Source: https://www.animallaw.info/statute/ga-veterinary-veterinary-practice-code
Timestamp: 2017-02-23 21:13:01
Document Index: 722054935

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 4', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 6', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 43', '§ 63', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 43', '§ 38', '§ 43', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 43', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 3', '§ 43', '§ 1', '§ 11', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 1', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 1', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 1', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 1', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 1', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 1', '§ 43', '§ 5', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 1', '§ 43', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 19', '§ 1', '§ 43', '§ 3', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 4', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 45', '§ 1', '§ 43', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 19', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 43', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 19', '§ 1', 'art 2', '§ 43', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 19', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 20', '§ 46', '§ 43', '§ 4', '§ 1', '§ 4', '§ 3', '§ 5', '§ 4', '§ 3', '§ 19', '§ 1', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 2', '§ 6', '§ 1', '§ 43', '§ 6', '§ 7', '§ 6', '§ 1', '§ 43', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 43', 'art 3', '§ 43', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 43', '§ 3', '§ 43', '§ 1', '§ 43', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 43', '§ 1', '§ 19', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 43', '§ 1', '§ 43', '§ 19', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 43', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 43', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 43', '§ 1', '§ 43', '§ 1', '§ 43', '§ 4', '§ 43', '§ 4', '§ 43', '§ 4', '§ 43', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 43', '§ 43', '§ 4', '§ 43', '§ 1', '§ 4', '§ 43', '§ 2', '§ 4', '§ 43', '§ 2', '§ 4']

Full Statute Name: West's Code of Georgia Annotated. Title 43. Professions and Businesses. Chapter 50. Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians. Article 3. Licensing and Registration. Share
Popular Title: Georgia Veterinary Practice Act
Primary Citation: Ga. Code Ann., § 43-50-1 to 91
Alternate Citation: GA ST § 43-50-1 to 91
Statute Text: Article 1. General Provisions § 43-50-1 . Short title § 43-50-2 . Legislative purpose § 43-50-3 . Definitions Article 2. State Board of Veterinary Medicine
§ 43-50-20 . Establishment of board; appointment; terms of office; vacancies; eligibility; compensation; removal; meetings; officers
§ 43-50-21 . Powers of board
§ 43-50-30 . License required to practice; veterinarian as employee
§ 43-50-31 . Application for examination
§ 43-50-32 . Examinations; notification of results; issuance of licenses and certificates of registration
§ 43-50-33 . Persons holding license on July 1, 2003
§ 43-50-40 . Expiration and renewal of license; practice after expiration; waiver of renewal fee; continuing professional education; inactive status
§ 43-50-41 . Refusal to grant license or registration; revocation of license or registration; discipline
§ 43-50-42 . Temporary licenses
§ 43-50-43 . Veterinary faculty licenses
§ 43-50-44 . Activities not prohibited
§ 43-50-45 . Unlawful practice; misdemeanor; injunctions; cumulative remedies
§ 43-50-50 . Purpose of part
§ 43-50-51 . Prohibited practices
§ 43-50-52 . Certificates of registration; applications; examinations; renewal; registration in another state; rules
§ 43-50-53 . Registration examinations; reactivation of registration
§ 43-50-54 . Supervision required; disciplinary actions; duties limited
§ 43-50-55 . Posting notice of use of veterinary technicians; identification of technicians; number limited
§ 43-50-56 . Responsibility of veterinarian
§ 43-50-60 . Purpose
§ 43-50-61 . Duties limited
§ 43-50-62 . Supervision required; utilization of assistants
§ 43-50-63 . Posting notice of use of veterinary assistants; identification of assistants
§ 43-50-64 . Responsibility of veterinarian §§ 43-50-70, 43-50-71. Renumbered §§ 43-50-90, 43-50-91 by Laws 2006, Act 443, § 4, eff. March 30, 2006
§ 43-50-80 . Relief from liability for rendering emergency care
§ 43-50-90 . Establishment of standards; rules; enforcement actions
§ 43-50-91 . Exemptions
Article 1. General Provisions § 43-50-1. Short title This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Georgia Veterinary Practice Act."
§ 43-50-2. Legislative purpose This chapter is enacted as an exercise of the powers of the state to promote the public health, safety, and welfare by safeguarding the people of this state against incompetent, dishonest, or unprincipled practitioners of veterinary medicine or veterinary technology.
§ 43-50-3. Definitions As used in this chapter, the term:
(1) "Accredited college or school of veterinary medicine" means any veterinary college or school or division of a university or college that offers the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or its equivalent and that conforms to the standards required for accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education or its successor organization.
(3) "AVMA accredited program in veterinary technology" means any postsecondary educational program of two or more academic years that has fulfilled the essential criteria established by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities and approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association or its successor organization.
(4) "Board" means the State Board of Veterinary Medicine.
(5) "Direct supervision" means that the licensed veterinarian is on the premises and is quickly and easily available and that the animal patient has been examined by a licensed veterinarian at such time as acceptable veterinary medical practice requires, consistent with the particular delegated animal health care task.
(6) "ECFVG certificate or its substantial equivalent" means a certificate issued by the American Veterinary Medical Association Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates or its successor organization indicating the holder has demonstrated knowledge and skill equivalent to that possessed by a graduate of an accredited college of veterinary medicine.
(7) "Immediate supervision" means the licensed veterinarian is in audible and visual range of the animal patient and the person treating the animal.
(8) "Indirect supervision" means the licensed veterinarian is not on the premises but has given either written or oral instructions for the treatment of the animal patient and the animal has been examined by a licensed veterinarian at such times as acceptable veterinary medical practice requires, consistent with the particular delegated health care task.
(9) "Licensed veterinarian" means a person who is validly and currently licensed to practice veterinary medicine in this state.
(10) "Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, cooperative, and corporation or any other group or combination acting in concert; and whether or not acting as a principal, trustee, fiduciary, receiver, or as any other kind of legal or personal representative, or as the successor in interest, assignee, agent, factor, servant, employee, member, director, officer, or any other representative of such person.
(11) "Practice veterinary medicine" or "practice of veterinary medicine" means:
(B)(i) To apply or use any instrument or device on any portion of an animal's tooth, gum, or any related tissue for the prevention, cure, or relief of any wound, fracture, injury, disease, or other condition of an animal's tooth, gum, or related tissue.
(iii) Nothing in this subparagraph shall prohibit any person from utilizing cotton swabs, gauze, dental floss, dentifrice, toothbrushes, or similar items to clean an animal's teeth;
(12) "Prescription drug" includes any medicine, medication, or pharmaceutical or biological product whose manufacturer's label must, pursuant to federal or state law, have the following statement printed on its packaging: "Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian"; or any over-the-counter product that is used in a manner different from the label directions and that by definition requires a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship for prescription or dispensing.
(14) "Veterinarian" means a person who has received a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine from a college or school of veterinary medicine.
(15.1) "Veterinary assistant" means a person who engages in certain aspects of the practice of veterinary technology but is not registered by the board for such purpose.
(16) "Veterinary facility" means any premises owned or operated by a veterinarian or his or her employer where the practice of veterinary medicine occurs, including but not limited to veterinary hospitals, clinics, or mobile clinics; provided, however, that such term does not include a client's private property where a licensed veterinarian treats the client's animals.
(17) "Veterinary medicine" includes veterinary surgery, obstetrics, dentistry, and all other branches or specialties of veterinary medicine.
(18) "Veterinary technician" means a person who engages in the practice of veterinary technology and on the basis of his or her qualifications is validly and currently registered by the board for such purpose.
(19) "Veterinary technology" means the science and art of providing certain aspects of professional medical care and treatment for animals and the practice of veterinary medicine as may be delegated and supervised by a licensed veterinarian and performed by a person who is not a licensed veterinarian.
CreditsLaws 1908, p. 88, § 6; Laws 1962, p. 543, § 1; Laws 1965, p. 92, § 1; Laws 1991, p. 375, § 1; Laws 1992, p. 6, § 43; Laws 1993, p. 123, § 63; Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2006, Act 443, § 1, eff. March 30, 2006; Laws 2016, Act 448, § 1, eff. July 1, 2016.
§ 43-50-4. Repealed by Laws 1992, p. 3137, § 38, eff. July 1, 1992 Article 2. State Board of Veterinary Medicine § 43-50-20. Establishment of board; appointment; terms of office; vacancies; eligibility; compensation; removal; meetings; officers <Text of subsec. (a) effective until appropriation of funds for purposes of Laws 2003, Act 257.>
< Text of subsec. (a) effective upon appropriation of funds for purposes of Laws 2003, Act 257. > (a) There shall be a State Board of Veterinary Medicine, the members of which shall be appointed by the Governor with the approval of the Secretary of State and confirmation by the Senate. The board shall consist of seven members, each appointed for a term of five years or until his or her successor is appointed. Five members of the board shall be duly licensed veterinarians actually engaged in active practice for at least five years prior to appointment. The sixth member shall be appointed from the public at large and shall in no way be connected with the practice of veterinary medicine. The seventh member shall be a registered veterinary technician who has been registered and actively engaged in the practice of veterinary technology for at least five years prior to appointment. The initial appointment of the veterinary technician shall expire on June 30 in the fifth calendar year after this subsection becomes effective; thereafter, successors shall be appointed for a term of five years. Those members of the State Board of Veterinary Medicine serving on the effective date of this subsection shall continue to serve as members of the board until the expiration of the term for which they were appointed. Thereafter, successors to such board members shall be appointed in accordance with this Code section. (b) Vacancies due to death, resignation, removal, or otherwise shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as regular appointments. No person shall serve two consecutive five-year terms, but a person appointed for a term of less than five years may succeed himself or herself. (c) No person may serve on the board who is, or was during the two years preceding his or her appointment, a member of the faculty, trustees, or advisory board of a veterinary school. (d) Each member of the board shall be reimbursed as provided for in subsection (f) of Code Section 43-1-2. (e) Any member of the board may be removed by the Governor after a hearing by the board determines cause for removal. (f) The board shall meet at least once each year at the time fixed by the board. Other necessary meetings may be called by the president of the board by giving such notice as shall be established by the board. Meetings shall be open and public except that the board may meet in closed session to prepare, approve, administer, or grade examinations or to deliberate the qualifications of an applicant for license or the disposition of a proceeding to discipline a licensed veterinarian. (g) At its annual meeting, the board shall organize by electing a president and such other officers as may be required by the board. Officers of the board serve for terms of one year and until a successor is elected, without limitation on the number of terms an officer may serve. The president shall chair the board meetings. Laws 1908, p. 88, §§ 1, 2; Laws 1965, p. 92, § 1; Laws 1974, p. 1441, § 1; Laws 1980, p. 64, § 1; Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003 and § 2-1.
§ 43-50-21. Powers of board (a) The board shall have the power to:
Laws 1908, p. 88, § 2; Laws 1965, p. 92, § 1; Laws 1973, p. 260, § 2; Laws 1974, p. 1441, § 2; Laws 1982, p. 1065, § 3; Laws 1994, p. 97, § 43; Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2010, Act 615, § 11, eff. June 3, 2010.
§ 43-50-22. Renumbered § 43-50-30 by Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003 § 43-50-23. Renumbered § 43-50-31 by Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003 § 43-50-24. Renumbered § 43-50-32 by Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003 § 43-50-25. Renumbered § 43-50-33 by Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003 § 43-50-26. Renumbered § 43-50-40 by Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003 § 43-50-27. Renumbered § 43-50-41 by Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003 § 43-50-28. Repealed by Laws 1988, p. 1589, § 5, eff. July 1, 1988 § 43-50-29. Renumbered § 43-50-42 by Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003 § 43-50-30. License required to practice; veterinarian as employee (a) No person may practice veterinary medicine in this state who is not a licensed veterinarian or the holder of a valid temporary license issued by the division director pursuant to this article.
Laws 1965 P. 92, § 1; Laws 1973, p. 260, § 1; Laws 2000, p. 1706, § 19; Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1.
§ 43-50-31. Application for examination (a) Any person desiring a license to practice veterinary medicine in this state shall make application to the board. The application shall include evidence, satisfactory to the board, that:
Laws 1908, p. 88, §§ 3, 4; Laws 1950, p. 254, § 1; Laws 1962, p. 543, §§ 2, 3; Laws 1965, p. 92, § 1; Laws 1982, p. 1065, § 4; Laws 1988, p. 1589, § 2; Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2010, Act 417, § 45, eff. May 20, 2010; Laws 2012, Act 654, § 1, eff. July 1, 2012.
§ 43-50-32. Examinations; notification of results; issuance of licenses and certificates of registration (a) The board shall hold at least one license examination during each year and may hold such additional license examinations as are necessary.
CREDIT(S) Laws 1908, p. 88, §§ 2, 3; Laws 1950, p. 254, § 1; Laws 1962, p. 543, §§ 2, 4; Laws 1965, p. 92, § 1; Laws 2000, p. 1706, § 19; Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2012, Act 654, § 2, eff. July 1, 2012.
§ 43-50-33. Persons holding license on July 1, 2003 Any person holding a valid license to practice veterinary medicine in this state on July 1, 2003, shall be recognized as a licensed veterinarian and shall be entitled to retain this status so long as he or she complies with this article, including biennial renewal of the license.
Laws 1908, p. 88, §§ 2, 3; Laws 1950, p. 254, § 1; Laws 1962, p. 543, §§ 2, 4; Laws 1965, p. 92, § 1; Laws 2000, p. 1706, § 19; Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003.
Part 2. Licensing and Registration Generally § 43-50-40. Expiration and renewal of license; practice after expiration; waiver of renewal fee; continuing professional education; inactive status (a) All licenses and registrations under this article shall be renewable biennially.
<Text of subsec. (d) effective until appropriation of funds for purposes of Laws 2003, Act 257.>
(d)(1) The board shall establish a program of continuing professional veterinary medical education for the renewal of veterinary licenses. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, no license to practice veterinary medicine shall be renewed by the board or the division director until the licensed veterinarian submits to the board satisfactory proof of his or her participation, during the biennium preceding his or her application for renewal, in approved programs of continuing education, as defined in this Code section. The amount of continuing veterinary medical education required of licensed veterinarians by the board under this paragraph shall not be less than 30 hours and shall be established by board rule.
<Text of subsec. (d) effective upon appropriation of funds for purposes of Laws 2003, Act 257.>
(d)(1) The board shall establish programs of continuing professional veterinary medical education and continuing veterinary technology education for the renewal of veterinary licenses and veterinary technician registrations. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, no license to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology shall be renewed by the board or the division director until the licensed veterinarian or registered veterinary technician submits to the board satisfactory proof of his or her participation, during the biennium preceding his or her application for renewal, in approved programs of continuing education, as defined in this Code section. The amount of continuing veterinary medical education required of licensed veterinarians by the board under this paragraph shall not be less than 30 hours and shall be established by board rule.
(2) Continuing professional veterinary medical education or continuing veterinary technology education shall consist of educational programs providing training pertinent to the practice of veterinary medicine or veterinary technology and approved by the board under this Code section. The board may approve educational programs for persons practicing veterinary medicine or veterinary technology in this state on a reasonable nondiscriminatory fee basis and may contract with institutions of higher learning, professional organizations, or qualified individuals for the provision of approved programs. In addition to such programs, the board may allow the continuing education requirement to be fulfilled by the completion of approved distance learning courses, with the number of hours being established by board rule.
Laws 1965, p. 92, § 1; Laws 1973, p. 260, § 3; Laws 1985, p. 406, § 1; Laws 1988, p. 1589, § 3; Laws 2000, p. 1706, § 19; Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003 and § 2-2; Laws 2008, Act 775, § 20, eff. July 1, 2008; Laws 2010, Act 417, § 46, eff. May 20, 2010.
§ 43-50-41. Refusal to grant license or registration; revocation of license or registration; discipline (a) The board is authorized to refuse to grant a license or registration to an applicant, to revoke the license or registration of a person licensed or registered by the board, or to discipline a person licensed or registered under this chapter or any antecedent law, upon a finding by a majority of the entire board that the licensee, registrant, or applicant has:
(1) Failed to demonstrate the qualifications or standards for a license or registration contained in this chapter or in the rules and regulations issued by the board, pursuant to specific statutory authority. It shall be incumbent upon the applicant to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the board that he or she meets all the requirements for the issuance of a license or registration, and, if the board is not satisfied as to the applicant's qualifications, it may deny a license or registration without a prior hearing; provided, however, that the applicant shall be allowed to appear before the board if he or she so desires;
(3) Been convicted of any felony or of any crime involving moral turpitude in the courts of this state or any other state, territory, or country or in the courts of the United States. As used in this paragraph, the term "felony" shall include any offense which, if committed in this state, would be deemed a felony without regard to its designation elsewhere. As used in this paragraph, the term "conviction" shall include a finding or verdict of guilty or a plea of guilty, regardless of whether an appeal of the conviction has been sought;
(C) An adjudication or sentence was otherwise withheld or not entered on the charge. The plea of nolo contendere or the order entered pursuant to the provisions of Article 3 of Chapter 8 of Title 42 or other first offender treatment shall be conclusive evidence of arrest and sentencing for such crime;
(10) Displayed an inability to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology with reasonable skill and safety to patients or has become unable to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of illness, use of alcohol, drugs, narcotics, chemicals, or any other type of material, or as a result of any mental or physical condition, or by reason of displaying habitual intoxication, addiction to, or recurrent personal misuse of alcohol, drugs, narcotics, chemicals, or any other type of similar substances. In enforcing this paragraph, the board may, upon reasonable grounds, require a licensee, registrant, or applicant to submit to a mental or physical examination by physicians designated by the board. The results of such examination shall be admissible in any hearing before the board, notwithstanding any claim of privilege under a contrary rule of law or statute. Every person who shall accept the privilege of practicing veterinary medicine or veterinary technology in this state or who shall file an application for a license or registration to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology in this state shall be deemed to have given that person's consent to submit to such mental or physical examination and to have waived all objections to the admissibility of the results in any hearing before the board upon the grounds that the same constitutes a privileged communication. If a licensee, registrant, or applicant fails to submit to such an examination when properly directed to do so by the board, unless such failure is due to circumstances beyond his or her control, the board may enter a final order upon proper notice, hearing, and proof of such refusal. Any licensee, registrant, or applicant who is prohibited from practicing veterinary medicine or veterinary technology under this paragraph shall at reasonable intervals be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate to the board that such person can resume or begin the practice of veterinary medicine or veterinary technology with reasonable skill and safety to patients;
(13) Knowingly made any fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive statement in any form of advertising or made any statement in any advertisement concerning the quality of the veterinary services rendered by that licensed veterinarian or any licensed veterinarian associated with him or her. For purposes of this paragraph, "advertising" shall include any information communicated in a manner designed to attract public attention to the practice of the licensee or registrant;
(15) Has had his or her U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration privileges restricted or revoked. (b) The provisions of Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act," with respect to emergency action by the board and summary suspension of a license or registration are adopted and incorporated by reference into this chapter. (c) For purposes of this Code section, the board may obtain, and is authorized to subpoena, upon reasonable grounds, any and all records relating to the mental or physical condition of a licensee, registrant, or applicant, and such records shall be admissible in any hearing before the board. (d) When the board finds that any person is unqualified to be granted a license or registration or finds that any person should be disciplined pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section, the board may take any one or more of the following actions: (1) Refuse to grant or renew a license or registration to an applicant; (2) Administer a public or private reprimand, but a private reprimand shall not be disclosed to anyone other than the person reprimanded; (3) Suspend any license or registration for a definite period or for an indefinite period in connection with any condition which may be attached to the restoration of said license or registration; (4) Limit or restrict any license or registration as the board deems necessary for the protection of the public; (5) Revoke any license or registration; or (6) Condition the penalty upon, or withhold formal disposition pending, the applicant's, registrant's, or licensee's submission to such care, counseling, or treatment as the board may direct. (e) In addition to and in conjunction with the actions described in subsection (d) of this Code section, the board may make a finding adverse to the licensee, registrant, or applicant but withhold imposition of judgment and penalty; or it may impose the judgment and penalty but suspend enforcement thereof and place the licensee or registrant on probation, which probation may be vacated upon noncompliance with such reasonable terms as the board may impose. (f) Initial judicial review of a final decision of the board shall be had solely in the superior court of the county of domicile of the board. (g) In its discretion, the board may reinstate a license or registration which has been revoked or issue a license or registration which has been denied or refused, following such procedures as the board may prescribe by rule; and, as a condition thereof, it may impose any disciplinary or corrective method provided in this chapter. (h)(1) The division director is authorized to make, or cause to be made through employees or contract agents of the board, such investigations as he or she or the board may deem necessary or proper for the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter. Any person properly conducting an investigation on behalf of the board shall have access to and may examine any writing, document, or other material relating to the fitness of any licensee, registrant, or applicant. The division director or his or her appointed representative may issue subpoenas to compel such access upon a determination that reasonable grounds exist for the belief that a violation of this chapter or any other law relating to the practice of veterinary medicine or veterinary technology may have taken place. (2) The results of all investigations initiated by the board shall be reported solely to the board, and the records of such investigations shall be kept for the board by the division director, with the board retaining the right to have access at any time to such records. No part of any such records shall be released, except to the board, for any purpose other than a hearing before the board, nor shall such records be subject to subpoena; provided, however, that the board shall be authorized to release such records to another enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority.
(i) A person, firm, corporation, association, authority, or other entity shall be immune from civil and criminal liability for reporting or investigating the acts or omissions of a licensee, registrant, or applicant which violate the provisions of subsection (a) of this Code section or any other provision of law relating to a licensee's, registrant's, or applicant's fitness to practice as a licensed veterinarian or registered veterinary technician or for initiating or conducting proceedings against such licensee, registrant, or applicant, if such report is made or action is taken in good faith, without fraud or malice. Any person who testifies or who makes a recommendation to the board in the nature of peer review, in good faith, without fraud or malice, before the board in any proceeding involving the provisions of subsection (a) of this Code section or any other law relating to a licensee's, registrant's, or applicant's fitness to practice as a licensed veterinarian or registered veterinary technician shall be immune from civil and criminal liability for so testifying. (j) Neither a denial of a license or registration on grounds other than those enumerated in subsection (a) of this Code section nor the issuance of a private reprimand nor the denial of a license or registration by endorsement nor the denial of a request for reinstatement of a revoked license or registration nor the refusal to issue a previously denied license or registration shall be considered to be a contested case within the meaning of Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act." Notice and hearing within the meaning of Chapter 13 of Title 50 shall not be required, but the applicant, registrant, or licensee shall be allowed to appear before the board if he or she so requests. (k) If any licensee, registrant, or applicant fails to appear at any hearing after reasonable notice, the board may proceed to hear the evidence against such licensee, registrant, or applicant and take action as if such licensee, registrant, or applicant had been present. A notice of hearing, initial or recommended decision, or final decision of the board in a disciplinary proceeding shall be served upon the licensee, registrant, or applicant by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery, return receipt requested, to the last known address of record with the board. If such material is returned marked "unclaimed" or "refused" or is otherwise undeliverable and if the licensee, registrant, or applicant cannot, after diligent effort, be located, the division director shall be deemed to be the agent for service for such licensee, registrant, or applicant for purposes of this Code section, and service upon the division director shall be deemed to be service upon the licensee, registrant, or applicant. (l) The voluntary surrender of a license or registration shall have the same effect as a revocation of the license or registration, subject to reinstatement in the discretion of the board. (m) This Code section shall apply equally to all licensees, registrants, or applicants whether individuals, partners, or members of any other incorporated or unincorporated associations, corporations, or other associations of any kind whatsoever. (n) All subpoenas issued pursuant to the authority granted in this chapter shall be subject to the general rules of law with respect to distance, tender of fees and expenses, and protective orders; and any motion made with respect thereto shall be made to and passed on by a judge of the superior court of the county of residence of the person to whom the subpoena is directed. (o) Any proceeding or administrative action instituted under this Code section shall be governed by the provisions of this Code section as they existed in full force and effect on the date of the commission of the act or acts constituting a violation of this Code section, except as otherwise specifically declared by the General Assembly. Laws 1950, p. 254, § 4; Laws 1965, p. 92, § 1; Laws 1973, p. 260, § 4; Laws 1974, p. 1441, § 3; Laws 1982, p. 1065, § 5; Laws 1988, p. 1589, § 4; Laws 2000, p. 1589, § 3; Laws 2000, p. 1706, § 19; Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2005, Act 19, § 43, eff. April 7, 2005.
§ 43-50-42. Temporary licenses (a) The board may issue a temporary license to the following applicants who are qualified to take the veterinary license examination:
Laws 1973, p. 260, § 2; Laws 1982, p. 1065, § 6; Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1- 1, eff. July 1, 2003.
§ 43-50-43. Veterinary faculty licenses The board may, in its discretion, issue a veterinary faculty license to any qualified applicant associated with one of this state's institutions of higher learning and involved either in research activities within such institution or in the instructional program of either undergraduate or graduate veterinary medical students, subject to the following conditions:
Laws 1973, p. 260, § 6; Laws 1982, p. 1065, § 7; Laws 1988, p. 1589, § 6; Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003.
§ 43-50-44. Activities not prohibited This article shall not be construed to prohibit:
(1)(A) An employee of the federal, state, or local government or any contractual partner thereof from performing his or her duties relating to animals owned by or on loan to such employer or the control of stray animals; or
(B) Any employee of a public or private college or university from performing his or her duties relating to animals owned by or on loan to such employer;.
(E) Is providing services for an organization conducting a public event lasting less than ten days that utilizes animals in need of veterinary examinations, treatments, or oversight to promote the safety and health of the public, the event, and the animal participants; provided, however, that a veterinarian licensed in another state who practices veterinary medicine on animals belonging to residents of this state by communicating directly with such owners and independent of the attending veterinary licensee is not exempt from this state's licensing requirements;
(7)(A) The owner of an animal or the owner's full-time regular employee caring for and treating the animal belonging to such owner; or
(B) The owner's friend or relative caring for or treating the animal belonging to such owner, provided that no fee is charged and the friend or relative does not solicit, advertise, or regularly engage in providing such care or treatment or administer or dispense prescription drugs without a valid prescription;
(15) The owner of an animal, the owner's employee, or a member of a nationally recognized organization that acknowledges individuals performing embryo transfer or artificial breeding and which organization is approved by the board from:
(19) A person implanting electronic identification devices in small companion animals; or
(20) An employee or contractual partner of a zoological park or aquarium accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association or other substantially equivalent nationally recognized accrediting agency as determined by the board from performing his or her duties that are approved by a licensed veterinarian and relate to animals owned by or on loan to such zoological park or aquarium; (21) Any person lawfully engaged in the art or profession of farriery.
Laws 1965, p. 92, § 1; Laws 1973, p. 260, § 1; Laws 1993, p. 700, § 1; Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2006, Act 443, § 2, eff. March 30, 2006; ; Laws 2012, Act 633, § 1, eff. July 1, 2012.
§ 43-50-45. Unlawful practice; misdemeanor; injunctions; cumulative remedies (a) Any person who practices veterinary medicine without a valid license in violation of this article shall be guilty of the misdemeanor offense of practicing veterinary medicine without a license and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in this Code section, provided that each act of such unlawful practice shall constitute a distinct and separate offense.
(b) Upon being convicted a first time under this Code section, such person shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500.00 for each offense. Upon being convicted a second or subsequent time under this Code section, such person shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000.00 for each offense, imprisonment for not more than 12 months, or both such fine and imprisonment.
(c) The board or any citizen of this state may bring an action to enjoin any person from practicing veterinary medicine without a valid license. If the court finds that the person is violating, or is threatening to violate, this article, it shall enter an injunction restraining him or her from such unlawful acts.
(d) The successful maintenance of an action based on any one of the remedies set forth in this Code section shall in no way prejudice the prosecution of an action based on any other of the remedies.
Part 3. Veterinary Technicians § 43-50-50. Purpose of part It is the purpose of this part to encourage more effective utilization of the skills of licensed veterinarians by enabling them to delegate certain veterinary health care tasks to veterinary technicians where such delegation is consistent with the animal patient's health and welfare. Laws 1983, p. 705, § 1; Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2006, Act 443, § 3, eff. March 30, 2006.
§ 43-50-51. Prohibited practices (a) Subject to the provisions of this Code section, the practice of veterinary technology by a veterinary technician shall not be a violation of subsection (a) of Code Section 43-50-30 or subsection (a) of Code Section 43-50-45. (b) No veterinary technician shall make a diagnosis or prognosis, prescribe treatment, perform surgery, or prescribe medication for any animal. Laws 2006, Act 443, § 3, eff. March 30, 2006.
§ 43-50-52. Certificates of registration; applications; examinations; renewal; registration in another state; rules (a)(1) Any person desiring to work as a veterinary technician in this state shall apply to the board for a certificate of registration as a veterinary technician. All such applications shall be made on forms provided by the board and shall be accompanied by such fee as may be required by the board.
(C)(i) The applicant is a graduate of a college or technical school course of study in veterinary technology from an institution accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, including without limitation instruction in the operation of life sustaining oxygen equipment, and has successfully passed an examination required by the board; or
(b) Until July 1, 2009, any person who during the period from July 1, 1993, through June 30, 2008, acquired a minimum of five years" experience assisting a licensed veterinarian may, with a signed affidavit from his or her supervising veterinarian attesting to his or her level of on-the-job training, be allowed to take the examination approved by the board. Upon receiving a passing grade on such examination, the board may issue a certificate of registration. The board shall provide a list of appropriate study materials to candidates. (c) Until January 1, 2005, any person who at any time prior to July 1, 2003, was certified as a veterinary technician in this state shall be entitled to renew such registration without examination and without meeting any requirements of subparagraph (a)(2)(C) of this Code section. (d) The board may issue a certificate of registration to an applicant if the applicant is currently registered in another state having standards for admission substantially the same as this state and such standards were in effect at the time the applicant was first admitted to practice in the other state. (e) The board shall be responsible for registering any person who wishes to practice as a veterinary technician in this state and in accordance with this part shall govern such practice by board rule or regulation as the board deems appropriate and necessary for the protection of the public health, safety, and general welfare. Laws 1983, p. 705, § 1; Laws 1984, p. 22, § 43; Laws 1984, p. 544, § 1; Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2006, Act 443, § 3, eff. March 30, 2006.
§ 43-50-53. Registration examinations; reactivation of registration (a) The board shall approve an examination to measure the competence of the applicant to engage in the practice as a veterinary technician and shall set by rule or regulation the score needed to pass any such examination. (b) If an applicant fails an examination, the applicant may take a subsequent examination upon payment of the registration and examination fees. No person may take the examination more than three times without review and approval by the board under such circumstances as the board deems appropriate.. (c) Any veterinary technician in this state whose certificate of registration has been on inactive status for at least five consecutive years and who desires to reactivate such registration shall be required to take continuing education, pay all fees, and meet all other requirements and board rules or regulations for registration as a veterinary technician. Credits Laws 1983, p. 705, § 1; Laws 2000, p. 1706, § 19; Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2006, Act 443, § 3, eff. March 30, 2006; Laws 2012, Act 654, § 3, eff. July 1, 2012.
§ 43-50-54. Supervision required; disciplinary actions; duties limited (a) Any veterinary technician must at all times be under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian whenever practicing veterinary technology in this state. The level of supervision shall be consistent with the delegated animal health care task. Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of Code Section 43- 50-51, a licensed veterinarian may in his or her discretion delegate any animal health care task to a veterinary technician; provided, however, that the board may establish by rules or regulations, in such general or specific terms as it deems necessary and appropriate for purposes of this part, the level of supervision, whether direct supervision, immediate supervision, or indirect supervision, that is required by the licensed veterinarian for any delegated animal health care task to be performed by a veterinary technician. Such rules or regulations may require lower levels of supervision for veterinary technicians as compared to veterinary assistants performing the same or similar animal health care tasks.
(3) Willfully or negligently divulges a professional confidence or discusses a licensed veterinarian's diagnosis or treatment without the express permission of the licensed veterinarian; or
(d) A veterinary technician shall not be utilized to perform the duties of a pharmacist licensed under Chapter 4 of Title 26. Laws 1983, p. 705, § 1; Laws 1999, p. 81, § 43; Laws 2000, p. 1706, § 19; Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2006, Act 443, § 3, eff. March 30, 2006.
§ 43-50-55. Posting notice of use of veterinary technicians; identification of technicians; number limited (a) Any licensed veterinarian, animal clinic, or animal hospital using veterinary technicians shall post a notice to that effect in a prominent place.
(b) A veterinary technician must clearly identify himself or herself as such in order to ensure that he or she is not mistaken by the public as a licensed veterinarian. This may be accomplished, for example, by the wearing of an appropriate name tag. Any time the veterinary technician's name appears in a professional setting, his or her status must be shown as veterinary technician.
(c)(1) No licensed veterinarian shall have more than four veterinary technicians on duty under his or her supervision at any one time.
Laws 1983, p. 705, § 1; Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2006, Act 443, § 3, eff. March 30, 2006.
§ 43-50-56. Responsibility of veterinarian A veterinarian who utilizes a veterinary technician shall be responsible for any violation of any limitations which are placed on the duties of a veterinary technician. Laws 1983, p. 705, § 1; Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2006, Act 443, § 3, eff. March 30, 2006.
§ 43-50-57. Repealed by Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July, 1, 2003 §§ 43-50-58, 43-50-59. Repealed by Laws 1983, p. 705, § 1, eff. July 1, 1983 Article 3A. Veterinary Assistants
§ 43-50-60. Purpose It is the purpose of this article to encourage more effective utilization of the skills of licensed veterinarians by enabling them to delegate certain veterinary health care tasks to veterinary assistants where such delegation is consistent with the animal patient's health and welfare. Laws 2006, Act 443, § 4, eff. March 30, 2006.
§ 43-50-61. Duties limited (a) Subject to the provisions of this Code section, the practice of veterinary technology by a veterinary assistant shall not be a violation of subsection (a) of Code Section 43-50-30 or subsection (a) of Code Section 43-50-45.
(b) No veterinary assistant shall make a diagnosis or prognosis, prescribe treatment, perform surgery, prescribe medication, perform a nonemergency intubation, induce anesthesia, perform central venous catheterization, or perform arterial catheterization and arterial collection for any animal. Laws 2006, Act 443, § 4, eff. March 30, 2006.
§ 43-50-62. Supervision required; utilization of assistants (a) Any veterinary assistant must at all times be under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian whenever practicing veterinary technology in this state. The level of supervision shall be consistent with the delegated animal health care task. Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of Code Section 43- 50-61, a licensed veterinarian may in his or her discretion delegate any animal health care task to a veterinary assistant; provided, however, that the board may establish by rules or regulations, in such general or specific terms as it deems necessary and appropriate for purposes of this article, the level of supervision, whether direct supervision, immediate supervision, or indirect supervision, that is required by the licensed veterinarian for any delegated animal health care task to be performed by a veterinary assistant. Such rules or regulations may require higher levels of supervision for veterinary assistants as compared to veterinary technicians performing the same or similar animal health care tasks.
(c) [FN1]A veterinary assistant shall not be utilized in any manner which would be in violation of this article. (d) A veterinary assistant shall not be utilized to perform the duties of a pharmacist licensed under Chapter 4 of Title 26. Laws 2006, Act 443, § 4, eff. March 30, 2006. [FN1] The chaptered bill contained no subsec. (b).
§ 43-50-63. Posting notice of use of veterinary assistants; identification of assistants (a) Any licensed veterinarian, animal clinic, or animal hospital using veterinary assistants shall post a notice to that effect in a prominent place. (b) A veterinary assistant must clearly identify himself or herself as such in order to ensure that he or she is not mistaken by the public as a licensed veterinarian. This may be accomplished, for example, by the wearing of an appropriate name tag. Any time the veterinary assistant's name appears in a professional setting, his or her status must be shown as "veterinary assistant."
Laws 2006, Act 443, § 4, eff. March 30, 2006.
43-50-64. Responsibility of veterinarian A veterinarian who utilizes a veterinary assistant shall be responsible for any violation of any limitations which are placed on the duties of a veterinary assistant. Laws 2006, Act 443, § 4, eff. March 30, 2006.
§§ 43-50-70, 43-50-71. Renumbered §§ 43-50-90, 43-50-91 by Laws 2006, Act 443, § 4, eff. March 30, 2006 Article 4. Good Samaritan Treatment of Animals
§ 43-50-80. Relief from liability for rendering emergency care Any person who gratuitously and in good faith administers emergency treatment to a sick or injured animal at the scene of an accident or emergency shall not be in violation of this chapter and shall not be liable to the owner of such animal in any civil action for damages; provided, however, that this Code section shall not provide immunity for acts of gross negligence. Laws 2003, Act 257, § 1-1, eff. July 1, 2003; Laws 2006, Act 443, § 4, eff. March 30, 2006.
§ 43-50-90. Establishment of standards; rules; enforcement actions < Text of section effective upon appropriation of funds for the purposes of Laws 2003, Act 257. > (a) The board shall work cooperatively with licensed veterinarians to establish standards for veterinary facilities and equipment and shall promulgate rules for same.
(b) The board shall have the authority to establish a method to monitor veterinary facilities, conduct investigations and hold proceedings related to alleged violations, and take necessary enforcement action against the license of a veterinarian for violations of rules promulgated under subsection (a) of this Code section. Laws 2003, Act 257, § 2-3; Laws 2006, Act 443, § 4, eff. March 30, 2006.
§ 43-50-91. Exemptions < Text of section effective upon appropriation of funds for the purposes of Laws 2003, Act 257. > This article shall not apply to any facility owned by the federal, state, or any local government, a public or private college or university, or a zoological park or aquarium that is accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association or other substantially equivalent nationally recognized accrediting agency as determined by the board. Laws 2003, Act 257, § 2-3; Laws 2006, Act 443, § 4, eff. March 30, 2006.