2010 Indiana Code
TITLE 25. PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
ARTICLE 38.1. VETERINARIANS
CHAPTER 3. VETERINARIANS; VETERINARY TECHNICIANS; LICENSES, SPECIAL PERMITS, AND REGISTRATION
IC 25-38.1-3
Chapter 3. Veterinarians; Veterinary Technicians; Licenses,
Special Permits, and Registration
IC 25-38.1-3-1
License and permit requirements; exceptions
Sec. 1. (a) A person may not practice veterinary medicine in
Indiana unless the person:
(1) is licensed as a veterinarian in Indiana; or
(2) holds a special permit issued by the board.
(b) The following persons are exempt from the licensing or
special permit requirements of this chapter:
(1) A veterinarian on the faculty of the School of Veterinary
Medicine at Purdue University performing regular duties, or a
veterinarian employed by the animal disease diagnostic
laboratory established by IC 21-46-3-1 performing regular
duties.
(2) A veterinary medical officer serving in the United States
armed forces or veterinarian employed by a federal, state, or
local government agency performing veterinary medical
services that are within the scope of official duties and are
performed during the period of the person's service.
(3) An individual who is a regular student in an accredited
college of veterinary medicine performing duties or actions
assigned by the faculty of the School of Veterinary Medicine at
Purdue University or working under the direct supervision of a
licensed veterinarian.
(4) An extern.
(5) A veterinarian who is licensed and is a resident in another
state or country and consults with a veterinarian licensed under
this article.
(6) An owner or a contract operator of an animal or a regular
employee of the owner or a contract operator caring for and
treating an animal, except where the ownership of the animal
was transferred for purposes of circumventing this chapter.
(7) A guest lecturing or giving instructions or demonstrations at
the School of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University, or
elsewhere, in connection with a continuing education program.
(8) An individual while engaged in bona fide scientific research
that:
(A) reasonably requires experimentation involving animals;
and
(B) is conducted in a facility or with a company that
complies with federal regulations regarding animal welfare.
(9) A graduate of a foreign college of veterinary medicine who
is in the process of obtaining an ECFVG certificate and who is
under the direct supervision of:
(A) the faculty of the School of Veterinary Medicine at
Purdue University; or
(B) a veterinarian licensed under this article.
(10) A veterinarian who is enrolled in a postgraduate
instructional program in an accredited college of veterinary
medicine performing duties or actions assigned by the faculty
of the School of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University.
(11) A member in good standing of another licensed or
regulated profession within Indiana who:
(A) provides assistance requested by a veterinarian licensed
under this article;
(B) acts with the consent of the client;
(C) acts within a veterinarian-client-patient relationship; and
(D) acts under the direct or indirect supervision of the
licensed veterinarian.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.27;
P.L.177-2009, SEC.59.
IC 25-38.1-3-2
Veterinarian licensure requirements
Sec. 2. To become a licensed veterinarian, a person must:
(1) not have a conviction for a crime that has a direct bearing on
the person's ability to practice ethically and competently;
(2) not have committed an act that would have been a violation
of IC 25-1-9-4 or IC 25-1-9-6;
(3) pay the fees required under this article;
(4) have successfully completed a program in veterinary
medicine from an accredited college of veterinary medicine;
and
(5) have successfully completed the examinations described in
section 4 of this chapter or qualify for a license without
examination under section 5 of this chapter.
However, a person who was licensed as a veterinarian in Indiana on
August 31, 1979, is not required to meet the requirements of
subdivision (4) or (5).
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.28.
IC 25-38.1-3-3
Application for license; requirements and qualifications
Sec. 3. (a) As used in this subsection, "term" refers to an academic
semester, trimester, or quarter. A person desiring a license to practice
veterinary medicine shall make written application to the board. The
application must state that the applicant is:
(1) a graduate of an accredited college of veterinary medicine;
or
(2) enrolled in the last term of the last year of the veterinary
medical curriculum of an accredited school of veterinary
medicine.
If the applicant is enrolled as a last term student as described in
subdivision (2), a letter from the dean of the student's veterinary
school confirming that the applicant is a last term student, attesting
to the satisfactory academic standing of the student, and stating the
date on which the degree is expected to be conferred upon the
student must accompany the application. A license to practice
veterinary medicine in Indiana may not be issued until satisfactory
proof has been furnished to the board either that the applicant has
graduated from an accredited college of veterinary medicine or that
the applicant is the holder of an Educational Commission for Foreign
Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) certificate. The application must
show reasonable information and proof required by the board by rule.
The application must be accompanied by the required fee.
(b) If the board determines that the applicant possesses the proper
qualifications, the board may grant the applicant a license. If the
board determines that the applicant is not qualified to take the
examination or that the applicant does not qualify for a license
without examination, the executive secretary of the board shall
immediately notify the applicant in writing of the finding and the
grounds for the finding. Applicants found unqualified may request a
hearing on the question of their qualifications.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12.
IC 25-38.1-3-4
Examinations
Sec. 4. (a) The board shall hold at least one (1) examination for
licensing veterinarians and one (1) examination for registering
veterinary technicians each year. However, the board may hold
additional examinations. The agency shall give notice of the date,
time, and place for each examination at least ninety (90) days before
the date set for the examination. A person desiring to take an
examination must make application not later than the time the board
prescribes under IC 25-38.1-2-12.
(b) The board must approve the preparation, administration, and
grading of examinations that comply with the following
requirements:
(1) Examinations for licensure to practice as a veterinarian must
be designed to test the examinee's knowledge of and proficiency
in the subjects and techniques commonly taught in veterinary
schools. To pass the examination, the examinee must
demonstrate scientific and practical knowledge sufficient to
prove to the board that the examinee is competent to practice
veterinary medicine. The board may adopt and use
examinations approved by the National Board of Veterinary
Medical Examiners for licensure to practice veterinary
medicine.
(2) Examinations for registration as a registered veterinary
technician must be designed to test the examinee's knowledge
of and proficiency in the subjects and techniques commonly
taught in schools for veterinary technicians. To pass the
examination, the examinee must demonstrate scientific and
practical knowledge sufficient to prove to the board that the
examinee is competent to act as a registered veterinary
technician. The board may adopt and use examinations
approved by the American Association of Veterinary State
Boards for registration as a veterinary technician.
(c) To qualify for a license as a veterinarian or to be registered as
a veterinary technician, the applicant must attain a passing score in
the examinations.
(d) After the examinations, the agency shall notify each examinee
of the result of the examinee's examinations. The board shall issue a
license or registration certificate, as appropriate, to each individual
who successfully completes the examinations and is otherwise
qualified. The agency shall keep a permanent record of the issuance
of each license or registration certificate.
(e) An individual who fails to pass the required examinations may
apply to take a subsequent examination. Payment of the examination
fee may not be waived.
(f) If an applicant fails to pass the required examination within
three (3) attempts in Indiana or any other state, the applicant may not
retake the required examination. The applicant may take subsequent
examinations upon approval by the board and completion of remedial
education as required by the board.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.29.
IC 25-38.1-3-5
License without examination
Sec. 5. The board may issue a license without an examination to
a qualified applicant who:
(1) furnishes satisfactory proof that the applicant is a graduate
of an accredited college of veterinary medicine or holds an
Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates
(ECFVG) certificate;
(2) for the five (5) years immediately preceding filing an
application has been a practicing veterinarian licensed in a state,
territory, or district of the United States that has license
requirements substantially equivalent to the requirements of this
chapter; and
(3) otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12.
IC 25-38.1-3-5.5
Permit requirements; exceptions
Sec. 5.5. (a) An individual may not act as a registered veterinary
technician unless the person is registered as a veterinary technician
in Indiana or has been issued a special permit by the board.
(b) An individual is not required to meet the registration
requirements for a registered veterinary technician under this article
while the individual is:
(1) a full-time student in an accredited veterinary technology
program performing duties or actions assigned by faculty or
staff of the accredited program; or
(2) working under the direct supervision of a licensed
veterinarian to perform tasks that are an educational
requirement of the accredited program.
As added by P.L.58-2008, SEC.30.
IC 25-38.1-3-6
Veterinary technician permit requirements
Sec. 6. To become a registered veterinary technician, a person
must:
(1) not have a conviction for a crime that has a direct bearing on
the person's ability to practice competently;
(2) pay the required fees;
(3) be at least eighteen (18) years of age;
(4) have successfully completed four (4) years of high school
education or an acceptable equivalent;
(5) have either successfully completed an accredited veterinary
technology program or have been a registered veterinary
technician on August 31, 1981; and
(6) show that the person has the necessary knowledge and skills
to be a registered veterinary technician, demonstrated by
successfully passing the required examinations.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.31.
IC 25-38.1-3-7
Veterinary technicians; refusal to issue permit; probationary
registration; conditions
Sec. 7. (a) The board may refuse to issue a registration or may
issue a probationary registration to an applicant for registration as a
registered veterinary technician under this chapter if:
(1) the applicant has been disciplined by a licensing entity of
another state or jurisdiction; and
(2) the violation for which the applicant was disciplined has a
direct bearing on the applicant's ability to competently practice
as a veterinary technician in Indiana.
(b) Whenever issuing a probationary registration under this
section, the board may impose any or a combination of the following
conditions:
(1) Report regularly to the board upon the matters that are the
basis of the discipline of the other state or jurisdiction.
(2) Limit practice to those areas prescribed by the board.
(3) Continue or renew professional education.
(4) Engage in community restitution or service without
compensation for a number of hours specified by the board.
(c) The board shall remove any limitations placed on a
probationary registration issued under this section if the board finds
after a hearing that the deficiency that required disciplinary action
has been remedied.
(d) This section does not apply to an individual who currently
holds a registration certificate under this chapter.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.32.
IC 25-38.1-3-8
Registration without examination
Sec. 8. The board may issue a registration without an examination
to a qualified applicant who:
(1) furnishes satisfactory proof that the applicant has
successfully completed an accredited veterinary technology
program;
(2) for the five (5) years immediately preceding filing an
application has been acting as a registered veterinary technician
in a state, territory, or district of the United States that has
registration requirements substantially equivalent to the
requirements of this chapter; and
(3) otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.33.
IC 25-38.1-3-9
Application
Sec. 9. An applicant for registration as a registered veterinary
technician shall complete an application form prescribed by the
board. Each application shall be accompanied by the required
registration fee and other material that the board may require by rule.
Each applicant shall furnish proof to the board that the applicant
meets the requirements of a registered veterinary technician under
this chapter.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12.
IC 25-38.1-3-10
Term of license and registration certificate
Sec. 10. A license or registration certificate issued under this
article is valid for the remainder of the renewal period in effect on
the date of issuance.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12.
IC 25-38.1-3-11
License renewal
Sec. 11. (a) A license issued under this chapter is valid until the
next renewal date described under subsection (b).
(b) All licenses expire on a date set by the agency in each
odd-numbered year but may be renewed by application to the board
and payment of the proper renewal fee. In accordance with
IC 25-1-5-4(c), the agency shall mail a notice sixty (60) days before
the expiration to each licensed veterinarian. The agency shall issue
a license renewal to each individual licensed under this chapter if the
proper fee has been received and all other requirements for renewal
of the license have been satisfied. Failure to renew a license on or
before the expiration date automatically renders the license invalid
without any action by the board.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.34.
IC 25-38.1-3-12
Registration certificate renewal
Sec. 12. (a) A registration certificate issued under this chapter is
valid until the next renewal date described under subsection (b).
(b) All registration certificates expire on a date set by the agency
of each even-numbered year but may be renewed by application to
the board and payment of the proper renewal fee. In accordance with
IC 25-1-5-4(c), the agency shall mail a notice sixty (60) days before
the expiration to each registered veterinary technician. The agency
shall issue a registration certificate renewal to each individual
registered under this chapter if the proper fee has been received and
all other requirements for renewal of the registration certificate have
been satisfied. Failure to renew a registration certificate on or before
the expiration date automatically renders the license invalid without
any action by the board.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.35.
IC 25-38.1-3-13
Practicing without a valid license or registration; violation;
renewal; inactive status
Sec. 13. (a) An individual who:
(1) practices veterinary medicine after the individual's license
has expired, been revoked, or been placed on inactive status; or
(2) acts as a registered veterinary technician after the
individual's registration has expired, been revoked, or been
placed on inactive status;
violates this article.
(b) A veterinarian may renew an expired license or a registered
veterinary technician may renew an expired registration certificate
not later than five (5) years after the date of expiration by making
written application for renewal and paying the required fee.
However, the board may require continuing education as a condition
of renewal of an expired license.
(c) A veterinarian may not renew an expired license, and a
registered veterinary technician may not renew an expired
registration certificate, after five (5) years have elapsed after the date
of the expiration of a license or a registration certificate but the
person may make application for a new license or registration
certificate and take the appropriate examinations.
(d) To have a license or registration placed on inactive status, a
licensed veterinarian or registered veterinarian technician must notify
the board in writing of the veterinarian's or technician's desire to
have the license or registration placed on inactive status. The board
shall waive the continuing education requirements, if any, and
payment of the renewal fee during the period the license or
registration of a veterinarian or technician is on inactive status. A
license or registration may be placed on inactive status during the
period:
(1) the veterinarian or technician is on active duty with any
branch of the armed services of the United States;
(2) the veterinarian or technician is in the Peace Corps;
(3) the veterinarian or technician is in an alternative service
during a time of national emergency;
(4) the veterinarian or technician is suffering from a severe
medical condition that prevents the veterinarian or technician
from meeting the requirements of the board; or
(5) after the veterinarian or technician retires.
A veterinarian or technician who is retired and on inactive status may
not maintain an office or practice veterinary medicine. The board
may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 that establish prerequisites or
conditions for the reactivation of an inactive license or registration.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.36.
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