An Act To Improve Access to Veterinary Medicine and Improve Veterinary Care
Maine Legislature, Session 125, LD 1391
Committee: Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development
Sponsors: RAYE, PRESCOTT, MARTIN, RECTOR, BURNS, MAKER, TUTTLE
Amends: 32 MRSA §4861

Legislative Document 
No. 1391 
S.P. 431 
In Senate, April 5, 2011 
An Act To Improve Access to Veterinary Medicine and Improve 
Veterinary Care 
(EMERGENCY) 
Reference to the Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development 
suggested and ordered printed. 
JOSEPH G. CARLETON, JR. 
Secretary of the Senate 
Presented by President RAYE of Washington. 
Cosponsored by Representative PRESCOTT of Topsham and 
Senators: MARTIN of Kennebec, RECTOR of Knox, Representatives: BURNS of Whiting, 
MAKER of Calais, TUTTLE of Sanford. 
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and 
Whereas, Maine has regulated the licensure of veterinarians for the practice of 
veterinary medicine for decades; and 
Whereas, the health and safety of Maine's agricultural and domestic animals vitally 
affects the agricultural and general economy of the State, and the public interest and 
public welfare; and 
Whereas, there is a shortage of veterinarians in this State practicing veterinary 
medicine on large animals, and as a result Maine's large animal population is currently 
underserved; and 
Whereas, encouraging veterinarians currently licensed in another state to practice in 
Maine will reduce the shortage of veterinarians; and 
Whereas, Maine's veterinary licensing laws now uphold the highest standards of the 
profession and ensure the practice of veterinary medicine by highly qualified individuals; 
and 
Whereas, maintaining the integrity of the veterinary licensing process is critical to 
protect Maine's animals and the general economy; and 
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
therefore, 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1.  32 MRSA §4861, sub-§5, as amended by PL 2007, c. 402, Pt. R, §5, is 
further amended to read: 
5.  Licensure by endorsement.  The board shall grant a license by endorsement to a 
veterinarian who: 
A.  Has submitted a complete application; 
B.  Has paid the examination and license fee as set under section 4863-A; 
C.  Holds a valid license issued by another state, United States territory, province of 
Canada or other jurisdiction; 
D-1.  Has successfully passed an examination pursuant to subsection 1-A pertaining 
to the practice of veterinary medicine as determined by board rule.  The board may 
require the applicant to submit to an examination covering the laws and rules 
pertaining to the practice of veterinary medicine in this State; and 
E.  Has actively practiced clinical veterinary medicine for 3,000 hours during the 3 
years preceding application. 
Notwithstanding this subsection, the board shall waive the requirement that a veterinarian 
pass an examination for veterinarians who have, during the 6 years preceding the 
application, actively practiced clinical veterinary medicine for at least 6,000 hours 
without disciplinary action relating to the practice of veterinary medicine by another 
state, United States territory, province of Canada or other jurisdiction. 
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved. 
SUMMARY 
This bill requires the State Board of Veterinary Medicine to waive the requirement 
that a person successfully pass an examination pertaining to the practice of veterinary 
medicine if the person, during the 6 years preceding the application, actively practiced 
clinical veterinary medicine for at least 6,000 hours without disciplinary action relating to 
the practice of veterinary medicine by another state, United States territory, province of 
Canada or other jurisdiction.