Title of Regulation: 18VAC150-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Veterinary Medicine (amending 18VAC150-20-100; adding 18VAC150-20-122, 18VAC150-20-123).

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

Effective Date: May 30, 2018.

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.

Summary:

In accordance with provisions of Chapter 306 of the 2016 Acts of Assembly, the amendments establish a faculty license and an intern/resident license for persons providing clinical care to animals at an accredited veterinary education program in Virginia.

Summary of Public Comments and Agency's Response: No public comments were received by the promulgating agency.

18VAC150-20-100. Fees.

The following fees shall be in effect:

18VAC150-20-122. Requirements for faculty licensure.

A. Upon payment of the fee prescribed in 18VAC150-20-100 and provided that no grounds exist to deny licensure pursuant to § 54.1-3807 of the Code of Virginia, the board may grant a faculty license to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine as part of a veterinary medical education program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education to an applicant who:

1. Is qualified for full licensure pursuant to 18VAC150-20-110 or 18VAC150-20-120;

2. Is a graduate of an accredited veterinary program and has an unrestricted current license or if lapsed, is eligible for reinstatement in another United States jurisdiction; or

3. Is a graduate of a veterinary program and has advanced training recognized by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties or a specialty training program acceptable to the veterinary medical education program in which he serves on the faculty.

B. The dean of a veterinary medical education program shall provide verification that the applicant is being or has been hired by the program and shall include an assessment of the applicant's clinical competency and clinical experience that qualifies the applicant for a faculty license.

C. The holder of a faculty license shall be entitled to perform all functions that a person licensed to practice veterinary medicine would be entitled to perform as part of his faculty duties, including patient care functions associated with teaching, research, and the delivery of patient care that takes place only within [ the a ] veterinary establishment or diagnostic and clinical services operated by or affiliated with the veterinary program. A faculty license shall not authorize the holder to practice veterinary medicine in nonaffiliated veterinary establishments or in private practice settings.

D. A faculty license shall expire on December 31 of the second year after its issuance and may be renewed annually without a requirement for continuing education, as specified in 18VAC150-20-70, as long as the accredited program certifies to the licensee's continued employment. When such a license holder ceases serving on the faculty, the license shall be null and void upon termination of employment. The dean of the veterinary medical education program shall notify the board within 30 days of such termination of employment.

18VAC150-20-123. Requirements for an intern/resident license.

A. Upon payment of the fee prescribed in 18VAC150-20-100 and provided that no grounds exist to deny licensure pursuant to § 54.1-3807 of the Code of Virginia, the board may issue a temporary license to practice veterinary medicine to an intern or resident. Upon recommendation of the dean or director of graduate education of the veterinary medical education program, such a license may be issued to an applicant who is a graduate of an AVMA-accredited program or who meets requirements of the Educational Commission of Foreign Veterinary Graduates or the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards, as verified by the veterinary medical education program. The application shall include the beginning and ending dates of the internship or residency.

B. The intern or resident shall be supervised by a fully licensed veterinarian or a veterinarian who holds a faculty license issued by the board. The intern or resident shall only practice within [ the a ] veterinary establishment or diagnostic and clinical services operated by or affiliated with the veterinary program. A temporary license shall not authorize the holder to practice veterinary medicine in nonaffiliated veterinary establishments or in private practice settings.

C. An intern or resident license shall expire on August 1 of the second year after its issuance and may be renewed upon recommendation by the dean or director of graduate education of the veterinary medical education program.