La. Admin. Code tit. 46:LXXXV — Professional and Occupational Standards: Veterinarians

Part LXXXV Veterinarians

Chapter 1 Operations of the Board of Veterinary Medicine

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 101 Information, Agency Office, Request for Rules or Action

A. Principal Office. The board shall maintain its principal office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where the records of the board shall be maintained for public inspection by any interested parties during regular office hours.

B. Requests for Copies of Public Records. Persons who wish to receive notices of meetings, copies of meeting minutes, copies of the Notice of Intent for a rule change, or any other public information from the board office must submit a written request. The board shall charge the fee set by the Division of Administration for providing copies and mailing documents so requested. Payment may be requested in advance of mailing or otherwise providing documents. Any person indebted to the board may be denied further services until such time as the indebtedness has been cleared. The board may provide copies free of charge to other governmental agencies or when the total charges are less than $1.

C. Requests to Review Public Records. Persons who wish to obtain information concerning board activities or to review any public documents on file at the offices of the board, may do so at the principal office of the board during regular business hours. Notices of board meetings, proposed rules, and all other information concerning the activities, functions and actions of the board which are public records shall be available for public inspection at the principal office of the board during regular business hours.

D. Submission of Rulemaking Petition. In accordance with R.S. 49:953(C)(l), any interested person may petition the board to adopt a new rule, or to amend or repeal an existing rule.

1. To petition the board for changes to an existing rule or for the adoption of a new rule, an interested person shall submit a written letter to the board. The petition shall include:

a. petitioner’s name and address;

b. the specific text or a description of the proposed language desired for the adoption or amendment of a rule in the LA Veterinary Practice Act, or the specific rule and language in the LA Veterinary Practice Act identified for repeal;

c. justification for the proposed action; and,

d. the petitioner’s signature.

2. The rulemaking petition shall be mailed to the board by certified mail and addressed to:

LA Board of Veterinary Medicine

ATTN: Executive Director

5825 Florida Blvd

Baton Rouge, LA 70806

3. Upon receipt, a rulemaking petition shall be reviewed by the full board at its next available meeting date. Within 90 days of receipt of the rulemaking petition, the board shall either:

a. initiate rulemaking procedures to adopt a new rule, or to amend or repeal an existing rule; or

b. notify the petitioner in writing of the denial to proceed with rulemaking, stating the reason(s) therefore.

E. Reports to Licensees. The board shall provide a regular report, which shall include, but not be limited to, notices of changes in policy, procedure, regulations, and/or statutes by the board or other governmental entities and dispositions of disciplinary cases. Other information deemed by the board to be pertinent in its mission of protecting the public health, safety, and welfare in the practice of veterinary medicine shall be printed and mailed to all licensees and other interested parties who have requested in writing to receive this report. The report shall be published not less than one time per fiscal year and may be published more frequently as the president of the board shall order.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Human Resources, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 8:66 (February 1982), amended by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:223 (March 1990), LR 19:1327 (October 1993), LR 23:966 (August 1997), LR 25:2226 (November 1999), LR 49:1373 (August 2023).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 103 Meetings

A. The annual meeting of the board shall be held during the last quarter of the fiscal year in April, May or June of each year, at a time and place to be announced by posting public notice.

1. Notice for In-Person Meetings. At least 24 hours prior to an in-person meeting, the board shall post the following at the principal office of the board in Baton Rouge, Louisiana as well as on the agency’s website at www.lsbvm.org:

a. meeting notice and agenda; and

b. detailed information regarding how members of the public may submit written comments regarding matters on the agenda prior to the meeting.

2. Notice for Meetings via Electronic Means. At least 24 hours prior to a meeting held via electronic means, the board shall post the following at the principal office of the board in Baton Rouge, Louisiana as well as on the agency’s website at www.lsbvm.org:

a. meeting notice and agenda; and

b. detailed information regarding how members of the public may:

i. participate in the meeting via electronic means, including the applicable videoconference link and/or teleconference phone number; and

ii. submit written comments regarding matters on the agenda prior to the meeting.

B. Additional meetings of the board may be called by the president or by any three members of the board. Additional meetings shall be announced in accordance with §103.A.

C. The board meets the below criteria pursuant to Act 393 to be eligible to conduct open public meetings via electronic means:

1. is a state agency as defined by R.S. 49:951;

2. has powers, duties, or functions that are not limited in scope to a particular political subdivision or region;

3. conducts at least six regularly scheduled meetings in a calendar year; and

4. is not one of the agencies identified by R.S. 42:17.2(I) to which open meetings via electronic means shall not apply.

D. Electronic Meeting Requirements and Limitations

1. For any meeting conducted via electronic means, the board shall ensure compliance with all requirements outlined in R.S. 42:17.2(C).

2. The board shall not conduct any more than one-third of its open meetings via electronic means, and will only conduct successive meetings via electronic meetings as needed.

3. A schedule of meetings identifying which will be conducted via electronic means and which will be conducted as in-person meetings shall be posted on the agency’s website at www.lsbvm.org on an annual basis.

4. All members of the board, whether participating from the anchor location or via electronic means, shall be counted for the purpose of establishing a quorum and may vote.

5. An online archive of any open meetings conducted via electronic means shall be maintained and available for two years on the agency’s website at www.lsbvm.org.

E. Disability Accommodations

1. Although an open meeting may be scheduled as in-person, the board is obligated to provide for participation via electronic means on an individualized basis by people with disabilities.

2. People with disabilities are defined as any of the following:

a. a member of the public with a disability recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);

b. a designated caregiver of such a person; or

c. a participant member of the agency with an ADA-qualifying disability.

3. The written public notice for an open meeting, as required by R.S. 42:19, shall include the name, telephone number and email address of the designated agency representative to whom a disability accommodation may be submitted.

4. The requestor shall be provided with an accommodation, including the teleconference and/or video conference link, for participation via electronic means as soon as possible following receipt of the request, but no later than the start of the scheduled meeting.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Human Resources, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 8:65 (February 1982), amended by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:223 (March 1990), LR 19:345 (March 1993), LR 20:1380 (December 1994), LR 23:966 (August 1997), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:653 (May 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 105 Appeals and Review

A. Applicants for Licensure or Examination. Any applicant desiring to review his or her (hereinafter in this title, the masculine pronouns he, him, and his shall be deemed to include the feminine pronouns she, her, and hers) national examination and/or the master answer sheet and/or the examination questions shall make arrangements with the national examination service vendor and/or any person, firm, corporation or entity charged by the board with the preparation, grading and/or administration of the national examination(s). The board shall not provide to applicants:

1. reviews of the questions contained on the national examination;

2. the answers to the questions contained on the national examination; or

3. any applicant's score on the national examination.

B. Persons Aggrieved by a Decision of the Board

1. Any person aggrieved by a decision of the board may, within 30 days of notification of the board's action or decision, petition the board for a review of the board's actions.

2. Such a petition shall be submitted in the form of a written letter to the board. The petition shall include:

a. petitioner’s name and address;

b. the specific grievance and any details related to the board’s decision; and,

c. the petitioner’s signature,

3. The petition shall be mailed to the board by certified mail and addressed to:

LA Board of Veterinary Medicine

ATTN: Executive Director

5825 Florida Blvd

Baton Rouge, LA 70806

4. Upon receipt of such petition, the board may then proceed to take such action as it deems expedient or hold such hearings as may be necessary, and may review such action as it deems expedient, and may review such testimony and/or documents and/or records as it deems necessary to dispose of the matter; but the board shall not, in any event, be required to conduct any hearings or investigations, or consider any offerings, testimony or evidence unless so required by statute or other rules or regulations of the board.

5. The party requesting the appeal shall pay all costs incurred by the board for review and appeal proceedings called in accordance with Section 105, and such costs shall include, but not be limited to, board member expenses, court reporter fees, investigative fees, attorney's fees, and administrative costs.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Human Resources, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 8:66 (February 1982), amended by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:223 (March 1990), LR 19:345 (March 1993), LR 23:966 (August 1997), LR 23:1529 (November 1997), LR 25:2226 (November 1999), LR 49:1373 (August 2023).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 106 Disciplinary Proceedings

A. Any person against whom disciplinary proceedings have been instituted and against whom disciplinary action has been taken by the board pursuant to R.S. 37:1526 and/or 37:1531 and/or the board's rules, shall have rights of review and/or rehearing and/or appeal in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act and §1401 et seq., of the board's rules.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:345 (March 1993), amended LR 23:967 (August 1997), LR 24:940 (May 1998), LR 25:2226 (November 1999), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:950 (July 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 108 Terms of Board Members

A. Terms of the members of the board shall be of five years duration beginning on August 1 of the year appointed by the governor and ending on July 30 of the fifth year. When a member is not appointed or seated by August 1, the term itself will begin on August 1 although the member may not be seated until the date of the governor's commission order. The outgoing member must remain seated on the board until such time as the governor's commission order is signed.

B. One board member will be appointed each year. The board office will notify the LVMA in writing in December of each year of the need to advertise for nominations to be made at the next regular full membership meeting of the LVMA in accordance with R.S. 37:1515.

C. In the event that a member of the board cannot fulfill the appointed term, the LVMA will be notified by the board office that an emergency appointment is needed. Nominations will be made by the LVMA as per R.S. 37:1515. Upon the selection and signing of the appointment commission by the governor, the member so appointed will serve until the July 30 date of the unexpired term. A person so appointed may be nominated for a full five-year appointment to follow the expiration of the emergency appointment.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 and 37:1515.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:345 (March 1993), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:950 (July 2025).

Chapter 3 Licensure Procedures

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 301 Applications for Licensure

A. The application for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Louisiana shall contain the information set forth in R.S. 37:1520.A, and shall include certification that the applicant has not practiced veterinary medicine in this state without a license, temporary permit, or exception from licensure as provided by R.S. 37:1514.

B. In addition to the above requirements, the board may also require that any applicant furnish the following information or documentation:

1. a current passport-type photograph of the applicant;

2. a copy of the applicant's diploma or official transcript from a veterinary medical school or college accredited or approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association;

3. prior to licensure in Louisiana, a graduate from a DVM program not accredited by the AVMA must provide to the board proof of completion of the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) program offered through the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) program offered through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB);

4. the certified score on any national examinations previously taken by the applicant;

5. a list of all licenses in a state, territory, or district of the United States or Canada that the applicant currently holds and has previously held;

6. certification from the applicant stating that he has not been convicted, pled guilty, or pled nolo contendere to either a felony or misdemeanor other than minor traffic violations, and, in the event that the applicant is unable to so certify, the board may require the applicant to explain in full and/or provide further documentation;

7. certification from the applicant stating that he has not been arrested or indicted for or been convicted, pled guilty, or pled nolo contendere to either a felony or misdemeanor, other than minor traffic violations; and, in the event that the applicant is unable to so certify, the board may require the applicant to explain in full and/or provide further documentation; and

8. certification from the applicant stating that he has never had his or her license to practice veterinary medicine revoked, suspended or denied in any state, territory, or district of the United States; and, in the event that the applicant is unable to so certify, the board may request or require full explanation and/or documentation concerning such revocation, suspension, or denial.

C. The board may require such application to be sworn to by the applicant, notarized, or attested to by the applicant under penalty of perjury.

D. The board may reject any applications which do not contain full and complete answers or information as requested, and may reject any application, or take action against the license of any licensee, if any of the information furnished in the application is fabricated, false, misleading or incorrect.

E. The board shall reject the application of an applicant who has practiced veterinary medicine in this state without a license, temporary permit, or exception from licensure as provided by R.S. 37:1514, during the one-year period immediately prior to the initial application submission date.

F. An application shall become expired if not completed by the issuance of a license within one year from the initial application submission date. Once expired, the entire application process, including the payment of all applicable fees, shall begin anew.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Human Resources, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 8:66 (February 1982), amended LR 10:464 (June 1984), amended by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:223 (March 1990), LR 19:343 (March 1993); LR 23:964 (August 1997), LR 25:2231 (November 1999), LR 28:1982 (September 2002), LR 40:308 (February 2014), LR 49:2074 (December 2023), effective July 1, 2024), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:770 (June 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 303 Examinations

A. Examinations Required for Licensure

1. The board requires that all applicants for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Louisiana shall pass the national examination in addition to any and all state examinations (herein defined as such written examination, oral interviews and/or practical demonstrations as the board may request or require).

2. The Board of Veterinary Medicine shall annually adopt national examination(s) as the board deems appropriate. Said examinations are hereafter referred to as the "national examination(s)."

3. All applications, correspondence, and examinations shall be in the English language.

4. A candidate for examination must be:

a. a graduate of a school or college of veterinary medicine accredited or approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association; or

b. currently enrolled in or certified by the AVMA's ECFVG program or the AAVSB's PAVE program; or

c. currently enrolled in the fourth year of veterinary school.

B. National Examinations

1. All applicants for licensure must take and successfully pass the national examinations as a condition for licensure in Louisiana.

2. The board hereby adopts the passing scores on the national examinations set by the NBEC and adopted or endorsed by the AAVSB.

3. Scores shall be valid for a period of five years from the date of the examination administration.

4. The requirement for taking the national examinations may be waived when an applicant:

a. holds a currently valid license in good standing in another state, district, or territory of the United States; and

b. has worked as a licensed veterinarian an average of 20 hours per week in a private practice or its equivalent continuously and without substantial interruption for a period of five years immediately preceding his application.

5. An applicant who cannot demonstrate eligibility for a waiver of the national examinations will be required to provide official copies of his scores to the board. Said scores shall be no more than five years old.

6. An applicant whose scores are greater than five years old and who cannot demonstrate eligibility for a waiver of the national examination pursuant to §303.B.4, shall be required to successfully pass the national examination in order to be eligible for a license.

7. An applicant for licensure may only sit for the national examinations a maximum of five times. Any test attempts made before December 1, 2025, will not count toward this five-attempt limit. If an applicant does not successfully pass the national examination after five attempts, the applicant will no longer be eligible for licensure in Louisiana and any application submitted will be rejected.

C. State Examination

1. A state board examination shall be required of all applicants for licensure in Louisiana. No person shall obtain any license to practice veterinary medicine without successfully passing the Louisiana state board examination. No waivers of the state board examination shall be granted.

2. The state board examination shall consist of no fewer than 25 questions taken from the veterinary practice act statutes and rules promulgated by the board. This test may also contain items taken from statutes and/or regulations promulgated by the other state and federal agencies deemed by the board to be pertinent to the practice of veterinary medicine.

3. Prior to taking the examination, applicants will be provided with copies of all rules, regulations, and statutes from which items on the RPC examination may be taken.

4. The state board examination may be prepared, administered and graded by the members of the Board of Veterinary Medicine or may be prepared, administered and/or graded, in whole or in part, by any person, firm, corporation or other entity selected, requested or designated to do so by the Board of Veterinary Medicine.

5. The state board examination shall be administered monthly or as often as is practicable and necessary. To be eligible to sit for the state board, an applicant shall demonstrate that he is a graduate of an accredited school of veterinary medicine or eligible for graduation within not less than 60 days of the date that the examination is administered.

6. Scores shall be valid for a period of five years from the date of the examination administration.

D. Any applicant who fails to take and/or pass all required examinations in a continuous five-year period shall be required to retake all examinations whose scores are greater than five years old, unless the applicant can demonstrate eligibility for a waiver as described in this Section.

E. Veterinary Faculty License

1. Pursuant to section 1533 of the Veterinary Practice Act, a faculty license to practice veterinary medicine issued by the board to a veterinarian member of the faculty at LSU-SVM is required when the conduct extends to the direct (hands-on) practice of veterinary medicine on an animal owned by the public whether by referral from another veterinarian, or by direct patient access without referral, as part of his employment at the school. The licensed faculty veterinarian shall be ultimately responsible for the proper veterinary care of the animal and held administratively accountable by the board per its regulatory authority.

2. A faculty license shall not be used to practice veterinary medicine beyond the holder’s employment at the school. A faculty license cannot be used to practice veterinary medicine at a private or another public facility where veterinary care is provided, or to practice veterinary medicine at an emergency veterinary care facility. However, an active license to practice veterinary medicine issued by the board to a qualified faculty veterinarian may be used by the holder for all aspects of his employment and practice at the school.

3. Further criteria for issuance of a faculty license is when the applicant:

a. provides proof of graduation from a school of veterinary medicine with a degree of doctor of veterinary medicine or its equivalent and:

i. has possessed an active license in good standing issued by another state, territory, or district in the United States at some time within the five years prior to the date of application for a faculty license; or

ii. has a current certificate or other documentation indicating successful completion of a residency or program in a specialty field of veterinary medicine accepted by the board at the time of application for a faculty license; or

iii. has a current certification, or is in the process of attaining certification, in a specialty area of veterinary medicine by the American Board of Veterinary Specialty Colleges, or its international equivalents accepted by the board;

b. prior to commencement of practice at the school, the submission of the board approved application for a faculty license and the payment of the initial application fee of $100 for issuance of the license to the board are applicable; and thereafter, for annual renewal, the submission of the renewal application with the payment of the annual renewal fee of $100 are required.

4. The faculty license shall be subject to cancellation for any of the reasons and under the same conditions and costs set forth in R.S. 37:1526 and the board’s rules, or if the holder permanently moves out of Louisiana, or leaves the employment of LSU-SVM.

5. Pending issuance of a faculty license or an active license, an intern, who is a graduate of a board-approved school of veterinary medicine, may practice veterinary medicine at LSU-SVM, provided the practice is limited to such duties as intern, and is under the supervision of a veterinarian who holds a faculty license issued by the board (or a faculty veterinarian with an active license issued by the board). Supervision, as used in this rule, shall mean the supervising, faculty licensed veterinarian (or a faculty veterinarian with an active license issued by the board) is on the premises or available by telephone for prompt consultation and treatment. The supervising, faculty licensed veterinarian (or a faculty veterinarian with an active license issued by the board) shall be ultimately responsible for and held accountable by the board for the duties, actions, or work performed by the intern.

6. For purposes of this rule, an intern is an employee of LSU-SVM, who is a graduate from a school of veterinary medicine with a degree of doctor of veterinary medicine or its equivalent as accepted by the board, and is undergoing training at the school for a one year period, and rotates in various specialties during such period. For purposes of this rule, a resident is an employee of LSU-SVM, who is a graduate from a school of veterinary medicine with a degree of doctor of veterinary medicine or its equivalent as accepted by the board, and has satisfied the one-year internship requirement, or was in private practice for at least one year, and is thereafter working towards a certification in a specialty area of veterinary medicine.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Human Resources, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 8:66 (February 1982), amended LR 8:144 (March 1982), amended by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:343 (March 1993), LR 19:1327 (October 1993), LR 23:964 (August 1997), LR 25:2232 (November 1999), LR 28:1982 (September 2002), LR 38:1592 (July 2012), LR 40:308 (February 2014), LR 41:2151 (October 2015), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, LR 48:2546 (October 2022), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 52:1327 (August 2026).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 305 License Renewals

A. Annual Renewal of Licenses. Pursuant to R.S. 37:1524, all licenses expire annually at midnight (central time) on September 30 of each year and must be renewed by making application for renewal of license with the board, submitting all satisfactory documentation of continuing education compliance, and payment of the annual renewal fee(s). A complete application for renewal must be submitted to the board or the license shall be expired. For an application for renewal to be considered complete, all of the following conditions must be fully met:

1. application for renewal must be received by September 30 of the year of application for renewal;

2. full payment of renewal fee must be received;

3. all satisfactory documentation of compliance with continuing education requirements in accordance with Chapter 4 of this Part must be received; and

4. if applicable, full payment of late continuing education fee and any other disciplinary fines must be received.

B. Renewal of Expired Licenses. A license which has expired may be renewed within five years of the date of its expiration by submitting an application for renewal which meets the following conditions:

1. application for renewal must be received;

2. full payment of current renewal fee must be received;

3. full payment of delinquent annual renewal fees must be received;

4. full payment of late fees for delinquent license renewal(s) must be received;

5. all satisfactory documentation of compliance with continuing education requirements, for the current year and all delinquent years, in accordance with Chapter 4 of this Part must be received; and

6. if applicable, late continuing education fee(s) must be received for the current year and all delinquent years.

C. Any application for renewal not completed pursuant to §305.A by midnight on September 30 of each year shall be subject to all accrued fees and an additional late renewal fee of $150 per fiscal year.

D. Notice

1. A person failing to renew his license shall receive one notification via certified mail, return receipt requested. Such notice shall be mailed within 10 days after expiration of the license and will advise that any person who shall practice veterinary medicine after the expiration of his license and willfully or by neglect fails to renew such license shall be guilty of practicing in violation of R.S. 37:1514. Such notice shall also state that the board may publish the name of any person holding an expired license and that the board may distribute the name of any person holding an expired license to agencies which may include, but is not limited to, the Louisiana state controlled dangerous substances program, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Food and Drug Administration, the United States Department of Agriculture, drug supply wholesalers, veterinary supply wholesalers, the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy, the Louisiana Board of Wholesale Drug Distributors, the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association, and any other entity that requests or is entitled to such information.

2. Pursuant to R.S. 37:1525, after five years have elapsed since the date of expiration, a license may not be renewed. No later than 60 days prior to the end of the five-year period, the board shall mail notice via certified mail, return receipt requested, to the person holding such expired license. Such notice shall state that if the license is not renewed prior to the end of the five-year period, the license shall be permanently removed from the board's rolls and that the holder shall be required to make application for a new license.

E. It is the duty of the licensee to maintain current contact details with the board office.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:343 (March 1993); amended LR 23:965 (August, 1997), LR 24:941 (May 1998), LR 26:322 (February 2000), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 52:210 (February 2026).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 307 Expedited License/Military Qualifications

A. Pursuant to, and in compliance with, Act 276 of the 2012 Regular Legislative Session (R.S. 37:3650), a qualified military-trained applicant licensed as a veterinarian in another state, or having been awarded a military occupational specialty which is equivalent to or exceeds the requirements for licensure, or a military spouse licensed as a veterinarian in another state, both of whom having also actively practiced such discipline for the 90 day period immediately prior to submission of the application to the board, may be issued an expedited license to practice veterinary medicine pending good faith completion of all requirements for licensure in Louisiana set forth in the board’s rules.

B. In order for the expedited license to remain in effect, the applicant must successfully pass the next available national examination after initial application, or qualify for waiver granted by the board for the national examination pursuant to established rule.

C. In order for the expedited license to remain in effect, the applicant must successfully pass the next available state board examination after initial application. The successful passage of the state board examination is required of all applicants for licensure.

D. The board shall expedite the processing of the license to an individual who timely and properly submits information necessary to comply with the application protocol, the board’s rules, and the law.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Human Resources, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 8:66 (February 1982), amended by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 23:965 (August 1997), LR 40:308 (February 2014), LR 49:640 (April 2023).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 309 Temporary Registration during a Declared Public Health Emergency

A. In a public health emergency lawfully declared as such by the governor of Louisiana, the requirement for a Louisiana license (veterinarian) or Louisiana registration (veterinary technician) may be suspended by the board through its emergency rule-making authority at that time to those out of state veterinarians and/or veterinary technicians, whose licenses, certifications or registrations are current and unrestricted in another jurisdiction of the United States, for a period of time not to exceed the duration and scope of R.S. 29:769(E), as more particularly set forth in this rule.

B. The Emergency Rule implemented by the board pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Practice Act shall address the necessity for such an Emergency Rule and the specificity necessary to address the needs of the particular declared emergency at issue. Such information will be posted on the board's Internet website along with the appropriate forms for review and use by interested parties.

C. Accordingly, the following requirements for temporary registration may be imposed pursuant to the Emergency Rule issued and/or any other requirements which more properly address the needs of the particular declared emergency.

D. A veterinarian or veterinary technician not licensed, certified or registered in Louisiana, whose licenses, certifications or registrations are current and unrestricted in another jurisdiction of the United States, may gratuitously provide veterinary services if:

1. the veterinarian or veterinary technician has photo identification and a license to verify a current and unrestricted license, certification or registration in another jurisdiction of the United States, and properly registers with the board prior to providing veterinary services in Louisiana as follows;

2. the veterinarian or veterinary technician is engaged in a legitimate relief effort during the emergency period, and provides satisfactory documentation to the board of the location site(s) that he will be providing gratuitous veterinary services;

3. the veterinarian or veterinary technician shall comply with the Louisiana Veterinary Practice Act, board rules, and other applicable laws, as well as practice in good faith, and within the reasonable scope of his skills, training, and ability; and

4. the veterinarian or veterinary technician renders veterinary services on a gratuitous basis with no revenue of any kind to be derived whatsoever from the provision of veterinary services within the state of Louisiana.

E. The authority provided for in the Emergency Rule shall be applicable for a period of time not to exceed 60 days at the discretion of the board, with the potential extension of up to two additional periods not to exceed 60 days for each extension as determined appropriate and necessary by the board.

F. All interested veterinarians or veterinary technicians shall submit a copy of their respective current and unrestricted licenses, certifications or registrations issued in other jurisdictions of the United States and photograph identification, as well as other requested information, to the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine Office for registration with this agency prior to gratuitously providing veterinary services in Louisiana.

G. Should a qualified veterinarian or veterinarian technician registered with the board thereafter fail to comply with any requirement or condition established by this rule, the board may terminate his registration upon notice and hearing.

H. In the event a veterinarian or veterinarian technician fails to register with the board, but practices veterinary medicine, whether gratuitously or otherwise, then such conduct will be considered the unlawful practice of veterinary medicine and prosecuted accordingly.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 32:1900 (October 2006).

Chapter 4 Continuing Education

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 400 Definitions

Active Status—a veterinarian who has met all of the requirements for annual licensure and is entitled to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Louisiana.

Contact Participation—physical attendance at seminars, lectures, conferences, or workshops.

Continuing Veterinary Education—approved, accredited experience obtained from participation in post graduate veterinary studies, institutes, seminars, lectures, conferences, workshops, and other authorized forms of educational experiences so as to maintain and improve professional competencies for the health, welfare, and safety of the citizens and animals of Louisiana. A continuing veterinary education program accepted by another state’s regulatory board of veterinary medicine, a governmental entity, and/or AAVSB, as well as those programs sponsored by AVMA accredited schools of veterinary medicine and/or any professional associations recognized by the board, shall be accepted as units or hours of continuing education; however, all other programs and/or their participants, including in-house programs, shall be required to obtain pre-approval from the board in accordance with LAC 46:LXXXV.409.A.3 and 4, respectively.

Continuing Veterinary Education Units—units of measure approved by the board for the purpose of accreditation of various continuing education activities. One continuing education unit is equivalent to one hour of activity.

Inactive Status—a veterinarian who wishes to retain a Louisiana license, but who has not met all of the requirements for active status and, therefore, is not entitled to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Louisiana.

Online Participation—mediums regarded as online participation include:

1. pre-recorded, self-test audio or video presentations with third-party grading;

2. non-interactive audio or video presentations in real-time available via the internet; and

3. interactive or “live” audio or video presentations or webinars in real-time available via the internet.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:224 (March 1990), amended LR 19:1427 (November 1993), LR 33:648 (April 2007), repromulgated LR 33:847 (May 2007), amended LR 37:1152 (April 2011), LR 38:1592 (July 2012), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1135 (August 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 401 Purpose

A. The Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine, recognizing that a veterinarian's competency is a safeguard for public health and the safety and welfare of the citizens of the state of Louisiana, hereby adopts the following continuing veterinary education requirements as a prerequisite for the annual veterinary re-registration of a license to practice in Louisiana. All such educational programs shall be designed to keep the members of the profession abreast with current learning and scholarship.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:224 (March 1990), amended LR 19:1427 (November 1993), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:950 (July 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 403 Continuing Education Requirements

A. A minimum of 20 actual hours is required each fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) as a prerequisite for annual renewal of a license; however, a maximum of 10 hours shall be earned for each fiscal period (July 1 to June 30) through online participation as defined in LAC 46:LXXXV.400.

B. A continuing veterinary education program accepted by another state’s regulatory board of veterinary medicine, a governmental entity, and/or AAVSB, as well as those programs sponsored by AVMA accredited schools of veterinary medicine and/or any professional associations recognized by the board; however, any other programs and/or their participants, including in-house programs, shall be submitted to the board for pre-approval of the units or hours of continuing education in accordance with LAC 46:LXXXV.409.A.3 and 4, respectively;

C. The 20-hour requirement for annual renewal of a license may be taken in any combination of the following board-approved programs regarding subject matter content: clinical, alternative, regulatory, practice management, and/or research; however, online participation hours are limited to the 10-hour maximum set forth in Subsection A. of this Section.

D.1. Proof of attendance for all completed continuing education activity shall be submitted annually for each renewal period and shall include the following:

a. the DVM’s full name;

b. the name of the course/program;

c. the name of the sponsor and/or presenter;

d. the date(s) of attendance;

e. the total number of hours completed;

f. the delivery method; and

g. the specific subject matter completed.

2. All completed proof of attendance must be submitted to the board by September 30.

E. All hours shall be obtained in the 12 months preceding the renewal period of the license. Hours taken prior to the 12-month continuing education period shall not be accepted. Hours taken after the beginning of the renewal period shall be considered late and shall require payment of a late fee and possible fine as set forth in §411.B. Hours submitted late, if accepted by the board in accordance with §413.D, cannot be applied to other renewal periods.

F. Employment at an accredited school or college of veterinary medicine will not be accepted in lieu of completion of the required continuing education hours.

G. Presenters of approved continuing education programs may not submit hours for their presentation of, or preparation for, the program as continuing education hours.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated as §405 by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:224 (March 1990), amended LR 19:1427 (November 1993), LR 23:1147 (September 1997), LR 28:1208 (June 2002), LR 33:649 (April 2007), repromulgated LR 33:847 (May 2007), amended LR 36:319 (February 2010), LR 37:1152 (April 2011), amended by the Department of Health, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 44:587 (March 2018), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1135 (August 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 405 Exceptions and Exemptions

A. The board may grant an extension of no more than 90 days for extenuating circumstances. The licensee requesting the extension must petition the board at least 30 days prior to the September 30 license expiration date. The board may require whatever documentation it deems necessary to verify the circumstances necessitating the extension. The board may also assess a late fee and/or fine as a result of granting the extension of time pursuant to §411.B.

B. Exemptions from these continuing veterinary education requirements may be made for persons in the following categories:

1. disabled licensees for whom completion of the continuing veterinary education requirements represents undue hardship. A request for a disability exemption must be documented by submitting a physician’s statement of total disability without probability of return to practice for the annual renewal period. The documentation must be submitted annually in each renewal period;

2. a licensee who submits an affidavit of retirement for inactive status as provided by the board is entitled to a waiver of continuing veterinary education if he has reached the age of 65 years, or he submits an affidavit of disability and physician’s statement of total disability without probability of return to practice for the annual renewal period:

a. once an affidavit is received by the board, a written request for reinstatement of a license may thereafter be submitted to the board within five years of such date of receipt, provided the applicant demonstrates that he has successfully obtained all continuing veterinary education hours for the past years at issue, as well as the current year;

b. a request for reinstatement within five years of the date an affidavit is received by the board may be subject to certain conditions being met as set by the board prior to such reinstatement;

c. once an affidavit is received by the board, a written request for reinstatement of a license may be submitted to the board after the expiration of five years of such date of receipt, however, the applicant shall submit an application for re-licensure, pay all required fees and satisfactorily pass all licensure examinations; and

d. a request for reinstatement shall be made in writing for review and consideration by the board;

3. licensees on active military duty. An affidavit, or other sworn document from the licensee’s commanding officer must be submitted annually in each renewal period.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:224 (March 1990), amended LR 19:1428 (November 1993), LR 23:1147 (September 1997), LR 29:1478 (August 2003), LR 33:649 (April 2007), repromulgated LR 33:848 (May 2007), amended LR 38:1592 (July 2012), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1136 (August 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 407 Expired License Requirements

A. Persons who have not renewed their license and wish to do so pursuant to R.S. 37:1525, may be required to submit proof of continuing education for each year for which the license was not renewed. Where insufficient hours have been acquired, the board may require additional hours to be obtained as a condition of licensure and/or as a condition of renewal for the next fiscal year. Any person who shall practice veterinary medicine after the expiration of his license and willfully or by neglect fails to renew such license, including submission of all satisfactory documentation of continuing education compliance, shall be guilty of practicing in violation of R.S. 37:1514.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1428 (November 1993), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 52:210 (February 2026).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 409 Approved Continuing Education Programs

A. It shall be the duty of the board to approve all continuing veterinary education programs for which credit shall be given to Louisiana licensed veterinarians as follows.

1. All units or hours from contact participation and online participation programs as defined in LAC 46:LXXXV.400 listed on the pre-approved list of the board shall be accepted, as well as all units or hours from contact participation and online participation and online participation from programs accepted by another state’s regulatory board of veterinary medicine, a governmental entity, and/or AAVSB, as well as those programs sponsored by AVMA accredited schools of veterinary medicine and/or any professional associations recognized by the board.

2. The list of programs for which pre-approval has been granted will be updated as needed and published by the board on its website, as well as those programs which are accepted by another state’s regulatory board of veterinary medicine, a governmental entity, and/or AAVSB, and those programs sponsored by AVMA accredited schools of veterinary medicine and/or any professional associations recognized by the board.

3. Additions to the list of pre-approved programs may be requested by writing to the board office and submitting all required documentation. All programs not on the pre-approved list must be submitted for pre-approval at least 14 days prior to the date of the program for the units or hours to be credited. Pre-approval may be obtained by writing or calling the board office during regular business hours.

4. An in-house continuing veterinary education program may be approved by the board if such program’s subject matter content complies with the board's rules, and the program is open by invitation/advertisement to interested veterinarians in general who are not associated with the in-house practice. The general requirements regarding continuing education, including timely submission for pre-approval of the program by the board, continue to apply.

5. In order to qualify for board approval, all continuing education programs must be open by invitation/advertisement to interested veterinarians in general.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:224 (March 1990), amended LR 19:1428 (November 1993), LR 33:649 (April 2007), repromulgated LR 33:848 (May 2007), amended LR 36:319 (February 2010), LR 37:1152 (April 2011), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1136 (August 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 411 Fees

A. Each license holder must fulfill his annual continuing veterinary education requirements at his own expense. Any registration fee(s) for his annual continuing veterinary education requirements are not included in the annual renewal fee.

B. A late fee of $25 shall be paid for any late continuing education hours taken after the beginning of the renewal period. A fine of up to $50 may also be levied for non-compliance with these rules.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:225 (March 1990), amended LR 19:1428 (November 1993), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1136 (August 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 413 Non-Compliance

A. Complete compliance with these rules (Chapter 4) is a prerequisite for renewal of a veterinarian's license on and after July 1, 1989.

B. Non-compliance with these rules shall be considered to be a violation of R.S. 37:1526(14).

C. Failure to submit all satisfactory proof of attendance for continuing veterinary education hours by the September 30 deadline pursuant to §403 or §403 or falsifying certification shall be considered a violation of R.S. 37:1526(14) and/or (15).

D. Failure to obtain the required number of hours in the specified time period shall be considered a violation of the rules of professional conduct. An extension of no more than 90 days after the September 30 license expiration date may be granted by petitioning the board in accordance with §405.A.

E. A licensee who fails to obtain the required minimum of 20 approved hours within the prescribed 12-month period will not meet the requirements for renewal of his license. Such a license shall expire on September 30 for any licensee who does not timely and properly comply with the annual continuing veterinary education requirements. Thereafter, a licensee may apply for renewal of his expired license; however, he shall be unable to lawfully practice veterinary medicine with an expired license and may be subject to disciplinary action by the board, until such time as all requirements for renewal have been met and documented to the satisfaction of the board. Any late fees and/or fines assessed by the board shall be paid before the renewal is issued.

F. The promulgation of rule amendments by the board published in the Louisiana Register on January 20, 2011 shall become effective for the period of time (July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011) for the 2011-2012 annual license renewal and every annual license renewal period thereafter.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:225 (March 1990), amended LR 19:1428 (November 1993), LR 33:649 (April 2007), repromulgated LR 33:848 (May 2007), amended LR 36:320 (February 2010), LR 37:1152 (April 2011), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1137 (August 2024).

Chapter 5 Fees for Veterinarians

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 500 Definitions

Active Status Fee—the fee charged to a veterinarian who has met all of the requirements for annual licensure and is entitled to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Louisiana.

Duplicate License Charge—a charge assessed for the replacement of a certificate.

Inactive Disabled Status—a veterinarian qualifies for Inactive Disabled status if he is totally disabled to practice veterinary medicine without probability of return to practice for the annual renewal period at issue as certified by a physician’s statement. A veterinarian with an Inactive Disabled status is not entitled to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Louisiana.

Inactive Retired Status—a veterinarian qualifies for Inactive Retired status if he is retired and has reached the age of 65 years. A veterinarian with an Inactive Retired status is not entitled to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Louisiana.

Inactive Status Fee—the fee charged to a veterinarian who wishes to retain a Louisiana license in an inactive disabled or inactive retired status as defined above for no more than a five-year period. Inactive status licenses may be restored to active status by written request and payment of the differences between the Inactive Status Fee and the Active Status Fee for each year in which held the inactive status was held in accordance with §503.D.

Original License Fee—the fee charged for the initial issuance of a Louisiana license which includes the cost of preparation of the licensee's wall certificate. The original license may be issued in any month but shall expire on the next renewal date as specified in R.S. 37:1524 except where the license is issued in May or June. Licenses issued in these months will be valid for the next immediate fiscal year.

Temporary License Fee—the fee charged for the issuance of a temporary license according to the Rules found in Chapter 3. The temporary license is valid for a maximum of 12 months. At the time of regular licensure, an original licensing fee shall be assessed.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1429 (November 1993), amended LR 38:1592 (July 2012), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 52:1325 (August 2026).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 501 Fees for Veterinarians

A. The board hereby adopts and establishes the following fees for veterinarians.

Licenses

Annual renewal-active license

$250

Annual renewal-inactive license

$125

Annual renewal-faculty license

$100

Duplicate license

$25

Original license fee

$250

Temporary license

$100

Exams

State board exam

$200

Exam and/or License Application

Non-refundable application fee

$100

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Human Resources, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 8:65 (February 1982), amended by Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 18:380 (April 1992), LR 19:1326 (October 1993), LR 23:963 (August 1997), LR 25:2408 (December 1999), LR 30:796 (April 2004), LR 40:2258 (November 2014), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 52:1325 (August 2026).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 503 Exemption of Fee for Active Military Duty/Reduction of Fee for Qualified Retirement/Disability

A. The board shall exempt a veterinarian licensed in the state of Louisiana from the annual license renewal fee for active status if he is a member of the armed forces and is on active duty. In accordance with R.S. 37:1525, this exemption shall not exceed three years or the duration of a national emergency, whichever is longer.

B. The board shall apply the reduced annual renewal fee for inactive status if the veterinarian is totally disabled to practice veterinary medicine without probability of return to practice for the annual renewal period at issue as certified by a physician’s statement, or if he is retired and has reached the age of 65 years.

C. In each of the above cases, the veterinarian who requests fee exemption for active military status or fee reduction for inactive status must renew with the board annually and provide proof of his eligibility for fee exemption or reduction in affidavit form approved by the board. The documentation must be submitted annually with the application for renewal.

D. Reinstatement from Inactive Status to Active Status

1. A licensee in inactive status must submit a written request for reinstatement to active status within five years of the initial date of inactive status being granted, provided the licensee submits with his written request the payment of all back active annual renewal fees, as well as current active annual renewal fees. The request for reinstatement may be subject to certain conditions being met as set by the board, including but not limited to the fulfillment of all continuing education requirements pursuant to §405.B of this Section, prior to such reinstatement. A request for reinstatement must be considered by the full board.

2. If a license is not brought back to active status within five years of the initial date of inactive status being granted, then the license shall be cancelled. At such time, an entirely new application for license must be submitted to the board, including the payment of all applicable fees and satisfactorily passing all state and national examinations.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 and 1520.A.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Human Resources, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 10:208 (March 1984), amended by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 23:963 (August 1997), LR 29:1478 (August 2003), LR 38:1592 (July 2012), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 52:1325 (August 2026).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 505 License Renewal Late Fee

A. Any license renewed after the published expiration date stated in R.S. 37:1424 shall be subject to an additional late renewal fee of $150 for each applicable expired year.

B. Disciplinary action may be taken and additional fines levied by the board against any person who willfully or by neglect fails to renew a license by the renewal deadline, including submission of all satisfactory documentation of continuing education compliance, and practices veterinary medicine after the expiration of his license.

C. Any late fees and/or fines assessed by the board shall be paid before the renewal is issued.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Human Resources, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 10:208 (March 1984), amended by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1429 (November 1993), LR 20:1114 (October 1994), LR 25:2408 (December 1999), LR 40:2258 (November 2014), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 52:1326 (August 2026).

Chapter 7 Veterinary Practice

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 700 Definitions

Alternative Livestock—animals that have not been domesticated, but are bred or kept on a farm for use or commercial profit.

Animal Control Officer—a bona fide employee of a governmental agency meeting the requirements of R.S. 37:1514(1).

Boarding Animal—an animal which is housed at a veterinary facility and is not actively undergoing diagnosis or treatment for illness, disease, or injury, and/or is not actively receiving veterinary care to promote good health. An animal which becomes ill, diseased, or sustains an injury while in a veterinary facility ceases to be a boarding animal under this definition.

Certified Animal Euthanasia Technicians—individuals who have met all of the requirements for certification as found in R.S. 37:1551-1558.

Clinic—a facility in which the practice conducted is essentially an out-patient type of practice.

Controlled Substances—any controlled substance as defined by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Cosmetic Surgery—that branch of veterinary medicine that deals with surgical procedures designed to improve the animal's appearance.

Dental Operation—

1. the application or use of any instrument or device to any portion of an animal's tooth, gum or any related tissue for the prevention, cure or relief of any wound, fracture, injury, disease or other condition of an animal's tooth, gum or related tissue; and

2. preventative dental procedures including, but not limited to, the removal of calculus, soft deposits, plaque, stains, or the smoothing, filing or polishing of tooth surfaces.

Direct Supervision—Unless otherwise specifically defined in a provision, the supervision of those tasks or procedures that do not require the presence of a licensed, supervising veterinarian in the room where performed, but which require the presence of a licensed, supervising veterinarian on the premises and his availability for prompt consultation and treatment.

Emergency Facility—a veterinary medical service whose primary function is the receiving, treatment and monitoring of emergency patients during specified hours of operations.

Hospital Facility—a facility in which the practice conducted includes the confinement as well as the treatment of animals.

Laypeople—individuals who are not registered and/or licensed in any of the categories defined in this Rule.

Layperson—a person who is not registered and/or licensed in any of the categories defined in this Rule.

Legend Drug—any drug or medicinal agent which is not listed as a controlled substance by the U.S. DEA but which carries the legend "Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian."

Livestock—domestic animals to include only cattle, hogs, sheep, and goats, bred or kept on a farm for use or commercial profit.

Mobile Clinic―a vehicle with special medical or surgical facilities, including examination and treatment areas and/or surgical facilities, which provides veterinary care to small animals and/or large animals where the patient can be taken into the vehicle.

Mobile Practice Vehicle―a vehicle used by a veterinarian in a house call or farm call to provide veterinary care where the patient is not taken into the vehicle. The vehicle may be an extension of a hospital or clinic, and/or may have the capabilities of providing aftercare and/or emergency care services.

Non-Boarding Animal—an animal which is actively undergoing diagnosis or treatment for illness, disease, or injury, and/or is actively receiving veterinary care to promote good health. A non-boarding animal may, or may not, be housed at a veterinary facility.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Product—any product that is sold to the public that is not regulated as a legend drug or as a controlled substance.

Prescribe, Prescribing or Prescription—an order for any drug, medicine, chemical or controlled substance provided by a veterinarian licensed by the board, stemming from the veterinarian-client-patient relationship, that is patient specific, which is either:

1. dispensed or administered by the prescribing veterinarian;

2. dispensed by a veterinarian licensed by the board other than the prescribing veterinarian; or

3. written, electronically communicated or given orally to a registered pharmacist to be filled, compounded or dispensed by the pharmacist in a registered pharmacy.

Registered Veterinary Technicians—individuals who have met all of the requirements for registration pursuant to R.S. 37:1541-1549.

Unlicensed Veterinarians—individuals who have completed an approved, accredited program of instruction and have received a degree as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, or if foreign educated have completed the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) or the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) program through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB), but who have not yet successfully passed the national exam (NAVLE) or have not been issued a license by the board to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Louisiana. Individuals who have a Louisiana license in an expired status are also unlicensed veterinarians.

Veterinarian-Client-Patient-Relationship—exists when:

1. the veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animal(s) and the need for medical treatment; and

2. the client (owner or duly authorized agent) has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian; and

3. the veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the animal(s) to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal(s). This means that:

a. the veterinarian or associate veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal(s) by virtue of an in-person, physical examination of the animal(s) and/or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal(s) are kept; or

b. the veterinarian has agreed to serve as a consultant to the licensed, primary care veterinarian with whom the client and patient have established a relationship which meets the criteria of Subparagraph a above; and

c. the primary veterinarian is readily available for follow-up in the event of adverse reactions of the failure of the regimen of therapy.

Wellness or Preventative Care Clinic―a service in which a veterinarian licensed by the board administers vaccine, performs examinations, and/or diagnostic procedures to promote good health, excluding treatment for a diagnosed disease, illness or medical condition, at a location other than a veterinary hospital, clinic, mobile clinic, or mobile practice vehicle. A program for the administration of rabies vaccination conducted at a location solely for the specific purpose of rabies prevention shall not be considered a wellness or preventative care clinic.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1328 (October 1993), amended LR 20:666 (June 1994), LR 20:1381 (December 1994), LR 24:940 and 941 (May 1998), LR 24:1932 (October 1998), LR 24:2257 (December 1998), LR 27:51 (January 2001), LR 27:543 (April 2001), LR 31:3162 (December 2005), LR 33:2424 (November 2007), LR 35:244 (February 2009), LR 40:308 (February 2014), LR 49:640 (April 2023), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:249 (February 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 701 Record Keeping

A. It shall be considered unprofessional conduct within the meaning of R.S. 37:1526(14) for a licensed veterinarian to keep improper records. The purpose of these regulations is to produce a record such that a veterinary peer can, by using said records, gain a full understanding of the findings, diagnostic process, reasons for treatment protocol, and applicability of surgical procedures. Records shall be legible, and established and maintained as follows.

1. Each Louisiana licensed veterinarian shall maintain an individual written, or computer generated, record on each animal or herd to include identification of animal or herd, diagnosis of illness, disease or condition and treatment provided, progress notes and reassessment, and discharge summary, as follows.

a.i. Identification of the animal or herd shall include the breed, sex, description or permanent identification (if available), tattoos or other identifying marks, and the name and address of the owner.

ii. Diagnosis of illness, disease or condition shall document the animal or herd's history, signs, symptoms, complaints, objective tests such as radiographs and laboratory results, and the veterinarian's interpretation of examination findings, as well as intended goals and treatment including surgical procedures and/or drug therapy. Drug therapy shall include the names of legend drugs, controlled substances and/or over-the-counter (OTC) products as set forth below; the date and amount administered, prescribed or dispensed; and the method of administration.

iii. A progress note shall document the animal or herd's subjective status, changes in objective findings, and progression or regression of goals and treatment. A progress note shall be documented for each visit, for continuation of treatment, for the particular diagnosed illness, disease, or condition.

iv. Reassessment shall include all elements of a progress note, as well as a revision of the treatment plan as indicated. A new diagnosis of illness, disease or condition may be warranted. Reassessment shall only be performed by the veterinarian. Reassessment, including a new diagnosis of illness, disease, or condition when applicable, shall be documented at the time such is performed.

v. Discharge summary shall document the reasons for discontinuation of care, degree or goal of achievement, and a discharge plan, if required, which shall only be documented and signed by the attending veterinarian.

vi. The documentation standards set forth above do not mandate a particular format, however, a record must include these elements, as well as any other document required by law or the board's rules. Examples include General Anesthesia Consent Forms, Euthanasia Consent Forms, documents involving prescribing, administering, or dispensing legend drugs or controlled substances, and billing invoices or statements of services or products provided. The veterinarian shall be ultimately responsible for the content and maintenance of the record.

b. records shall be maintained for at least five years, including records of large animal and/or herd type practice;

c. the record keeping requirements contained in §701 do not apply to Over-the-Counter (OTC) products except:

i. if an OTC product has been prescribed by the licensed veterinarian as part of a treatment regimen, then the sale and instructions must be recorded in the medical record in accordance with §701.A.1.a; or

ii. if a licensed veterinarian dispenses an OTC product and directs the client to use the product in any manner not on the product's label, then the product must be treated as a legend drug and its use must be properly recorded in the animal's medical record in accordance with §701.A.1.a.

2. Radiographs shall be kept in the following manner:

a. marker must have name of hospital and/or clinician;

b. marker must have identification of the animal, i.e., number and/or owner's name;

c. marker must have date radiograph was made;

d. radiograph must be properly identified with "L" for left and "R" for right;

e. radiograph must be kept for at least five years.

B. Maintenance, Ownership, and Release of Records

1. Patient records shall be maintained for a period of five years and are the responsibility and property of the veterinarian. The veterinarian shall maintain such records and shall not release the records to any person other than the client or a person authorized to receive the records for the client.

2. The veterinarian shall provide any and all records as requested by the board to the board. Failure to do so shall be considered unprofessional conduct.

3. The records of a veterinary facility are the sole property of that facility, and when a veterinarian leaves salaried employment or contract services therein, the departing veterinarian shall not copy, remove, or make any subsequent use of those records. The copying, removal, or any subsequent use of those records by the departing veterinarian shall be considered a violation of the rules of professional conduct within the meaning of R.S. 37:1526.

C. Copies or synopsis of patient records shall be provided to the client or the client's authorized representative upon request of the client. A reasonable charge for copying and providing patient records may be required by the veterinarian. Refusal to provide such records upon written request by the client shall be considered a violation of the rules of professional conduct within the meaning of R.S. 37:1526. A synopsis record shall include at a minimum the following information:

1. name or identification of animal or herd;

2. name of owner;

3. all dates of treatment;

4. the complaint;

5. any abnormal findings;

6. diagnosis; and

7. therapy; including:

i. the amount administered; and

ii. the method of administration of:

(a). all drugs;

(b). chemicals; and

(c). medications; and

8. surgical procedures performed for each date of treatment.

D. A consultant veterinarian who dispenses a legend drug upon authorization of the primary care veterinarian must establish a patient record and/or dispensing log which shall contain at least the following information:

1. name of patient and/or other identification;

2. breed;

3. sex;

4. name of client/owner;

5. name of drug dispensed;

6. amount dispensed;

7. date dispensed;

8. name of the patient's primary care veterinarian; and

9. his/her diagnosis or therapy regime for which the drug being dispensed has been prescribed.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Human Resources, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 6:71 (February 1980), amended by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:225 (March 1990), LR 19:1328 (October 1993), LR 20:1381 (December 1994), LR 23:969 (August 1997), LR 24:941 (May 1998), LR 25:872 (May 1999), LR 33:2424 (November 2007), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:249 (February 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 702 Direct Supervision

A. Employees of a licensed veterinarian working under the definition of direct supervision must be employed according to the following provisions:

1. a veterinarian-client-patient relationship with the licensed, supervising veterinarian has been established; and

2. treatment is being performed on the order or prescription of the licensed, supervising veterinarian, except that no unlicensed person may perform surgery, diagnosis, prognosis, or the prescribing of drugs, medicines, or appliances; and

3. the licensed, supervising veterinarian has assumed the liability for any treatment performed.

B. A Certified Animal Euthanasia Technician (CAET) as defined in §700 may perform only those tasks or procedures defined in R.S. 37:1556.

C. A Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) as defined in §700 shall perform all tasks or procedures under direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, except:

1. an RVT may perform the duties listed in §702.E.1 without the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, but the RVT is required to follow the record keeping requirements found in §702.E.3; and

2. an RVT may administer medications and/or treatments to non-boarding animals (hospitalized or ill) without direct supervision by a licensed veterinarian under the following conditions:

a. the licensed veterinarian must chart the precise treatment plan to be used in the animal's medical record. This treatment plan may include oral, topical, and injectable treatments, including fluid therapy;

b. no diagnostic decisions or treatment changes may be made by an RVT;

c. the licensed veterinarian must personally check the animal and update the treatment plan at least once every 24 hours;

d. the licensed veterinarian has the ultimate responsibility for the proper diagnosis and treatment of the animal, including the work delegated to the RVT;

e. the licensed veterinarian has the responsibility to verify that any person who is assigned duties under §702 is legally licensed in Louisiana as an RVT. Failure to verify this information shall be considered unprofessional conduct within the meaning of R.S. 37:1526;

f. if the animal's medical condition changes, the licensed veterinarian must be available for consultation and reevaluation of the animal.

D. Unlicensed veterinarians, as defined in §700, shall not practice veterinary medicine until such time as they are licensed by the state of Louisiana. An unlicensed veterinarian may only function as a veterinary assistant under direct supervision.

E. A layperson shall perform all tasks or procedures under direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian under the following conditions and with the exception described in §702.E.1.

1. A layperson may administer medications to boarding animals without direct supervision by a licensed veterinarian if the medication is directed to be used orally or topically and if the licensed veterinarian has recorded the exact treatments to be given in the animal's medical record.

2. When a layperson administers medications to non-boarding animals under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, the licensed veterinarian must personally check the animal and update the treatment plan in the medical record at least once every 24 hours.

3. When a layperson administers medications, with or without direct supervision, the layperson shall keep a written record of all treatments which are performed, and that written record shall be incorporated into the animal's medical record.

4. The licensed veterinarian has the ultimate responsibility for the proper diagnosis and treatment of the animal, including the work delegated to a layperson.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:225 (March 1990), amended LR 19:1329 (October 1993), LR 24:940 (May 1998), LR 40:309 (February 2014), LR 49:640 (April 2023), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:249 (February 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 703 Consultant

A. The term consulting as used in R.S. 37:1514(4) does not include any acts which constitute the practice of veterinary medicine as defined in R.S.37:1513(4).

B. The term consultant as used in the definition of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship found in §700 may only be applied to a Louisiana licensed veterinarian. To perform a consultation, the consultant veterinarian must speak directly with the patient's primary provider of veterinary care who must also be a licensed veterinarian in Louisiana or in the patient's primary or most recent state of residence.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Human Resources, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 6:71 (February 1980), amended by the Department of Health and Human Resources, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:225 (March 1990), LR 20:1381 (December 1994), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1140 (August 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 704 Consulting and Providing Legend and Certain Controlled Substances

A. Legend Drugs

1. When an animal control agency which is operated by a state or local governmental agency or which is operated by any duly incorporated humane society which has a contract with a local governmental agency to perform animal control services on behalf of the local governmental agency seeks to administer legend drugs to an animal for the sole purpose of animal capture and/or animal restraint, the animal control agency must have a staff or consulting veterinarian who is licensed to practice veterinary medicine by the board and who obtains the legend drugs.

2. Said legend drugs must be stored and administered under the general supervision of the licensed veterinarian. General supervision means that the licensed veterinarian must provide the employee(s) of the animal control agency with written instructions and follow-up assistance on the proper storage, use and administration of the drug(s) being provided.

3. The licensed veterinarian may submit to the board, for review and/or approval, a written protocol of his supervision of the animal control agency's employees.

4. The licensed veterinarian shall also require the animal control agency's employees to maintain record keeping logs which shall include, but would not be limited to, the following:

a. date of each use of a legend drug;

b. species of animal;

c. estimated weight of animal;

d. dose administered;

e. name of animal control officer administering the drug.

5. Said records should be reviewed by the supervising veterinarian on at least a quarterly basis.

B. Telazol (Tiletamine HCl and Zolazepam HCl) and Ketamine (Ketamine HCl)

1. When an animal control agency which is operated by a state or local governmental agency or which is operated by any duly incorporated humane society which has a contract with a local government agency to perform animal control services on behalf of the local governmental agency seeks to administer the controlled substance Telazol (tiletamine HCl and zolazepam HCl) or Ketamine (ketamine HCl), to an animal for the sole purpose of animal capture and/or animal restraint, the animal control agency, unless it has a Lead CAET as defined in R.S. 37:1552(4), must have a staff or consulting veterinarian who is licensed to practice veterinary medicine by the Board of Veterinary Medicine and who is registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and licensed by the state controlled dangerous substances program at the shelter location where the drugs will be stored and administered who obtains, and who is responsible for, the Telazol (tiletamine HCl and zolazepam HCl) or Ketamine (ketamine HCl) used.

2. A storage and use plan for Telazol (tiletamine HCl and zolazepam HCl) and Ketamine (ketamine HCl) which meets or exceeds the requirements of all federal or state drug enforcement agencies (including storage of controlled substances in a securely locked, substantially constructed cabinet and the keeping of a perpetual inventory as required by LAC 48:I.Chapter 39) and the record keeping requirements of this Chapter shall be submitted to the Board of Veterinary Medicine for approval.

a. This usage plan shall include a requirement that each use of Telazol (tiletamine HCl and zolazepam HCl) and Ketamine (ketamine HCl) shall be documented for review by the licensed veterinarian responsible for the purchase and inventory of that drug.

b. This usage plan shall include a requirement that this documentation include, but not be limited to:

i. date of each use of the drug;

ii. species of animal;

iii. estimated weight of animal;

iv. dose administered;

v. name of animal control officer administering the drug;

vi. a constant (running) inventory of the drug present at the facility.

c. This usage plan shall include a requirement that a review of each use of Telazol (tiletamine HCl and zolazepam HCl) and Ketamine (ketamine HCl) shall be made by the responsible veterinarian and that said veterinarian shall initial the usage log entries to indicate this review. A review of the usage plan shall be made at least quarterly and the quantities of the drug used and on hand shall be tallied and authenticated. Any variance shall be noted in the log and steps should be taken and documented to correct the problem.

d. This usage plan shall include a requirement that any removal of Telazol (tiletamine HCl and zolazepam HCl) or Ketamine (ketamine HCl) from the securely locked, substantially constructed cabinet shall be in minimal amounts, shall be maintained in a locked container when not in use, and shall be documented in a manner to include, but not be limited to:

i. a signed log indicating the person removing the drug;

ii. the date on which the drug was removed;

iii. an accounting for all drug used and the amount returned;

iv. the date on which the remaining drug was returned and the signature of the person returning it.

C. A licensed veterinarian who chooses to assist an animal control shelter in the methods prescribed in §704 shall be solely responsible for which drugs he or she is willing to provide and in what quantities.

D. Section 704 does not pertain to any controlled substances listed in any DEA classification schedule or state of Louisiana classification schedule, except Telazol (tiletamine HCl and zolazepam HCl) and Ketamine (ketamine HCl). This Section specifically does not apply to sodium pentobarbital, which is regulated for animal control agency use in R.S. 37:1551-1558.

E. The definitions found in §700 shall apply to all terms used in §704.

F. Failure of a licensed veterinarian to comply with any and all provisions of §704 shall be considered a violation of the rules of professional conduct. Said veterinarian may be subject to disciplinary action as provided for in R.S. 37:1518 and 1526.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 20:666 (June 1994); amended LR 24:334 (February 1998), LR 25:519 (March 1999), LR 26:317 (February 2000), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:250 (February 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 705 Prescribing and Dispensing Drugs

A. Prohibited Activities

1. No legend drug, as defined in §700, shall be administered, prescribed, dispensed, delivered to, or ordered for animals with which the veterinarian has not established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship as a primary care provider or as a consultant to the primary care provider. A consultant veterinarian who dispenses a legend drug must maintain records in accordance with §701.

2. No controlled substance, as defined in §700, shall be administered, prescribed, dispensed, delivered to, or ordered for animals with which the veterinarian has not established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship as a primary care provider by having personally examined the individual animal, herd, or a representative segment or a consignment lot thereof, and determined that such controlled substance is therapeutically indicated following said examination.

3. Any drug, medicine, chemical or controlled substance prescribed, dispensed, administered, delivered or ordered pursuant to this rule must be intended for the use of the patient and shall not be prescribed, dispensed, administered, delivered or ordered for the use of the client or any other human.

B. All drugs, chemicals, medicines and/or biological agents shall be maintained, administered, dispensed and prescribed in compliance with state and federal laws.

C. All repackaged drugs dispensed by a licensed veterinarian shall be stored in approved safety closure containers, except that this provision shall not apply to drugs dispensed to any person who requests that the medication not be placed in such containers, or in such form or size that it cannot be dispensed reasonably in such containers.

D. Records shall be maintained in accordance with §701.

E. A veterinarian who has a federal D.E.A. number and uses or dispenses controlled substances must comply with the federal regulations pertaining to the dispensing, storage and usage of controlled substances.

F. Any veterinarian who violates this rule or any portion thereof, shall be guilty of unprofessional conduct within the meaning of R.S. 37:1526(14).

G. Providing Prescriptions

1. A client is not obligated to purchase a prescription medication from the prescribing veterinarian. Therefore, when a veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists and a veterinarian has determined that a prescription medication will be used in a patient's treatment or preventive health plan, it shall be considered a violation of the rules of professional conduct, within the meaning of R.S. 37:1526(14), for a veterinarian to refuse to provide a written prescription to the client so long as the following conditions exist:

a. the veterinarian has determined that the patient's life is not endangered without the immediate administration of the prescription medication; and

b. in the veterinarian's medical opinion, the prescribed substance is medically safe for in-home administration by the client.

2. A veterinarian shall not be required under §705 to write a prescription for controlled substances or a prescription for any medication that, in the veterinarian's medical judgment, is not appropriate for the patient's medical care.

3. A veterinarian may refuse to write a prescription under §705 if it is not directly requested by a client with whom a veterinarian-patient-client relationship exists.

4. A written prescription can be construed to include any manner of authorization for filling a prescription, including verbal or electronic communication.

H. It shall be a violation of the rules of professional conduct under R.S. 37:1526(14) for a veterinarian in the course of his veterinary practice to use or dispense any products, including drugs, which are expired.

I. It shall be a violation of the rules of professional conduct under R.S. 37:1526(14) for a veterinarian to be in possession of drugs or other medical products which are over six months past their expiration date unless the materials are obviously removed from use and it can be documented that said drugs are in the process of being returned or otherwise disposed of.

J. Only a veterinarian licensed by the board may prescribe any drug, medicine, chemical or controlled substance for a patient after the establishment of the veterinarian/client/patient relationship, with the exception of the delegation of such authority pursuant to Subsection M below.

K. The veterinarian is responsible for and shall maintain accurate medical records when prescribing any drug, medicine, chemical or controlled substance which includes the following:

1. client's name;

2. patient's name;

3. date of prescription;

4. name of drug;

5. usage dosage including the route of administration;

6. quantity dispensed and number of refills;

7. name of veterinarian prescribing the drug, medicine, chemical or controlled substance;

8. telephone calls changing the prescription or dosages must be recorded in the medical record of the patient; and

9. refill information must be recorded on the prescription and in the medical record of the patient.

L. The initial prescription of a legend drug shall be communicated personally or by telephone to the pharmacy by the veterinarian. The initial prescription and any refills of a controlled drug shall be communicated personally or by telephone to the pharmacy by the veterinarian. A written prescription for a controlled drug shall be personally prepared by the prescribing veterinarian. A written prescription for a controlled drug shall be handwritten or typed, and shall contain the specific client/patient’s names (or identifying information if herd, etc.) and the drug(s) prescribed with usage directions, appropriate government registration numbers, dated, and signed by the prescribing veterinarian, affixed with his signature stamp, or electronic signature thereon if transmitted electronically to a pharmacy. However, the use of a signature stamp or electronic signature will have the presumption the prescribing veterinarian knows of, and has personally provided, the prescription for the use of the patient.

M. The veterinarian may delegate to an office employee the authority to communicate a refill of a legend drug to the pharmacy on behalf of the veterinarian pursuant to written protocol established prior to the delegation of such authority.

N. The written protocol required in Subsection M above shall be maintained on the premises as part of the prescribing veterinarian's facility procedure and shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. an authorization dated and signed by the veterinarian delegating specific authority to the office employee;

2. the authorization shall be for a stated limited period;

3. the authorization shall specify the exact nature and extent of the delegation of authority;

4. the medical record of the patient shall be documented to show the exercise of the delegated authority at the time the office employee communicates to the pharmacy the order to refill;

5. the office employee who has the delegated authority and the veterinarian shall sign the written protocol; and

6. the written protocol shall be made available to the pharmacy at issue on request.

O. A veterinarian licensed by the board may lawfully prescribe and/or dispense legend and controlled drugs, and a mix of these drugs, to a deer farmer licensed by, and in good standing with, the Department of Agriculture and Forestry only under the following terms and conditions.

1. For the purpose of this Section, deer, deer farmer, and deer farm operation shall apply to cervids only which are further exclusively defined as imported exotic deer and antelope, elk and farm raised white tail deer as defined in R.S. 3:3101 et seq.

2. The veterinary-client-patient relationship must first be established, and thereafter maintained, as defined in §700 and §705.A.2.

3. The veterinarian shall be familiar with the deer farm operation at issue and have general knowledge of the species and numbers of animals on the premises.

4. The licensed deer farmer shall personally maintain a perpetual written inventory of the drugs referenced in this Section, including the following information:

a. name of drug and date purchased;

b. name and address of veterinarian the drug was purchased from and a written receipt;

c. amount purchased;

d. date of each use;

e. amount used for each administration;

f. reason for each administration;

g. the identity of each animal by electronic device, tattoo and/or tag upon capture; and

h. the date and amount of drug wasted, spilled or lost.

5. The licensed deer farmer shall comply with all state and federal laws regarding the storage of the drugs, and the perpetual written inventory, in a double locked container when not in use.

6. The licensed deer farmer who obtains the drugs from the veterinarian shall be the only person allowed to use or administer the drugs on his deer and for capture purposes and subsequent reversal of the effects of those drugs only.

7. Prior to obtaining the referenced drugs, the licensed deer farmer must successfully complete a board approved chemical capture course. The veterinarian prescribing and/or dispensing the drugs must initially obtain and maintain in his records a copy of the deer farmer's current license issued by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry and a copy of the licensed deer farmer's current certificate verifying successful completion of the chemical capture course approved by the board. The licensed deer farmer must successfully complete a board approved chemical capture course every three consecutive calendar years.

8. The veterinarian may only lawfully prescribe and/or dispense the drugs referenced herein in minimal quantities based on the size of the herd at issue and the history of prior use, if applicable, of the drug or drugs requested by the licensed deer farmer.

9. Upon requesting a refill of, or an additional permissible amount of a drug, the licensed deer farmer shall provide to the prescribing and/or dispensing veterinarian a copy of the deer farmer's current license issued by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, a copy of the current certificate verifying successful completion within the last three consecutive calendar years of the chemical capture course approved by the board, and a copy of the perpetual written inventory, as well as return all empty or sealed containers of the drugs in the case of a refill. The copy of the deer farmer's current license, the copy of the current certificate verifying successful completion within the last three consecutive calendar years of the board approved chemical capture course, the copy of the perpetual written inventory, and all empty or sealed containers shall be kept by the veterinarian for his record keeping purposes as required in §701.

10. Any prescribing and/or dispensing veterinarian who has reason to believe that a licensed deer farmer is not in compliance with the items and conditions of this Section, or is otherwise abusing the privileges established by this Section, shall notify, in writing, the board and the Department of Agriculture and Forestry immediately.

11. The prescribing and/or dispensing veterinarian shall comply with all state and federal laws and/or regulations regarding the prescribing and/or dispensing of any legend or controlled drug, or a mix thereof, to a deer farmer licensed by, and in good standing with, the Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

12. Any prescribing and/or dispensing veterinarian who violates, or otherwise fails to comply with this Section, or any part thereof, including all state and federal laws and/or regulations, shall be guilty of unprofessional conduct within the meaning of R.S. 37:1526(14).

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Human Resources, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 6:71 (February 1980), amended by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:225 (March 1990), LR 19:1329 (October 1993) LR 20:1381 (December 1994), LR 23:1686 (December 1997), LR 24:1932 (October 1998), LR 25:1249 (July 1999), LR 25:1627 (September 1999), LR 27:51 (January 2001), LR 30:797 (April 2004), LR 37:1571 (June 2011), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:250 (February 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 706 Labeling of Medications Dispensed

A. It is the responsibility of the veterinarian to label all medications and/or other veterinary products as dispensed. This label must include the following:

1. name, address and telephone number of clinic;

2. name of veterinarian dispensing medications;

3. patient name and client name;

4. name of medication and/or other veterinary product dispensed;

5. quantity and strength of product;

6. directions for administration;

7. date dispensed; and

8. precautionary statements as required by law, i.e., not for human consumption, poisonous, etc.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:226 (March 1990), LR 19:1329 (October 1993), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1140 (August 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 707 Accepted Livestock Management Practices

A. The following are hereby declared to be accepted livestock management practices as provided by R.S. 37:1514(3):

1. the practice of artificial insemination (A.I.) and the non-surgical impregnation (with frozen embryo) of livestock to include that performed for a customer service fee or that performed on individually-owned livestock;

2. the procedure involving the collection, processing, and freezing of semen from privately owned livestock carried out by NAAB-CSS approved artificial insemination business organizations;

3. the carrying out of schools and short courses, teaching A.I. techniques for livestock and equine, prospective A.I. technicians, and university agricultural students by qualified university faculty, cooperative extension service specialists, and qualified employees of NAAB-CSS approved A.I. organizations;

4. performing the operation of male castration, docking, or earmarking of livestock raised for human consumption;

5. performing the normal procedure of dehorning livestock, with the exception of surgical cosmetic dehorning, which is defined as the practice of veterinary medicine;

6. aiding in the nonsurgical birth process in livestock management;

7. treating livestock for disease prevention with a non-prescription medicine or vaccine;

8. branding and/or tattooing for identification of livestock;

9. reciprocal aid of neighbors in performing accepted livestock management practices without compensation;

10. shoeing horses.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Human Resources, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 9:213 (April 1983), amended by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 23:969 (August 1997), LR 24:1933 (October 1998), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:250 (February 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 708 Anesthesia Services

A. Anesthetic and Drugs. Anesthesia equipment in accordance with the level of surgery performed should be available at all times. The minimum amount of support equipment required for the delivery of assisted ventilation should be:

1. resuscitation bags of appropriate volumes; and

2. an assortment of endotracheal tubes in working condition.

B. Examination and Monitoring

1. Every animal shall be given a physical examination within 12 hours prior to the administration of a general anesthetic.

2. Some method of respiratory monitoring is mandatory, such as observing chest movements, watching the rebreathing bag, or use of a respirometer. Some method of cardiac monitoring is recommended and may include use of a stethoscope or electrocardiographic monitor.

3. The animal under general anesthesia shall be under continual observation until at least the swallowing reflex has returned.

C. No patient should be released from veterinary supervision to the owner/client until it is ambulatory unless it is not ambulatory for reasons unrelated to anesthesia. The only exception to this rule would be the case where the client demands to take the animal home against the advice and judgment of the attending veterinarian. In this case, the veterinarian is recommended to have the client sign a release form stating that the owner/client has been advised to leave the animal, that the owner/client is aware of the risks involved, and that the owner/client is taking the animal against the advice and judgment of the attending veterinarian.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1330 (October 1993), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1140 (August 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 709 Surgical Services

A. Aseptic surgery shall be practiced in all cases in which aseptic surgery is demanded by the profession. Aseptic surgery shall be defined as procedures in which aseptic technique is practiced in patient preparation, instrumentation, and surgical attire.

B. Surgical attire and technique for aseptic surgery is defined as:

1. disinfection of surgeon's hands by scrubbing with a disinfecting surgical scrub solution;

2. sterilized surgical gown with long sleeves is recommended but not required. Clean clothing and sterilized gloves must be worn;

3. aseptic surgery requires sterilization of all appropriate equipment. An acceptable method of sterilization sufficient to kill spores must be used on all instruments, packs, and equipment intended for use in aseptic surgical procedures;

4. external use of heat sensitive tape type indicators on surgical gowns, packs, and resterilized gloves or the use of "steam clock" type indicators deep in surgical packs shall be required to monitor sterilization efficiency. The date the items were sterilized should be indicated;

5. ancillary personnel in the surgery room should wear clean clothing and footwear.

C. Hot and cold running water should be readily accessible to the surgery room.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1330 (October 1993), amended LR 23:969 (August 1997), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1140 (August 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 710 Dental Operations

A. Dental operations are included in the definition of the practice of veterinary medicine as found in R.S. 37:1513(4).

B. Nothing in these rules shall prohibit any person from utilizing cotton swabs, gauze, dental floss, dentifrice, toothbrushes or similar items to clean an animal's teeth.

C. In branches of veterinary medicine other than equine dentistry and livestock dentistry, with proper training and under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, laypeople and registered veterinary technicians employed by a licensed veterinarian may perform supragingival scaling and polishing of teeth, making and developing dental radiographs, taking impressions, production of dental models, and the charting of dental pathology. All other dental operations must be performed by a licensed veterinarian.

D. In the branch of veterinary medicine dealing with equine dentistry, with proper training and under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, laypeople and registered veterinary technicians employed by a licensed veterinarian may perform the rasping (floating) of molar, premolar, and canine teeth, and the removal of deciduous incisor and premolar teeth (caps). All other dental operations, including but not limited to the extraction of teeth, amputation of large molar, incisor, or canine teeth, the extraction of first premolar teeth (wolf teeth) and repair of damaged or diseased teeth must be performed by a licensed veterinarian.

E. In the branch of veterinary medicine dealing with livestock dentistry, with proper training and under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, laypeople and registered veterinary technicians employed by a licensed veterinarian may perform rasping (floating) of premolar and molar teeth, and the removal of deciduous incisor teeth (caps). All other dental operations, including but not limited to the extraction of teeth, amputation of incisors, premolars, and molar teeth, and repair of damaged or diseased teeth must be performed by a licensed veterinarian.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1330 (October 1993), amended LR 25:519 (March 1999), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1141 (August 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 711 Definitions and Classification of Practice Facilities

A. In order to be classified as, advertised as, or use the word "hospital" as defined in §700 in the name of a veterinary facility, all of the following minimum standards and requirements shall be met.

1. Facility shall have a reception room and office, or a combination of the two.

2. An examination room separate from other areas of the facility and of sufficient size to accommodate the doctor, assistant, patient and client shall be maintained. This room shall have:

a. adequate materials and instrumentation to perform a thorough physical examination; and

b. adequate lighting to perform a thorough physical examination; and

c. immediate access to a sink with hot and cold running water; and

d. an examination table with impervious surface which can be easily cleaned and disinfected.

3. Facility shall have a surgery room which is separate and distinct from all other rooms. This room shall have:

a. lighting adequate to perform surgery;

b. a surgery table with an impervious surface which can be cleaned and easily disinfected;

c. appropriate anesthesia equipment;

d. oxygen readily available;

e. emergency drugs for cardiac and pulmonary resuscitation; and

f. walls and floors constructed with materials capable of being cleaned and disinfected.

4. Facility shall have a surgical scrub or preparation area containing pre-anesthetic medications and surgical scrub.

5. Facility shall have access to a diagnostic X-ray machine and development equipment area kept in compliance with state and federal regulations.

6. A clinical laboratory area shall be available containing diagnostic laboratory equipment, test kits and materials to perform necessary tests. This may be an in-house laboratory or an outside diagnostic laboratory facility which is capable of returning diagnostic results in 24 hours.

7. Facility shall have a kennel or housing area where animals can be retained for treatment and post-surgical observation. This area shall have at a minimum:

a. separate compartments for each animal which provide for comfortable and sanitary conditions; and

b. exercise areas which provide and allow effective separation of animals and their waste products and appropriate cleaning.

8. Facility shall have adequate indoor lighting for halls, wards, reception areas, examining rooms and surgical rooms.

B. Clinic

1. In order to be classified as, advertised as, or use the word "clinic" as defined in §700 in the name of the facility, all standards described under §711.A, shall apply.

2. A facility defined as a clinic is not required to meet the requirements for kennels as described in §711.A.7 except where surgery is being performed.

3. A clinic performing surgery shall provide adequate kennel facilities as per §711.A.7 until the patient is discharged.

C. A mobile clinic as defined in §700 shall have a permanent base of operations with a published address, telephone facilities for making appointments or responding to emergencies, and the following.

1. A veterinarian operating or working in a mobile clinic must have a written agreement with a local veterinary hospital or clinic to provide hospitalization, surgery, and radiology if these services are not available at the mobile clinic. Local means within a 30-mile radius.

2. A veterinarian operating or working in a mobile clinic must have a written agreement with a local veterinary hospital or clinic to provide emergency services and must display a notice to that effect in public view. The phone number and address for this emergency service provider must be provided to each patron of the mobile clinic. Local means within a 30-mile radius.

3. A veterinarian operating or working in a mobile clinic must remain on site until all patients are discharged to their owners and must maintain autonomy for all medical decisions made.

4. A physical examination and history must be taken for each patient at a mobile clinic and the medical records for such patients must meet the requirements for record keeping in §701. These records must be maintained by the veterinarian for five years and must remain accessible to the client for that period.

5. The veterinarian operating or working in a mobile clinic is responsible for consultation with clients and referral of patients when disease is detected or suspected. The veterinarian is also responsible for information and recommendations given to the client by the mobile clinic's staff.

6. The veterinarian operating or working in a mobile clinic must have his current Louisiana veterinary license on display to the clients.

7. Operation of the veterinary medical mobile clinic requires the following:

a. a clean, safe location;

b. the mobile clinic must meet local sanitation regulations;

c. lined waste receptacles;

d. fresh, running water for cleaning and first aid;

e. examination areas with good lighting and smooth, easily disinfected surfaces;

f. examination and surgery preparation areas;

g. surgical area must be sterile, and the surgery table must have an impervious surface which can be cleaned and easily disinfected;

h. drugs must be kept according to federal, state, and local laws. If controlled drugs are kept on the premises, they must be kept in a locking, secure cabinet for storage and an accurate controlled substance log must be maintained and available for inspection;

i. all equipment must be kept clean and in working order;

j. the mobile clinic must have the capability to deal with sudden emergencies and should have oxygen, resuscitation drugs and equipment, treatment for shock, and fluid administration materials readily available; and

k. the mobile clinic must have all biomedical waste properly disposed of and must have documentation to prove that fact on the premises for inspection.

D. Emergency Facilities

1. An emergency facility as defined in §700 shall have the following:

a. doctors;

b. support staff;

c. instrumentation;

d. medications; and

e. diagnostic equipment sufficient to provide an appropriate level of emergency care during all hours of operation.

2. If an emergency facility offers surgery services and retains patients in the emergency facility, all facility standards pertaining to hospital facilities as defined in §711.A shall be furnished and maintained.

E. A wellness or preventative care clinic shall have a published physical address for the specific location, telephone facilities for responding to emergency situations, and the following.

1. The veterinarian operating or providing permissible services in a wellness or preventative care clinic shall have a prior written agreement with a local veterinary hospital or clinic, within a 30 mile or 30 minutes travel time, to provide laboratory services, hospitalization, surgery, and/or radiology, if these services are not available at the wellness or preventative care clinic.

2. The veterinarian operating or providing permissible services in a wellness or preventative care clinic shall have a prior written agreement with a local veterinary hospital or clinic, within a 30 mile or 30 minutes travel time, to provide emergency care services. A notice of available emergency care services, including the telephone number and physical address of the local veterinary hospital or clinic, shall be posted in a conspicuous place at the wellness or preventative care clinic, and a copy of the notice or information shall be given to each client prior to the administration of a vaccine, the performance of an examination and/or a diagnostic procedure to promote good health.

3. The veterinarian operating or providing permissible services in a wellness or preventative care clinic shall physically remain on site until all patients are discharged to their respective owners, or authorized agents.

4. The veterinarian operating or providing permissible services in a wellness or preventative care clinic shall comply with the requirements for record keeping regarding the storage, maintenance and availability to the client of the medical records for the patients as set forth in the board's rules on record keeping. The veterinarian operating or providing permissible services in a wellness or preventative care clinic shall be the owner of the medical records of the patients.

5. The veterinarian operating or providing permissible services in a wellness or preventative care clinic shall be responsible for consultation with clients and the prompt referral of patients when disease, illness or a medical condition is diagnosed.

6. The veterinarian operating or providing permissible services in a wellness or preventative care clinic shall be responsible for the information and representations provided to the clients by the staff at the wellness or preventative care clinic.

7. The veterinarian operating or providing permissible services in a wellness or preventative care clinic shall have his license or current renewal, in good standing, to practice veterinary medicine in Louisiana on display in a conspicuous place at each location of a wellness or preventative care clinic.

8. Operation of a wellness or preventative care clinic shall also have the following on site at each location:

a. a clean, safe location;

b. meet local and state sanitation requirements;

c. lined waste receptacles;

d. fresh, running water for cleaning purposes and first aid;

e. an examination area with good lighting and smooth, easily disinfected surfaces;

f. all drugs, medicines, or chemicals shall be stored, inventoried, prescribed, administered, dispensed, and/or used in accordance with federal, state and local laws and rules;

g. all equipment shall be kept clean and in proper working order;

h. the ability to address sudden life-threatening emergencies which may arise, including the availability, on site, of oxygen, resuscitation drugs, treatment for shock, and fluid administration materials; and

i. the proper disposal of biomedical waste and the required facilities, on site, for such disposal, as well as documentation on site to verify the proper disposal of biomedical waste.

9. The veterinarian operating or providing permissible services in a wellness or preventative care clinic shall make all decisions which involve, whether directly or indirectly, the practice of veterinary medicine and will be held accountable for such decisions in accordance with the Veterinary Practice Act, the board's rules, and other applicable laws.

10. The veterinarian operating or providing permissible services in a wellness or preventative care clinic shall be responsible for compliance with all standards and requirements set forth in the Veterinary Practice Act, the board's rules, and other applicable laws.

11. The veterinarian operating or providing permissible services in a wellness or preventative care clinic shall provide a copy of any signed written agreement, including renewal, extension or amendment, required by this rule to the board prior to commencement of the terms of the agreement.

12. The veterinarian operating or providing permissible services in a wellness or preventative care clinic shall provide the board, upon written demand, a copy of the written agreement with the local veterinary hospital or clinic required by this rule.

F. A mobile practice vehicle shall comply with the following requirements.

1. A mobile practice vehicle shall provide veterinary care where the patient is not taken into the vehicle.

2. A mobile practice vehicle may be an extension of an existing hospital and/or clinic defined in §700. The hospital or clinic associated with the mobile practice vehicle shall operate in compliance with Subsections 711.A and B.

3. The veterinarian operating or providing veterinary care in a mobile practice vehicle which does not have the capabilities of providing aftercare and/or emergency care services, and/or which is not an extension of an existing hospital or clinic, shall have a prior written agreement with a local veterinary hospital or clinic, within a 30 mile or 30 minutes travel time, to provide aftercare and/or emergency care services. The written agreement to provide aftercare and/or emergency care services in this Rule shall not be required if the mobile practice vehicle is an extension of an existing hospital or clinic, and/or has the capabilities of providing aftercare and/or emergency care services.

4. A notice of available aftercare and/or emergency care services, including the telephone number and physical address of the local veterinary hospital or clinic, or hospital or existing clinic associated with the mobile practice vehicle if applicable, shall be posted in a conspicuous place in or on the mobile practice vehicle, and a copy of the notice or information shall be given to each client prior to the provision of veterinary care.

5. The veterinarian operating or providing veterinary care in a mobile practice vehicle shall physically remain on site until all patients are discharged to their respective owners, or authorized agents.

6. The veterinarian operating or providing veterinary care in a mobile practice vehicle shall comply with the requirements for record keeping regarding the storage, maintenance and availability to the client of the medical records for the patients as set forth in the board's rules on record keeping.

7. The veterinarian operating or providing veterinary care in a mobile practice vehicle shall comply with the requirements for maintaining, administering, dispensing, and prescribing any drug, medicine, chemical, and/or biological agent as set forth in the board's rules.

8. The veterinarian operating or providing veterinary care in a mobile practice vehicle shall be responsible for the information and representations provided to the clients by the staff of the mobile practice vehicle.

9. The veterinarian operating or providing veterinary care in a mobile practice vehicle shall have his license or current renewal, in good standing, to practice veterinary medicine in Louisiana on display in a conspicuous place on or in the mobile practice vehicle.

10. The veterinarian operating or providing veterinary care in a mobile practice vehicle shall make all decisions which involve, whether directly or indirectly, the practice of veterinary medicine and will be held accountable for such decisions in accordance with the Veterinary Practice Act, the board’s rules, and other applicable laws.

11. The veterinarian operating or providing veterinary care in a mobile practice vehicle shall be responsible for compliance with all standards and requirements set forth in the Veterinary Practice Act, the board's rules, and other applicable laws.

12. The veterinarian operating or providing veterinary care in a mobile practice vehicle shall provide the board, upon written demand, a copy of the written agreement with the local veterinary hospital or clinic required by this rule, if such is not the hospital or clinic associated with the mobile practice vehicle and/or the mobile practice vehicle does not have the capabilities of providing aftercare and/or emergency care services.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1330 (October 1993), amended LR 23:969 (August 1997), LR 24:2123 (November 1998), LR 31:3162 (December 2005), LR 33:2424 (November 2007), LR 35:244 (February 2009), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1141 (August 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 712 Alternative Therapy and Collaborative Treatment

A. Alternative therapy and/or collaborative treatment may be performed by a layperson (a person not licensed, registered, or certified by the board) only with an order or prescription from a Louisiana licensed, supervising veterinarian who has first established the veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and can be performed only under such supervising veterinarian’s direct supervision and with the written informed consent of the owner of the animal (client) or his duly authorized agent. The layperson must possess a license, registration, or certification issued by another Louisiana regulatory authority, or he must possess verification of an educational level acceptable by the board, in the subject matter of the alternative therapy and/or collaborative treatment at issue.

B. Direct supervision as used in this Section means the supervising veterinarian must be on the premises where the alternative therapy and/or collaborative treatment are being performed and is directly responsible for the on-going evaluation and/or diagnosis. A layperson (a person not licensed, registered, or certified by the board) cannot perform surgery, on-going evaluation and/or diagnosis, prognosis, or prescribe treatment, medicines, or appliances as set forth in §702.A.2.

C. The supervising veterinarian will be held accountable for the proper diagnosis and treatment of the animal, including the work delegated to the layperson, as well as compliance with proper documentation in the patient’s medical record as set forth in §701, including the written informed consent for the alternative therapy and/or collaborative treatment obtained from the client or his duly authorized agent. The supervising veterinarian will also be held accountable for the maintenance of the confidential relationship with the client and patient.

D. Alternative therapy as used in this Section includes, but is not limited to, ultrasonography, magnetic field therapy, holistic medicine, homeopathy, animal chiropractic treatment, animal acupuncture, animal physical therapy, animal massage therapy, and laser therapy.

E. Collaborative treatment as used in this Section includes, but is not limited to, ophthalmology, cardiology, neurology, radiology, and oncology.

F. Written informed consent as used in this Section means the supervising veterinarian has informed the client or his duly authorized agent, in a manner that would be understood by a reasonable person, of the diagnostic and treatment options, risk assessment, and prognosis, and the client or his duly authorized agent has consented in writing to the recommended alternative therapy and/or collaborative treatment.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 23:970 (August 1997), amended LR 38:357 (February 2012), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:250 (February 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 713 Microchip Implantation

A. The implantation of a microchip device into an animal shall be performed only by a licensed veterinarian or under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, except that no unlicensed person may perform surgery, diagnosis, prognosis, or prescribe drugs, medicines, or appliances as stated in §702.A.2. The following are exempt from this provision:

1. an animal control agency which is operated by a state or local governmental agency; or

2. a duly incorporated humane society which has a contract with a local governmental agency to perform animal control services on behalf of the local governmental agency.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 23:1686 (December 1997), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1144 (August 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 714 Student/Shelters and Faculty Veterinarian

A. A person who is a regular student in an accredited veterinary school who is performing duties or actions assigned by his instructors as part of his curriculum under the direct supervision of a faculty veterinarian who is licensed by the board; however, the student's role shall be limited to assisting the licensed faculty veterinarian in a support capacity during assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and surgery in the shelters pre-approved by the board on shelter animals only. For example, observation of procedures and services by the student and the performance of menial support tasks to assist the licensed faculty veterinarian are legally permissible. However, the licensed faculty veterinarian must be the primary veterinarian, or surgeon of record, in all situations. To allow the student to perform beyond the support capacity as defined in this rule would, in effect, permit the student to enter into the realm of veterinary practice without first having to meet the requirements necessary to have a license as established by the Louisiana Veterinary Practice Act and the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine rules.

B. Direct supervision is defined as "continuous, visual, and on-site supervision" which shall only be performed by a faculty veterinarian licensed by, and accountable to, the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine as per its regulatory authority. Accordingly, the licensed faculty veterinarian and the program shall comply with all requirements established by the Veterinary Practice Act and the board's rules regarding the practice of veterinary medicine including, but not limited to, such practice standards as a proper surgical facility, record keeping, aftercare, prescriptions, drug/device maintenance, etc. The faculty veterinarian as a licensed veterinarian shall be ultimately responsible, and accountable to the board, for the duties, actions, or work performed by the student; however, at no time shall the student's role extend beyond assisting the licensed faculty veterinarian in a support capacity during assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and surgery in the shelters pre-approved by the board on shelter animals only.

C. The tasks assigned to a student is at the discretion of the supervising faculty veterinarian licensed by the board who shall be ultimately responsible and held accountable by the board for the duties, actions, or work performed by the student, however, at no time shall the student's role extend beyond assisting the licensed faculty veterinarian in a support capacity during assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and surgery. In addition, the tasks assigned to the student shall encompass the care, treatment, and/or surgery of one shelter animal at a time at a shelter pre-approved by the board. Again, the licensed faculty veterinarian must be the primary veterinarian, or surgeon of record, in each individual situation.

D. Prior to commencement of a student's participation in a program, the supervising faculty veterinarian licensed by the board must first notify the board of such on board approved forms.

E. A student shall not be permitted to perform supervision of any nature, as defined in §§ 700 and 702, of the tasks or procedures performed by other personnel of the shelter at issue.

F. A student extern who is working during a school vacation for a licensed veterinarian shall be under continuous, visual, and on-site supervision of a veterinarian licensed by the board. The supervising veterinarian shall be ultimately responsible and held accountable by the board for the duties, actions, or work performed by such person; however, at no time shall the student's role extend beyond observing the supervising veterinarian in a support capacity during assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and surgery. The student extern shall not perform supervision of any nature, as defined in §700 and §702, of the tasks or procedures performed by other personnel of the facility at issue.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 29:1479 (August 2003), amended LR 34:1029 (June 2008), amended LR 49:640 (April 2023), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1144 (August 2024).

Chapter 8 Registered Veterinary Technicians

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 800 Definitions

Contact Participation―physical attendance at seminars, lectures, conferences, or workshops.

Online Participation―mediums regarded as online participation include:

1. pre-recorded, self-test audio or video presentations with third-party grading;

2. non-interactive audio or video presentations in real-time available via the internet; and

3. interactive or “live” audio or video presentations or webinars in real-time available via the internet.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1549.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1137 (August 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 801 Applications for Certificate of Approval

A. The application for a certificate of approval for a registered veterinary technician in the state of Louisiana shall contain the information set forth in R.S. 37:1543 and shall include certification that the applicant has not practiced veterinary medicine or veterinary technology in this state without a certificate of approval.

B. In addition to the above requirements, the board may also require that any applicant furnish all of the following information or documentation:

1. a current passport-type photograph of the applicant;

2. a copy of the applicant's diploma or official transcript from the veterinary technology school of graduation;

3. the certified score on any national examinations previously taken by the applicant;

4. a list of all certificates or licenses in a state, territory, or district of the United States or Canada that the applicant currently holds and has previously held;

5. certification from the applicant stating that he has not been arrested or indicted for or been convicted, pled guilty, or pled nolo contendere to either a felony or misdemeanor, other than minor traffic violations; and, in the event that the applicant is unable to so certify, the board may require the applicant to explain in full and/or provide further documentation;

6. certification from the applicant stating that he has never had his or her certificate as a registered veterinary technician in veterinary medicine revoked, suspended or denied and, in the event that the applicant is unable to so certify, the board may request or require full explanation and/or documentation concerning such revocation, suspension, or denial; and

7. certification from the applicant stating that he has not violated or been subject to any of the grounds for denial of a certificate of approval as listed in R.S. 37:1544.

C. The board may require such application to be sworn to by the applicant, notarized, or attested to by the applicant under penalty of perjury.

D. The board may reject any applications which do not contain full and complete answers or information as requested and may reject any application, or take action against the certificate of approval of any registered veterinary technician, if any information furnished in the application is fabricated, false, misleading, or incorrect.

E. The board shall reject the application of an applicant who has practiced veterinary medicine or veterinary technology in this state without a certificate of approval during the one-year period immediately prior to the initial application submission date.

F. An application shall become expired if not completed by issuance of a certificate within one year from the initial application submission date. Once expired, the entire application process, including the payment of all applicable fees, shall begin anew.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1549.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:226 (March 1990), amended LR 40:309 (February 2014), LR 49:2074 (December 2023), effective July 1, 2024), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:770 (June 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 803 Examinations

A. The Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine hereby adopts the examination prepared by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) (hereafter referred to as the "veterinary technician national examination" or VTNE), and hereby requires that all applicants for licensure to practice as registered veterinary technicians in the state of Louisiana shall pass this national examination in addition to any and all state examinations (herein defined as such written examinations, oral interviews, and/or practical demonstrations as the board may request or require).

B. A state board examination shall be required of all applicants for licensure as a registered veterinary technician in Louisiana. No person shall obtain any certificate to practice as a registered veterinary technician without successfully passing the Louisiana state board examination. No waivers of the state board examination shall be granted.

C. A passing score on the VTNE shall be deemed to be the pass point as determined by the examining agency contracted with by the board for the formulation, administration and/or grading of the VTNE.

D. The state board examination shall consist of no fewer than 25 questions taken from the veterinary practice act statutes and rules promulgated by the board.

E. A passing score on the state board examination for veterinary technicians shall be deemed to be the correct answering of at least 70 percent of the questions on the state examination.

F. The administration of the VTNE shall be in accordance with rules, practices, policies or procedures prescribed by the AAVSB or by any person or persons with whom the AAVSB may have contracted to administer said exam. The VTNE may be administered by members of the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine or any of the agents, employees, or designees of the board.

G. The state board examination for veterinary technicians may be prepared, administered, and graded by the members of the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine or may be prepared, administered, and/or graded, in whole or in part, by any person, firm corporation, or other entity selected, requested, or designated to do so by the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine.

H. In order to receive a certificate to practice as a registered veterinary technician in the state of Louisiana, an applicant must pass both the VTNE and the state board examination.

I. A passing score on either required examination will be given effect for a period of three years. Should an applicant pass one of the required examinations but fail to pass the other required examination for a period of three years, such applicant will thereafter be required to pass both examinations notwithstanding such applicant’s previous passing of one of the required examinations.

J. The requirement for taking the national examination (VTNE) may be waived when an applicant:

a. holds a current valid license or certificate in good standing as a registered or certified veterinary technician in another state, district, or territory of the United States; and

b. has been employed as a registered or certified veterinary technician an average of 20 hours per week in a private practice or its equivalent continuously and without substantial interruption for a period of three years immediately preceding his application.

K. An applicant for certification may only sit for the national examination a maximum of five times. Thereafter, the applicant will no longer be eligible for certification in Louisiana and any application will be rejected.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1549.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:226 (March 1990), amended LR 20:1380 (December 1994), LR 40:309 (February 2014), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 48:2546 (October 2022).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 805 Certificates without Examination

A. The board shall not issue certificates of approval without examination under any circumstances.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1549.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:227 (March 1990), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:950 (July 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 807 Temporary Permits

A. The board shall not issue temporary permits for certificates of approval under any circumstances.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1549.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:227 (March 1990), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:950 (July 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 809 Fees

A. The board hereby adopts and establishes the following fees.

Examination Fee, Pre-Examination, State or National (This fee does not include vendor's cost.)

$40

Original Certificate Fee

$30

Annual Renewal of Certificate Fee

$30

Application Fee

$25

B. The examination fee shall be exclusive of vendor costs which must also be paid by the examinee.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1549.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:227 (March 1990), amended LR 26:84 (January 2000), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:951 (July 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 811 Certificate Renewals

A. Annual Renewal of Certificates. Pursuant to R.S. 37:1546, all certificates of approval expire annually at midnight (central time) on September 30 of each year and must be renewed by making application for renewal of certificate with the board, submitting all satisfactory documentation of continuing education compliance, and payment of the annual renewal fee(s). A complete application for renewal must be submitted to the board or the certificate shall be expired. For an application for renewal to be considered complete, all of the following conditions must be fully met:

1. application for renewal must be received by September 30 of the year of application for renewal;

2. full payment of renewal fee must be received;

3. all satisfactory documentation of compliance with continuing education requirements in accordance with Chapter 4 of this Part must be received; and

4. if applicable, full payment of late continuing education fee and any other disciplinary fines must be received.

B. Renewal of Expired Certificates. A certificate which has expired may be renewed within two years of the date of its expiration by submitting an application for renewal which meets the following conditions:

1. application for renewal must be received;

2. full payment of current renewal fee must be received;

3. full payment of delinquent annual renewal fees must be received;

4. full payment of late fees for delinquent certificate renewal(s) must be received;

5. all satisfactory documentation of compliance with continuing education requirements, for the current year and all delinquent years, in accordance with §812 must be received; and

6. if applicable, late continuing education fee(s) must be received for the current year and all delinquent years.

C. Any application for renewal not completed pursuant to §811A by midnight on September 30 of each year shall be subject to all accrued fees and an additional late renewal fee of $20 per fiscal year.

D. Notice

1. A person failing to renew his certificate shall receive one notification via certified mail, return receipt requested. Such notice shall be mailed within 10 days after expiration of the certificate and will advise that any person who shall practice as a registered veterinary technician after the expiration of his certificate and willfully or by neglect fails to renew such certificate shall be guilty of practicing in violation of R.S. 37:1544.

2. After two years have elapsed since the date of expiration, a certificate may not be renewed. No later than 60 days prior to the end of the two-year period, the board shall mail notice via certified mail, return receipt requested, to the person holding such expired certificate. Such notice shall state that if the certificate is not renewed prior to the end of the two-year period, the certificate shall be permanently removed from the board's rolls and that the holder shall be required to make application for a new certificate.

E. It is the duty of the certificate holder to maintain current contact details with the board office.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1549.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:227 (March 1990), amended LR 23:1686 (December 1997), LR 26:84 (January 2000), LR 36:320 (February 2010), LR 37:1153 (April 2011), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1137 (August 2024), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 52:211 (February 2026).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 812 Continuing Education

A. Basic Requirements

1. A minimum of 10 actual hours is required each fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) as a prerequisite for annual renewal of certification; however, a maximum of 5 hours shall be earned for each fiscal period (July 1 to June 30) through online participation as defined in LAC 46:LXXXV.800. An RVT who fails to obtain a minimum of 10 continuing education hours within the applicable fiscal period will not meet the requirements for renewal of his certificate.

2.a. Proof of attendance for all completed continuing education activity shall be submitted annually for each renewal period and shall include the following:

i. the RVT’s full name;

ii. the name of the course/program;

iii. the name of the sponsor and/or presenter;

iv. the date(s) of attendance;

v. the total number of hours completed;

vi. the delivery method; and

vii. the specific subject matter completed.

b. All completed proof of attendance must be submitted to the board by September 30.

3. All hours shall be obtained in the 12 months preceding the renewal period of the certificate. Hours taken prior to the 12-month continuing education period shall not be accepted. Hours taken after the beginning of the renewal period shall be considered late. Hours submitted late, if accepted by the board, cannot be applied to other renewal periods.

4. Each RVT must fulfill his annual educational requirements at his own expense or through a sponsoring agency other than the board. Any registration fee(s) for his annual continuing veterinary education requirements are not included in the annual renewal fee.

5. Employment at an accredited school or college will not be accepted in lieu of completion of the required continuing education hours.

6. Presenters of an approved continuing education program may not submit hours for their presentation of, or preparation for, the program as continuing education hours.

B. Approved Continuing Education Programs. It shall be the duty of the board to approve all continuing veterinary education programs for which credit shall be given to Louisiana registered veterinary technicians as follows.

1. Hours may be taken from any programs accepted by another state’s regulatory board of veterinary medicine, a governmental entity, and/or AAVSB, as well as those programs sponsored by AVMA accredited schools of veterinary medicine and/or any professional associations recognized by the board shall be accepted as units or hours of annual continuing education. All other continuing education programs must be approved by the board prior to attendance with the subject matter content properly addressing the duties of a registered veterinary technician. Those continuing education programs not timely submitted in accordance with Subsection F below will not be allowed for annual continuing education credit.

2. The list of programs for which pre-approval has been granted will be updated as needed and published by the board on its website, as well as those programs which are accepted by another state’s regulatory board of veterinary medicine, a governmental entity, and/or AAVSB, and those programs sponsored by AVMA accredited schools of veterinary medicine and/or any professional associations recognized by the board.

3. Additions to the list of pre-approved programs may be requested by writing to the board office and submitting all required documentation. All programs not on the pre-approved list must be submitted for pre-approval at least 14 days prior to the date of the program for the units or hours to be credited. Pre-approval may be obtained by writing or calling the board office during regular business hours.

4. In order to qualify for board approval, all continuing education programs must be open by invitation/advertisement to interested registered veterinary technicians in general.

C. Non-Compliance with Continuing Education Requirements

1. Non-compliance with these rules shall be considered to be a violation of R.S. 37:1526(14).

2. Failure to submit proof of attendance for continuing education hours by the September 30 deadline pursuant to Subsection A.2 or falsifying certification shall be considered a violation of R.S. 37:1526(14) and/or (15).

3. Failure to obtain the required number of hours in the specified time period shall be considered a violation of the rules of professional conduct. An extension of no more than 90 days after the September 30 certificate expiration date may be granted by petitioning the board in accordance with Paragraph 4 below.

4. The board may grant an extension of no more than 90 days for extenuating circumstances. The RVT requesting the extension must petition the board at least 30 days prior to the September 30 certificate expiration date. The board may require whatever documentation it deems necessary to verify the circumstances necessitating the extension.

5. An RVT who fails to obtain the required minimum of ten approved hours within the prescribed 12-month period will not meet the requirements for renewal of his certificate. Such a certificate shall expire on September 30 for any RVT who does not timely and properly comply with the annual continuing education requirements. Thereafter, an RVT may apply for renewal of his expired certificate; however, he shall be unable to lawfully perform the allowed duties of an RVT and may be subject to disciplinary action by the board, until such time as the requirements for renewal have been met and documented to the satisfaction of the board.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1549.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1137 (August 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 813 Revoked Certificate

A. A registered veterinary technician whose certificate has been revoked under the provision of R.S. 37:1544.B may be reinstated by the board after proof that the failure to renew was not a willful or evasive act upon payment of the accrued fees and a penalty imposed by the board not exceeding twice the amount of delinquent fees.

B. Any certificate that was revoked for those causes enumerated in R.S. 37:1544.A.(1-12) shall be brought before the board.

C. The identifying number of a revoked certificate of approval shall not be issued to any person other than the original applicant.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1549.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:227 (March 1990), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:1342 (September 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 815 Appeals and Review

A. Any applicant for a certificate of approval desiring to review his or her national examination and/or the master answer sheet and/or the examination questions shall make arrangements with the Veterinary Technicians Testing Committee and/ or any person, firm, corporation or entity charged with the preparation, grading and/or administration of the Veterinary Technicians National Examination by the Veterinary Technicians Testing Committee for such review. The Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine shall not conduct reviews of the questions contained on the national examination, the answers to the questions contained on the national examination, or any applicant's score on the national examination.

B. Persons Aggrieved by a Decision of the Board

1. Any person aggrieved by a decision of the board, other than a holder of certificate of approval against whom disciplinary proceedings have been brought pursuant to R.S. 37:1544-1548, may, within 30 days of notification of the board's action or decision, petition the board for a review of the board's actions.

2. A petition shall be in the form of a letter, signed by the person aggrieved, and mailed to the board at its principal office located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

3. Upon receipt of such petition, the board then may proceed to take such action as it deems expedient or hold such hearings as may be necessary, and may review such testimony and/or documents and/or records as it deems necessary to dispose of the matter, but the board shall not, in any event, be required to conduct any hearings or investigations, or consider any offerings, testimony, or evidence unless so required by statute or other rules or regulations of the board.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:227 (March 1990), amended LR 25:2226 (November 1999), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:951 (July 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 816 Disciplinary Proceedings

A. Any registered veterinary technician against whom disciplinary proceedings have been instituted and against whom disciplinary action has been taken by the board pursuant to R.S. 37:1544-1548 and/or the board's rules, shall have rights of review and/or rehearing and/or appeal in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act and §1401 et seq., of the board's rules.

B. The board may deny a person’s application for a certificate of approval, or revoke, suspend, place on probation, restrict, and/or reprimand a registered veterinary technician, and/or assess a fine not to exceed $1,000 for each separate offense, when it finds noncompliance with or a violation of the provisions of the Veterinary Practice Act and/or the board’s rules. The sanction shall issue after compliance with notice and a hearing as required by law.

C. The Code(s) of Ethics of the AVMA and the NAVTA regarding veterinary technicians registered by the board are hereby adopted as standards of conduct by reference. In the event, the subject Code(s) of Ethics contradict the Veterinary Practice Act and/or the board’s rules, the latter shall govern.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 25:2226 (November 1999), amended LR 40:309 (February 2014).

Chapter 9 Peer Assistance Program for Impaired Veterinarians

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 901 Purpose

A. The purpose of the program is to identify and assist licensed veterinarians and paraprofessionals impaired by chemical dependency on drugs or alcohol or by mental illness and to establish a peer assistance program in conjunction with a state or national professional association and to report findings to the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:228 (March 1990), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:772 (June 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 903 Terms Used in the Program

A. The following terms are used in the program of impaired veterinarians.

Impaired Veterinarian―a veterinarian licensed by the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine whose ability to perform professional services is impaired by chemical dependency on drugs or alcohol or by mental illness.

Paraprofessional―a registered veterinary technician or a certified euthanasia technician.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:228 (March 1990), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:772 (June 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 905 Reporting Instances of Impairment

A. If a person knows or suspects that an individual is impaired by chemical dependency on alcohol or drugs or by mental illness, the person may report the individual's name and any relevant information to an approved peer assistance program.

B. An approved peer assistance program shall report to the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine in writing the name of a veterinarian or paraprofessional that the program knows or suspects to be impaired and any relevant information concerning that veterinarian or paraprofessional.

C. An approved peer assistance program that receives a report of referral under this Section may intervene to assist the impaired veterinarian or paraprofessional to obtain and complete successfully a course of treatment and rehabilitation.

D. If the Board of Veterinary Medicine receives an initial complaint relating to an impaired veterinarian or paraprofessional, the board:

1. may refer the veterinarian or paraprofessional to an approved peer assistance program; or

2. may require the veterinarian or paraprofessional to participate in or complete successfully a course of treatment or rehabilitation;

3. shall maintain separate records on all inquiries and referrals in connection with the peer assistance program in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.B of the Louisiana Veterinary Practice Act.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:228 (March 1990), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:772 (June 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 907 Enrollment in Program

A. An impaired veterinarian or paraprofessional who enrolls in an approved treatment program shall enter into an agreement with the board authorizing appropriate board action if the veterinarian or paraprofessional does not remain in the program. The professional's license shall be suspended or revoked; but enforcement of the suspension or revocation may be stayed for the length of time the professional remains in the program and makes satisfactory progress to completion, complies with the terms of the agreement, and adheres to any limitations on his or her practice imposed by the board to protect the public. Failure to enter into such an agreement shall disqualify the veterinarian or paraprofessional from the peer assistance program.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:228 (March 1990), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:772 (June 2024).

Chapter 10 Rules of Professional Conduct

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1001 Purpose and Scope

A. The rules of professional conduct shall govern the professional conduct of the members of the veterinary profession in the state of Louisiana. These rules of professional conduct shall be cumulative of all laws of the state of Louisiana relating to the professional conduct of veterinarians and to the practice of veterinary medicine in this state, and shall include the American Veterinary Medical Association's Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics. In the event the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics contradict the Louisiana Veterinary Practice Act and/or the board's rules, the latter shall govern.

B. If any provision of these rules or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, this invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the rules which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or applications; and to this end, the provisions of these rules are declared severable.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:228 (March 1990), amended LR 25:2227 (November 1999), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:654 (May 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1003 Conflicting Interest

A. It is unprofessional and a violation of these rules to represent conflicting interests, except by express consent of all concerned given after a full disclosure of the facts. Within the meaning of this rule, a member represents conflicting interests if, when employed by a buyer to inspect an animal for soundness, he accepts a fee from the seller. Acceptance of a fee from both the buyer and seller shall be deemed prima-facie evidence of fraud.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:228 (March 1990), amended LR 19:1325 (October 1993), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:654 (May 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1005 Encroachments upon Another's Practice

A. Any direct or indirect effort which in any way encroaches upon the practice of another veterinarian is a violation of these rules. It is the right of any veterinarian, without fear or favor, to give proper advice to those seeking relief against unfaithful or neglectful veterinary services, generally after communication with the veterinarian of whom complaint is made.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:229 (March 1990), amended LR 20:1380 (December 1994), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:654 (May 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1007 Corrupt or Dishonest Conduct

A. Veterinarians shall expose, without fear or favor, before the proper tribunal or the board corrupt or dishonest conduct in the profession.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:229 (March 1990), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1626 (November 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1009 Professional Responsibility

A. A veterinarian upon his own responsibility must decide what employment he will accept in his professional capacity and what course of treatment will be followed once he has accepted employment. The responsibility for advising questionable or unusual treatments rests upon the veterinarian.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:229 (March 1990), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:654 (May 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1011 Service under the Law

A. No veterinarian shall render any service or advice involving disloyalty under the law. A veterinarian must also observe and advise his client to observe statutory law.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:229 (March 1990), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1626 (November 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1013 Corruption, Deception, or Betrayal of the Public

A. A veterinarian shall not render any service or advice directed toward the corruption of any person or persons exercising a public office or private trust or directed toward the deception or betrayal of the public.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:229 (March 1990), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:654 (May 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1015 Personal Responsibility of Licensee

A. It is unlawful for a person to practice veterinary medicine, as defined in the Louisiana Veterinary Practice Act and the board’s rules, who does not possess a current license issued by the board, unless he falls within an exception defined in R.S. 37:1514 and/or the board’s rules. The reason for the license requirement is to ensure that any person involved in the actual practice of veterinary medicine, including the control of decision-making authority regarding veterinary patient care, is amenable to professional regulation and discipline by the board in order to protect the public and animals. The license is personal and individual to the veterinarian holder to lawfully practice veterinary medicine. The owner, member, officer, or director of a business entity, such as a partnership, corporation, or limited liability company, with a function that includes the provision of veterinary medicine does not have to possess a license issued by the board; however, the actual practitioner of veterinary medicine involved in patient care must be licensed by the board.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:229 (March 1990), amended LR 25:1628 (September 1999), LR 31:928 (April 2005), amended by the Department of Health, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 44:587 (March 2018), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 52:1328 (August 2026).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1017 Professional Services

A. The professional services of a veterinarian shall not be controlled or exploited by any lay agency, personal or corporate, which intervenes between the client and the veterinarian. A veterinarian's responsibilities and qualifications are individual. He shall avoid all relations which direct the performance of his duty by or in the interest of such intermediary. A veterinarian's relation to his client is personal, and his responsibility shall be direct to the client or his authorized agent.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:229 (March 1990), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:654 (May 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1021 Display of License

A. Each veterinarian shall have posted or displayed at his office in full view of his clients, his original Louisiana license to practice veterinary medicine and his current year's license renewal certificate.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:229 (March 1990), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:655 (May 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1023 Degree of Treatment

A. Veterinarians shall exercise the same degree of care, skill, and diligence in treating patients as are ordinarily used in the same or similar circumstances by average members of the veterinary medical profession.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:229 (March 1990), amended LR 19:1326 (October 1993), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:655 (May 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1025 Display of Degree

A. A licensed veterinarian shall not use or display any certificate or title pertaining to veterinary medicine granted by any institution not approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or by the board.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:229 (March 1990), amended LR 19:1326 (October 1993), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1626 (November 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1029 Promoting Unlicensed Person Unethical Activity

A. A licensed veterinarian shall not promote, aid, or abet the practice of veterinary medicine by an unlicensed person, or any illegal or unethical act on the part of any veterinarian.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:230 (March 1990), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:655 (May 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1031 Direct Supervision of Laypeople, Unlicensed Veterinarians, and Technicians

A. Licensed veterinarians employing and/or supervising persons in any or all of these categories shall make themselves familiar with and strictly adhere to the definitions and limitations as defined in Chapter 7 of these rules. Failure to observe the restrictions, definitions, and/or limitations of this rule shall be considered a breach of the rules of professional conduct and may result in the suspension or revocation of the license of the supervising veterinarian.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:230 (March 1990), amended LR 19:1326 (October 1993), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:655 (May 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1033 Certificate of Health

A. A licensed veterinarian in this state shall not issue a certificate of health unless he shall know of his own knowledge by actual inspection and appropriate tests of the animal that said animal meets the requirements for the issuance of such certificate. Only a licensed veterinarian can sign the certificate of health.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:230 (March 1990), amended LR 19:1326 (October 1993), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:654 (May 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1035 Assurances to Clients

A. It is professionally dishonest for a licensed veterinarian to guarantee a cure. A veterinarian must avoid bold and confident assurances to clients, especially where the employment may depend upon such assurance.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:230 (March 1990), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:655 (May 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1037 Humane Treatment and Care

A. A licensed veterinarian shall treat all animals entrusted to him by his clients in keeping with the professional standards of humane treatment and care.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:230 (March 1990), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:655 (May 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1039 Conduct of One's Practice

A. A licensed veterinarian shall conduct his practice on the highest plane of honesty, integrity, and fair dealing with his clients in time and services rendered and in the amount charged for his services, facilities, appliances, and drugs.

B. Prior to the commencement of general anesthesia in a non-emergency situation, when practical, a licensed veterinarian shall have the owner or duly authorized agent of the owner execute an anesthesia consent form which shall be placed in the patient's medical record. The anesthesia consent form shall be in writing and include the following:

1. the owner or duly authorized agent has the authority to execute the consent;

2. the owner or duly authorized agent authorizes the performance of professionally accepted anesthetic procedures necessary for his animal's treatment;

3. the owner or duly authorized agent authorizes the performance of such procedures as are necessary and desirable in the exercise of the veterinarian's professional judgment;

4. the owner or duly authorized agent authorizes the use of appropriate anesthetics;

5. the owner or duly authorized agent has been advised as to the nature of the procedures and the risks involved in performing anesthesia to the animal and that results cannot be guaranteed;

6. the owner or duly authorized agent has read and understands this authorization and consent; and

7. the owner or duly authorized agent signs and dates the form.

C. Subsequent to general anesthesia in an emergency situation, a licensed veterinarian shall have the owner or duly authorized agent of the owner execute an anesthesia consent form which shall comply with the requirements set forth in §1039.B above. A documented, good faith effort by the licensed veterinarian to obtain a signed anesthesia consent form shall be made within five days after the emergency anesthesia.

D. For purposes of §1039.B and C, a situation is an emergency when it is necessary to save an animal's life or relieve suffering by the provision of essential services.

E. In a non-emergency situation where circumstances render it impossible to have the owner or duly authorized agent execute the written anesthesia consent form prior to the administration of anesthesia, oral consent may be obtained from the owner or authorized agent, in which case the oral consent shall be witnessed by one person and documented in the patient’s medical record. The licensed veterinarian shall advise the owner or the authorized agent of the risks associated with the use of general anesthesia and that results cannot be guaranteed and shall obtain oral verification the owner or duly authorized agent has the authority to provide consent and understands the information provided.

F. Prior to the commencement of an euthanasia procedure, a licensed veterinarian shall meet personally with the owner or duly authorized agent of the owner and have him execute a euthanasia consent form which shall be placed in the patient's medical record. The euthanasia consent form shall be in writing and include the following:

1. the owner or duly authorized agent has the authority to execute the consent;

2. the owner or duly authorized agent gives full and complete authority to euthanize and dispose of the animal in whatever manner the veterinarian deems appropriate;

3. that to the best of the owner or duly authorized agent's knowledge that animal has not bitten any person or animal during the last 15 days prior to presentation and has not been exposed to rabies;

4. that the owner or duly authorized agent understands euthanasia as personally explained by the veterinarian and gives permission to end the animal's life; and

G. The licensed veterinarian may address the issues of civil liability, payment arrangements and/or other issues of concern in the anesthesia consent form and/or euthanasia consent form, however, the inclusion of such issues are at the discretion of the licensed veterinarian and are not required by the board to be addressed in the forms.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:230 (March 1990), amended LR 27:1238 ( August 2001), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1626 (November 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1041 Confidential Relationship

A. A licensed veterinarian shall not violate the confidential relationship between himself and his client.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:230 (March 1990), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:655 (May 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1045 Solicitors

A. Utilization of the services of solicitors is reprehensible in the veterinary profession. A licensed veterinarian shall not participate in arrangements which share the proceeds from professional services with individuals who may have been instrumental in his having been selected to perform the particular service.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:230 (March 1990), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:655 (May 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1047 Professional Advantage

A. Any veterinarian who uses present or past position or office of trust deliberately to create for himself any individual professional advantage or to coerce, or to deceive the public shall be in violation of the rules of professional conduct.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:231 (March 1990), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:655 (May 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1049 Sanitation Requirements

A. A licensed veterinarian is required to maintain his entire premises in such state of sanitation as to comply with the public health requirements of the city and/or parish in which located and/or the public health laws of the state of Louisiana.

B. Sanitary methods for the disposal of deceased animals shall be provided and maintained in compliance with all local and state health regulations.

C. Contaminated waste such as syringes, needles, surgical blades, and any contaminated materials shall be disposed of in accordance with local, state and federal laws.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:231 (March 1990), amended LR 19:1326 (October 1993), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:655 (May 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1051 Removal of Accreditation

A. A licensed veterinarian whose accreditation has been or is subject to being revoked or removed by state or federal authority may be subject to disciplinary action by the board upon proof of the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for removal or revocation of his accreditation.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:231 (March 1990), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1626 (November 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1053 Business Names

A. Business names used by veterinary facilities and licensed veterinarians should provide the general public and other practitioners with a clear understanding of the kind and extent of veterinary services being offered. The following provisions shall govern the selection and use of business names in the veterinary profession.

1. The business name of a hospital or clinic as defined and classified in §§700 and 711 of this Part:

a. shall include a combination of words, "animal" or "veterinary," in connection with the words, "hospital" or "clinic;" or

b. if a business name of a hospital or clinic as defined and classified in §§700 and 711 of this Part does not comply with §1053.A.1.a, there shall be a legible sign at the business entrance clearly identifying the facility as either a veterinary or animal hospital or clinic. The designation chosen shall be based on the standards set forth in §711 of this Part.

2. The business name of a mobile clinic as defined and classified in §§700 and 711 of this Part:

a. shall include a combination of words, "animal" or "veterinary" in connection with the words, "mobile clinic;" or

b. if the business name does not comply with §1053.A.2.a, a legible sign shall be placed at the business entrance of the mobile clinic identifying it as a veterinary or animal mobile clinic.

3. Any other business name used by a licensed veterinarian who does not operate a veterinary or animal hospital, clinic, or mobile clinic as defined and classified in §§700 and 711 of this Part must clearly indicate the kind and extent of veterinary medical services which are being offered to the public.

B. The name shall exclude the advertising of special services such as: boarding, grooming, clipping, or any special service, professional or nonprofessional.

C. In the event the clinic is incorporated without a change of name (with the exception of including the words, "incorporated" or "incorporation") or in the event the name is protected under the assumed name statutes of this state, then in either event the corporate name will be acceptable if used prior to the effective date of the Professional Incorporation Act or, in use of assumed names, if in compliance with the assumed name statutes prior to the effective date of this rule.

D. In instances where a clinic is limited exclusively in its practice to emergency service, the word "emergency" may be included in the name.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:231 (March 1990), amended LR 25:1249 (July 1999), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:656 (May 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1055 Controlled Substances

A. It is unprofessional conduct for a licensed veterinarian to fail to observe and/or comply with any and all provisions of Chapter 7 concerning the prescribing and dispensing of drugs.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:231 (March 1990), amended LR 19:1326 (October 1993), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:656 (May 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1057 Advertising

A. Advertising—newspaper, magazine, and periodical announcements and listings, radio and television; professional cards; professional announcement cards; office and other signs; letterheads; telephone listings; any electronic communications; and any other form of communication designed to inform the general public about the availability, nature, or prices of products or services or to attract clients.

B. Solicitation—advertising intentionally directed to specific individuals.

C. A veterinarian shall not, on behalf of himself, his partner, his associate, or any other veterinarian:

1. seek to attract clients as a private practitioner by any form of solicitation through the exertion of undue influence; or

2. communicate with any nonclient who has given the veterinarian notice that he does not want to receive communications from the veterinarian; or

3. use or participate in the use of any form of advertising or solicitation which contains a false, deceptive, or misleading statement or claim.

4. use any client details or photos in social media posts without client permission.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:231 (March 1990), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1627 (November 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1059 Particular Acts, Statements, or Situations Constituting "False, Deceptive, or Misleading Claim"

A.. "False, deceptive, or misleading statement or claim" includes, without limitation, a statement or claim which:

1. contains a prediction of future success or guarantees that satisfaction or a cure will result from the performance of professional services;

2. contains a testimonial about or endorsement of a veterinarian or a combination of a veterinarian's name or photograph and his identity as a veterinarian as part of a testimonial, endorsement, or sales promotion of a veterinary or nonveterinary product or service except that this prohibition does not apply to endorsements of valid, nonprofit charitable organizations whose purpose is to promote veterinary medicine and animal health;

3. refers to secret methods of treatment or special services which characterize the ways of a charlatan;

4. concerns illegal transactions;

5. is not identified as a paid advertisement or solicitation unless it is apparent from the context that it is a paid advertisement or solicitation;

6. contains statistical data or other information based on past performance or case reports;

7. contains a statement of opinion as to the quality of professional services or a representation regarding the quality of professional services which is not susceptible of verification to the public;

8. states or implies that a veterinarian is a certified or recognized specialist unless he is board certified in such specialty;

9. is intended or is likely to create an inflated or unjustified expectation;

10. contains a material misrepresentation of fact;

11. omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statement not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it is made;

12. would result in the violation of any law or regulation or a contractual or other obligation of any person through whom the veterinarian seeks to communicate;

13. contains a representation or implication that is likely to cause an ordinary prudent layman to misunderstand or be deceived or fails to contain reasonable warnings or disclaimers necessary to make a representation or implication not deceptive; or

14. relates to professional fees other than:

a. a statement of the fixed fee charged for a specific professional service, provided that the description of such services would not be misunderstood or be deceptive and that the statement indicates whether additional fees may be incurred for related professional services which may be required in individual cases; or

b. a statement of the range of fees for specifically described professional service, provided that there is reasonable disclosure of all relevant variables and considerations affecting the fees so that the statement would not be misunderstood or be deceptive, including, without limitation, an indication whether additional fees may be incurred for related professional services which may be required in individual cases.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:231 (March 1990), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:656 (May 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1061 Advertising Time Requirements

A. Any advertisement of price for routine veterinary services permitted under board rule shall be valid and binding on the advertising veterinarian for not less than six months following the date it is last offered, and the veterinarian offering same shall honor all client requests for such veterinary service made by veterinary clients within the six-month period following the last date such advertisement was presented to the public unless there is contained in the advertisement a specific time limitation on the availability of the service or product at the advertised price; further, all such services must be completed within a reasonable time from the first patient appointment or such patient's request for veterinary service.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:232 (March 1990), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:657 (May 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1063 Specialty List

A. A veterinarian holding a current certificate of special competence in a particular field of veterinary medicine issued by the board, recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association, may state in reputable veterinary directories and veterinary lists, notices mailed to veterinarians, clients, former clients, personal friends and relatives, the yellow pages of telephone directories distributed in the geographical area or areas in which the veterinarian resides or maintains offices or has his primary practice, and on professional cards or letterhead that he is certified in a particular field.

B. A veterinarian may not use the term specialist for an area of practice for which there is not AVMA recognized certification, nor may a veterinarian state or imply that he is a certified or recognized specialist unless he is board-certified in such specialty.

C. A diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners can claim only a specialty for the class of animals in which he specializes, not for medical specialties unless he is board-certified in those medical specialties.

D. The term specialty or specialists is not permitted to be used in the name of a veterinary hospital unless all veterinary staff are board-certified specialists.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518(A)(9).
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:232 (March 1990), amended LR 23:968 (August 1997), LR 24:335 (February 1998), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1627 (November 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1065 Other Governmental Agencies

A. It shall be considered unprofessional conduct for a veterinarian to violate any ordinance, regulation, rule, and/or law of any local, state or federal government or agency.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1326 (October 1993), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:657 (May 2024).

Chapter 12 Certified Animal Euthanasia Technicians

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1200 Definitions

A. All definitions used in this chapter shall have the meaning assigned to them in R.S. 37:1552. In addition, the following definitions shall be applied.

Certified Animal Euthanasia Technician—a person who is instructed in a board approved program in the proper methods of humanely euthanizing animals by injecting legal drugs in accordance with rules adopted by the board, in proper security precautions, in proper record keeping, and related skills, and who has been issued a certificate by the board. Only a certified animal euthanasia technician, registered veterinary technician (RVT), or veterinarian licensed by the board may legally perform pre-euthanasia chemical restraint and/or chemical euthanasia. Pre-euthanasia chemical restraint and/or chemical euthanasia cannot be delegated to another person who is not a certified animal euthanasia technician, registered veterinary technician (RVT), or veterinarian licensed by the board.

Contact Participation―physical attendance at seminars, lectures, conferences, or workshops.

Full Certification—a certificate of approval granted to an applicant who has fulfilled all requirements of this Chapter. Such certificates shall expire annually. The certificate shall entitle the CAET to perform pre-euthanasia chemical restraint and/or chemical euthanasia only at the facility site of the certificate holder’s employment, which may include an animal control shelter’s mobile vehicle, and only one certificate shall be issued to a certificate holder at any one time.

Lead Certified Animal Euthanasia Technician or Lead CAET—a CAET who also meets the requirements of R.S 37:1552(4). There shall be only one Lead CAET per animal control shelter or facility.

Online Participation―mediums regarded as online participation include:

a. pre-recorded, self-test audio or video presentations with third-party grading;

b. non-interactive audio or video presentations in real-time available via the internet; and

c. interactive or “live” audio or video presentations or webinars in real-time available via the internet.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1558.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1424 (November 1993), amended LR 26:317 (February 2000), LR 38:357 (February 2012), LR 40:309 (February 2014), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1138 (August 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1201 Applications for Certificate of Approval

A. The application for a certificate of approval to perform euthanasia in the state of Louisiana shall contain the information set forth in R.S. 37:1553, and shall include certification that the applicant has not performed euthanasia in this state without a certificate of approval.

B. In addition to the above requirements, the board may also require that any applicant furnish the following information or documentation:

1. a current passport-type photograph of the applicant;

2. a copy of an official birth certificate or a copy of a current driver's license as proof of attaining the age of 18 years in order to commence the application process, attend the required training course, sit for the certification examination and receive certification as a CAET or Lead CAET;

3. an official transcript of the applicant's high school records or photocopy of the applicant's high school diploma or GED or an official transcript or copy of a diploma indicating attendance at an institution of higher learning;

4. unless otherwise already in possession of the board, evidence that the applicant has successfully completed a board-approved program in animal euthanasia, which shall include instruction in the proper methods of humanely euthanizing animals by injecting legal drugs in accordance with rules adopted by the board, in proper security precautions, in proper record keeping, and related skills identified by the board;

5. a list of all professional certificates or licenses that the applicant currently holds and has previously held;

6. certification by the applicant that he has never been convicted, pled guilty or pled nolo contendere to either a felony or misdemeanor, other than a minor traffic violation. In the event that the applicant is unable to so certify, the board shall require the applicant to explain in full and/or provide further documentation;

7. certification by the applicant that he has never had certification as a certified animal euthanasia technician revoked, suspended, or denied. In the event that the applicant is unable to so certify, the board shall require the applicant to explain in full and/or provide further documentation;

8. a release waiver form to authorize a background check regarding the applicant's history with dangerous and/or controlled substances to be performed by the Drug Enforcement Administration or other law enforcement agency at the board's request. A photostatic copy of the applicant's authorization is accepted with the same authorization as the original. The background check must be successfully passed, which means that the Drug Enforcement Administration or other law enforcement agency has indicated to the board that the applicant has no previous criminal convictions involving dangerous and/or controlled substances; and

9. certification by the applicant that he has not violated or been subject to any of the grounds for denial of a certificate of approval as listed in R.S. 37:1554.

C. The board may require such application to be sworn to by the applicant, notarized, or attested to by the applicant under penalty of perjury.

D. The board may reject any applications which do not contain full and complete answers and/or information as requested and may reject any application, or take action against the certificate of approval of any certified animal euthanasia technician, if any information furnished in the application is fabricated, false, misleading, or incorrect.

E. The board shall reject the application of an applicant who has practiced veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, or euthanasia technology with sodium pentobarbital in this state without a certificate of approval during the one-year period immediately prior to the initial application submission date.

F. An application shall become expired if not completed by issuance of a certificate within one year from the initial application submission date. Once expired, the entire application process, including the payment of all applicable fees and completion of a board-approved course in animal euthanasia, shall begin anew.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1558.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1424 (November 1993), amended LR 26:317 (February 2000), LR 29:1479 (August 2003), LR 38:357 (February 2012), LR 40:310 (February 2014), effective July 1, 2024, amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:771 (June 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1203 Examinations

A. The board may formulate, administer and grade an examination (herein defined as such written examination, oral interviews, and/or practical demonstrations as the board may request or require) or may select an agency whose qualifications for performing any or all of theses functions are recognized by the board and charge said agency with the formulation, administration and/or grading of the examination.

B. All applicants for full certification must take and pass the examination(s) adopted by the board.

C. The administration of the examination(s) shall be in accordance with rules, practices, policies, or procedures prescribed by the board or by the designees of the board or by any person or person with whom the board may have contracted to administer said exam. The exam may be administered by members of the board or any of the agents, employees, or designees of the board.

D. The examination may be prepared, administered and graded by the members of the board or may be prepared, administered and/or graded, in whole or in part, by any person, firm, corporation or other entity selected, requested or designated to do so by the board.

E. The course shall consist of presentations in the areas of legal concerns (Veterinary Practice Act), record-keeping requirements (Veterinary Practice Act and DEA), human safety, and a general knowledge of sodium pentobarbital and proper euthanasia techniques.

F. The administration of the course shall be in accordance with rules, practices, policies, or procedures prescribed by the board or its designees. Instruction may be provided by the members of the board or any agent, employee, or designee of the board.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1558.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1424 (November 1993), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:1342 (September 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1205 Passing Scores

A. A passing score on any written and/or oral portions of the examination shall be deemed to be the correct answering of 70 percent of the questions contained on that portion of the examination.

B. A passing grade on the practical portion of the examination will be determined by the successful completion of a series of hands-on demonstrations which indicate that the applicant has been properly trained in procedures which will enable him to safely and effectively perform humane euthanasia with sodium pentobarbital.

C. Applicants who fail to achieve a passing score on any portion of the examination, either written or practical, will not be eligible for a certificate of approval nor may they apply for a temporary certificate of approval.

D. Appeals concerning the examination must be made in writing to the board within 30 days of the administration of the examination. All such formal appeals will be reviewed at the next available meeting of the board. The board may call witnesses and/or hold public hearings as it deems necessary although it is not required to do so unless otherwise specified by statute. The decision of the board regarding such appeals is final.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1558.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1425 (November 1993), amended LR 26:318 (February 2000), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:1342 (September 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1207 Certificates without Examination

A. The board shall not issue full certificates of approval without examination under any circumstances, except as provided in this Chapter.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1558.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1425 (November 1993), amended LR 26:318 (February 2000), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:1343 (September 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1209 Pre-Euthanasia Restraint

A. Euthanasia by intracardiac injection on cats and dogs shall be prohibited unless the animal is unconscious or rendered completely unconscious and insensitive to pain through the injection of an anesthetic. Such prohibition is applicable to animal control shelters and their animals located on site as well as their animals which may be transported to a veterinary clinic for euthanasia. Temporary transfer of ownership of the animal to the veterinarian by the animal control shelter for euthanasia by cardiac injection is a violation of the law. The performance of euthanasia by intracardiac injection in violation of this section by a CAET and/or veterinarian is sanctionable.

B. A CAET (lead status or otherwise) shall not use any drug for purposes of sedation, or any form of anesthesia, since sedation is beyond the permissible scope of euthanasia practice for this certificate holder. However, Acepromazine, Rompun (xylazine), or Domitor (medetomidine) which are non-controlled drugs, may be legally used by CAETs for pre-euthanasia restraint of feral/fractious animals. If an animal control shelter’s animal must be sedated/anesthetized pursuant to Subsection A above, then a LA licensed veterinarian must perform this service.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1558.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 38:357 (February 2012), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 52:1327 (August 2026).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1211 Fees for Certified Animal Euthanasia Technicians

A. The board hereby adopts and establishes the following fees for the CAET program.

Application Fee

$25

Course Fee

$80

Annual Renewal of Certificate

$50

Examination Fee

$50

Late Renewal Fee

$25

Original Fee - Full Certification

$50

B. Any certificate renewed after the published expiration date stated in R.S. 37:1546 shall be subject to an additional late renewal fee of $25 for each applicable expired year.

C. Disciplinary action may be taken and additional fines levied by the board against any person who willfully or by neglect fails to renew a certificate by the renewal deadline, including submission of all satisfactory documentation of continuing education compliance, and performs any duties of a CAET after the expiration of his certificate.

D. Any late fees and/or fines assessed by the board shall be paid before the renewal is approved.

E. The board may direct that examination fees be assigned or remitted directly to the agency selected to prepare, administer, and score the examination in animal euthanasia. Said agency may not assess fees in addition to those set by the board..

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1558.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1425 (November 1993), amended LR 26:318 (February 2000), LR 38:358 (February 2012), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 52:1326 (August 2026).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1213 Certificate Renewals

A. Annual Renewal of Certificates. Pursuant to R.S. 37:1555, all certificates of approval expire annually at midnight (central time) on September 30 of each year and must be renewed by making application for renewal of certificate with the board, submitting all satisfactory documentation of continuing education compliance, and payment of the annual renewal fee(s). A complete application for renewal must be submitted to the board or the certificate shall be expired. For an application for renewal to be considered complete, all of the following conditions must be fully met:

1. application for renewal must be received by September 30 of the year of application for renewal;

2. full payment of renewal fee must be received;

3. all satisfactory documentation of compliance with continuing education requirements in accordance with Chapter 4 of this Part must be received; and

4. if applicable, full payment of late continuing education fee and any other disciplinary fines must be received.

B. Renewal of Expired Certificates. A certificate which has expired may be renewed within one year of the date of its expiration by submitting an application for renewal which meets the following conditions:

1. application for renewal must be received;

2. full payment of current renewal fee must be received;

3. all satisfactory documentation of compliance with continuing education requirements, for the current year and all delinquent years, in accordance with §1227 must be received; and

4. if applicable, late continuing education fee(s) must be received.

C. Any application for renewal not completed pursuant to §1213.A by midnight on September 30 of each year shall be subject to all accrued fees and an additional late renewal fee of $25 per fiscal year.

D. Re-registration forms for renewal of certificates of approval, complete with payment of fee and any other documents required by this Chapter, shall be postmarked no later than the expiration date of the license each year. Re-registration forms postmarked after midnight of the expiration date will be subject to a late renewal fee as established by the board. This fee is in addition to the regular fee for annual renewal.

E. Notice

1. A person failing to renew his certificate shall receive one notification via certified mail, return receipt requested. Such notice shall be mailed within 10 days after expiration of the certificate and will advise that any person who shall practice as a certified animal euthanasia technician after the expiration of his certificate and willfully or by neglect fails to renew such certificate shall be guilty of practicing in violation of R.S. 37:1554.

2. After one year has elapsed since the date of expiration, a certificate may not be renewed. No later than 60 days prior to the end of the one-year period, the board shall mail notice via certified mail, return receipt requested, to the person holding such expired certificate. Such notice shall state that if the certificate is not renewed prior to the end of the one-year period, the certificate shall be permanently removed from the board's rolls and that the holder shall be required to make application for a new certificate.

F. It is the duty of the certificate holder to maintain current contact details with the board office.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1558.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1426 (November 1993), amended LR 23:1685 (December 1997), LR 26:319 (February 2000), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 52:211 (February 2026).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1217 Revoked Certificate

A. A person whose certificate of approval has been revoked pursuant to R.S. 37:1554 must reapply for a new certificate.

B. A person whose certificate of approval has been revoked pursuant to R.S. 37:1554 shall not be issued a new certificate unless approved by a majority of the quorum of the board.

C. The identifying number of a revoked certificate of approval shall not be issued to any person other than the original holder of that number.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1558.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 26:319 (February 2000), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:1343 (September 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1219 Appeals and Review

A. Any applicant for a certificate of approval desiring to review his examination and/or the master answer sheet and/or the examination questions shall make arrangements with the board, its agent, designee or any other person, firm, corporation, or entity charged with the preparation, grading and/or administration of the course for such review.

B. Persons Aggrieved by a Decision of the Board

1. Any certified animal euthanasia technician aggrieved by a decision of the board, other than a holder of a certificate of approval against whom disciplinary proceedings have been brought pursuant to R.S. 37:1551 et seq., may, within 30 days of notification of the board's action or decision, petition the board for a review of the board's actions.

2. A petition shall be in the form of a letter, signed by the person aggrieved, and mailed to the board at its principal office.

3. Upon receipt of such petition, the board may proceed to take such action as it deems expedient or hold such hearings as may be necessary, and may review such testimony and/or documents and/or records as it deems necessary to dispose of the matter, but the board shall not, in any event, be required to conduct any hearings or investigations, or consider any offerings, testimony, or evidence unless so required by statute or other rules or regulations of the board.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1558.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1426 (November 1993), amended LR 25:2227 (November 1999), LR 26:319 (February 2000).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1221 Disciplinary Proceedings

A. Any CAET against whom disciplinary proceedings have been instituted and against whom disciplinary action has been taken by the board pursuant to R.S. 37:1551 et seq., and/or the board's rules, shall have rights of review and/or rehearing and/or appeal in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act and §1401 et seq., of the board's rules.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1558.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 25:2227 (November 1999), amended LR 26:319 (February 2000).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1223 Maintenance and Security of Sodium Pentobarbital

A. Storage. All sodium pentobarbital shall be stored either in a securely locked cabinet which is of substantial construction or in a safe or in a locked metal cabinet. The cabinet, safe or locker shall be locked at all times. The CAET(s) shall have the responsibility for the safe-keeping of the keys and/or combination to the cabinet, safe, or locker.

B. Usage Log

1. A usage log shall be maintained to account for the use of each cubic centimeter (cc) or parts thereof of sodium pentobarbital. The log shall include:

a. the date of usage;

b. the lot number and bottle number used;

c. the amount (in cc's) of usage;

d. the tag number or other identification number for the animal;

e. the name of the person who drew the sodium pentobarbital;

f. any amount of drug wasted, spilled, or lost; and

g. the name of a witness to the waste, spillage, or loss of sodium pentobarbital.

2. The usage log shall be maintained on a standardized form provided by the board or its designated agent. Copies of the log so provided may be made by the shelter.

3. Usage logs shall be made available to any official of the Drug Enforcement Administration without prior notification.

C. Inventory

1. A perpetual inventory of all sodium pentobarbital shall be maintained. An initial inventory must be conducted when a CAET first obtains a DEA registration and/or Louisiana Controlled Dangerous Substances License. A physical inventory shall be conducted every three months.

2. The inventory shall indicate the amount of sodium pentobarbital ordered, the amount presently on hand, the amount used for euthanasia, the amount lost due to spillage or waste, the amount lost due to the drug's expiration, and the time of day the inventory was taken.

3. The inventory shall be made and signed by the certified animal euthanasia technician(s) or licensed veterinarian who is the registrant of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

4. Upon written request from either the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine or the Department of Health and Hospitals, the certified animal euthanasia technician shall provide a copy of the inventory records.

5. Inventory logs shall be made available to any official of the Drug Enforcement Administration without prior notification.

6. The inventory log shall be maintained on a standardized form provided by the board or its designee. Copies of the form so provided may be made by the shelter.

D. Orders, Destruction, and Thefts

1. Placing Orders. All sodium pentobarbital must be purchased by way of a DEA 222 Order Form. Alterations and scratch-outs are not allowed on this form. If a mistake is made on the form, "void" must be written on the form and the form must be maintained in the file.

2. Receiving Orders. The date and amounts received must be logged in on the order form.

3. Returns of Sodium Pentobarbital to Suppliers. If sodium pentobarbital must be returned to a supplier or transferred to another person possessing a DEA registration and Louisiana Controlled Dangerous Substances License, the supplier or person to whom the drugs are transferred must complete a DEA 222 Order Form. Both the person returning or transferring the sodium pentobarbital and the recipient must maintain a copy of the DEA 222 Form.

4. Destruction of Sodium Pentobarbital. Sodium pentobarbital shall not be destroyed without the prior approval of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Any destruction approved must be witnessed by a law enforcement officer.

5. Any theft of sodium pentobarbital must be reported to the local police, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Louisiana Controlled Dangerous Substances Program.

E. Record Retention. All controlled substances records, including, but not limited to, inventory documents, usage logs, order forms, reports of theft or destruction of controlled substances, must be maintained for a minimum of five years plus the current calendar year.

F. Leaving Employment. A CAET registered with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration who leaves employment at a registration site must return his DEA registration any unused DEA Order Form 222s to the DEA. A CAET licensed with the Louisiana Controlled Dangerous Substances Program who leaves employment at a licensed site must return his license to the Louisiana Controlled Dangerous Substances Program.

G. Changing Site Address. It is the responsibility of the CAET registered with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration or licensed by the Louisiana Controlled Dangerous Substances Program to inform in writing either or both of those agencies if the address of the site at which he is registered or licensed changes. The written notification must include the name of the CAET, his registration or license number, the current address of the site, the pending new address of the site, the site name, and the signature of the CAET. Written notification must be submitted to the Drug Enforcement Administration and/or Louisiana Controlled Dangerous Substances Program prior to the relocation of the site.

H. Failure of a CAET to comply with any and all provisions of this Section shall be considered a violation of the rules of professional conduct within the meaning of R.S. 37:1554.A.(12).

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1558.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1426 (November 1993), amended LR 26:319 (February 2000).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1225 Responsibilities of a Lead CAET

A. Designation

1. Pursuant to R.S. 37:1552(4), a person seeking designation as a Lead CAET must submit the following to the board:

a. a completed application form approved by the board which shall be sworn to and notarized before a Louisiana notary public;

b. a copy of his current Louisiana state controlled dangerous substances license;

c. a copy of his current registration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration;

d. documentation from the sponsor of a board-approved chemical capture training course that:

i. he has completed the chemical capture training course; or

ii. until December 31, 2000, if a designee applicant completed a chemical capture training course prior to August 1, 2000, he may submit documentation of such completion along with information concerning the content of the course to the board; the board may approve the course and accept it as sufficient to meet the requirements of R.S. 37:1552(4)(c).

B. Legal Drugs. Pursuant to R.S. 37:1556.B, those controlled substances a Lead CAET may legally order and maintain for the sole purpose of restraining, capturing and euthanizing animals shall be limited to the following:

1. sodium pentobarbital at a minimum strength of six grains per milliliter;

2. tiletamine hydrochloride and zolazepam hydrochloride; and

3. ketamine hydrochloride.

C. Providing Chemical Capture Drugs

1. A Lead CAET shall provide chemical capture drugs only to persons who have completed a board-approved training course in the use of chemical capture drugs.

2. Prior to transferring chemical capture drugs to a person who has completed a board-approved training course in the use of chemical capture drugs, a Lead CAET shall have and maintain on file documentation from the sponsor of the board-approved course that the person completed the course. Until December 31, 2000, if a person to whom the Lead CAET provides chemical capture drugs completed a chemical capture training course prior to August 1, 2000, the Lead CAET may submit documentation of such completion along with information concerning the content of the course to the board. The board may approve the course and accept it as sufficient to meet the requirements of R.S. 37:1556.B.(4).

3. Prior to ordering, maintaining, or providing any controlled substance under his own authority to another person, the lead CAET must be registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and licensed by the state controlled dangerous substances program at the shelter location where the drugs will be stored and administered.

4. The Lead CAET must maintain and store the controlled substances allowed for use under §1225.B in a manner which meets or exceeds the requirements of all federal or state drug enforcement agencies, including storage of controlled substances in a securely locked, substantially constructed cabinet and the keeping of a perpetual inventory as required by LAC 48:I.Chapter 39.

5. Use of controlled substances allowed under §1225.B shall be documented to include, but not limited to:

a. date of each use of the drug;

b. species of animal;

c. estimated weight of animal;

d. dose administered;

e. name of animal control officer to whom the drug was transferred and who administered the drug;

f. a perpetual (running) inventory of the drug present at the facility; and

g. both the Lead CAET and person to whom the drug is transferred shall sign a drug sign-out document each time the drug is transferred for use.

6. The Lead CAET shall review each use of the controlled substances allowed under §1225.B and the Lead CAET shall initial the usage log entries to indicate this review. A review of the usage logs shall be made at least quarterly and the quantities of drug used and on hand shall be tallied and authenticated. Any variance shall be noted in the log and steps should be taken and documented to correct the problem.

7. Any removal of the controlled substances allowed under §1225.B from the securely locked, substantially constructed cabinet shall be in minimal amounts, shall be maintained in a locked container when not in use, and shall be documented in a manner to include, but not be limited to:

a. a signed log indicating the person removing the drug;

b. the date on which the drug was removed;

c. an accounting for all drug used and the amount returned;

d. the date on which the remaining drug was returned and the signature of the person returning it.

8. This Section does not pertain to any drug(s) listed in any DEA classification schedule (also known as controlled drugs) or state of Louisiana classification schedule, except those allowed under §1225.B.

D. Failure of a Lead CAET to comply with any and all provisions of §1223 and §1225 shall be considered a violation of the rules of professional conduct within the meaning of R.S. 37:1554.A.(12).

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1558.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 26:320 (February 2000).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1227 Continuing Education

A. Basic Requirements

1. A minimum of 6 actual hours is required each fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) as a prerequisite for annual renewal of certification; however, a maximum of 3 hours shall be earned for each fiscal period (July 1 to June 30) through online participation as defined in LAC 46:LXXXV.1200. An CAET who fails to obtain a minimum of 6 continuing education hours within the applicable fiscal period will not meet the requirements for renewal of his certificate.

2.a. Proof of attendance for all completed continuing education activity shall be submitted annually for each renewal period and shall include the following:

i. the CAET’s full name;

ii. the name of the course/program;

iii. the name of the sponsor and/or presenter;

iv. the date(s) of attendance;

v. the total number of hours completed;

vi. the delivery method; and

vii. the specific subject matter completed.

b. All completed proof of attendance must be submitted to the board by September 30.

3. All hours shall be obtained in the 12 months preceding the renewal period of the certificate. Hours taken prior to the 12-month continuing education period shall not be accepted. Hours taken after the beginning of the renewal period shall be considered late. Hours submitted late, if accepted by the board, cannot be applied to other renewal periods.

4. Each CAET must fulfill his annual educational requirements at his own expense or through a sponsoring agency other than the board. Any registration fee(s) for his annual continuing veterinary education requirements are not included in the annual renewal fee.

5. Presenters of an approved continuing education program may not submit hours for their presentation of, or preparation for, the program as continuing education hours.

B. Approved Continuing Education Programs. It shall be the duty of the board to approve all continuing veterinary education programs for which credit shall be given to Louisiana certified animal euthanasia technicians as follows.

1. Hours may be taken from any programs accepted by another state’s regulatory board of veterinary medicine, a governmental entity, and/or AAVSB, as well as those programs sponsored by AVMA accredited schools of veterinary medicine and/or any professional associations recognized by the board shall be accepted as units or hours of annual continuing education with the subject matter content properly addressing the duties of a certified animal euthanasia technician. All other continuing education programs must be approved by the board prior to attendance with the subject matter content properly addressing the duties of a certified animal euthanasia technician. Those continuing education programs not timely submitted in accordance with Subsection C below will not be allowed for annual continuing education credit.

2. The list of programs for which pre-approval has been granted will be updated as needed and published by the board on its website, as well as those programs which are accepted by another state’s regulatory board of veterinary medicine, a governmental entity, and/or AAVSB, and those programs sponsored by AVMA accredited schools of veterinary medicine and/or any professional associations recognized by the board.

3. Additions to the list of pre-approved programs may be requested by writing to the board office and submitting all required documentation. All programs not on the pre-approved list must be submitted for pre-approval at least 14 days prior to the date of the program for the units or hours to be credited. Pre-approval may be obtained by writing or calling the board office during regular business hours.

4. In order to qualify for board approval, all continuing education programs must be open by invitation/advertisement to interested certified animal euthanasia technicians in general.

C. Non-Compliance with Continuing Education Requirements

1. Non-compliance with these rules shall be considered to be a violation of R.S. 37:1526(14).

2. Failure to submit proof of attendance for continuing education hours by the September 30 deadline pursuant to Subsection A or falsifying certification shall be considered a violation of R.S. 37:1526(14) and/or (15).

3. Failure to obtain the required number of hours in the specified time period shall be considered a violation of the rules of professional conduct. An extension of no more than 90 days after the September 30 certificate expiration date may be granted by petitioning the board in accordance with Paragraph 4 below.

4. The board may grant an extension of no more than 90 days for extenuating circumstances. The CAET requesting the extension must petition the board at least 30 days prior to the September 30 certificate expiration date. The board may require whatever documentation it deems necessary to verify the circumstances necessitating the extension.

5. A CAET who fails to obtain the required minimum of 6 approved hours within the prescribed 12-month period will not meet the requirements for renewal of his certificate. Such a certificate shall expire on September 30 for any CAET who does not timely and properly comply with the annual continuing education requirements. Thereafter, a CAET may apply for renewal of his expired certificate; however, he shall be unable to lawfully perform the allowed duties of a CAET and may be subject to disciplinary action by the board, until such time as the requirements for renewal have been met and documented to the satisfaction of the board.

D. The promulgation of rule amendments by the board published in the Louisiana Register on January 20, 2011 shall become effective for the period of time (July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011) for the 2011-2012 annual certificate renewal and every annual certificate renewal period thereafter.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1558.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 26:321 (February 2000), amended LR 36:320 (February 2010), LR 37:1153 (April 2011), amended by the Department of Health, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 44:588 (March 2018), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:1138 (August 2024).

Chapter 13 Zoo Personnel

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1300 Definitions

Chemical Restraint Drugs—legend or scheduled (controlled) drugs used in the capture and/or restraint of dangerous animals.

Dangerous Animal—a zoo animal which poses a threat or risk of harm to a human being, to itself, to another animal, to zoo property, or to private property.

Licensed Veterinarian or Veterinarian—a veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Louisiana as provided in R.S. 37:1513(6).

Storage and Use Plan—a written protocol stating the storage, inventory, and record keeping requirements for the use of chemical restraint drugs used in the capture of dangerous animals.

Trained Layperson—an employee of a zoo who has been trained by a licensed veterinarian according to the requirements of §1303 of this Chapter.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1429 (November 1993), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:773 (June 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1301 Administration of Chemical Restraint Drugs

A. A trained layperson may administer chemical restraint drugs to a dangerous animal when said animal has escaped from its usual area of confinement in a zoo.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1429 (November 1993), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:773 (June 2024).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1303 Training Requirements for Zoo Personnel

A. Laypersons who are employed by a zoo and who will administer chemical restraint drugs must be trained by a veterinarian.

B. Trained by a veterinarian means:

1. that the veterinarian has provided the employee with:

a. a list of each species of animal which may require capture by the use of chemical restraint drugs;

b. the specific drug to be used on a particular species; and

c. the specific amount, listed in cc's, of said drug for each species with an appropriate dosage range to account for the varying weights for the particular animal which necessitates capture by chemical restraint drugs;

2. that the veterinarian has demonstrated to the employee the safe and proper use of capture equipment.

C. Prior to administering any chemical restraint drug, a layperson newly employed by a zoo must successfully complete a board-approved chemical capture training course. The licensed veterinarian at the zoo shall submit to the board the trained layperson’s certificate of completion which shall include the following:

1. the trained layperson’s full name;

2. the name of the course/program;

3. the name of the training veterinarian;

4. the date(s) of attendance; and

5. the total number of hours completed;

D. All trained laypersons must successfully complete a board-approved chemical capture course at least once every three consecutive calendar years. Within 60 days after a layperson completes the course, the zoo’s supervising licensed veterinarian must submit the certificate of completion to the board. The certificate must include all information required under §1303.C of this Section.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1429 (November 1993), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:773 (June 2024), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 52:1118 (July 2026).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1305 Protocols and Plans

A. An escape and capture protocol to be used by the veterinarian in the training of zoo employees shall be submitted to the board for approval every five years from the date of initial board approval.

B. A storage and use plan for capture drugs which meets or exceeds the requirements of all federal drug enforcement agencies and the standards for record keeping found in Chapter 7 of these rules shall be submitted to the board for the board's approval every five years from the date of initial board approval.

1. Use plans shall include a requirement that each use of a controlled substance shall be documented for review by the licensed veterinarian responsible for the purchase and inventory of that drug.

2. Review of each use shall be indicated on the usage log by providing a place for the responsible veterinarian to enter his or her initials.

C. An inventory protocol for all capture drugs which meets or exceeds the requirements of all federal drug enforcement agencies and the standards for prescribing and dispensing drugs found in Chapter 7 of these rules shall be submitted to the board for the board's approval every five years from the date of initial board approval.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1430 (November 1993), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:773 (June 2024), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 52:1118 (July 2026).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1307 Penalties

A. Failure of a licensed veterinarian to comply with any or all provisions of this Chapter shall be considered a violation of the rules of professional conduct. Said veterinarian may be subject to disciplinary action as provided for in R.S. 37:1518 and 1526.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 19:1430 (November 1993), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 50:773 (June 2024).

Chapter 14 Disciplinary Procedures

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1401 Causes for Administrative Action

A. The board, after due notice and hearing as set forth herein and the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:950 et seq., may deny, revoke or suspend any license, temporary permit, or certification issued or applied for or otherwise discipline a licensed veterinarian, registered veterinary technician or certified animal euthanasia technician on a finding that the person has violated the Louisiana Veterinary Practice Act, any of the rules and regulations promulgated by the board, the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the American Veterinary Medical Association, or prior final decisions and/or consent orders involving the licensed veterinarian, registered veterinary technician or certified animal euthanasia technician or applicant. Sometimes hereinafter in this Chapter, where the context allows, a licensed veterinarian, registered veterinary technician or certified animal euthanasia technician or applicant may be referred to as "person."

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 25:2227 (November 1999).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1403 Disciplinary Process and Procedures

A. The purpose of the following rules and regulations is to supplement and effectuate the applicable provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:950 et seq., regarding the disciplinary process and procedures incident thereto. These rules and regulations are not intended to amend or repeal the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, and to the extent any of these rules and regulations are in conflict therewith, the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act shall govern.

B. A disciplinary proceeding, including the formal hearing, is less formal than a judicial proceeding. It is not subject to strict rules and technicalities, but must be conducted in accordance with considerations of fair play and constitutional requirements of due process.

C. The purpose of a disciplinary proceeding is to determine contested issues of law and fact; whether the person did certain acts or omissions and, if he did, whether those acts or omissions violated the Louisiana Veterinary Practice Act, the rules and regulations of the board, the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the American Veterinary Medical Association, or prior Final Decisions and/or Consent Orders involving the veterinarian, registered veterinary technician or certified animal euthanasia technician or applicant and to determine the appropriate disciplinary action.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 25:2227 (November 1999).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1405 Initiation of Complaints

A. Complaints may be initiated by any person or by the board on its own initiative.

B. All complaints shall be addressed confidential and shall be sent to the board office. The investigating board member, with benefit of counsel, shall decide to investigate the charges or deny the charges. If the charges are denied, a letter of denial is prepared and forwarded to the complainant and the person accused of wrongdoing. If the investigating board member decides to investigate, the person shall be notified that allegations have been made that he may have committed a breach of statute, rule and regulation, the American Veterinary Medical Association's Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics, and/or prior final decisions or consent orders and that he must respond in writing to the board within a specified time period. The response is to be made to the board office address. The complaint letter of alleged violations shall not be given initially to the person. However, sufficiently specific allegations shall be conveyed to the person for his response. Once the person has answered the complaint, and other pertinent information, if available, is reviewed, a determination by the investigating board member, with benefit of counsel, will be made if a disciplinary proceeding is required.

C. Pursuant to its authority to regulate the industry, the board through its investigating board member, may issue subpoenas to secure evidence of alleged violations of the Louisiana Veterinary Practice Act, any of the rules and regulations promulgated by the board, the American Veterinary Medical Association's Principles of Veterinarian Medical Ethics, or prior final decisions and/or consent orders involving the licensed veterinarian, registered veterinary technician or certified animal euthanasia technician or applicant.

D. Counsel referenced in this Chapter shall mean the board's General Counsel who will be assisting in the investigation and prosecution of an administrative action. Said counsel shall not provide any legal advices or act as legal counsel to the board or its members, other than the investigating board member, regarding a pending administrative action during the investigation, prosecution and resolution of such disciplinary action by the board.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 25:2227 (November 1999).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1407 Informal Disposition of Complaints

A. Some complaints may be settled informally by the board and the person accused of a violation without a formal hearing. The following types of informal dispositions may be utilized.

1. Disposition by Correspondence. For complaints less serious, the investigating board member may write to the person explaining the nature of the complaint received. The person's subsequent response may satisfactorily explain the situation, and the matter may be closed. If the situation is not satisfactorily explained, it shall be pursued through an informal conference or formal hearing.

2. Informal Conference

a. The investigating board member may hold a conference with the person in lieu of, or in addition to, correspondence in cases of less serious complaints. If the situation is satisfactorily explained in conference, a formal hearing is not scheduled.

b. The person shall be given adequate notice of the conference, of the issues to be discussed, and of the fact that information brought out at the conference may later be used in a formal hearing. Board members, other than the investigating board member, may not be involved in informal conferences.

3. Settlement. An agreement worked out between the person making the complaint and the person accused of a violation does not preclude disciplinary action by the board. The nature of the offense alleged and the evidence before the board must be considered.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 25:2228 (November 1999).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1409 Formal Hearing

A. The board has the authority, granted by R.S. 37:1511 et seq., to bring administrative proceedings against persons to whom it has issued a license, temporary permit or certification or any applicant requesting a license, temporary permit or certification. The person has the right to appear and be heard, either in person or by counsel; the right of notice; a statement of what accusations have been made; the right to present evidence and to cross-examine; and the right to have witnesses subpoenaed.

B. If the person does not appear, either in person or through counsel, after proper notice has been given, the person may be considered to have waived these rights and the board may proceed with the hearing without the presence of the person.

C. The process of administrative action shall include certain steps and may include other steps as follows.

1. The board receives a complaint alleging that a person has acted in violation of the Louisiana Veterinary Practice Act, the rules and regulations of the board, or the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Communications from the complaining party shall not be revealed to any person until and unless a formal complaint is filed except those documents being subpoenaed by a court.

2.a. The complaint is investigated by the investigating board member or board attorney to determine if there is sufficient evidence to warrant disciplinary proceedings. No board member, other than the investigating board member, may communicate with any party to a proceeding or his representative concerning any issue of fact or law involved in that proceeding.

b. A decision to initiate a formal complaint or charge is made if one or more of the following conditions exist:

i. the complaint is sufficiently serious;

ii. the person fails to respond to the board's correspondence concerning the complaint;

iii. the person's response to the board's letter or investigation demand is not convincing that no action is necessary; or

iv. an informal approach is used, but fails to resolve all of the issues.

3. A sworn complaint is filed, charging the violation of one or more of the provisions of the Louisiana Veterinary Practice Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereto, the American Veterinary Medical Association's Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics, or prior final decisions and/or consent orders involving the person.

4. A time and place for a hearing is fixed by the chairman or an agent of the board.

5.a. At least 20 days prior to the date set for the hearing, a copy of the charges and a notice of the time and place of the hearing are sent by certified mail to the last known address of the person accused. If the mailing is not returned to the board, it is assumed to have been received. It is the person's obligation to keep the board informed of his whereabouts.

b. The content of the charges limits the scope of the hearing and the evidence which may be introduced. The charges may be amended at any time up to 10 days prior to the date set for the hearing.

c. If the board is unable to describe the matters involved in detail at the time the sworn complaint is filed, this complaint may be limited to a general statement of the issues involved. Thereafter, upon the person's request, the board shall supply a more definite and detailed statement to the person.

6. Except for extreme emergencies, motions requesting a continuance of a hearing shall be filed at least five days prior to the time set for the hearing. The motion shall contain the reason for the request, which reason must have relevance to due process.

7.a. The chairman, or an authorized agent of the board, issues subpoenas for the board for disciplinary proceedings, and when requested to do so, may issue subpoenas for the other party. Subpoenas include:

i. a subpoena requiring a person to appear and give testimony; and

ii. a subpoena duces tecum, which requires that a person produce books, records, correspondence, or other materials over which he has custody.

b. A motion to limit or quash a subpoena may be filed with the board, but not less than 72 hours prior to the hearing.

8. a. The hearing is held, at which time the board's primary role is to hear evidence and argument, and to reach a decision. Any board member who, because of bias or interest, is unable to assure a fair hearing, shall be recused from the particular proceeding. The reasons for the recusal are made part of the record. Should the majority of the board members be recused for a particular proceeding, the governor shall be requested to appoint a sufficient number of pro tem members to obtain a quorum for the proceeding.

b. The board is represented by its agent who conducted the investigation and presents evidence that disciplinary action should be taken against the person and/or by the board's attorney. The person may present evidence personally or through an attorney, and witnesses may testify on behalf of the person.

c. Evidence includes the following:

i. oral testimony given by witnesses at the hearing, except that, for good cause, testimony may be taken by deposition (cost of the deposition is borne by requesting party);

ii. documentary evidence, i.e., written or printed materials including public, business, institutional records, books and reports;

iii. visual, physical and illustrative evidence;

iv. admissions, which are written or oral statements of a party made either before or during the hearing;

v. facts officially noted into the record, usually readily determined facts making proof of such unnecessary; and/or

vi. other items or things allowed into evidence by the Louisiana Evidence Code or applicable statutory law or jurisprudence.

d. All testimony is given under oath. If the witness objects to swearing, the word "affirm" may be substituted.

9. The chairman of the board presides and the customary order of proceedings at a hearing is as follows:

a. the board's representative makes an opening statement of what he intends to prove, and what action, he wants the board to take;

b. the person, or his attorney, makes an opening statement, explaining why he believes that the charges against him are not legally founded;

c. the board's representative presents the case against the person;

d. the person, or his attorney, cross-examines;

e. the person presents evidence;

f. the board's representative cross-examines;

g. the board's representative rebuts the person's evidence;

h. both parties make closing statements. The board's representative makes the initial closing statement and the final statement.

10. Motions may be made before, during, or after a hearing. All motions shall be made at an appropriate time according to the nature of the request. Motions made before or after the hearing shall be in writing. Those made during the course of the hearing may be made orally since they become part of the record of the proceeding.

11.a. The record of the hearing shall include:

i. all papers filed and served in the proceeding;

ii. all documents and/or other materials accepted as evidence at the hearing;

iii. statements of matters officially noticed;

iv. notices required by the statutes or rules; including notice of the hearing;

v. affidavits of service or receipts for mailing or process or other evidence of service;

vi. stipulations, settlement agreements or consent orders, if any;

vii. records of matters agreed upon at a prehearing conference;

viii. reports filed by the hearing officer, if one is used;

ix. orders of the board and its final decision;

x. actions taken subsequent to the decision, including requests for reconsideration and rehearing;

xi. a transcript of the proceedings, if one has been made, or a tape recording or stenographic record.

b. The record of the proceeding shall be retained until the time for any appeal has expired, or until the appeal has been concluded. The record is not transcribed unless a party to the proceeding so requests, and the requesting party pays for the cost of the transcript.

12.a. The decision of the board shall be reached according to the following process:

i. determine the facts at issue on the basis of the evidence submitted at the hearing;

ii. determine whether the facts in the case support the charges brought against the person; and

iii. determine whether charges brought are in violation of the Louisiana Veterinary Practice Act, rules and regulations of the board, and/or the American Veterinary Medical Association's Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics.

b. Deliberation

i. The board will deliberate in closed session.

ii. The board will vote on each charge as to whether the charge has been supported by the evidence. The standard will be "preponderance of the evidence."

iii. After considering each charge, the board will vote on a resolution to dismiss the charges, deny, revoke or suspend any license, temporary permit or certification issued or applied for or otherwise discipline a person or applicant. An affirmative vote of a majority of the quorum of the board shall be needed to deny, revoke, or suspend any license, temporary permit or certification issued or applied for in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter or otherwise discipline a person or applicant. The investigating board member shall not be involved in or present during deliberation, nor shall he be included in the quorum or allowed to vote on the outcome of the proceeding.

c. Sanctions against the person who is party to the proceeding are based upon findings of fact and conclusions of law determined as a result of the hearing, and will be issued by the board in accordance with applicable statutory authority. The party is notified by mail of the final decision of the board.

d. In addition to the disciplinary action or fines assessed by the board against a licensed veterinarian or temporary permittee, the board may assess all costs incurred in connection with the proceedings, including but not limited to investigators', stenographers', attorney's fees and court costs.

e. With regard to a registered veterinary technician, the board may, as a probationary condition or as a condition of the reinstatement of any certification suspended or revoked hereunder, require the holder to pay all costs of the board proceedings, including investigators', stenographers', secretaries', attorneys' fees and court costs.

f. With regard to a certified animal euthanasia technician, the board may require the holder to pay all costs of the board proceedings, including investigators', stenographers', secretaries', attorneys' fees, and court costs.

13. Every order of the board shall take effect immediately on its being rendered unless the board in such order fixes a stay of execution of a sanction for a period of time against an applicant or licensee, temporary permittee or holder of a certificate. Such order, without a stay of execution, shall continue in effect until expiration of any specified time period or termination by a court of competent jurisdiction. The board shall notify all licensees, temporary permittees or holders of certificates of any action taken against him and may make public its orders and judgment in such manner and form as allowed by law.

14.a. The board may reconsider a matter which it has decided. This may involve rehearing the case, or it may involve reconsidering the case on the basis of the record. Such reconsideration may occur when a party who is dissatisfied with a decision of the board files a motion requesting that the decision be reconsidered by the board.

b. The board shall reconsider a matter when ordered to do so by a higher administrative authority or when the case is remanded for reconsideration or rehearing by a court to which the board's decision has been appealed.

c. A motion by a party for reconsideration or rehearing must be in proper form and filed within 10 days after notification of the board's decision. The motion shall set forth the grounds for the rehearing, which include one or more of the following:

i. the board's decision is clearly contrary to the law and evidence;

ii. there is newly discovered evidence by the party since the hearing which is important to the issues and which the party could not have discovered with due diligence before or during the hearing;

iii. there is a showing that issues not previously considered ought to be examined in order to dispose of the case properly; or

iv. it would be in the public interest to further consider the issues and the evidence.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 25:2228 (November 1999).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1411 Consent Order

A. An order involving a type of disciplinary action may be made to the board by the investigating board member with the consent of the person. To be accepted, a consent order requires formal consent of a majority of the quorum of the board. Such quorum does not include the investigating board member. It is not the result of the board's deliberation; it is the board's acceptance of an agreement reached between the board and the person. A proposed consent order may be rejected by the board in which event a formal hearing will occur. The consent order, if accepted by the board, is issued by the board to carry out the parties' agreement.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 25:2230 (November 1999).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1413 Withdrawal of a Complaint

A. If the complainant wishes to withdraw the complaint, the inquiry is terminated, except in cases where the investigating board member judges the issues to be of such importance as to warrant completing the investigation in its own right and in the interest of public welfare.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 25:2230 (November 1999).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1415 Refusal to Respond or Cooperate with the Board

A. If the person does not respond to the original inquiry within a reasonable period of time as requested by the board, a follow-up letter shall be sent to the person by certified mail, return receipt requested.

B. If the person refuses to reply to the board's inquiry or otherwise cooperate with the board, the board shall continue its investigation. The board shall record the circumstances of the person's failure to cooperate and shall inform the person that the lack of cooperation may result in action which could eventually lead to the denial, revocation or suspension of his license, temporary permit or certification, or application for licensure, temporary permit or certification, or otherwise issue appropriate disciplinary sanction.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 25:2230 (November 1999).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1417 Judicial Review of Adjudication

A. Any person whose license, temporary permit or certification, or application for licensure, temporary permit or certification, has been denied, revoked or suspended or otherwise disciplined by the board shall have the right to have the proceedings of the board reviewed by the state district court for the parish of East Baton Rouge, provided that such petition for judicial review is made within 30 days after the notice of the decision of the board. If judicial review is granted, the board's decision is enforceable in the interim unless the court orders a stay.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 25:2231 (November 1999).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1419 Appeal

A. A person aggrieved by any final judgment rendered by the state district court may obtain a review of said final judgment by appeal to the appropriate circuit court of appeal. Pursuant to the applicable section of the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:950 et seq., this appeal shall be taken as in any other civil case.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 25:2231 (November 1999).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1421 Reinstatement of Suspended or Revoked License

A. Any person whose license is suspended or revoked may, at the discretion of the board, be relicensed or reinstated at any time without an examination by majority vote of the board on written application made to the board showing cause justifying relicensing or reinstatement.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 25:2231 (November 1999).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1423 Declaratory Statements

A. The board may issue a declaratory statement in response to a request for clarification of the effect of the provisions contained in the Louisiana Veterinary Practice Act, R.S. 37:1511 et seq., the rules and regulations promulgated by the board and/or the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

B. A request for declaratory statement is made in the form of a petition to the board. The petition should include at least:

1. the name and address of the petitioner;

2. specific reference to the statute, rule and regulation, or the American Veterinary Medical Association's Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics to which the petitioner relates; and

3. a concise statement of the manner in which the petitioner is aggrieved by the statute, rules and regulations, or provision of the American Veterinary Medical Association's Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics by its potential application to him in which he is uncertain of its effect.

C. The petition shall be considered by the board within a reasonable period of time taking into consideration the nature of the matter and the circumstances involved.

D. The declaratory statement of the board in response to the petition shall be in writing and mailed to the petitioner at the last address furnished to the board.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 25:2231 (November 1999).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1425 Injunction

A. The board or any citizen of this state may bring an action to enjoin any person from practicing veterinary medicine without a currently valid license or temporary permit.

B. If the court finds that the person is violating, or is threatening to violate, this Chapter it shall enter an injunction restraining him from such unlawful acts.

C. The successful maintenance of an action based on any one of the remedies set forth in this rule shall in no way prejudice the prosecution of an action based on any other of the remedies.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 25:2231 (November 1999).

Chapter 15 Registered Equine Dentists

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1500 Definitions

A. All definitions used in this Chapter shall have the meaning assigned to them in R.S. 37:1560. In addition, the following definitions shall be applied.

Approval [as used in R.S. 37:1562.C.(2)]—the veterinarian shall make an informed decision based upon his professional judgment after giving consideration to the notification provided by an equine dentist which shall include a visual inspection conducted by the veterinarian prior to the commencement of the procedure.

Continuing Education—board-approved educational experiences in equine dentistry, which may be in the form of institutes, seminars, lectures, conferences, workshops, and other modes of delivery so as to maintain and improve technical competency for the health, welfare, and safety of the citizens of Louisiana.

Continuing Education Unit (CEU)—one hour of activity or participation in a continuing educational program approved by the board.

Equine Owner's Veterinarian—veterinarian licensed by the board who has established a veterinary-client-patient relationship as a primary care provider or as a consultant to the primary care provider.

Notify or Notification—

a. with regard to the rasping (floating) of molar, premolar and canine teeth, and the removal of deciduous incisor and premolar teeth (caps), shall mean full written or verbal person to person communication with the veterinarian prior to the commencement of the procedure; or

b. with regard to extracting equine first premolar teeth (wolf teeth), shall mean full written or verbal person to person communication with the veterinarian prior to commencement of the procedure and after approval is given by the veterinarian; however, written confirmation of the notification prepared by the registered equine dentist shall be sent to and received by the veterinarian within seven days after the procedure, which written confirmation shall include:

i. owner's name, address, and phone number;

ii. identifying information concerning the horse, which shall include name, permanent identification marks, age, sex, and color;

iii. method of restraint used during the procedure;

iv. type of dental procedure performed, including methods used;

v. description of the outcome of the procedure;

vi. recommendations, if any, to the owner following extraction of any first premolar teeth.

Possession—actual possession whereby the registered equine dentist has his certificate readily available.

Practice of Equine Dentistry—the rasping (floating) of molar, premolar and canine teeth, and the removal of deciduous incisor and premolar teeth (caps); additionally, an equine dentist may extract equine first premolar teeth (wolf teeth) after complying with the requirements set forth in R.S. 37:1562.C.(2) and the board's rules.

Referral—a verbal request to perform equine dentistry made to a registered equine dentist by a veterinarian licensed by the board who has established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship as defined in §700 and who is readily accessible by beeper or cell phone as well as present within a 30 mile radius of and 30 minutes or less travel time from the treatment site.

Referral Veterinarian—a veterinarian licensed by the board authorized by the existence of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship as defined in §700 to make a referral to perform equine dentistry to a registered equine dentist and who is readily accessible by beeper or cell phone as well as present within a 30 mile radius of and 30 minutes or less travel time from the treatment site.

Substantially Involved in the Care and Maintenance of Horses in the Horse Racing Industry in Louisiana—previous practical experience within the horse racing industry that included equine dental procedures.

Unprofessional Conduct—in addition to the definition set forth in R.S. 37:1564.A.(10), shall include the following:

a. making or participating in any communication, advertisement or solicitation which is false, fraudulent, deceptive, misleading or unfair, or which contains a false, fraudulent, deceptive, misleading or unfair statement or claim;

b. initiation or continuation of services that are contraindicated or cannot reasonably result in beneficial outcome;

c. abuse or exploitation of the provider-patient relationship for the purpose of securing personal compensation, gratification, or benefit unrelated to the provision of service;

d. failure to comply with the practice requirements set forth in R.S. 37:1562;

e. failure to comply with the duties established in R.S. 37:1560 et seq., and/or the board's rules.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 26:489 (March 2000), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:1815 (November 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1501 Applications for Certificates of Approval

A. Pursuant to R.S. 37:1561 and 1562.D, applicants shall submit the following items to the board:

1. a completed application form approved by the board, which shall be sworn to and subscribed before a notary public;

2. evidence that the applicant is a current resident of this state on July 1, 1999, which evidence must be one of the following:

a. a utility bill statement in the name of the applicant and for a Louisiana address which includes service for July 1, 1999; or

b. any other document providing evidence of residency on July 1, 1999, which is approved by a majority of a quorum of the board;

3. evidence that the applicant is substantially involved in the care and maintenance of horses in the horse racing industry in Louisiana, which evidence shall be the following:

a. an affidavit from the applicant sworn to and subscribed before a notary public; and

b. two letters of reference on board-approved forms from veterinarians licensed by the board which shall attest to the applicant's character and ethical standards as they apply to his knowledge in the field of equine dentistry and his substantial involvement in the care and maintenance of horses in the horse racing industry in Louisiana; and

4. evidence that the applicant was licensed in good standing as an equine dentist by the Louisiana Racing Commission on or before July 1, 1995, which evidence must be a certified statement directly forwarded to the board office from an authorized official of the Louisiana Racing Commission attesting to the applicant's licensure in good standing on or before July 1, 1995;

5. payment of all applicable fees for registered equine dentist fees established by the board;

6. a current passport type photograph of the applicant;

7. certification by the applicant that he has not violated or been subject to any of the grounds for denial of a certificate of approval as listed in R.S. 37:1564;

8. a list of all professional certificates or licenses that the applicant currently holds and/or has held.

B. The board may reject any applications which do not contain full and complete answers and/or information as requested and may reject any application if any information furnished in the application is fabricated, false, misleading, or incorrect.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 26:490 (March 2000), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:1816 (November 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1503 Fees

A. The board hereby adopts and establishes the following fees for registered equine dentists.

Original Registration Fee

$ 200

Annual Renewal of Registration Fee

$ 125

Late Renewal Fee

$ 100

Application Fee

$ 100

B. Renewals received after the expiration date as provided in R.S. 37:1566, shall be charged a late renewal fee.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 26:491 (March 2000), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:1816 (November 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1505 Renewal of Certificates

A. All certificates of approval shall expire annually at midnight September 30. Certificates shall be renewed by completing a re-registration form which shall be provided by the board, submitting any other documents required by this Chapter, and by payment of the annual renewal fee established by the board.

B. Each year, 90 days prior to the expiration date of the license, the board shall mail a notice to each registered equine dentist stating the date his certificate will expire and providing a form for re-registration.

C. The certificate of approval will be renewed for any person who complies with the requirements of this Chapter.

D. Re-registration forms for renewal of certificates of approval, complete with payment of fees and any other documents required by this Chapter, shall be postmarked no later than the expiration date of the certificate each year. Re-registration forms postmarked after midnight of the expiration date will be subject to a late renewal fee as established by the board. This fee is in addition to the regular fee for annual renewal.

E. Continuing education requirements prescribed by this Chapter must be satisfied before a certificate of approval is renewed.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 26:491 (March 2000), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:1816 (November 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1507 Expired Certificate

A. A registered equine dentist whose certificate has expired may be reinstated within one year of its expiration by making written application for renewal, paying the current renewal fee plus all delinquent renewal fees, and meeting the continuing education requirements prescribed by the board.

B. The identifying number of an expired certificate of approval shall not be issued to any person other than the original holder of that number.

C. A registered equine dentist who fails to renew a certificate of approval within one year of its expiration must reapply for a new certificate. A certificate of approval shall not be issued without the approval of a majority of the quorum of the board.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 26:491 (March 2000), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:1816 (November 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1509 Revoked Certificate

A. A registered equine dentist whose certificate has been revoked pursuant to R.S. 37:1564 must reapply for a new certificate.

B. A person whose certificate of approval has been revoked pursuant to R.S. 37:1564 shall not be issued a new certificate unless approved by a majority of a quorum of the board.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 26:491 (March 2000), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:1817 (November 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1511 Review or Appeal of Denial of Application

A. Any registered equine dentist aggrieved by a decision of the board, other than a holder of a certificate of approval against whom disciplinary proceedings have been brought pursuant to R.S. 37:1560 et seq., may, within 30 days of notification of the board's action or decision, petition the board for a review or appeal of the board's actions.

B. Such petition shall be in the form of a letter, signed by the person aggrieved, and mailed to the board at its principal office.

C. Upon receipt of such petition, the board may proceed to take such action as it deems expedient or hold such hearings as may be necessary, and may review such testimony and/or documents and/or records as it deems necessary to dispose of the matter, but the board shall not, in any event, be required to conduct any hearings or investigations, or consider any offerings, testimony, or evidence unless so required by statute or other rules or regulations of the board.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 26:491 (March 2000), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:1817 (November 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1513 Disciplinary Proceedings

A. The board, after due notice and hearing as set forth in the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:950 et seq., and §1401, may deny, reprimand, restrict, fine, probate, suspend, revoke or pursuant to R.S. 37:1560 et seq., otherwise sanction a registered equine dentist or applicant for certification on a finding that the person has violated R.S. 37:1560 et seq., or any of the rules promulgated by the board, or prior final decisions and/or consent orders involving the registered equine dentist or applicant for certification.

B. Any registered equine dentist against whom disciplinary proceedings have been instituted and against whom disciplinary action has been taken by the board pursuant to R.S. 37:1560 et seq., and/or the board's rules, shall have rights of review and/or rehearing and/or appeal in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act and §1401.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 26:491 (March 2000), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:1817 (November 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1515 Practice and Duties

A. No person shall practice equine dentistry in Louisiana unless issued a certificate of approval by the board or the person qualifies for limited exception to certification as set forth in Subsection F below.

B. Pursuant to R.S. 37:1562.C.(1), a registered equine dentist who practices equine dentistry at a location other than at a racetrack shall notify the horse owner's veterinarian prior to the commencement of the practice of equine dentistry.

C. Pursuant to R.S. 37:1562.C.(1), in the event that the horse owner does not have a veterinarian, the equine dentist shall obtain a referral from a veterinarian licensed by the board who has established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship as defined in §700. Such referral must be documented by the veterinarian to include:

1. the establishment of the veterinarian-patient-client relationship as defined in §700 prior to referral; and

2. that the referral veterinarian is readily accessible by beeper or cell phone as well as present within a 30 mile radius of and 30 minutes or less travel time from the treatment site;

3. the referral veterinarian must submit a copy of the written referral which must be received by the registered equine dentist within seven days from the referral;

4. such documentation shall be made part of the records maintained by the veterinarian and the registered equine dentist.

D. Pursuant to R.S. 37:1562.C.(2), prior to the initiation of an extraction of first premolar teeth (wolf teeth), the registered equine dentist shall notify and obtain the approval of the equine owner's veterinarian or referral veterinarian.

E. Duties

1. Prohibition on Drugs. A registered equine dentist shall not prescribe, recommend, or administer any legend drug or controlled substance.

2. Record Keeping. A registered equine dentist shall establish and maintain legible records which can provide a veterinarian with a full understanding of the findings concerning and treatment provided to each horse. Each registered equine dentist shall maintain an individual record on each horse to include, but not limited to, the following:

a. owner's name, address, and phone number; identifying information concerning the horse, which shall include name, permanent identification marks, age, sex, and color; nature of dental complaint; method of restraint used during a procedure; type of dental procedure performed; description of the outcome of the procedure; and recommendations, if any, to the owner following the procedure;

b. original of written notifications submitted to veterinarians regarding treatment;

c. records shall be maintained for at least five years;

d. records are the responsibility and property of the registered equine dentist. The registered equine dentist shall maintain such records and shall not release the records to any person other than the client or a person authorized to receive the records for the client, except that the registered equine dentist shall provide any and all records as requested by the board to the board; and

e. copies of records shall be provided to the client or the client's authorized representative upon written request of the client. A reasonable charge for copying and providing records may be required by the registered equine dentist.

F. With proper training and under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, a layperson or registered veterinary technician employed by a licensed veterinarian may perform the rasping (floating) of molar, premolar, and canine teeth and the removal of deciduous incisor and premolar teeth (caps) of a horse. However, a layperson or registered veterinary technician shall not extract teeth, amputate large molar, incisor, or canine teeth, extract first premolar (wolf teeth), or repair the damaged or diseased teeth of a horse.

1. The following words and terms, when used in this rule and §710.D, shall have the following meanings.

a. Proper Training—prior to providing the procedures stated in Subsection F above, a layperson or registered veterinary technician shall have successfully completed a training program approved by the board which shall consist of classroom instruction and practical courses appropriate to the rasping (floating) of molar, premolar, and canine teeth and removal of deciduous incisor and premolar teeth (caps) of a horse.

b. Direct Supervision—the supervising licensed veterinarian shall be readily accessible by beeper or cell phone, as well as physically present within a 30 mile radius of and 30 minutes or less travel time from the premises where the procedure is to be rendered by the layperson or registered veterinary technician.

c. Employed by the Licensed Veterinarian—the layperson or registered veterinary technician shall be employed by a licensed veterinarian which shall be demonstrated by the issuance of a W-2 tax statement or other appropriate document evidencing the employment relationship as approved by the board. A layperson or registered veterinary technician working as an independent contractor, partner or any other business arrangement with a licensed veterinarian, shall not be considered employed by the licensed veterinarian for purposes of the limited exception.

d. Licensed Veterinarian—a veterinarian licensed by the board.

2. The supervising veterinarian shall establish the veterinarian-client-patient relationship as defined in §700 prior to the rendering of a procedure by the layperson or registered veterinary technician which shall be documented as part of the veterinarian's medical records regarding the horse. The permissible procedures delegated to a layperson or registered veterinary technician is at the discretion of the supervising licensed veterinarian who is ultimately responsible for the acts or omissions of these persons.

3.a. A legible record shall also be maintained on each horse which shall include the owner's name, address and telephone number, and identifying information on the horse, which shall include:

i. the name, permanent identification marks, age, sex, and color;

ii. the layperson or registered veterinary technician's name, address and telephone number who provided the procedure;

iii. nature of dental complaint;

iv. method of restrain used during the procedure;

v. type of dental procedure and date performed;

vi. description of the outcome of the procedure; and

vii. recommendations, if any, to the owner following the procedure.

b. The supervising veterinarian shall ultimately be responsible to maintain the record set forth herein as part of the medical records of the horse.

4. The layperson or registered veterinary technician shall not prescribe, recommend, or administer any legend drug or controlled substance.

5. The layperson or registered veterinary technician shall not be identified or referred to as a registered equine dentist, and shall not bill, directly or indirectly, the client or owner of the horse for services rendered. The employing veterinarian shall bill the client or owner of the horse for the services rendered by the layperson or registered veterinary technician.

6. A supervising licensed veterinarian who violates, or otherwise fails to comply with this rule, or any part thereof, including any applicable state and federal laws and/or regulations, shall be guilty of unprofessional conduct within the meaning of R.S. 37:1526(14).

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 26:492 (March 2000), amended LR 31:930 (April 2005), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:1817 (November 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1517 Continuing Education

A. Basic Requirements

1. A minimum of six continuing education units is required each fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) as a prerequisite for renewal of certification. A registered equine dentist who fails to obtain a minimum of six continuing education units within the prescribed 12-month period will not meet the requirements for renewal of his certificate. Notwithstanding the requirements of this Section, for the period August 20, 1999-June 30, 2000, a minimum of six continuing education units is required as a prerequisite for renewal of certification during the July 1, 2000-September 30, 2000 renewal period.

2. All continuing education programs must be approved by the board prior to attendance.

3. Proof of attendance, which shall include the name of the course, date(s) of attendance, hours attended, and specific subjects attended, shall be attached to the annual certificate renewal form. Proof of attendance must include verification from the entity providing or sponsoring the educational program.

4. All hours shall be obtained in the 12 months preceding the renewal period of the certificate.

5. Each registered equine dentist must fulfill his annual education requirements at his own expense.

B. Failure to Meet Requirements

1. If a registered equine dentist fails to obtain a minimum of six continuing education units within the prescribed 12-month period, his certificate shall be expired and his certificate shall remain expired until such time as the continuing education requirements have been met and documented to the satisfaction of the board.

2. The board may grant extensions of time for extenuating circumstances. The registered equine dentist must petition the board at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the certificate. The board may require whatever documentation it deems necessary to verify the circumstances necessitating the extension.

3. Failure to comply with the requirements of this Section shall be considered unprofessional conduct.

C. Approved Continuing Education Programs

1. It is the responsibility of the registered equine dentist to submit a request for approval of a continuing education program no less than 60 days prior to the program. Information to be submitted shall include:

a. the name of the proposed program and sponsor organization;

b. course content;

c. the number of continuing education units to be obtained by attendees.

2. Continuing education units which are submitted for renewal and were not pre-approved by the board may be reviewed by the board. If the units are not approved, the registered equine dentist will be required to take additional continuing education in an approved program prior to the renewal of his certificate.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 26:492 (March 2000), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:1818 (November 2025).

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LXXXV, § 1519 Unprofessional Conduct on Part of the Veterinarian

A. After due notice and hearing as set forth in the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:950 et seq., and the board's rules, more particularly §1401 et seq., a veterinarian who fails to comply with a rule promulgated by the board regarding the practice of equine dentistry shall be subject to disciplinary action and sanction by the board for unprofessional conduct pursuant to the Louisiana Veterinary Practice Act, R.S. 37:1526.A.(14) and the board's rules.

History

• Authority Note: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1526(A)(14), 37:1518(A)(9) and 37:1518.
• Historical Note: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 26:493 (March 2000), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:1819 (November 2025).