3/12/2021 9:57 am
Date / Time filed with the Register of Regulations
VA.R. Document Number: R____-______
Virginia Register Publication Information

Transmittal Sheet: Response to Petition for Rulemaking
Initial Agency Notice
X
Agency Decision
Promulgating Board: Board of Veterinary Medicine
Regulatory Coordinator: Elaine J. Yeatts

(804)367-4688

elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov
Agency Contact: Leslie L. Knachel

Executive Director

(804)597-4130

leslie.knachel@dhp.virginia.gov
Contact Address: Department of Health Professions

9960 Mayland Drive

Suite 300

Richmond, VA 23233
Chapter Affected:
18 vac 150 - 20: Regulations Governing the Practice of Veterinary Medicine
Statutory Authority: State: Chapter 38 of Title 54.1

Federal:
Date Petition Received 12/15/2020
Petitioner Mia Cary
 Petitioner's Request
To amend regulations to add a requirement for one hour of continuing education on the subjects of diversity, equity, and inclusion
 Agency Plan
The petition will be published on January 18, 2021 in the Register of Regulations and also posted on the Virginia Regulatory Townhall at www.townhall.virginia.gov to receive public comment ending February 18, 2021. Following receipt of all comments on the petition to amend regulations, the Board will decide whether to make any changes to the regulatory language. This matter will be on the Board's agenda for its first meeting after the comment period, which is scheduled for March 11, 2021. The petitioner will be informed of its decision after that meeting.  
Publication Date 01/18/2021  (comment period will also begin on this date)
Comment End Date 02/18/2021
 Agency Decision
Take no action
Agency Response Date 03/12/2021
 Agency Decision Text
The petition was published on January 18, 2021 in the Register of Regulations and also posted on the Virginia Regulatory Townhall at www.townhall.virginia.gov to receive public comment. There were four comments in opposition to such an action. At its meeting yesterday, the Board decided not to initiate rulemaking. Board members noted that the purpose of the Board is protection of the public and that continuing education should be used to improve patient care. Virginia requires CE courses to be clinical in content; so while Board members are very supportive of efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in veterinary medicine, they did not agree that required coursework as a condition of licensure renewal was advisable.