KRS § 321.190 — KY Code / Title XXVI / Chapter 321 / Section 321.190
321.190 License required to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology
Status: in_force

321.190 License required to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology.

(1) The practice of veterinary medicine and the practice of veterinary technology in the

Commonwealth are subject to enforcement by the board. Except as otherwise

provided in this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the practice

of veterinary medicine or the practice of veterinary technology in the

Commonwealth through any means unless licensed under the applicable provisions

of this chapter, except as provided in KRS 321.200 and 321.443.

(2) (a) A person shall not use the designation "veterinarian," "licensed veterinarian,"

or any other designation indicating licensure status, including abbreviations,

or hold that person out as a veterinarian unless licensed for that profession.

(b) A person shall not use the designation "veterinary technician," "licensed

veterinary technician," or any other designation indicating licensure status,

including abbreviations, or hold that person out as a veterinary technician

unless licensed for that profession.

(3) The practice of veterinary medicine by telephonic, videoconference, telehealth, or

other means shall constitute the practice of veterinary medicine subject to licensure

and enforcement by the board.

(4) A veterinarian shall utilize the services of a licensed veterinary technician or

veterinary assistant in accordance with this chapter and the administrative

regulations promulgated under the authority of this chapter. Unauthorized

utilization of any person’s services in violation of this chapter shall be considered

as aiding and abetting any unlicensed person to practice veterinary medicine as

described in KRS 321.351.

(5) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent members of other professions

from performing functions for which they are credentialed by the board and that is

within their defined scope of practice. However, these persons shall not hold

themselves out or refer to themselves by any title or description stating or implying

that they are licensed or otherwise entitled to engage in the practice of veterinary

medicine or the practice of veterinary technology.

(6) Except as authorized by KRS 321.200, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to

permit any person who is not a veterinarian to perform any of the following

activities relating to animals:

(a) Surgery;

(b) Diagnosis;

(c) Prognosis; and

(d) Prescription.

(7) A supervising veterinarian is individually and separately responsible and liable for

the performance of the acts delegated to and the omissions of the licensed

veterinary technician, veterinary assistant, special permittee, intern, preceptor,

resident, or any other individual working under the veterinarian's supervision.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to relieve licensed veterinary technicians,

veterinary assistants, special permittees, interns, preceptors, residents, or any other

individuals working under supervision of any responsibility or liability for any of

their own acts or omissions.

(8) Unless exempted by KRS 321.200, persons engaging in the practice of veterinary

medicine or the practice of veterinary technology without a credential from the

board shall be subject to enforcement and discipline by the board as established in

KRS 321.352 and 321.990.