House of Representatives

HB 2010

veterinarian applicant examinations; investigative committee

Sponsor: Representative Gleason

 

DPA

Committee on Natural Resources & Agriculture

X

Caucus and COW

 

 

As Passed the House

 

HB 2010 clarifies definitions relating to veterinarian negligence, modifies the type of examination a veterinarian must pass to be licensed to practice in Arizona, changes the membership of investigative committees and address reporting of suspected animal abuse.

 

History

The Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board was established to license, certify and regulate veterinarians, veterinary technicians and veterinary premises to protect and promote public health, safety and welfare and to enhance veterinary medicine.  The board’s duties include licensing veterinarians and veterinary premises, certifying veterinary technicians, reviewing and docketing complaints at monthly meetings, conducting investigations and adjudicating and resolving complaints through informal interviews and formal hearings.  Current law grants civil immunity to any veterinarian or person who reports information in good faith to the board.

 

Provisions

·                      Clarifies the definition of gross incompetence, gross negligence and negligence.

·                      Modifies the specific exam that a candidate must pass to practice as a veterinarian in Arizona.  Current law requires a person to pass a state exam, the National Board Exam and the Clinical Competency Test.  HB 2010 retains the state exam and requires a person to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination, instead of the National Board Exam and the Clinical Competency Test.

·                      Changes the membership of the committee appointed by the Board to investigate violations of unprofessional or dishonorable conduct.  Currently the investigative committee consists of two investigators, two members of the general public and one veterinarian.  HB 2010 changes the investigative committee to three public members and two licensed veterinarians.

·                      Changes the requirements to report incidents of dog fights from five to 30 days and adds a requirement to report the abuse of any animal, not just dogs.

·                      Allows a person to report to the Board any veterinarian that is suspected of abusing animals.

·                      Makes technical and conforming changes.

 

HB 2010 was amended in the NRA as follows:

·                      Adds language to clarify that abuse of livestock shall be reported in writing to the Arizona Department of Agriculture, rather than a local law enforcement agency.

·                      Corrects the name of the examination that veterinarians must pass from North America Veterinary Licensing Exam to North American Veterinary Licensing Exam.

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·                      44th Legislature                                                                                                                       

·                      Second Regular Session                       2                                                         January 18, 2001

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