Bill No.: HB0007                  Drafter: MRW

LSO No.:  11LSO-0182              Effective Date: 3/2/2011

Enrolled Act No.:  HEA0034

Chapter No.:       97

Prime Sponsor:     Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Interim Committee

Catch Title:       Wyoming Veterinary Medical Practice Act-2.

Subject:       Regulating the practice of veterinary medicine. 

Summary/Major Elements:

● This act provides a definition of "animal health emergency."

● This act provides an exemption from veterinary licensure for a person providing emergency veterinary care without expectation of compensation in an emergency or disaster situation.  This act authorizes the state veterinarian to deputize licensed veterinarians from other states as deputy state veterinarians in such an emergency situation.

● Under current law, members of the board of veterinary medicine receive $25 per day salary for work done for the board, plus travel and per diem expenses.  This act provides each member of the board will receive compensation for each day spent in the performance of his duties at the same salary rate as legislators ($125.00 per day currently) and the per diem and mileage rate allowed to state employees.

● This act changes the State Veterinarian’s role on the Board by removing his role as secretary-treasurer.

● This act provides the Board may, by rule and regulation, establish a grace period for license renewal not to exceed sixty (60) days and allows for establishment of a late fee. 

● This act requires submission of evidence of completion of continuing education requirements and compliance with licensure requirements upon submission of license renewal application.

● Violation of statutes related to the practice of veterinary medicine is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to seven hundred and fifty dollars ($750.00) and imprisonment of up to six (6) months.