Phoenix, Arizona
Makes several modifications to the regulation of the veterinary medical practice, including definitions relating to veterinarian negligence, the type of examination a veterinarian must pass to be licensed to practice in Arizona, the membership of investigative committees and reporting of suspected animal abuse.
Background
The Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board (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.
Under current law, civil immunity is granted to any individual, including a veterinarian, who reports information to the Board.
H.B. 2010 includes a number of modifications to existing statutes identified by the Board.
There is no fiscal impact anticipated to the general fund.
Provisions
1. Clarifies the definitions of gross incompetence, gross negligence and negligence as these definitions pertain to the practice of veterinary medicine.
2. Requires a person seeking licensure as a veterinarian in this State to take and pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination, instead of the National Board Exam and the Clinical Competency Test. (The person must also still take and pass the state exam.)
3. Changes the membership of the committee appointed by the Board to investigate violations of unprofessional or dishonorable conduct to include three public members and two licensed veterinarians. (Current law requires the committee consist of two investigators, two public members and a licensed veterinarian.)
4. Changes the requirement to report incidents of dog fights from within five days to within 30 days and adds a requirement to report the abuse of any animal, not just dogs.
5. Allows a person to report to the Board any veterinarian that is suspected of abusing animals.
6. Requires a veterinarian to report suspected cases of livestock abuse to the Department of Agriculture in writing within 30 days of treating or examining the animal.
7. Makes technical and conforming changes.
8. Provides for a general effective date