Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
secretary
Health and Human Resources
Agency
Department of Health Professions
Board
Board of Veterinary Medicine
Petition 185
Petition Information
Petition Title Acceptance of CE courses in business management and finance
Date Filed 4/23/2013    [Transmittal Sheet]
Petitioner Chelsea L. Mason 
Petitioner's Request

To amend section 70 of the Board of Veterinary Medicine regulations to accept continuing education courses in business management and finance.

 
Agency's Plan

In accordance with Virginia law, the petition has been filed with the Register of Regulations and will be published on May 20, 2013.  Comment on the petition may be sent by email, regular mail or posted on the Virginia Regulatory Townhall at www.townhall.virginia.gov; comment will be requested until June 19, 2013. 

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 the next meeting scheduled after the close of the comment period, which is October 23, 2013. 

 
Comment Period Began 5/20/2013    Ended 6/19/2013
50 comments
Virginia Register Announcement Submitted on 4/23/2013
 
The Virginia Register of Regulations
 
Published on: 5/20/2013     Volume: 29  Issue: 19
Agency Decision Take no action [Transmittal Sheet]    
Response Date 10/23/2013
Decision Publication Date Published on: 11/18/2013     Volume: 30  Issue: 6
Agency Decision Summary

 While the members acknowledged the need for owners of veterinary practices to be well informed about technology, marketing and business management, they did not believe continuing education hours in those areas should be substituted for courses in the care of animals.  The purpose of licensure and the role of the Board is protection of the public. Additionally, the Board found that most other states that accept business management courses typically require more total hours than Virginia.  While there was discussion about an increase in the number of hours with business practices allowed to count for some of them, the Board rejected that alternative as an increased burden on veterinarians and technicians who do not want or need to take such courses.  Licensees who want education in business management can obtain the hours over and above the minimum of 15 for veterinarians and 6 for veterinary technicians.There was comment in support of continuing education in communication with clients as a way to better serve the needs of animals in the practice.  The Board recently revised a Guidance Document (150-11) to clarify that such courses are presently acceptable for CE credit:

"Approved CE credit is given for courses or programs related to the treatment and care of patients and shall be clinical courses in veterinary medicine or veterinary technology or courses that enhance patient safety, such as medical recordkeeping or Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) requirements. The Board accepts CE that is related to disaster or emergency preparedness, the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Accreditation Program and communication development to strengthen the veterinarian-client-patient relationships, including but not limited to grief counseling." 


Contact Information
Name / Title: Elaine J. Yeatts  / Agency Regulatory Coordinator
Address: 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Richmond, 23233
Email Address: elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov
Telephone: (804)367-4688    FAX: (804)527-4434    TDD: ()-