CHAPTER 3. VETERINARIANS; VETERINARY TECHNICIANS; LICENSES, SPECIAL PERMITS, AND REGISTRATION
IC 25-38.1-3
Chapter 3. Veterinarians; Veterinary Technicians; Licenses,Special Permits, and Registration
IC 25-38.1-3-1
License and permit requirements; exceptions
Sec. 1. (a) A person may not practice veterinary medicine inIndiana unless the person:
(1) is licensed as a veterinarian in Indiana; or
(2) holds a special permit issued by the board.
(b) The following persons are exempt from the licensing orspecial permit requirements of this chapter:
(1) A veterinarian on the faculty of the School of VeterinaryMedicine at Purdue University performing regular duties, or aveterinarian employed by the animal disease diagnosticlaboratory established by IC 21-46-3-1 performing regularduties.
(2) A veterinary medical officer serving in the United Statesarmed forces or veterinarian employed by a federal, state, orlocal government agency performing veterinary medicalservices that are within the scope of official duties and areperformed during the period of the person's service.
(3) An individual who is a regular student in an accreditedcollege of veterinary medicine performing duties or actionsassigned by the faculty of the School of Veterinary Medicine atPurdue University or working under the direct supervision of alicensed veterinarian.
(4) An extern.
(5) A veterinarian who is licensed and is a resident in anotherstate or country and consults with a veterinarian licensed underthis article.
(6) An owner or a contract operator of an animal or a regularemployee of the owner or a contract operator caring for andtreating an animal, except where the ownership of the animalwas transferred for purposes of circumventing this chapter.
(7) A guest lecturing or giving instructions or demonstrations atthe School of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University, orelsewhere, in connection with a continuing education program.
(8) An individual while engaged in bona fide scientific researchthat:
(A) reasonably requires experimentation involving animals;and
(B) is conducted in a facility or with a company thatcomplies with federal regulations regarding animal welfare.
(9) A graduate of a foreign college of veterinary medicine whois in the process of obtaining an ECFVG certificate and who isunder the direct supervision of:
(A) the faculty of the School of Veterinary Medicine atPurdue University; or
(B) a veterinarian licensed under this article. (10) A veterinarian who is enrolled in a postgraduateinstructional program in an accredited college of veterinarymedicine performing duties or actions assigned by the facultyof the School of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University.
(11) A member in good standing of another licensed orregulated profession within Indiana who:
(A) provides assistance requested by a veterinarian licensedunder this article;
(B) acts with the consent of the client;
(C) acts within a veterinarian-client-patient relationship; and
(D) acts under the direct or indirect supervision of thelicensed veterinarian.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.27;P.L.177-2009, SEC.59.
IC 25-38.1-3-2
Veterinarian licensure requirements
Sec. 2. To become a licensed veterinarian, a person must:
(1) not have a conviction for a crime that has a direct bearing onthe person's ability to practice ethically and competently;
(2) not have committed an act that would have been a violationof IC 25-1-9-4 or IC 25-1-9-6;
(3) pay the fees required under this article;
(4) have successfully completed a program in veterinarymedicine from an accredited college of veterinary medicine;and
(5) have successfully completed the examinations described insection 4 of this chapter or qualify for a license withoutexamination under section 5 of this chapter.
However, a person who was licensed as a veterinarian in Indiana onAugust 31, 1979, is not required to meet the requirements ofsubdivision (4) or (5).
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.28.
IC 25-38.1-3-3
Application for license; requirements and qualifications
Sec. 3. (a) As used in this subsection, "term" refers to an academicsemester, trimester, or quarter. A person desiring a license to practiceveterinary medicine shall make written application to the board. Theapplication must state that the applicant is:
(1) a graduate of an accredited college of veterinary medicine;or
(2) enrolled in the last term of the last year of the veterinarymedical curriculum of an accredited school of veterinarymedicine.
If the applicant is enrolled as a last term student as described insubdivision (2), a letter from the dean of the student's veterinaryschool confirming that the applicant is a last term student, attestingto the satisfactory academic standing of the student, and stating thedate on which the degree is expected to be conferred upon the
student must accompany the application. A license to practiceveterinary medicine in Indiana may not be issued until satisfactoryproof has been furnished to the board either that the applicant hasgraduated from an accredited college of veterinary medicine or thatthe applicant is the holder of an Educational Commission for ForeignVeterinary Graduates (ECFVG) certificate. The application mustshow reasonable information and proof required by the board by rule.The application must be accompanied by the required fee.
(b) If the board determines that the applicant possesses the properqualifications, the board may grant the applicant a license. If theboard determines that the applicant is not qualified to take theexamination or that the applicant does not qualify for a licensewithout examination, the executive secretary of the board shallimmediately notify the applicant in writing of the finding and thegrounds for the finding. Applicants found unqualified may request ahearing on the question of their qualifications.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12.
IC 25-38.1-3-4
Examinations
Sec. 4. (a) The board shall hold at least one (1) examination forlicensing veterinarians and one (1) examination for registeringveterinary technicians each year. However, the board may holdadditional examinations. The agency shall give notice of the date,time, and place for each examination at least ninety (90) days beforethe date set for the examination. A person desiring to take anexamination must make application not later than the time the boardprescribes under IC 25-38.1-2-12.
(b) The board must approve the preparation, administration, andgrading of examinations that comply with the followingrequirements:
(1) Examinations for licensure to practice as a veterinarian mustbe designed to test the examinee's knowledge of and proficiencyin the subjects and techniques commonly taught in veterinaryschools. To pass the examination, the examinee mustdemonstrate scientific and practical knowledge sufficient toprove to the board that the examinee is competent to practiceveterinary medicine. The board may adopt and useexaminations approved by the National Board of VeterinaryMedical Examiners for licensure to practice veterinarymedicine.
(2) Examinations for registration as a registered veterinarytechnician must be designed to test the examinee's knowledgeof and proficiency in the subjects and techniques commonlytaught in schools for veterinary technicians. To pass theexamination, the examinee must demonstrate scientific andpractical knowledge sufficient to prove to the board that theexaminee is competent to act as a registered veterinarytechnician. The board may adopt and use examinationsapproved by the American Association of Veterinary State
Boards for registration as a veterinary technician.
(c) To qualify for a license as a veterinarian or to be registered asa veterinary technician, the applicant must attain a passing score inthe examinations.
(d) After the examinations, the agency shall notify each examineeof the result of the examinee's examinations. The board shall issue alicense or registration certificate, as appropriate, to each individualwho successfully completes the examinations and is otherwisequalified. The agency shall keep a permanent record of the issuanceof each license or registration certificate.
(e) An individual who fails to pass the required examinations mayapply to take a subsequent examination. Payment of the examinationfee may not be waived.
(f) If an applicant fails to pass the required examination withinthree (3) attempts in Indiana or any other state, the applicant may notretake the required examination. The applicant may take subsequentexaminations upon approval by the board and completion of remedialeducation as required by the board.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.29.
IC 25-38.1-3-5
License without examination
Sec. 5. The board may issue a license without an examination toa qualified applicant who:
(1) furnishes satisfactory proof that the applicant is a graduateof an accredited college of veterinary medicine or holds anEducational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates(ECFVG) certificate;
(2) for the five (5) years immediately preceding filing anapplication has been a practicing veterinarian licensed in a state,territory, or district of the United States that has licenserequirements substantially equivalent to the requirements of thischapter; and
(3) otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12.
IC 25-38.1-3-5.5
Permit requirements; exceptions
Sec. 5.5. (a) An individual may not act as a registered veterinarytechnician unless the person is registered as a veterinary technicianin Indiana or has been issued a special permit by the board.
(b) An individual is not required to meet the registrationrequirements for a registered veterinary technician under this articlewhile the individual is:
(1) a full-time student in an accredited veterinary technologyprogram performing duties or actions assigned by faculty orstaff of the accredited program; or
(2) working under the direct supervision of a licensedveterinarian to perform tasks that are an educationalrequirement of the accredited program.As added by P.L.58-2008, SEC.30.
IC 25-38.1-3-6
Veterinary technician permit requirements
Sec. 6. To become a registered veterinary technician, a personmust:
(1) not have a conviction for a crime that has a direct bearing onthe person's ability to practice competently;
(2) pay the required fees;
(3) be at least eighteen (18) years of age;
(4) have successfully completed four (4) years of high schooleducation or an acceptable equivalent;
(5) have either successfully completed an accredited veterinarytechnology program or have been a registered veterinarytechnician on August 31, 1981; and
(6) show that the person has the necessary knowledge and skillsto be a registered veterinary technician, demonstrated bysuccessfully passing the required examinations.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.31.
IC 25-38.1-3-7
Veterinary technicians; refusal to issue permit; probationaryregistration; conditions
Sec. 7. (a) The board may refuse to issue a registration or mayissue a probationary registration to an applicant for registration as aregistered veterinary technician under this chapter if:
(1) the applicant has been disciplined by a licensing entity ofanother state or jurisdiction; and
(2) the violation for which the applicant was disciplined has adirect bearing on the applicant's ability to competently practiceas a veterinary technician in Indiana.
(b) Whenever issuing a probationary registration under thissection, the board may impose any or a combination of the followingconditions:
(1) Report regularly to the board upon the matters that are thebasis of the discipline of the other state or jurisdiction.
(2) Limit practice to those areas prescribed by the board.
(3) Continue or renew professional education.
(4) Engage in community restitution or service withoutcompensation for a number of hours specified by the board.
(c) The board shall remove any limitations placed on aprobationary registration issued under this section if the board findsafter a hearing that the deficiency that required disciplinary actionhas been remedied.
(d) This section does not apply to an individual who currentlyholds a registration certificate under this chapter.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.32.
IC 25-38.1-3-8
Registration without examination Sec. 8. The board may issue a registration without an examinationto a qualified applicant who:
(1) furnishes satisfactory proof that the applicant hassuccessfully completed an accredited veterinary technologyprogram;
(2) for the five (5) years immediately preceding filing anapplication has been acting as a registered veterinary technicianin a state, territory, or district of the United States that hasregistration requirements substantially equivalent to therequirements of this chapter; and
(3) otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.33.
IC 25-38.1-3-9
Application
Sec. 9. An applicant for registration as a registered veterinarytechnician shall complete an application form prescribed by theboard. Each application shall be accompanied by the requiredregistration fee and other material that the board may require by rule.Each applicant shall furnish proof to the board that the applicantmeets the requirements of a registered veterinary technician underthis chapter.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12.
IC 25-38.1-3-10
Term of license and registration certificate
Sec. 10. A license or registration certificate issued under thisarticle is valid for the remainder of the renewal period in effect onthe date of issuance.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12.
IC 25-38.1-3-11
License renewal
Sec. 11. (a) A license issued under this chapter is valid until thenext renewal date described under subsection (b).
(b) All licenses expire on a date set by the agency in eachodd-numbered year but may be renewed by application to the boardand payment of the proper renewal fee. In accordance withIC 25-1-5-4(c), the agency shall mail a notice sixty (60) days beforethe expiration to each licensed veterinarian. The agency shall issuea license renewal to each individual licensed under this chapter if theproper fee has been received and all other requirements for renewalof the license have been satisfied. Failure to renew a license on orbefore the expiration date automatically renders the license invalidwithout any action by the board.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.34.
IC 25-38.1-3-12
Registration certificate renewal
Sec. 12. (a) A registration certificate issued under this chapter is
valid until the next renewal date described under subsection (b).
(b) All registration certificates expire on a date set by the agencyof each even-numbered year but may be renewed by application tothe board and payment of the proper renewal fee. In accordance withIC 25-1-5-4(c), the agency shall mail a notice sixty (60) days beforethe expiration to each registered veterinary technician. The agencyshall issue a registration certificate renewal to each individualregistered under this chapter if the proper fee has been received andall other requirements for renewal of the registration certificate havebeen satisfied. Failure to renew a registration certificate on or beforethe expiration date automatically renders the license invalid withoutany action by the board.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.35.
IC 25-38.1-3-13
Practicing without a valid license or registration; violation;renewal; inactive status
Sec. 13. (a) An individual who:
(1) practices veterinary medicine after the individual's licensehas expired, been revoked, or been placed on inactive status; or
(2) acts as a registered veterinary technician after theindividual's registration has expired, been revoked, or beenplaced on inactive status;
violates this article.
(b) A veterinarian may renew an expired license or a registeredveterinary technician may renew an expired registration certificatenot later than five (5) years after the date of expiration by makingwritten application for renewal and paying the required fee.However, the board may require continuing education as a conditionof renewal of an expired license.
(c) A veterinarian may not renew an expired license, and aregistered veterinary technician may not renew an expiredregistration certificate, after five (5) years have elapsed after the dateof the expiration of a license or a registration certificate but theperson may make application for a new license or registrationcertificate and take the appropriate examinations.
(d) To have a license or registration placed on inactive status, alicensed veterinarian or registered veterinarian technician must notifythe board in writing of the veterinarian's or technician's desire tohave the license or registration placed on inactive status. The boardshall waive the continuing education requirements, if any, andpayment of the renewal fee during the period the license orregistration of a veterinarian or technician is on inactive status. Alicense or registration may be placed on inactive status during theperiod:
(1) the veterinarian or technician is on active duty with anybranch of the armed services of the United States;
(2) the veterinarian or technician is in the Peace Corps;
(3) the veterinarian or technician is in an alternative serviceduring a time of national emergency; (4) the veterinarian or technician is suffering from a severemedical condition that prevents the veterinarian or technicianfrom meeting the requirements of the board; or
(5) after the veterinarian or technician retires.
A veterinarian or technician who is retired and on inactive status maynot maintain an office or practice veterinary medicine. The boardmay adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 that establish prerequisites orconditions for the reactivation of an inactive license or registration.
As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.36.