HB 869 -- VETERINARIANS

SPONSOR:  Townley

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Professional Registration and Licensing by a vote of 11 to 1.

This bill changes the laws regarding the practice of veterinary
medicine.  The bill:

(1)  Allows for the practice of veterinary medicine across state
lines, as long as the person practicing across state lines is
licensed to practice veterinary medicine in another state and the
practice is limited to the rendering of documented opinions
concerning diagnosis and treatment through electronic means.
When receiving consultations across state lines, the ultimate
authority and responsibility for the diagnosis and treatment of
the patient remains with the primary care veterinarian licensed
in this state;

(2)  Expands the criteria for application for provisional
licenses to practice veterinary medicine to include those
applying by grade transfer, reciprocity, or examination.
Provisional licenses will not be issued to those applying for
faculty licenses;

(3)  Creates an inactive license status.  Non-practicing
veterinarians and veterinary technicians may make application to
the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board requesting that their
license be placed on inactive status.  Applicants must file an
affirmation with the board stating they will not engage in the
practice of veterinary medicine.  Any person holding an inactive
license who wishes to have their license brought back to active
status must submit an application for renewal, pay the required
fees, and provide evidence of completion of required continuing
education requirements;

(4)  Requires all persons with expired licenses who are still
eligible for renewal to provide evidence of completion of all
continuing education requirements when making application for
license renewal; and

(5)  Allows veterinary technicians licensed in other states to
make application for certification in Missouri by grade score
transfer.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2005, FY 2006, and
FY 2007.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill updates the veterinary
practice act by expanding licensing provisions.  It gives the
Missouri Veterinary Medical Board the authority to regulate the
profession in the same manner as other medical professions.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Townley; and Missouri
Veterinary Medical Board.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Bob Dominique, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:14 am