applicant is in good standing by each board from which the applicant holds a license, certification or registration to practice veterinary technology.

3. Pass a board-approved, national board examination for veterinary technology with a score acceptable to the board.

4. Sign a statement attesting that the applicant has read, understands, and will abide by the statutes and regulations governing veterinary practice in Virginia.

B. The application for licensure shall be valid for a period of one year after the date of initial submission.

18VAC150-20-120. Requirements for licensure by endorsement as a veterinarian or veterinary technician.

A. The board may, in its discretion, grant a license by endorsement to an applicant who is licensed to practice veterinary medicine or who is licensed, certified or registered to practice as a veterinary technician in another state, the District of Columbia or possessions or territories of the United States, provided that:

1. All licenses, certificates or registrations are in good standing;

2. The applicant has been regularly engaged in clinical practice for at least two of the past four years; and

3. The applicant has met all applicable requirements of 18VAC150-20-110 or 18VAC150-20-115, except foreign-trained veterinarians who have attained specialty recognition by a board recognized by the AVMA are exempt from the requirements of ECFVG or any other substantially equivalent credentialing body as determined by the board.

B. Provided that the applicant has met the requirements of subsection A of this section, the board may, in its discretion, waive the requirement that the applicant pass the national board exam or the clinical competency test, or both.

18VAC150-20-121. Requirements for licensure by endorsement for veterinary technicians.

In its discretion, the board may grant a license by endorsement to an applicant who is licensed, certified or registered to practice as a veterinary technician in another state, the District of Columbia or possessions or territories of the United States, provided that:

1. All licenses, certificates or registrations are in good standing;

2. The applicant has been regularly engaged in clinical practice for at least two of the past four years; and

3. The applicant has received a degree in veterinary technology from a college or school accredited by the AVMA or the CVMA or has passed a board-approved national board examination for veterinary technology with a score acceptable to the board [ within the past four years immediately preceding application ].

18VAC150-20-130. Requirements for practical training in a preceptorship or externship.

A. The practical training and employment of qualified students of veterinary medicine or veterinary technology shall be governed and controlled as follows:

1. No student shall be qualified to receive practical training unless such student shall be duly enrolled and in good standing in a veterinary college or school or veterinary technology program accredited or approved by the AVMA and in the final year of his training or after completion of an equivalent number of hours as approved by the board. The student shall be engaged in a preceptorship or externship as defined by the board and authorized by his college or school.

2. A veterinary preceptee or extern may perform duties that constitute the practice of veterinary medicine for which he has received adequate instruction by the college or school and only under the on-premises supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

3. A veterinary technician preceptee or extern [ who is duly enrolled and in good standing in a veterinary technology program accredited or approved by the AVMA ] may perform duties that constitute the practice of veterinary technology for which he has received adequate instruction by the program and only under the on-premises supervision of a licensed veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician.

B. Prior to allowing a preceptee in veterinary medicine to perform surgery on a patient unassisted by a licensed veterinarian, a licensed veterinarian shall receive written approval from the client.

Part III
Unprofessional Conduct

18VAC150-20-140. Unprofessional conduct.

Unprofessional conduct as referenced in § 54.1-3807(5) of the Code of Virginia shall include the following:

1. Representing conflicting interests except by express consent of all concerned given after a full disclosure of the facts. Acceptance of a fee from both the buyer and the seller is prima facie evidence of a conflict of interest.

2. Practicing veterinary medicine or equine dentistry where an unlicensed person has the authority to control the professional judgment of the licensed veterinarian or the equine dental technician.

3. Issuing a certificate of health unless he shall know of his own knowledge by actual inspection and appropriate tests of the animals that the animals meet the requirements for the issuance of such certificate on the day issued.

4. Revealing confidences gained in the course of providing veterinary services to a client, unless required by law or necessary to protect the health, safety or welfare of other persons or animals.

5. Advertising in a manner which is false, deceptive, or misleading or which makes subjective claims of superiority.

6. Violating any state law, federal law, or board regulation pertaining to the practice of veterinary medicine, veterinary technology or equine dentistry.

7. Practicing veterinary medicine or as an equine dental technician in such a manner as to endanger the health and welfare of his patients or the public, or being unable to practice veterinary medicine or as an equine dental technician with reasonable skill and safety.

8. Performing surgery on animals in an unregistered veterinary establishment or not in accordance with the establishment permit or with accepted standards of practice.

9. Refusing the board or its agent the right to inspect an establishment at reasonable hours.

10. Allowing unlicensed persons to perform acts restricted to the practice of veterinary medicine, veterinary technology or an equine dental technician including any invasive procedure on a patient or delegation of tasks to persons who are not properly trained or authorized to perform such tasks.

11. Failing to provide immediate and direct supervision to a licensed veterinary technician or an assistant in his employ.

12. Refusing to release a copy of a valid prescription upon request from a client.

13. Misrepresenting or falsifying information on an application or renewal form.

14. Failing to report evidence of animal abuse to the appropriate authorities.

15. Failing to release [ client patient ] records when [ such failure could result in immediate harm to the animal requested by the owner; a law-enforcement entity; or a federal, state, or local health regulatory agency ].

18VAC150-20-172. Delegation of duties to unlicensed veterinary personnel.

A. A licensed veterinarian may delegate the administration (including by injection) of schedule VI drugs to a properly trained assistant under his direction and immediate and direct supervision. The prescribing veterinarian has a specific duty and responsibility to determine that the assistant has had adequate training to safely administer the drug in a manner prescribed. Injections involving anesthetic or chemotherapy drugs [ , subgingival scaling, ] or the placement of intravenous catheters shall not be delegated to an assistant.

B. Additional tasks that may be delegated by a licensed veterinarian to a properly trained assistant include but are not limited to the following:

1. Grooming;

2. Feeding;

3. Cleaning;

4. Restraining;

5. Assisting in radiology;

6. Setting up diagnostic tests;

7. Prepping for surgery;

8. Dental polishing [ , but not dental and ] scaling [ of teeth above the gum line (supragingival) ];

9. Drawing blood samples; or

10. Filling of schedule VI prescriptions under the direction of a veterinarian licensed in Virginia.

C. A licensed veterinarian may delegate duties electronically to appropriate veterinary personnel provided the veterinarian has physically examined the patient within the previous 36 hours.

D. Animal massage or physical therapy may be delegated by a veterinarian to persons qualified by training and experience by an order from the veterinarian.

E. The veterinarian remains responsible for the duties being delegated and remains responsible for the health and safety of the animal.

Part V
Veterinary Establishments

18VAC150-20-180. Requirements to be registered as a veterinary establishment.

A. Every veterinary establishment shall apply for registration on a form provided by the board and may be issued a permit as a full-service or restricted service establishment. Every veterinary establishment shall have a veterinarian-in-charge registered with the board in order to operate.

1. Veterinary medicine may only be practiced out of a registered establishment except in emergency situations or in limited specialized practices as provided in 18VAC150-20-171. The injection of a microchip for identification purposes shall only be performed in a veterinary establishment, except personnel of animal shelters [ or pounds ] may inject animals while in their possession.

2. Applications for permits must be made to the board 45 days in advance of opening or changing the location of the establishment or requesting a change in category to a full-service establishment.

B. A veterinary establishment will be registered by the board when:

1. It is inspected by the board and is found to meet the standards set forth by 18VAC150-20-190 and 18VAC150-20-200 where applicable. If, during a new or routine inspection, violations or deficiencies are found necessitating a reinspection, the prescribed reinspection fee will be levied. Failure to pay the fee shall be deemed unprofessional conduct and, until paid, the establishment shall be deemed to be unregistered.

2. A veterinarian currently licensed by and in good standing with the board is registered with the board in writing as veterinarian-in-charge and has paid the establishment registration fee.

18VAC150-20-181. Requirements for veterinarian-in-charge.

A. The veterinarian-in-charge of a veterinary establishment is responsible for:

1. Regularly being on site on a schedule of no less than monthly and providing routine oversight to the veterinary establishment.

2. Maintaining the facility within the standards set forth by this chapter.

3. Performing the biennial controlled substance inventory and ensuring compliance at the facility with any federal or state law relating to controlled substances as defined in § 54.1-3404 of the Code of Virginia. The performance of the biennial inventory may be delegated to another licensee, provided the veterinarian-in-charge signs the inventory and remains responsible for its content and accuracy.

4. Notifying the board in writing of the closure of the permitted facility 10 days prior to closure.

5. Notifying the board immediately if no longer acting as the veterinarian-in-charge.

6. Ensuring the establishment maintains a current and valid permit issued by the board.

B. Upon any change in veterinarian-in-charge, these procedures shall be followed:

1. The veterinarian-in-charge registered with the board remains responsible for the establishment and the stock of controlled substances until a new veterinarian-in-charge is registered or for five days, whichever occurs sooner.

2. An application for a new permit, naming the new veterinarian-in-charge, shall be made five days prior to the change of the veterinarian-in-charge. If no prior notice was given by the previous veterinarian-in-charge, an application for a new permit naming a new veterinarian-in-charge shall be filed as soon as possible but no more than 10 days after the change.

3. The previous establishment permit is void on the date of the change of veterinarian-in-charge and shall be returned by the former veterinarian-in-charge to the board five days following the date of change.

4. Prior to the opening of the business, on the date of the change of veterinarian-in-charge, the new veterinarian-in-charge shall take a complete inventory of all Schedule II-V drugs on hand. He shall date and sign the inventory and maintain it on premises for two years. That inventory may be designated as the official biennial controlled substance inventory.

18VAC150-20-190. Requirements for drug storage, dispensing, destruction, and records for all establishments, full service and restricted.

A. All drugs shall be maintained, administered, dispensed, prescribed and destroyed in compliance with state and federal laws, which include the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq. of the Code of Virginia), applicable parts of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Control Act (21 USC § 301 et seq.), the Prescription Drug Marketing Act (21 USC § 301 et seq.), and the Controlled Substances Act (21 USC § 801 et seq.), as well as applicable portions of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

B. All repackaged tablets and capsules dispensed for companion animals shall be in approved safety closure containers, except safety caps shall not be required when any person who requests that the medication not have a safety cap, or in such cases in which the medication is of such form or size that it cannot be reasonably dispensed in such containers (e.g., topical medications, ophthalmic, or otic). A client request for nonsafety packaging shall be documented in the patient record.

C. All drugs dispensed for companion animals shall be labeled with the following:

1. Name and address of the facility;

2. Name [ (first and last) ] of client;

3. Animal identification;

4. Date dispensed;

5. Directions for use;

6. Name, strength (if more than one dosage form exists), and quantity of the drug; and

7. Name of the prescribing veterinarian.

D. All drugs shall be maintained in a secured manner with precaution taken to prevent diversion.

1. All Schedule II through V drugs shall be maintained under lock at all times, with access to the veterinarian or veterinary technician only, provided, however, that a working stock of Schedule II drugs under separate lock may be accessible to the licensed veterinary technician but not to any unlicensed personnel.

2. Whenever a veterinarian discovers a theft or any unusual loss of Schedule II, III, IV, or V drugs, he shall immediately report such theft or loss to the Board of Veterinary Medicine and to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

E. Schedule II, III, IV and V drugs may shall be destroyed by following the instructions contained in the drug destruction packet available from the board office which provides the latest U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration approved drug destruction guidelines.

F. The drug storage area shall have appropriate provision for temperature control for all drugs and biologics, including a refrigerator with the interior thermometer maintained between 36°F and 46°F. Drugs stored at room temperature shall be maintained between 59°F and 86°F. The stock of drugs shall be reviewed frequently and removed from the working stock of drugs at the expiration date.

G. A distribution record shall be maintained in addition to the patient's record, in chronological order, for the administration and dispensing of all Schedule II-V drugs.

This record is to be maintained for a period of two years from the date of transaction. This record shall include the following:

1. Date of transaction;

2. Drug name, strength, and the amount dispensed, administered and wasted;

3. Client and animal identification; and

4. Identification of the veterinarian authorizing the administration or dispensing of the drug.

H. Invoices Original invoices for all Schedule II, III, IV and V drugs received shall be maintained in chronological order on the premises where the stock of drugs is held and actual date of receipt is noted. Invoices for Schedule II drugs shall be maintained separately from other records. All drug records shall be maintained for a period of two years from the date of transaction.

I. A complete and accurate inventory of all Schedule II, III, IV and V drugs shall be taken, dated, and signed on any date that is within two years of the previous biennial inventory. Drug strength must be specified. This inventory shall indicate if it was made at the opening or closing of business and shall be maintained on the premises where the drugs are held for two years from the date of taking the inventory.

J. Veterinary establishments in which bulk reconstitution of injectable, bulk compounding or the prepackaging of drugs is performed shall maintain adequate control records for a period of one year or until the expiration, whichever is greater. The records shall show the name of the drug(s) used; strength, if any; date repackaged; quantity prepared; initials of the veterinarian verifying the process; the assigned lot or control number; the manufacturer's or distributor's name and lot or control number; and an expiration date.

18VAC150-20-195. Recordkeeping.

A. A daily record of each patient treated shall be maintained by the veterinarian at the permitted veterinary establishment and shall include pertinent medical data such as drugs administered, dispensed or prescribed, and all relevant medical and surgical procedures performed. Records should contain at a minimum:

1. Presenting complaint/reason for contact;

2. Physical examination findings, if appropriate;

3. Tests performed and results;

4. Procedures performed/treatment given and results; and

5. Drugs (and their dosages) administered, dispensed or prescribed.

B. Individual records shall be maintained on each patient, except that records for economic animals or litters of companion animals under the age of four months may be maintained on a per client basis. Client records shall be kept for a period of three years following the last office visit or discharge of such animal from a veterinary establishment.

C. An animal identification system must be used by the establishment.

D. Upon the sale or closure of a veterinary establishment involving the transfer of patient records to another location, the veterinarian shall follow the requirements for transfer of patient records in accordance with § 54.1-2405 of the Code of Virginia.

E. An initial rabies certification for an animal receiving a primary rabies vaccination shall clearly display the following information: "An animal is not considered immunized for at least 28 days after the initial or primary vaccination is administered."

18VAC150-20-200. Standards for veterinary establishments.

A. Full-service establishments. A full-service establishment shall provide surgery and encompass all aspects of health care for small or large animals, or both. All full-service establishments shall meet the requirements set forth below:

1. Buildings and grounds must be maintained to provide sanitary facilities for the care and medical well-being of patients.

a. Temperature, ventilation, and lighting must be consistent with the medical well-being of the patients.

b. Water and waste. There shall be on-premises:

(1) Hot and cold running water of drinking quality, as defined by the Virginia Department of Health;

(2) An acceptable method of disposal of deceased animals; and

(3) Refrigeration exclusively for carcasses of companion animals that require storage for 24 hours or more.

c. Sanitary toilet and lavatory shall be available for personnel and clients.

2. Areas within building. The areas within the facility shall include the following:

a. A reception area separate from other designated rooms;

b. Examination room or rooms;

c. Surgery room. There shall be a room which is reserved only for surgery and used for no other purpose. The walls of the surgery room must be constructed of nonporous material and extend from the floor to the ceiling. In order that surgery can be performed in a manner compatible with current veterinary medical practice with regard to anesthesia, asepsis, life support, and monitoring procedures, the surgery room shall:

(1) Be of a size adequate to accommodate a surgical table, anesthesia support equipment, surgical supplies, the veterinarian, an assistant, and the patient;

(2) Be kept so that storage in the surgery room shall be limited to items and equipment normally related to surgery and surgical procedures; and

(3) For small animal facilities, have a door to close off the surgery room from other areas of the practice.

d. Laboratory. The veterinary establishment shall have, as a minimum, proof of use of either in-house laboratory service or outside laboratory services for performing the following lab tests, consistent with appropriate professional care for the species treated:

(1) Urinalysis, including microscopic examination of sediment;

(2) Complete blood count, including differential;

(3) Flotation test for ova of internal parasites;

(4) Skin scrapings for diagnosing external parasites;

(5) Blood chemistries;

(6) Cultures and sensitivities;

(7) Biopsy;

(8) Complete necropses, including histopathology; and

(9) Serology.

e. Animal housing areas. These shall be provided with:

(1) Separate compartments constructed in such a way as to prevent residual contamination;

(2) Accommodations allowing for the effective separation of contagious and noncontagious patients; and

(3) Exercise runs which provide and allow effective separation of animals or walking the animals at medically appropriate intervals.

3. Radiology. A veterinary establishment shall:

a. Have proof of use of either Either have radiology service in-house or documentation of outside services for obtaining diagnostic-quality radiographs.

b. If radiology is in-house:

(1) Each radiograph shall be permanently imprinted with the identity of the facility or veterinarian, patient and the date of exposure. Each radiograph shall also be clearly labeled by permanent imprinting to reflect anatomic specificity.

(2) Document that radiographic equipment complies with all requirements of 12VAC5-480-8520, Veterinary Medicine Radiographic Installations, of the Virginia Department of Health document, "Ionizing Radiation Rules and Regulations" (1988), which requirements are adopted by this board and incorporated herewith by reference in this chapter.

c. Maintain radiographs as a part of the patient's record. If a radiograph is transferred to another establishment or released to the client, a record of this transfer must be maintained on or with the patient's records.

4. Equipment; minimum requirements.

a. Examination room containing a table with nonporous surface.

b. Surgery suite.

(1) Surgical table with nonporous surface;

(2) Surgical supplies, instruments and equipment commensurate with the kind of surgical services provided;

(3) Automatic emergency lighting;

(4) Surgical lighting;

(5) Instrument table, stand, or tray; and

(6) Waste receptacle.

c. Radiology (if in-house).

(1) Lead aprons and gloves;

(2) Radiation exposure badges; and

(3) X-ray machine.

d. General equipment.

(1) Steam pressure sterilizer or an appropriate method of sterilizing instruments;

(2) Internal and external sterilization monitors, if steam pressure sterilizers are used;

(3) Stethoscope;

(4) Thermometer;

(5) Equipment for delivery of assisted ventilation, including but not necessarily limited to:

(a) A resuscitation bag; and

(b) Endotracheal tubes.

(6) Scales; and

(7) Storage for records.

B. Restricted establishments. When the scope of practice is less than full service, a specifically restricted establishment permit shall be required. Upon submission of a completed application, satisfactory inspection and payment of the permit fee, a restricted establishment permit may be issued. Such restricted establishments shall have posted in a conspicuous manner the specific limitations on the scope of practice on a form provided by the board.

1. Large animal establishment, ambulatory practice. A large animal ambulatory establishment is a mobile practice in which health care of large animals is performed at the location of the animal. Surgery on large animals may be performed as part of a large animal ambulatory practice provided the facility has surgical supplies, instruments and equipment commensurate with the kind of surgical services provided. All large animal ambulatory establishments shall meet the requirements of a full-service establishment in subsection A of this section with the exception of those set forth below:

a. All requirements for buildings and grounds.

b. All requirements for an examination room and surgery suite.

c. Equipment for assisted ventilation.

d. Scales.

2. Small animal establishment, house call practice. A small animal house call establishment is a mobile practice in which health care of small animals is performed at the residence of the owner of the small animal. Surgery may be performed only in a surgical suite that has passed inspection. Small animal house call facilities shall meet the requirements of a full-service establishment in subsection A of this section with the exception of those set forth below:

a. All requirements for buildings and grounds.

b. All requirements for an examination room or surgery suite.

c. Steam pressure sterilizer.

d. Internal or external sterilization monitor.

3. Small animal establishment, outpatient practice. A small animal outpatient establishment is a stationary facility or ambulatory practice where health care of small animals is performed. This practice may include surgery, provided the facility is equipped with a surgery suite as required by subdivision A 2 c of this section. Overnight hospitalization shall not be required. All other requirements of a full-service establishment shall be met.

C. A separate facility permit is required for separate practices that share the same location.

18VAC150-20-210. Revocation or suspension of a veterinary establishment permit.

A. The board may revoke or suspend or take other disciplinary action deemed appropriate against the registration permit of a veterinary establishment if it finds the establishment to be in violation of any provisions of laws or regulations governing veterinary medicine or if:

1. The board or its agents are denied access to the establishment to conduct an inspection or investigation;

2. The licensee does not pay any and all prescribed fees or monetary penalties;

3. The establishment is performing procedures beyond the scope of a restricted establishment permit; or

4. The establishment has no veterinarian-in-charge registered with the board.

B. The Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) shall apply to any determination under this section.

[ FORMS (18VAC150-20)

Licensure Procedure for Veterinarians (rev. 8/07).

Application for a License to Practice Veterinary Medicine (rev. 8/07).

Instructions to the Applicant for Licensure by Examination as a Veterinary Technician Licensure Applicant (rev. 8/07) 4/09).

Instructions to the Applicant for Licensure by Endorsement as a Veterinary Technician (rev. 4/09).

Application for a License to Practice Veterinary Technology (rev. 8/07).

Applicant Instructions for New, Upgrading to Full Service, or Change of Location Inspections (rev. 8/07).

Application for Veterinary Establishment Permit (rev. 8/07).

Application for Reinstatement (rev. 8/07).

Licensure Verification - Veterinarian (rev. 8/07).

Licensure Verification - Veterinary Technician (rev. 9/07).

Application for Registration for Volunteer Practice (rev. 8/07).

Sponsor Certification for Volunteer Registration (rev. 8/07).

Application for Registration to Practice as an Equine Dental Technician (eff. 11/07).

Recommendation for Registration as a Equine Dental Technician (eff. 11/07). ]