State Guidelines for Extern Participation
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
This document outlines specific laws and rules from your state's practice act.
Alabama
Link
Section of Practice Act: 34-29-77
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
No person shall practice veterinary medicine in the State of Alabama who is not a currently and validly licensed veterinarian or the holder of a temporary permit issued by the board. This article shall not be construed to prohibit any of the following:
(1) A student in a school or college of veterinary medicine from the performance of duties assigned by his or her instructor or from working as a veterinary student preceptee under direct or indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Alaska
Link
Section of Practice Act: 08.98.188
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
- The board may approve the issuance of a student permit to a student enrolled in and in good standing at an accredited college of veterinary medicine who has completed three years of study and is participating in an externship program as part of the college's educational curriculum.
- A student permit is valid for not longer than one year and may not extend beyond the student's graduation.
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A holder of a student permit is subject to the following limitations:
- assistance in diagnosis and surgery must be under the immediate supervision of a veterinarian licensed in this state;
- assistance in treatment must be under the direct or indirect supervision of a veterinarian licensed in this state;
- not more than one student permit holder at a time may be under the direct supervision of a veterinarian licensed in this state;
- a veterinary practice may not retain more than two student permit holders at a time.
- The board shall establish requirements for student permits by regulation.
- A person holding a permit under this section is not subject to provisions of this chapter other than this section.
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In this section:
- "direct supervision" means the supervising veterinarian is on the premises where the animal is being treated and is quickly and easily available;
- "immediate supervision" means the supervising veterinarian is in the immediate area and within audible and visual range of the animal patient and the person treating the patient;
- "indirect supervision" means the supervising veterinarian does not need to be on the premises but has given either written or oral instructions for the treatment of the animal;
- "veterinary practice" means a business that provides veterinary services.
Arizona
Link
Section of Practice Act: 32-2211
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
This chapter shall not apply to: 4. A veterinary student who performs acts of health care or prescribed veterinary procedures as a part of the student's educational experience if both of the following apply:
- The acts are assigned by a licensed veterinarian or a licensed veterinary faculty member who is responsible for the animal's care.
- The student works under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian or a licensed veterinary faculty member.
Arkansas
Link
Section of Practice Act: 17-101-307
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
(a) No person may practice veterinary medicine in this state who is not a licensed veterinarian or the holder of a valid temporary permit issued by the Board. This Chapter shall not be construed to prohibit:
(2) Regular students in a veterinary school or college from performing duties or actions assigned by the school or college or working under the direct supervision of a veterinarian licensed in the State of Arkansas.
California
Link
Section of Practice Act: 4825 and 4830
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
It is unlawful for any person to practice veterinary medicine or any branch thereof in this State unless at the time of so doing, such person holds a valid, unexpired, and unrevoked license as provided in this chapter.
Exceptions: A student of a veterinary medical program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education who participates as part of his or her formal curriculum in the diagnosis and treatment with direct supervision, or in surgery with immediate supervision, provided all of the following requirements are met:
- The clinical training site has been approved by the university where the student is enrolled.
- The student has prior training in diagnosis, treatment, and surgery as part of the formal curriculum.
- The student is being supervised by a California-licensed veterinarian in good standing, as that term is defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 4848.
Colorado
Link
Section of Practice Act: 12-315-116
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
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All duties performed by a veterinary student must be under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. If the student does not conform to the following requirements, the licensed veterinarian is in violation of this article 315. A veterinary student may:
- Administer drugs only under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian;
- Perform surgery, only if the student is competent and has the necessary training and experience, under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
- It is unlawful for a veterinary student to participate in the operation of a branch office, clinic, or allied establishment unless the veterinary student is under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Connecticut
Link
Section of Practice Act: 20-197 and 20-205
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
No person shall practice veterinary medicine, surgery or dentistry until he has obtained a license as provided in sections 20-199.
When provisions not applicable. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any person in governmental employ while acting in the scope of his employment, nor to any person who furnishes medical or surgical assistance without compensation in an emergency, nor to any veterinarian, licensed in another state, who is employed as a direct consultant for not more than ten days during any calendar year with any practitioner licensed in conformity with the provisions of section 20-197.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any hospital, educational institution or laboratory or any state or federal institution, or any employee of, student in or person associated with any such hospital, educational institution or laboratory or state or federal institution, while engaged in research or studies involving the use of medical, surgical or dental procedures, or to the owner of any animal or livestock of his or her employee while administering to such animal or livestock.
Delaware
Link
Section of Practice Act: 3303
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
No person may practice veterinary medicine in the State who is not a Delaware-licensed veterinarian or the holder of a valid temporary permit issued by the Board. This chapter shall not be construed to prohibit:
(2) A person who is a regular student in a veterinary school or veterinary technician program performing duties or actions assigned by instructors, or working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian during the school vacation period.
Florida
Link
Section of Practice Act: 474.201 and 474.203
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
The Legislature finds that the practice of veterinary medicine is potentially dangerous to public health and safety if conducted by incompetent and unlicensed practitioners.
Exemptions:
(3) A student in a school or college of veterinary medicine while in the performance of duties assigned by her or his instructor or when working as a preceptor under the immediate supervision of a licensee, if such preceptorship is required for graduation from an accredited school or college of veterinary medicine. The licensed veterinarian is responsible for all acts performed by a preceptor under her or his supervision.
Georgia
Link
Section of Practice Act: 43-50-30 and 43-50-44
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
(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.
This article shall not be construed to prohibit:
(2) A person who is a regular student in a veterinary school or school of veterinary technology performing duties or actions assigned by his or her instructors or working under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Hawaii
Link
Section of Practice Act: 471,2
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
No person shall practice veterinary medicine, either gratuitously or for pay, or shall offer to so practice, or shall announce or advertise, publicly or privately, as prepared or qualified to so practice, or shall append the letters "Dr." or affix any other letters to the person's name with the intent thereby to imply that the person is a practitioner of veterinary medicine, without having a valid unrevoked license obtained from the board of veterinary examiners; provided, that nothing in this chapter prevents or prohibits the following:
(3) Any student enrolled in any veterinary school or college or any employee of a veterinarian from working under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.
Idaho
Link
Section of Practice Act: 54-2104
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
LICENSE A PREREQUISITE TO PRACTICE -- EXCEPTIONS.
- No person may practice veterinary medicine in the state who is not an actively licensed veterinarian or the holder of a valid temporary permit issued by the board.
- This chapter shall not be construed to prohibit:
(b) A person who is a regular student currently enrolled and in good standing in an accredited or approved school of veterinary medicine, veterinary science department or an educational institution accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the Idaho state board of education or the United States department of education from performing duties or actions assigned by the student's instructors or from working under the direct supervision of an actively licensed veterinarian during a school vacation period. The unsupervised or unauthorized practice of veterinary medicine by a student, even though on the premises of an accredited or approved school of veterinary medicine, veterinary science department, an educational institution accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the Idaho state board of education or the United States department of education or at a veterinary medical facility, is prohibited.
Illinois
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Section of Practice Act: 225 ILCS 115/4 and 225 ILCS 115/5
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
Restrictions and limitations. No person shall practice veterinary medicine and surgery in any of its branches without a valid license to do so.
Exemptions. Nothing in this Act shall apply to any of the following: Veterinary students in an accredited college of veterinary medicine, university, department of a university, or other institution of veterinary medicine and surgery engaged in duties assigned by their instructors or working under the immediate or direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Indiana
Link
Section of Practice Act: IC 25-38.1-3-1 and IC 25-38.1-1-9
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
Sec. 1. (a) A person may not practice veterinary medicine in Indiana unless the person: (4) An extern.
Sec. 9. "Extern" means a: (1) senior veterinary student enrolled in an accredited college of veterinary medicine; employed by or working with a licensed veterinarian and under the licensed veterinarian's direct supervision.
Iowa
Link
Section of Practice Act: 169,4
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
A person may not practice veterinary medicine in the state who is not a licensed veterinarian or the holder of a valid temporary permit issued by the board. This chapter shall not be construed to prohibit:
2. A person who is a veterinary student in an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine from performing duties or actions assigned by instructors, or working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The board shall issue to any veterinary medicine student who attends an accredited veterinary medicine college or school and who has been certified as being competent by an instructor of such college or school to perform veterinary duties under the direction of an instructor of veterinary medicine or under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, a certificate authorizing the veterinary medicine student to perform such functions.
Kansas
Link
Section of Practice Act: K.S.A. 47-817
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
No person shall practice veterinary medicine in this state who is not currently and validly a licensed veterinarian. This act shall not be construed to prohibit:
(j) A student who has completed at least three years of study in a school of veterinary medicine and who performs prescribed veterinary procedures assigned by such student's instructors or who works under the direct or indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Kentucky
Link
Section of Practice Act: KRS 321.190, KRS 321.200, KRS 321.181
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
Except as provided in KRS 321.200, no person shall practice veterinary medicine or perform any of the duties usually performed by a veterinarian unless the person at the time holds a certificate of license to practice veterinary medicine issued and validly existing under the laws of this Commonwealth, as provided in this chapter. No provision of this chapter shall be construed to prohibit any of the following:
(d) Any student as defined in KRS 321.181 from working under the direct supervision of a veterinarian who is duly licensed under the laws of this Commonwealth.
"Student" means:
(a) A person enrolled in any veterinary school or college approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association while pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine.
Louisiana
Link
Section of Practice Act: 1514
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
No person shall practice veterinary medicine in the state who is not a licensed veterinarian or the holder of a valid temporary permit issued by the board. This Chapter shall not be construed to prohibit:
(2) A person who is a regular student in a veterinary school performing duties or actions assigned by his instructors, or working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian during a school vacation period.
Maine
Link
Section of Practice Act: 4860
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
A person may not practice veterinary medicine in this State who is not a licensed veterinarian or the holder of a permit for the performance of relief veterinary service issued by the board. This section does not apply to:
2. Regular student. A person who is a regular student in a veterinary school performing duties or actions assigned by his instructors or working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian during a school vacation period.
Maryland
Link
Section of Practice Act: 2–301
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
(g) The term “practice of veterinary medicine” does not include or apply to:
(13) A student of veterinary medicine practicing veterinary medicine who has successfully completed 3 years of veterinary education at an institution approved by the Board and who works under the responsible direct supervision, as defined by the Board, of a veterinary practitioner.
Massachusetts
Link
Section of Practice Act: 56E
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
Any veterinary student, enrolled in an accredited school or college of veterinary medicine, who is engaged in clinical training under the direct supervision and control of a veterinarian duly registered under the provisions of section fifty-six D, or under the direct supervision and control of a veterinarian otherwise licensed to practice in the commonwealth and who is duly registered with an accredited school or college of veterinary medicine under its clinical training and externship programs shall be exempt from the veterinary licensing provisions of sections fifty-five to fifty-nine, inclusive.
Michigan
Link
Section of Practice Act: 333,18812
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
(1) A limited license for practice apart from veterinary education shall require that the individual be a senior student in an approved school of veterinary medicine and be under the supervision of a veterinarian licensed by this state.
Minnesota
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Section of Practice Act: 156,12
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
The practice of veterinary medicine, as used in this chapter, shall mean the diagnosis, treatment, correction, relief, or prevention of animal disease, deformity, defect, injury, or other physical or mental conditions; the performance of obstetrical procedures for animals, including determination of pregnancy and correction of sterility or infertility; and the rendering of advice or recommendations with regard to any of the above. No provision of this chapter shall be construed to prohibit:
(b) a person who is a regular student in an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine from performing duties or actions assigned by instructors or preceptors or working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Mississippi
Link
Section of Practice Act: 73-39-59 and 73-39-61
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
(1) No person may practice veterinary medicine in the state who is not a licensed veterinarian or the holder of a valid temporary permit issued by the board unless otherwise exempt under this chapter.
This chapter shall not be construed to prohibit:
(b) Any student in an accredited college of veterinary medicine or an accredited program in veterinary technology performing duties or actions assigned by instructors or working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Missouri
Link 1 Link 2
Section of Practice Act: 340.216 and 340.222
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
- It is unlawful for any person not licensed as a veterinarian under the provisions of sections 340.200 to 340.330 to practice veterinary medicine or to do any act which requires knowledge of veterinary medicine for valuable consideration, or for any person not so licensed to hold himself or herself out to the public as a practitioner of veterinary medicine by advertisement, the use of any title or abbreviation with the person's name, or otherwise; except that nothing in sections 340.200 to 340.330 shall be construed as prohibiting.
- Acts of a person who is a student in good standing in a school or college of veterinary medicine or while working as a student preceptee, in performing duties or functions assigned by the student's instructors, or while working under the appropriate level of supervision of a licensed veterinarian as is consistent with the particular delegated animal health care task as established by board rule, and acts performed by a student in a school or college of veterinary medicine recognized by the board and performed as part of the education and training curriculum of the school under the supervision of the faculty. The unsupervised or unauthorized practice of veterinary medicine, even though on the premises of a school or college of veterinary medicine, is prohibited.
- A supervisor, as defined in subdivision (19) of section 340.200, is individually and separately responsible and liable for the performance of the acts delegated to and the omissions of the veterinary technician, veterinary medical candidate, temporary licensee, veterinary medical preceptee, unregistered assistant or any other individual working under his or her supervision. Nothing in this section shall be construed to relieve veterinary technicians, veterinary medical candidates, provisional licensees, temporary licensees, veterinary medical preceptees or unregistered assistants of any responsibility or liability for any of their own acts or omissions.
Montana
Link
Section of Practice Act: 37-18-102 and 37-18-104
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
(1) A person is considered practicing veterinary medicine when the person does any of the following:
- represents to the public that the person is a veterinarian or is engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine in any of its branches, either directly or indirectly;
- uses words, titles, or letters in this connection or on a display or advertisement or under circumstances so as to induce the belief the person using them is engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine. This use is prima facie evidence of the intention to represent oneself as engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine in any of its branches.
- diagnoses, prescribes, or administers a drug, medicine, appliance, application, or treatment of whatever nature or performs a surgical operation or manipulation for the prevention, cure, or relief of a pain, deformity, wound, fracture, bodily injury, physical condition, or disease of animals;
- instructs, demonstrates, or solicits by a notice, sign, or other indication, with contract either express or implied, or otherwise, with or without the necessary instruments, for the administration of biologics or medicines or animal disease cures for the prevention and treatment of disease of animals and remedies for the treatment of internal parasites in animals;
- performs a manual or laboratory procedure on livestock for the diagnosis of pregnancy, sterility, or infertility for remuneration or hire;
- performs acupuncture, ova or embryo transfer, or dentistry on animals;
- instructs others, except those covered under the provisions of 37-18-104(4), for compensation, in any manner how to perform any acts that constitute the practice of veterinary medicine.
This chapter does not apply to:
(d) the employment of a veterinary medical student who has successfully completed 3 years of the professional curriculum in veterinary medicine at a college having educational standards equal to those approved by the American veterinary medical association, if the student is employed by and works under the immediate supervision of a veterinarian licensed and registered under this chapter.
Nebraska
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Section of Practice Act: 38-3321
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
No person may practice veterinary medicine and surgery in the state who is not a licensed veterinarian, no person may perform delegated animal health care tasks in the state who is not a licensed veterinary technician or an unlicensed assistant performing such tasks within the limits established under subdivision (2) of section 38-3326, and no person may perform health care therapy on animals in the state who is not a licensed animal therapist. The Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act shall not be construed to prohibit:
(2) A person who is a student in a veterinary school from performing duties or actions assigned by his or her instructors or from working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Nevada
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Section of Practice Act: 638.0601 and 638.0185
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
- Before performing any service regarding an animal, a veterinary intern shall identify himself or herself as a veterinary intern.
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While performing any service regarding an animal, a veterinary intern shall be under the direct supervision of a supervising veterinarian who:
- Is in good standing with the Board;
- Is responsible for all actions taken by the veterinary intern regarding an animal;
- Is subject to disciplinary action for any violation of this chapter or chapter 638 of NRS by the veterinary intern.
“Veterinary intern” means:
- A third-year or fourth-year veterinary student who is enrolled in an internship program that is administered by a school of veterinary medicine;
- A person who has graduated from a school of veterinary medicine and has taken the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination of the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners but has not received the scores for that examination;
- A person who has graduated from a school of veterinary medicine that is not accredited by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association and who is presently completing a postgraduate, evaluated clinical year at a school of veterinary medicine that is accredited by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association;
- A person who is scheduled to take, or has taken but not yet received a score for, the clinical proficiency examination administered by the American Veterinary Medical Association for the purpose of acquiring an educational certificate issued by the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates of the American Veterinary Medical Association or its successor organization as described in paragraph (b) of subsection 2 of NRS 638.100.
New Hampshire
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Section of Practice Act: 332-B:2
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
Except as provided in RSA 332-B:9, no person may practice veterinary medicine in the state who is not a licensed veterinarian or the holder of a valid temporary permit issued by the board. This chapter shall not be construed to prohibit:
II. A person who is a regular student in a veterinary school working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
New Jersey
Link
Section of Practice Act: 45:16-8.1 and 45:16-9
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
The term "practice of veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry" does not include:
(9) The undertaking of duties and actions, in accordance with the provisions of subparagraph (2) of subsection a. of R.S.45:16-9, by a student at an accredited veterinary school, if the student does not represent himself as a veterinarian or use any title or degree appertaining to the practice of veterinary medicine, surgery or dentistry.
Any student in good standing at an accredited veterinary school may, during a school vacation, preceptorship, or intern or extern program, perform duties or actions that otherwise could be considered to constitute the practice of veterinary medicine, surgery, or dentistry, provided that those duties or actions are assigned by a qualified instructor at that accredited veterinary school, and are undertaken by the student under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. A student applicant shall be associated with a licensed veterinarian in the practice and the student applicant's labors shall be limited to the practice of that licensed veterinarian.
New Mexico
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Section of Practice Act: 61-14-14
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
Provisions of the Veterinary Practice Act do not apply to:
B. regular students in a veterinary school performing duties or actions assigned by an instructor or working under direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian during a school vacation period.
New York
Link
Section of Practice Act: 6705
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
The following persons under the following limitations may practice veterinary medicine within the state without a license:
7) Any student who engages in clinical practice under supervision of a licensed or otherwise authorized veterinarian in a school of veterinary medicine in this state registered by the department.
9) Any student enrolled and in good standing in a school of veterinary medicine approved by the commissioner, who practices under the general supervision of a veterinarian licensed and registered under this article; provided however, that only such students who have completed at least two and one-half years in an approved veterinary program and completed all core didactic training may assist in diagnosis, treatment and surgery in such practice, subject to the following requirements:
- assisting in diagnosis and surgery be under the immediate personal supervision of such veterinarian;
- assisting in treatment be under the direct supervision of such veterinarian;
- and
only one such student shall be supervised, as specified in clauses (a) and (b) of this subdivision, by one such veterinarian.
North Carolina
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Section of Practice Act: 90-187.6 and 90-181
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
(a) "Veterinary technicians," "veterinary student interns," and "veterinary student preceptees," before performing any services otherwise prohibited to persons not licensed or registered under this Article, shall be approved by and registered with the Board. The Board shall be responsible for all matters pertaining to the qualifications, registration, discipline, and revocation of registration of these persons, under this Article and rules issued by the Board.
(d) Veterinary student interns, in addition to all of the services permitted to veterinary technicians, may, under the direct personal supervision of a veterinarian, perform surgery and administer therapeutic or prophylactic drugs.
(e) Veterinary student preceptees, in addition to all of the services permitted to veterinary technicians and veterinary student interns, may, upon the direction of the employing veterinarian, make ambulatory calls and hospital and clinic diagnoses, prescriptions and treatments.
(9) "Veterinary student intern" means a person who is enrolled in an accredited veterinary college, has satisfactorily completed the third year of veterinary college education, and is registered with the Board as a veterinary student intern.
(10) "Veterinary student preceptee" means a person who is pursuing a doctorate degree in an accredited school of veterinary medicine that has a preceptor or extern program, has completed the academic requirements of that program, and is registered with the Board as a veterinary student preceptee.
North Dakota
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Section of Practice Act: 43-29-07.2
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
The board may issue without examination a temporary permit to practice veterinary medicine in this state to: A senior veterinary student who practices in the office of and under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. A temporary student permit may not exceed six months from its date of issuance and is granted without payment of a fee.
Ohio
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Section of Practice Act: 4741,19
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
(A) Unless exempted under this chapter, no person shall practice veterinary medicine, or any of its branches, without a license or limited license issued by the state veterinary medical licensing board pursuant to sections 4741.11 to 4741.13 of the Revised Code, a temporary permit issued pursuant to section 4741.14 of the Revised Code, or a registration certificate issued pursuant to division (C) of this section, or with an inactive, expired, suspended, terminated, or revoked license, temporary permit, or registration.
(B) No veterinary student shall:
(1) Perform or assist surgery unless under direct veterinary supervision and unless the student has had the minimum education and experience prescribed by rule of the board;
(2) Engage in any other work related to the practice of veterinary medicine unless under veterinary supervision;
(3) Participate in the operation of a branch office, clinic, or allied establishment unless a licensed veterinarian is present on the establishment premises.
Oklahoma
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Section of Practice Act: 698,12
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
The Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act shall not be construed to prohibit: Acts of a person who is a student in good standing in a veterinary school, in performing duties or functions assigned by the student’s instructors, or working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian for each individual case and acts performed by an instructor or student in a school of veterinary medicine recognized by the Board and performed as a part of the educational and training curriculum of the school under the direct supervision of faculty. The unsupervised or unauthorized practice of veterinary medicine even though on the premises of a school of veterinary medicine is prohibited.
Oregon
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Section of Practice Act: 686.020 and 686.04
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
(1) Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, no person shall:
(a) Practice veterinary medicine, surgery or dentistry, in this state unless the person holds a valid license issued by the Oregon State Veterinary Medical Examining Board and the license is not expired, revoked or suspended at the time of practice.
(b) Affix or append any letters to the name of the person, indicating a degree in medicine, such as V.S., V.D., D.V.S., M.D.C., D.M.C., D.V.M., or use the word doctor, veterinary, veterinarian, professor, animal doctor, animal surgeon, or any abbreviation or combination thereof of similar import in connection with the name of the person, or any trade name with which the person is interested, in the conduct of any occupation or profession pertaining to the diagnosis or treatment of animal diseases or conditions mentioned in this chapter, unless such person is legally entitled to use such designation.
(2) A person who holds a valid license issued by the Oregon State Veterinary Medical Examining Board that is not expired, revoked or suspended is exempt from the provisions of ORS 348.609 (1) to (4).
ORS 686.020 (1)(a) does not apply to: Students of veterinary science who participate in the diagnosis and treatment of animals if the students:
(A) Are participating in the diagnosis and treatment of animals while engaged in an educational program approved by the board or a college of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association;
(B) Are under the direct supervision of an Oregon licensed veterinarian or a veterinarian approved by the board or Oregon State University to supervise students in the educational program.
Pennsylvania
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Section of Practice Act: Sec 32
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
Exemptions and Exceptions. This act shall not apply to:
(1) Students in schools or colleges of veterinary medicine and programs of veterinary technology approved by the board pursuant to section 8 in the performance of duties or actions assigned by their instructors or when working under the immediate supervision of a licensee.
Rhode Island
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Section of Practice Act: 5.25.7
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
(a) Any person shall be regarded as practicing veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry within the meaning of this chapter when he or she does any of the following, either directly or indirectly:
(1) Represents himself or herself as engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine, veterinary surgery, or veterinary dentistry in any of its branches.
(2) Diagnoses, prognoses, treats, administers, prescribes, operates on, manipulates, or applies any drug, biologic, or chemical or any apparatus or appliance for any disease, pain, deformity, defect, injury, wound, or physical condition of any animal for the prevention of or to test the presence of any disease.
(3) Cuts any tissue, muscle, organ, or structure of any animal for the purposes described in subsection (a)(2) or for the purpose of altering the natural condition of any animal or for any other purpose, cause, or reason.
(b) The term "practicing veterinary medicine" does not include:
(6) A person who is a regular student in a legally chartered college or school of veterinary medicine while in the performance of the duties and activities assigned by his or her instructors and provided there is a licensed veterinarian to supervise those acts.
South Carolina
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Section of Practice Act: 40-69-270
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
Licensing requirement; exceptions. (A) A person may not engage in the practice of veterinary medicine in this State without a current and valid license issued by the board pursuant to this chapter. Nothing in this chapter may be construed to prohibit:
(1) a person who is a regular student, technician, or instructor in a legally chartered educational institution from the performance of those duties and actions conducted as a responsibility in teaching and research or a veterinary student preceptee working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian during a school vacation period or in a preceptorship program.
South Dakota
Link
Section of Practice Act: 36-12-2
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
The following persons shall not be considered to be engaging in the practice of veterinary medicine in this state:
(6) Those who are senior students in an approved school of veterinary medicine and who shall obtain from the Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners an undergraduate permit to practice in the office and under the direct supervision of any veterinarian practicing within this state.
Tennessee
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Section of Practice Act: 1730-01-.01 and 1730-01-.10
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
Supervising Veterinarian – A person who is validly and currently licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Tennessee, who shall be accountable to the board for the facility’s compliance with the laws and rules governing the practice of veterinary medicine in this state, and is responsible for the supervision of a temporary licensee, veterinary student intern, employee, or consulting veterinarian.
No veterinary technician, veterinary student intern, or employee shall provide any professional services as covered by these rules without the responsible supervision of a licensed veterinarian, except that an employee of the veterinarian may be permitted to float teeth using non-motorized equipment without the physical presence of a licensed veterinarian as long as the employee is functioning under the supervision, control, and responsibility of the licensed veterinarian within the context of a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship.
Texas
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Section of Practice Act: 801.004 and 801.002
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
This chapter does not apply to:
(5) the performance of an act by a person who is a full-time student of an accredited college of veterinary medicine if the act is performed under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.
(3) "Direct supervision" means supervision of a person by a responsible veterinarian who is physically present on the premises.
Utah
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Section of Practice Act: 58-28-301 and 58-28-307
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
(1) (a) A license is required to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine, except as specifically provided in Sections 58-1-307 and 58-28-307.
In addition to the exemptions from licensure in Section 58-1-307 this chapter does not apply to:
(2) an individual who as a student at a veterinary college approved by the board engages in the practice of veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry as part of the individual's academic training and under the direct supervision and control of a licensed veterinarian, if that practice is during the last two years of the college course of instruction and does not exceed an 18-month duration.
Vermont
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Section of Practice Act: 2403
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
Regardless of whether acts performed are within the definition of the practice of veterinary medicine as defined in subdivision 2401(5) of this title, a license to practice veterinary medicine shall not be required under section 2402 of this title by the following:
(4) A person who is a regular student in a school of veterinary medicine performing duties or actions assigned by his or her instructors, or working under the direct on-premises supervision of a licensed veterinarian during a school vacation period, or in a preceptorship program.
Virginia
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Section of Practice Act: 18VAC150-20-130
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
A. The practical training and employment of qualified students of veterinary medicine or veterinary technology shall be governed and controlled as follows: 1. A veterinary student who is enrolled and in good standing in a veterinary college or school accredited or approved by the AVMA may be engaged in a preceptorship or externship. A veterinary preceptee or extern may perform duties that constitute the practice of veterinary medicine for which he has received adequate instruction by the college or school and only under the on-premises supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
B. Whenever a veterinary preceptee or extern is performing surgery on a patient, either assisted or unassisted, the supervising veterinarian shall be in the operatory during the procedure. Prior to allowing a preceptee or extern in veterinary medicine to perform surgery on a patient unassisted by a licensed veterinarian, a licensed veterinarian shall receive written informed consent from the owner.
C. When there is a veterinary preceptee or extern practicing in the establishment, the supervising veterinarian shall disclose such practice to owners. The disclosure shall be by signage clearly visible to the public or by inclusion on an informed consent form.
D. A veterinarian or veterinary technician who supervises a preceptee or extern remains responsible for the care and treatment of the patient.
Washington
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Section of Practice Act: 18.92.010 and 18.92.060
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
Any person shall be regarded as practicing veterinary medicine, surgery and dentistry within the meaning of this chapter who shall, within this state,
(1) by advertisement, or by any notice, sign, or other indication, or by a statement written, printed or oral, in public or private, made, done, or procured by himself or herself, or any other, at his or her request, for him or her, represent, claim, announce, make known or pretend his or her ability or willingness to diagnose or prognose or treat diseases, deformities, defects, wounds, or injuries of animals;
(2) or who shall so advertise, make known, represent or claim his or her ability and willingness to prescribe or administer any drug, medicine, treatment, method or practice, or to perform any operation, manipulation, or apply any apparatus or appliance for cure, amelioration, correction or reduction or modification of any animal disease, deformity, defect, wound or injury, for hire, fee, compensation, or reward, promised, offered, expected, received, or accepted directly or indirectly;
(3) or who shall within this state diagnose or prognose any animal diseases, deformities, defects, wounds or injuries, for hire, fee, reward, or compensation promised, offered, expected, received, or accepted directly or indirectly;
(4) or who shall within this state prescribe or administer any drug, medicine, treatment, method or practice, or perform any operation, or manipulation, or apply any apparatus or appliance for the cure, amelioration, alleviation, correction, or modification of any animal disease, deformity, defect, wound, or injury, for hire, fee, compensation, or reward, promised, offered, expected, received or accepted directly or indirectly;
(5) or who performs any manual procedure for the diagnosis of pregnancy, sterility, or infertility upon livestock;
(6) or who implants any electronic device for the purpose of establishing or maintaining positive identification of animals.
The opening of an office or place of business for the practice of veterinary medicine, the use of a sign, card, device or advertisement as a practitioner of veterinary medicine or as a person skilled in such practice shall be prima facie evidence of engaging in the practice of veterinary medicine, surgery and dentistry. Nothing in this chapter applies to:
(4)(a) A person who is a regularly enrolled student in a veterinary school or training course approved under RCW 18.92.015 and performing duties or actions assigned by his or her instructors or working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian during a school vacation period or
(b) a person performing assigned duties under the supervision of a veterinarian within the established framework of an internship program recognized by the board.
West Virginia
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Section of Practice Act: 30-10-1 and 30-10-17
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
(a) It is unlawful for any person to practice or offer to practice veterinary medicine, veterinary technology or animal euthanasia in this state without a license, registration or certificate issued under the provisions of this article, or advertise or use any title or description tending to convey the impression that they are a veterinarian, veterinary technician or animal euthanasia technician unless such person has been duly licensed, registered or certified under the provisions of this article.
(b) A business entity may not render any service or engage in any activity which, if rendered or engaged in by an individual, would constitute the practice of veterinary medicine, veterinary technology or animal euthanasia, except through a licensee, registrant or certificate holder.
The following persons are exempt from licensing under the provisions of this article:
(b) A student of a veterinary school working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Wisconsin
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Section of Practice Act: 7,02
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
(1) The following acts are limited to those holding a license under s. 89.06 (1), 89.06 (2m) (a), or 89.072, Stats.; a permit under s. VE 3.05, 5.03 or 6.02; or active status as a student at a college of veterinary medicine approved by the board, and may not be delegated to or performed by veterinary technicians or other persons not holding such license or permit:
(a) Diagnosis and prognosis of animal diseases and conditions.
(b) Prescribing of drugs, medicines, treatments and appliances.
(c) Performing surgery.
(2) Except as provided under s. 95.21 (2), Stats., veterinarians may delegate to veterinary students the provision of veterinary medical services under the direct supervision of the veterinarian when the veterinarian is personally present on the premises where the services are provided.
Wyoming
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Section of Practice Act: 33-30-203
Policy from Veterinary Practice Act:
(a) No person may practice veterinary medicine in the state who is not a licensed veterinarian or the holder of a valid temporary permit issued by the board. This act shall not be construed to prohibit:
(ii) A person who is a regular student in a college of veterinary medicine from performing duties or action assigned by his instructors, or from working under the responsible supervision of a licensed veterinarian during a school vacation period.