(A) A person may not practice veterinary medicine without a license issued in accordance with this chapter, except as provided in subsection (B). A person who uses in connection with his name the words or letters "D.V.M.", "V.M.D.", "Doctor of Veterinary Medicine", "Veterinary Medical Doctor", or other letters, words, or insignia indicating or implying that one is engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine or who in any other way, orally or in writing or in print or by sign directly or by implication, represents oneself as engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine without being licensed by the board is subject to the penalties provided for in this chapter.

(B)(1) During an emergency or natural disaster, a veterinarian or veterinary technician who is not licensed in accordance with this chapter, but is licensed and in good standing in another jurisdiction, may obtain an emergency limited license to practice veterinary medicine related to the response efforts in locations in this State if:

(a) an official declaration of a state of emergency has been made by the Governor of this State or his delegated state official; and

(b) an official invitation has been extended to the veterinarian or veterinary technician for a specified time by the Governor during emergencies.

(2) An applicant for an emergency limited license must submit documentation as may be acceptable to the board under the circumstances to demonstrate eligibility for the limited license, including documentation of an existing license in good standing.

HISTORY: 2006 Act No. 294, Section 1; 2019 Act No. 43 (S.105), Section 6, eff May 16, 2019.

Editor's Note

Prior Laws:1920 (31) 905; Civ. C. '22 Section 2473; 1932 Code Section 5252; 1942 Code Section 5252; 1952 Code Section 56-1553; 1962 Code Section 56-1553; 1974 (58) 2769; 1981 Act No. 174, Sections 2, 3; 1984 Act No. 457; 1987 Act No. 133, Section 2; 1994 Act No. 306, Section 1.

2019 Act No. 43, Section 10, provides as follows:

"SECTION 10. The General Assembly finds it is the best practice for a shelter, public or private, to prepare and maintain records documenting the number of animals admitted to the facility and the method by which those animals exit the facility, whether by adoption, fostering, natural death, euthanasia, transfer to another state, or other means of discharge."

Effect of Amendment

2019 Act No. 43, Section 6, inserted the (A) identifier, in the first sentence, inserted ", except as provided in subsection (B)", and in the second sentence, made a nonsubstantive change; and added (B).