reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 2 - STATE BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICINE (§§ 43-50-20 — 43-50-21.1) › Section 43-50-20 - [See note] Creation of board; members; qualifications; vacancies; expenses; meetings; officers

(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 no more than 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 registered 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 July 1, 2003, 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. A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum.
(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)
Each member of the board shall be reimbursed as provided for in subsection (f) of Code Section
43-1-2
.
(d)
Any member of the board may be removed by the Governor after a hearing by the board determines cause for removal.
(e)
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 as set forth in Code Section
50-14-3
.
(f)
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.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 514,§ 1, eff. 1/1/2021.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 456,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2018.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 1-1, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 2 - STATE BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICINE (§§ 43-50-20 — 43-50-21.1) › Section 43-50-21 - General powers of board; liberal construction of powers

(a)
The board shall have the power to:
(1)
Examine and determine the qualifications and fitness of applicants for licenses to practice veterinary medicine and veterinary technology in this state;
(2)
Issue, renew, refuse to renew, deny, suspend, or revoke licenses to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology in this state or otherwise discipline licensed veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians; and to issue, renew, deny, suspend, or revoke veterinary faculty licenses, consistent with this chapter and the rules and regulations adopted under this chapter;
(3)
Conduct investigations for the purpose of discovering violations of this chapter or grounds for disciplining persons licensed under this chapter;
(4)
Inspect veterinary premises and equipment, including mobile veterinary clinics, at any time in accordance with protocols established by rule of the board;
(5)
Hold hearings on all matters properly brought before the board; and, in connection therewith, to administer oaths, receive evidence, make the necessary determinations, and enter orders consistent with the findings. The board may designate one or more of its members to serve as its hearing officer;
(6)
Appoint from its own membership one member to act as a representative of the board at any meeting within or outside the state where such representative is deemed desirable;
(7)
Bring proceedings in the courts for the enforcement of this chapter or any regulations made pursuant to this chapter;
(8)
Adopt, amend, or repeal all rules necessary for its government and all regulations necessary to carry this chapter into effect, including without limitation the establishment and print or electronic publication of standards of professional conduct for the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology; and
(9)
Establish and publish annually a schedule of fees for licensing.
(b)
The powers enumerated in subsection (a) of this Code section are granted for the purpose of enabling the board to supervise effectively the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology and are to be construed liberally to accomplish these objectives.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 456,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 615,§ 11, eff. 6/3/2010.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 1-1, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 2 - STATE BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICINE (§§ 43-50-20 — 43-50-21.1) › Section 43-50-21.1 - Monitoring and rehabilitation of impaired veterinarians; definitions; confidentiality; costs

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term:
(1)
"Entity" means an organization or medical professional association which conducts professional health programs.
(2)
"Impaired" means the inability of a veterinarian to practice with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of illness or use of alcohol, drugs, narcotics, chemicals, or any other type of material, or as a result of any mental or physical condition.
(3)
"Professional health program" means a program established for the purposes of monitoring and rehabilitation of impaired veterinarians.
(b)
The board shall be authorized to conduct a professional health program to provide monitoring and rehabilitation of impaired veterinarians in this state. To this end, the office of the Secretary of State on behalf of the board shall be authorized to enter into a contract with an entity for the purpose of establishing and conducting such professional health program, including but not limited to:
(1)
Monitoring and rehabilitation of impaired veterinarians;
(2)
Performing duties related to paragraph (10) of subsection (a) of Code Section
43-50-41
; and
(3)
Performing such other related activities as determined by the board.
(c)
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (h) of Code Section
43-50-41
, the board shall be authorized to provide pertinent information regarding veterinarians, as determined by the board and in its sole discretion, to the entity for its purposes in conducting a professional health program pursuant to this Code section.
(d)
All information, interviews, reports, statements, memoranda, or other documents furnished to the entity by the board or other source or produced by the entity and any findings, conclusions, recommendations, or reports resulting from the monitoring or rehabilitation of veterinarians pursuant to this Code section are declared to be privileged and confidential and shall not be subject to Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50, relating to open records. All such records of the entity shall be confidential and shall be used by such entity and its employees and agents only in the exercise of the proper function of the entity pursuant to its contract authorized by subsection (b) of this Code section. Such information, interviews, reports, statements, memoranda, or other documents furnished to or produced by the entity and any findings, conclusions, recommendations, or reports resulting from the monitoring or rehabilitation of veterinarians shall not be available for court subpoenas or for discovery proceedings.
(e)
An impaired veterinarian who participates in a professional health program conducted pursuant to this Code section shall bear all costs associated with such participation.
Added by 2020 Ga. Laws 514,§ 2, eff. 1/1/2021.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 3 - LICENSING (§§ 43-50-30 — 43-50-56) › Part 1 - OBTAINING LICENSE (§§ 43-50-30 — 43-50-33) › Section 43-50-30 - License requirement for practice of veterinary medicine; practice by business 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.
(b)
A licensed veterinarian may practice veterinary medicine as an employee of a corporation, partnership, or other business organization, provided that the licensed veterinarian is not subject to the direction of anyone not licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Georgia in making veterinary medical decisions or judgments.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 456,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2018.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 1-1, eff. 7/1/2003.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 3-1, eff. 7/1/2005
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 3 - LICENSING (§§ 43-50-30 — 43-50-56) › Part 1 - OBTAINING LICENSE (§§ 43-50-30 — 43-50-33) › Section 43-50-31 - Application for license; qualifications; recordation of license

(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:
(1)
The applicant has attained the age of 18;
(2)
The applicant is of good moral character;
(3)
The applicant is a graduate of an accredited college or a school of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education or possesses an ECFVG or PAVE certificate or substantial equivalent;
(4)
The applicant has passed a board approved examination; provided, however, that the board may provide by rule or regulation for a waiver of any part of such examination for veterinarians who are licensed as such by another state and who are in good standing therewith; and
(5)
The applicant meets such other qualifications or provides such other information as the board may require by rule.
(b)
The application shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount established by the board.
(c)
The division director shall record the new licenses and issue to the new licensees.
(d)
If an applicant is found not qualified for licensure, the board shall notify the applicant in writing of such finding and the grounds therefor. Such applicant may request a hearing before the board on the questions of his or her qualifications.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 456,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 654,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2012.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 417,§ 45, eff. 5/20/2010.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 1-1, eff. 7/1/2003.
Amended by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 3-1, eff. 7/1/2005
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 3 - LICENSING (§§ 43-50-30 — 43-50-56) › Part 1 - OBTAINING LICENSE (§§ 43-50-30 — 43-50-33) › Section 43-50-32 - [Repealed] Frequency of examinations; notification to applicants of results; admission for reexamination

Repealed by 2018 Ga. Laws 456,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 654,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2012.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 1-1, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 3 - LICENSING (§§ 43-50-30 — 43-50-56) › Part 1 - OBTAINING LICENSE (§§ 43-50-30 — 43-50-33) › Section 43-50-33 - [Repealed] Application of article to persons licensed on July 1, 2003

Repealed by 2018 Ga. Laws 456,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2018.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 1-1, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 3 - LICENSING (§§ 43-50-30 — 43-50-56) › Part 2 - MAINTAINING LICENSE (§§ 43-50-40 — 43-50-45) › Section 43-50-42 - Issuance and renewal of temporary license for transitioning service members

(a)
Pursuant to Code Section
43-1-34
, the board may issue a temporary license to transitioning service members.
(b)
The temporary license shall expire on the date that permanent licenses are issued to persons who have passed the examination, which examination occurred immediately following the issuance of the temporary license.
(c)
A temporary license issued pursuant to this Code section may, in the discretion of the board, be renewed for one six-month period only; provided, however, that no temporary license shall be issued, renewed, or reissued to a person who fails to pass the examination established by the board.
Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 607,§ 6, eff. 1/1/2021.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 456,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2018.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 1-1, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 3 - LICENSING (§§ 43-50-30 — 43-50-56) › Part 2 - MAINTAINING LICENSE (§§ 43-50-40 — 43-50-45) › Section 43-50-42.1 - [Temporary licenses for out-of-state veterinarians or veterinary technicians for practice in government or nonprofit shelter medicine, nonprofit sterilization clinics, or nonprofit mobile sterilization programs]

(a)
As used in this Code section, the term:
(1)
"Shelter medicine" means veterinary practices used to manage the health of populations of animals handled by municipal animal shelters and private animal welfare or adoption agencies.
(2)
"Sterilization services" means procedures that meet or exceed veterinary medical standards of care in providing sterilization of dogs, cats, and pet rabbits.
(b)
(1)
No later than December 31, 2024, the board shall adopt rules and regulations implementing a process by which the holder of an active veterinary license or veterinary technician license from another state, in good standing in such state, may qualify for a one-time, six-month temporary license, license by endorsement, or a combination thereof, for practice in government or nonprofit shelter medicine, nonprofit sterilization clinics, or nonprofit mobile sterilization programs registered with this state. Such process shall include the issuance of a license to an applicant based upon such applicant:
(A)
Holding a license from another state for which the training, experience, and testing substantially meet or exceed the requirements of this state to obtain a license; and
(B)
Obtaining a specialty, certification, training, or other experience while employed in another state which substantially meets or exceeds the requirement to obtain a license in this state.
(2)
The board shall conduct periodic reviews of its rules and regulations adopted pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(c)
The holder of an active veterinary license or veterinary technician license from another state who is employed by a nonprofit or for-profit entity not registered in this state, and who provides mobile sterilization services in Georgia under such entity, is ineligible for a temporary license provided for in subsection (b) of this Code section.
Added by 2024 Ga. Laws 469,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 3 - LICENSING (§§ 43-50-30 — 43-50-56) › Part 2 - MAINTAINING LICENSE (§§ 43-50-40 — 43-50-45) › Section 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:
(1)
That the holder of the veterinary faculty license shall be remunerated for the practice aspects of his or her services solely from state, federal, or institutional funds and not from the animal patient-owner beneficiary of his or her practice efforts;
(2)
That the holder of the veterinary faculty license shall practice solely at the institution of higher learning or in an educational or research program outside the institution but associated with the institution;
(3)
That the license issued under this Code section may be revoked or suspended or the licensee may be otherwise disciplined in accordance with Code Section
43-50-41
; and
(4)
That the license issued under this Code section may be canceled by the board upon receipt of information that the holder of the veterinary faculty license has left or has otherwise been discontinued from faculty employment at an institution of higher learning of this state.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 456,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2018.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 1-1, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 3 - LICENSING (§§ 43-50-30 — 43-50-56) › Part 2 - MAINTAINING LICENSE (§§ 43-50-40 — 43-50-45) › Section 43-50-45 - Unlawful acts; penalties; injunctions

(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to practice veterinary medicine without a valid license or for any person to use the designation veterinarian, licensed veterinarian, or any other designation indicating licensure status, including abbreviations, or hold themselves out as a veterinarian unless duly licensed as such.
(b)
It shall be unlawful for any person to use the designation licensed veterinary technician, licensed veterinary technologist, or any other designation indicating licensure status, including abbreviations, or hold themselves out as a licensed veterinary technician or licensed veterinary technologist unless duly licensed as such.
(c)
Any person who violates subsection (a) or (b) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided in this Code section, provided that each act of an unlawful practice shall constitute a distinct and separate offense.
(d)
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.
(e)
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 a 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.
(f)
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.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 456,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2018.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 1-1, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 3 - LICENSING (§§ 43-50-30 — 43-50-56) › Part 3 - VETERINARY TECHNICIANS (§§ 43-50-50 — 43-50-56) › Section 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 licensed veterinary technicians where such delegation is consistent with the animal patient's health and welfare.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 443,§ 3, eff. 3/30/2006.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 1-1, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 3 - LICENSING (§§ 43-50-30 — 43-50-56) › Part 3 - VETERINARY TECHNICIANS (§§ 43-50-50 — 43-50-56) › Section 43-50-51 - Practice of veterinary technology by licensed veterinary technician

(a)
Subject to the provisions of this Code section, the practice of veterinary technology by a licensed 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 licensed veterinary technician shall make a diagnosis or prognosis, prescribe treatment, perform surgery, or prescribe medication for any animal.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 443,§ 3, eff. 3/30/2006.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 1-1, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 3 - LICENSING (§§ 43-50-30 — 43-50-56) › Part 3 - VETERINARY TECHNICIANS (§§ 43-50-50 — 43-50-56) › Section 43-50-53 - Administration of examinations; reexamination; reactivation

(a)
The board shall approve an examination to measure the competence of the applicant to engage in the practice as a licensed 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 license examination fees.
(c)
Any licensed veterinary technician in this state whose license has been on inactive status for at least five consecutive years and who desires to reactivate such license shall be required to take continuing education, pay all fees, and meet all other requirements and board rules or regulations as a licensed veterinary technician.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 456,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2012 Ga. Laws 654,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2012.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 443,§ 3, eff. 3/30/2006.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 1-1, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 3 - LICENSING (§§ 43-50-30 — 43-50-56) › Part 3 - VETERINARY TECHNICIANS (§§ 43-50-50 — 43-50-56) › Section 43-50-54 - Supervision required; prohibited activities of technician

(a)
Any licensed 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 licensed 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 licensed veterinary technician. Such rules or regulations may require lower levels of supervision for licensed veterinary technicians as compared to veterinary assistants performing the same or similar animal health care tasks.
(b)
Specifically and without limitation, the board may take disciplinary action against a licensed veterinary technician if the technician:
(1)
Solicits animal patients from a licensed veterinarian;
(2)
Solicits or receives any form of compensation from any person for veterinary services rendered other than from the licensed veterinarian or corporation under whom the licensed veterinary technician is employed;
(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
(4)
Demonstrates a manifest incapability or incompetence to perform as a licensed veterinary technician.
(c)
A licensed veterinary technician shall not be utilized in any manner which would be in violation of this article.
(d)
A licensed veterinary technician shall not be utilized to perform the duties of a pharmacist licensed under Chapter 4 of Title 26.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 456,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 443,§ 3, eff. 3/30/2006.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 1-1, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 3 - LICENSING (§§ 43-50-30 — 43-50-56) › Part 3 - VETERINARY TECHNICIANS (§§ 43-50-50 — 43-50-56) › Section 43-50-55 - Posting notice of use of licensed veterinary technicians; proper identification

(a)
Any licensed veterinarian, animal clinic, or animal hospital using licensed veterinary technicians shall post a notice to that effect in a prominent place.
(b)
A licensed 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 licensed veterinary technician's name appears in a professional setting, his or her status must be shown as "licensed veterinary technician."
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 456,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 443,§ 3, eff. 3/30/2006.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 1-1, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 3 - LICENSING (§§ 43-50-30 — 43-50-56) › Part 3 - VETERINARY TECHNICIANS (§§ 43-50-50 — 43-50-56) › Section 43-50-56 - Veterinarian responsible for licensed veterinary technician's violations of limitations on duties

A veterinarian who utilizes a licensed veterinary technician shall be responsible for any violation of any limitations which are placed on the duties of a licensed veterinary technician.
Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 443,§ 3, eff. 3/30/2006.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 1-1, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 3A - VETERINARY ASSISTANTS (§§ 43-50-60 — 43-50-71) › Section 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.
Added by 2006 Ga. Laws 443,§ 4, eff. 3/30/2006.
Renumbered as § 43-50-80 by 2006 Ga. Laws 443,§ 4, eff. 3/30/2006.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 1-1, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 3A - VETERINARY ASSISTANTS (§§ 43-50-60 — 43-50-71) › Section 43-50-61 - Practice of veterinary technology by a veterinary assistant

(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.
Added by 2006 Ga. Laws 443,§ 4, eff. 3/30/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 3A - VETERINARY ASSISTANTS (§§ 43-50-60 — 43-50-71) › Section 43-50-62 - Supervision required; prohibited uses of veterinary assistant

(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 licensed veterinary technicians performing the same or similar animal health care tasks.
(b)
A veterinary assistant shall not be utilized in any manner which would be in violation of this article.
(c)
A veterinary assistant shall not be utilized to perform the duties of a pharmacist licensed under Chapter 4 of Title 26.
Added by 2006 Ga. Laws 443,§ 4, eff. 3/30/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 3A - VETERINARY ASSISTANTS (§§ 43-50-60 — 43-50-71) › Section 43-50-63 - Posting notice of use of veterinary assistant; proper identification required

(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 or licensed veterinary technician. 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."
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 456,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2018.
Added by 2006 Ga. Laws 443,§ 4, eff. 3/30/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 3A - VETERINARY ASSISTANTS (§§ 43-50-60 — 43-50-71) › Section 43-50-64 - Veterinarian ultimately responsible for violations of veterinary assistant

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.
Added by 2006 Ga. Laws 443,§ 4, eff. 3/30/2006.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 3A - VETERINARY ASSISTANTS (§§ 43-50-60 — 43-50-71) › Section 43-50-70 - [Renumbered as 43-50-90]

Renumbered as § 43-50-90 by 2006 Ga. Laws 443,§ 4, eff. 3/30/2006.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 1-1, eff. only upon the effective date of an appropriation of funds for purposes of said part of this Act as expressed in a line item making specific reference to full funding of this Act in an appropriations Act enacted by the General Assembly.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 3A - VETERINARY ASSISTANTS (§§ 43-50-60 — 43-50-71) › Section 43-50-71 - [Renumbered as 43-50-91]

Renumbered as § 43-50-91 by 2006 Ga. Laws 443,§ 4, eff. 3/30/2006.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 1-1, eff. only upon the effective date of an appropriation of funds for purposes of said part of this Act as expressed in a line item making specific reference to full funding of this Act in an appropriations Act enacted by the General Assembly.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 4 - GOOD SAMARITAN TREATMENT OF ANIMALS (§ 43-50-80) › Section 43-50-80 - Good faith emergency treatment to sick or injured animals; no liability

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.
Renumbered from § 43-50-60 by 2006 Ga. Laws 443,§ 4, eff. 3/30/2006.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 1-1, eff. 7/1/2003.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 5 - FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT (§§ 43-50-90 — 43-50-91) › Section 43-50-90 - [See Note] Establishing standards for facilities and equipment; monitoring, investigation, and enforcement actions

(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 or licensed veterinary technicians for violations of rules promulgated under subsection (a) of this Code section.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 456,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2018.
Renumbered from § 43-50-70 by 2006 Ga. Laws 443,§ 4, eff. 3/30/2006.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 1-1, eff. only upon the effective date of an appropriation of funds for purposes of said part of this Act as expressed in a line item making specific reference to full funding of this Act in an appropriations Act enacted by the General Assembly.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 5 - FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT (§§ 43-50-90 — 43-50-91) › Section 43-50-91 - [See Note] Facilities accredited by American Zoo and Aquarium Association or equivalent agency exempt

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.
Renumbered from § 43-50-71 by 2006 Ga. Laws 443,§ 4, eff. 3/30/2006.
Added by 2003 Ga. Laws 257, § 1-1, eff. only upon the effective date of an appropriation of funds for purposes of said part of this Act as expressed in a line item making specific reference to full funding of this Act in an appropriations Act enacted by the General Assembly.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 50 - VETERINARY PRACTICE (§§ 43-50-1 — 43-50-110) › Article 6 - OPERATION OF BOARD (§ 43-50-110) › Section 43-50-110 - Duties, powers, and authority of board; regulation

The board shall have all of the duties, powers, and authority specifically granted by or necessary for the enforcement of this chapter. The board shall adopt such rules and regulations as are reasonable and necessary to implement and effectuate this chapter.
Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 456,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2018.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 51 - WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORS AND LABORATO RY ANALYSTS (§§ 43-51-1 — 43-51-15) › Section 43-51-1 - Short title

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts Act."
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 51 - WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORS AND LABORATO RY ANALYSTS (§§ 43-51-1 — 43-51-15) › Section 43-51-2 - Definitions

As used in this chapter, the term:
(1)
"Board" means the State Board of Examiners for Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts.
(2)
"Certificate" means a document issued by the board stating that the operator or laboratory analyst has met the requirements for the specified operator classification of the certification program.
(3)
"Director" means the director of the Division of Environmental Protection of the Department of Natural Resources.
(4)
"Division" means the Division of Environmental Protection of the Department of Natural Resources.
(5)
"Laboratory analyst" means any person who tests water or wastewater samples in conjunction with the operation of public water supply systems or wastewater treatment plants.
(6)
"Operator" means any person who performs operational duties and water treatment plant and wastewater treatment plant laboratory testing for reporting purposes for operator classifications I and II, as defined by the board, at wastewater treatment plants, wastewater collection systems, water distribution systems, or public water supply systems.
(7)
"Person" means any individual, corporation, company, association, partnership, county, municipality, state agency, federal agency, or other entity.
(8)
"Public water supply system" means the system of pipes, structures, and facilities through which water is obtained and treated to be offered to the public for household use or for any other public consumption.
(9)
"Wastewater collection system" means the system of sanitary sewers, pipes, manholes, pumps, and other such apparatus used to convey sewage to wastewater treatment plants.
(10)
"Wastewater treatment plant" means the facilities provided for the treatment and disposal of wastewater, including industrial process wastewater.
(11)
"Water distribution system" means the system of pipes, pumps, valves, and other such apparatus used to distribute water to the public.
(12)
"Water treatment plant" means that portion of the water supply system which in some way alters the physical, chemical, or bacteriological quality of the water.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 51 - WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORS AND LABORATO RY ANALYSTS (§§ 43-51-1 — 43-51-15) › Section 43-51-3 - Creation of board; members; qualifications; terms; vacancies; expenses; meetings; officers

(a)
There is created the State Board of Examiners for Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts. The board shall be composed of six members to be appointed by the Governor. The appointments shall be made as follows: one member from the technical staff of the Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources; one member who is a currently employed public water supply system operator holding a valid certificate of the highest classification issued by the board; one member who is a currently employed wastewater treatment plant operator holding a valid certificate of the highest classification issued by the board; one member who is an employee of a municipality or county required to employ a certified operator and who holds the position of municipal or county manager, engineer, director of public works, or director of water supply and water pollution control; and one member who is a consultant in the field of water supply and water pollution control or who is engaged in teaching or administering courses in water supply and water pollution control in an educational institution in this state. The sixth member shall be appointed from the public at large and shall have no connection whatsoever with the water and wastewater treatment industry. The initial term for the member appointed from the public at large shall expire June 30, 1984; thereafter, the Governor shall appoint successors for a term of four years. The other five members of the board shall serve four-year terms, which terms shall be staggered so that the terms of two members shall expire one year and the term of one member shall expire in each of the following three years. No member of the board may serve more than two consecutive full terms.
(b)
The Governor may fill any vacancy in the appointed membership of the board and may remove any appointed member for cause.
(c)
The members of the board shall be reimbursed as provided for in subsection (f) of Code Section
43-1-2
.
(d)
The members of the board shall meet for an organization meeting at the call of the division director, within 60 days after their appointments and thereafter at least twice a year, at such time and place as may be provided by rules and regulations adopted and promulgated by them; provided, however, that special meetings may be called by the chairman or the division director at such time and under such circumstances as they may deem necessary and proper; and, provided, further, that any notice of such meeting shall be given all members in writing at least ten days prior to the date of the meeting.
(e)
At the first meeting of the board and annually thereafter, the members shall elect one of its members to serve as chairman and one to serve as vice-chairman.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 51 - WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORS AND LABORATO RY ANALYSTS (§§ 43-51-1 — 43-51-15) › Section 43-51-4 - Division director as administrative agent of board

The division director shall act as the administrative agent for the board and shall, with respect to the board, exercise those powers and duties conferred on him by Chapter 1 of this title.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 51 - WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORS AND LABORATO RY ANALYSTS (§§ 43-51-1 — 43-51-15) › Section 43-51-5 - Adoption of rules and regulations by board

The board shall have the authority to adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary to administer this chapter and effectuate the purposes expressed in this chapter. The rules and regulations shall include, but are not limited to, provisions establishing qualifications of applicants and procedures for examination of candidates.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 51 - WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORS AND LABORATO RY ANALYSTS (§§ 43-51-1 — 43-51-15) › Section 43-51-6.1 - Establishment of Class IV classifications; certification; renewal; course of training

(a)
In addition to current classifications I, II, and III, the division shall establish a new classification to be known as Class IV which designation shall apply to all very small public water supply systems in this state which are ground-water systems serving a population of less than 1,000.
(b)
The board shall certify persons as to their qualifications to operate a very small public water supply system.
(c)
Any person who operates a very small public water supply system shall obtain a certificate from the board. A requirement for such certification shall be the successful completion of a basic six-hour course of training approved by the board. No person being certified prior to July 1, 2000, shall be required to possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.
(d)
A certificate granted under this Code section shall be renewable biennially. Application for renewal of certificates shall be accompanied by a renewal fee in an amount established by the board.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 51 - WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORS AND LABORATO RY ANALYSTS (§§ 43-51-1 — 43-51-15) › Section 43-51-7 - Examinations

Board approved examinations shall be used in determining the knowledge, ability, and judgment of applicants for certification as operators or laboratory analysts except for applications submitted prior to July 1, 2000, for Class IV level certifications. Such examinations shall be given at least six times annually.
Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 417,§ 47, eff. 5/20/2010.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 51 - WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORS AND LABORATO RY ANALYSTS (§§ 43-51-1 — 43-51-15) › Section 43-51-8 - Reciprocity

The board, upon application, may issue a certificate without examination to any person who holds a certificate in good standing issued by another country or by any state, territory, or possession of the United States which has requirements for certification substantially similar to those of the board.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 51 - WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORS AND LABORATO RY ANALYSTS (§§ 43-51-1 — 43-51-15) › Section 43-51-9 - Revocation and suspension of certificates; hearing

The board may investigate the actions of any operator or laboratory analyst and may revoke or suspend the certificate of an operator or laboratory analyst, following a hearing conducted in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act," when it is found that the operator or laboratory analyst has practiced fraud or deception; that reasonable care, judgment, or the application of his knowledge or ability was not used in the performance of his duties; or that the operator or laboratory analyst is incompetent or unable to perform his duties properly.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 51 - WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORS AND LABORATO RY ANALYSTS (§§ 43-51-1 — 43-51-15) › Section 43-51-10 - Classification of public water supply systems and wastewater treatment plants

The division shall classify all public water supply systems and wastewater treatment plants with due regard to the size, type, character of water or wastewater to be treated, and other physical conditions affecting such systems or treatment plants, according to the skill, knowledge, and experience that the operator in responsible charge must have to operate the facilities successfully so as to protect the public health and welfare and prevent unlawful pollution.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 51 - WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORS AND LABORATO RY ANALYSTS (§§ 43-51-1 — 43-51-15) › Section 43-51-11 - Provision by state agencies operating and maintaining facilities of at least one licensed operator in each departmental district

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, any state agency which operates and maintains facilities contemplated by this chapter shall be required to have a minimum of one licensed operator in each departmental district.
2023 CODE OF GEORGIA › Title 43 - PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES (§§ 43-1-1 — 43-51-15) › Chapter 51 - WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORS AND LABORATO RY ANALYSTS (§§ 43-51-1 — 43-51-15) › Section 43-51-12 - Permit conditions

The director is authorized where appropriate to include, as a condition in a permit issued pursuant to Part 5 of Article 3 of Chapter 5 of Title 12, the "Georgia Safe Drinking Water Act of 1977," or Article 2 of Chapter 5 of Title 12, the "Georgia Water Quality Control Act," a requirement that the operator and laboratory analyst be duly certified in accordance with this chapter.