Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Veterinary Medicine intends to consider amending 18VAC150-20, Regulations Governing the Practice of Veterinary Medicine. The purpose of the proposed action is to add a definition of "specialist" to 18VAC150-20-10 and to expand the elements of unprofessional conduct to include identifying oneself as a specialist without possessing the proper credentials. The goal is to prevent misrepresentation to the public in the use of the term "specialist" or "specialty" for an individual licensee or in the name of an establishment.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: July 1, 2015.

Agency Contact: Leslie L. Knachel, Executive Director, Board of Veterinary Medicine, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4468, FAX (804) 527-4471, or email leslie.knachel@dhp.virginia.gov.