TN - Veterinary - Chapter 12. Veterinarians. | Animal Legal & Historical Center

Popular Title: Tennessee Veterinary Practice Act of 1967 Primary Citation: T. C. A. § 63-12-101 - 146; T. C. A. § 63-12-201 - 204 Country of Origin: United States Last Checked: January, 2024 Alternate Citation: TN ST § 63-12-101 - 146; TN ST § 63-12-201 - 204 Historical:

Summary: These are the state's veterinary practice laws. Among the provisions include licensing requirements, laws concerning the state veterinary board, veterinary records laws, and the laws governing disciplinary actions for impaired or incompetent practitioners.

Part 1. General Provisions

Liens on Animals, Animal Technicians, Gratuitous Emergency Care, and Permits for Premises

§ 63-12-134. Liens and incumbrances

§ 63-12-135. Animal technicians

§ 63-12-137. Unlawful practice; ownership; exemptions

§ 63-12-138. Peer review; immunity

§ 63-12-139. Premises permits; inspection; application; exemptions; mobile clinics; fees

§ 63-12-140. Operation without permit

§ 63-12-141. Restricted controlled substance registration certificates; euthanizing injured, sick or abandoned animals; certified animal euthanasia technician

§ 63-12-142. Gratuitous emergency treatment to an ill or injured animal; exemption from civil damages

§ 63-12-143. Determination of costs

§ 63-12-144. Animal chemical capture; certified technicians

§ 63-12-145. Occupation and preemption; local regulation

Part 2. Animal Massage Therapists

§ 63-12-201. Definitions

§ 63-12-202. Use of the title “certified animal therapist” or “registered animal therapist”

§ 63-12-203. Training, supervision, and examination

§ 63-12-204. Liability insurance

Part 1. General Provisions

§ 63-12-101. Short title

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Tennessee Veterinary Practice Act.”

Credits
1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 1; 2016 Pub.Acts, c. 819, § 2, eff. July 1, 2016.

§ 63-12-102. Grant of privilege to practice

It is hereby declared that the practice of veterinary medicine is a privilege that is granted by legislative authority in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare. To protect the public from being misled by incompetent, unscrupulous and unauthorized practitioners, and from unprofessional or illegal practices by persons licensed to practice veterinary medicine, this chapter is enacted in the interest of the health, safety and welfare of the animal population and the citizens of Tennessee.

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 2; 1983 Pub.Acts, c. 57, § 1.

§ 63-12-103. Definitions

As used in this chapter:

(1) “Animal” means any animal other than man and includes fowl, birds, reptiles and fish, wild or domestic, living or dead;

(2) “Board” means the board of veterinary medical examiners;

(3) “Certified animal control agency” means a county or municipal animal shelter, dog pound or animal control agency, private humane society, state, county or municipal law enforcement agency, or any combination thereof, that temporarily houses stray, unwanted or injured animals and that is certified pursuant to this chapter;

(4) “Certified animal euthanasia technician” means a person employed by a certified animal control agency who is authorized by the board to humanely euthanize animals by administering such drugs as are designated by the board for such use;

(5) “Complainant” means the board or any other person who initiates a proceeding;

(6) “Consultation” means when a licensed veterinarian receives advice in person, telephonically, electronically, or by any other method of communication, from a veterinarian licensed in this or any other state, or other person whose expertise, in the opinion of the licensed veterinarian, would benefit a patient. Under all circumstances, the responsibility for the welfare of the patient remains with the licensed veterinarian receiving consultation;

(7) “License” means any permit, approval, registration or certificate issued by the board;

(8) “Licensed veterinarian” means a person who is validly and currently licensed to practice veterinary medicine in this state;

(9) “Licensed veterinary technician” means a person who has successfully completed the examination requirements prescribed by the board and has been issued a license;

(10)(A) “Practice of veterinary medicine” means to:

(i) Diagnose, treat, correct, change, alleviate, or prevent animal disease, illness, pain, deformity, defect, injury, or other physical, dental, or mental conditions by any method or mode, including:

(a) The prescription, dispensing, administration or application of any drug, medicine, biologic, apparatus, anesthetic, or other therapeutic or diagnostic substance or medical or surgical, including cosmetic, technique;

(b) The use of complementary, alternative, and integrative therapies;

(c) The use of any manual, mechanical, biological, or chemical procedure for the testing of pregnancy, or for the management or treatment of sterility or infertility;

(d) The rendering of advice or recommendation by any means including telephonic and other electronic communications with regard to subdivisions (10)(A)(i)(a)-(c); and

(e) The collection of blood or other samples for the purpose of diagnosing disease or other conditions. This shall not apply to:

(1) Any unlicensed personnel employed by the United States department of agriculture or the Tennessee department of agriculture who are engaged in animal disease control programs, or who perform laboratory examinations. This section does not prohibit extension personnel or vocational agriculture teachers from doing educational work that is considered normal to their profession in their government positions; or

(2) The removal of an embryo from livestock or companion animal for the purpose of transplanting such embryo into another female animal or for the purpose of cryopreserving such embryo;

(ii) Represent, directly or indirectly, publicly or privately, an ability and willingness to do an act described in subdivision (10)(A); and

(iii) Use any title, words, abbreviation, or letters in a manner or under circumstances that induce the belief that the person using them is qualified to do any act described in subdivision (10)(A)(i). Such use shall be prima facie evidence of the intention to represent oneself as engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine;

(B) The practice of veterinary medicine occurs wherever the patient is at the time services are rendered;

(11) “Preceptor” means a person who is a last year student duly enrolled and in good standing in a recognized college of veterinary medicine. Such person's presence in a practice may be as part of a formal preceptorship program of the person's college or as an informal arrangement between the person and a veterinarian licensed by the board. The preceptor must be under direct supervision of such licensed veterinarian;

(12) “Responsible supervision” or words of similar purport mean the control, direction and regulation by a licensed veterinarian of the duties involving veterinary services that such veterinarian delegates to such veterinarian's personnel;

(13) “School of veterinary medicine” means any veterinary school or college, department of a university or college, legally organized, whose course of study in the art and science of veterinary medicine conforms to the standards required for accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association and approved by the board;

(14) “Temporary license” means temporary permission to practice veterinary medicine issued pursuant to this chapter;

(15) “Unprofessional or unethical conduct,” among other things, means any conduct of a character likely to deceive or defraud the public, objectionable advertising, obtaining any fee or compensation by fraud or misrepresentation, sharing office space with any person illegally practicing veterinary medicine, employing either directly or indirectly any unlicensed person to practice veterinary medicine or render any veterinary service except as provided in this chapter or the violation of any rule adopted by the board, which shall provide a code of professional ethics to be followed and carried out by persons licensed under this chapter;

(16) “Veterinarian” means a person who has received a doctor of veterinary medicine degree or its equivalent from an approved school or college of veterinary medicine;

(17) “Veterinarian-client-patient relationship” means:

(A) The veterinarian has assumed responsibility for making clinical judgments regarding the health of the animal and the need for medical treatment, has obtained informed consent, and the client has agreed to follow the veterinarian's instructions;

(B) The veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the animal to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal;

(C) The veterinarian has seen the animal within the last twelve (12) months or is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal, either by virtue of an examination of the animal or by medically appropriate visits to the premises where the animal is maintained within the last twelve (12) months;

(D) The veterinarian is readily available or has arranged for emergency coverage for follow-up evaluation in the event of adverse reactions or the failure of the treatment regimen;

(E) The veterinarian must maintain medical records as required by the board of veterinary medical examiners; and

(F) The veterinarian-client-patient relationship cannot be established or maintained solely by telephone or other electronic means;

(18) “Veterinary facility” means a building, place, or mobile unit from which the practice of veterinary medicine is conducted;

(19) “Veterinary medicine” includes veterinary surgery, obstetrics, dentistry and all other branches or specialties of veterinary medicine; and

(20) “Veterinary technician” means a person who is a graduate of a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Credits
1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 3; 1982 Pub.Acts, c. 598, § 1; 1983 Pub.Acts, c. 57, § 2; 1997 Pub.Acts, c. 106, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; 1999 Pub.Acts, c. 375, §§ 1, 2, eff. June 14, 1999; 2010 Pub.Acts, c. 804, §§ 1, 2, eff. April 19, 2010; 2016 Pub.Acts, c. 819, § 3, eff. July 1, 2016; 2022 Pub.Acts, c. 926, § 2, eff. July 1, 2022.

§ 63-12-104. Board; membership

(a) There is created the board of veterinary medical examiners, referred to as the “board” in this chapter.

(b) The board shall be composed of:

(1) Five (5) licensed doctors of veterinary medicine, who shall be graduates of an approved school of veterinary medicine and of good standing in their profession and who have had not less than five (5) years' actual experience in the practice of veterinary medicine;

(2) One (1) licensed veterinary technician who shall be a graduate of an approved veterinary technology program, is of good standing in the profession, and who has had not less than five (5) years' actual experience as a licensed veterinary technician; and

(3) One (1) member of the general public as provided by § 63-1-124.

(c) The members of the board shall be appointed by the governor for a term of five (5) years. Each member so appointed shall serve until the expiration of the particular five-year term to which the member is appointed and thereafter until the member's successor has been appointed by the governor. The governor shall appoint new members to the board to serve after the date of expiration of each of these terms until August 1 of the fifth calendar year thereafter. In making appointments to the board, the governor shall strive to ensure that at least one (1) person serving on the board is sixty (60) years of age or older and that at least one (1) person serving on the board is a member of a racial minority.

(d) In the event of a vacancy on the board, the governor shall appoint a new member to serve out the unexpired term. A member may be reappointed to serve a successive term.
(e) Members of the board may be appointed by the governor from lists of qualified nominees submitted by interested veterinary groups, including, but not limited to, the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association. The governor shall consult with such interested groups to determine qualified persons to fill the positions. This subsection (e) shall not apply to the appointment of the public member.

(f) No person who has been appointed a member of the board shall continue on the board if during the term of the member's appointment the member shall:

(1) Transfer the member's legal residence to another state;

(2) Be or become the owner of, or be employed by, any wholesale or jobbing house dealing in supplies, equipment or instruments used or useful in the practice of veterinary medicine; or

(3) Have the member's license to practice veterinary medicine rescinded for cause in accordance with this chapter.

(g) The governor may suspend any member of the board for malfeasance, misfeasance, gross inefficiency or misconduct or upon any of the constitutional grounds upon which officers may be suspended by the governor.

(h) The state veterinarian, as appointed by the commissioner of agriculture, shall serve as a nonvoting, ex officio member of the board of veterinary medical examiners.

Credits
1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 4; 1988 Pub.Acts, c. 1013, § 50; 1998 Pub.Acts, c. 649, §§ 1,2, eff. March 24, 1998; 1999 Pub.Acts, c. 375, §§ 3, 4, eff. June 14, 1999; 2004 Pub.Acts, c. 567, § 1, eff. April 22, 2004; 2012 Pub.Acts, c. 695, § 1, eff. April 11, 2012; 2022 Pub.Acts, c. 926, § 1, eff. July 1, 2022.

Formerly § 63-1204.

§ 63-12-105. Board; procedures

(a) The board shall meet annually at such time and place as may be agreed upon by a majority of the members, at which meeting it shall elect from its membership a president, vice president, and secretary. The board is authorized to create other officers and to adopt such rules and regulations as may be proper for the efficient operation of the board.

(b) Four (4) members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business.

(d) The board shall adopt a seal that shall be affixed to all licenses issued by the board and to other papers requiring the same.

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 5; 1983 Pub.Acts, c. 57, § 3; 1998 Pub.Acts, c. 649, § 3, eff. March 24, 1998.

§ 63-12-106. Board; authority

The board is authorized to:

(1) Adopt reasonable rules governing the practice of veterinary medicine as are necessary to enable it to carry out and make effective the purpose and intent of this chapter. Such rules shall be adopted pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5;

(2) Adopt rules of professional conduct appropriate to establish and maintain a high standard of integrity, skills and practice in the profession of veterinary medicine. In prescribing such rules of professional conduct, the board may be guided by the principles of veterinary medical ethics adopted by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association;

(3) Have its rules printed and distributed to all licensed doctors of veterinary medicine;

(4) Bring proceedings in courts for the enforcement of this chapter or any rules made pursuant thereto;

(5) Hold at least one (1) regular meeting each year at such time and place as fixed by the board. Other meetings may be held upon the call of the president and secretary. The regular meetings will be for the purpose of conducting examinations of applications for license to practice veterinary medicine, the election of officers and to consider any other business that may properly come before the board;

(6) Pass upon the qualifications of applicants for a license to practice veterinary medicine in this state;

(7) Prescribe the subjects, character, manner, time and place of holding examinations and the filing of applications for examinations and to conduct the examinations;

(8) Issue temporary permits or licenses, which shall be signed by the secretary, to duly qualified applicants;

(9) Provide for, regulate and require all persons licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter to renew their license annually; require as a condition precedent to such annual renewal the payment of the annual renewal fee as provided in § 63-12-121; issue annual renewal licenses to such persons and suspend or revoke the license of such persons who fail, refuse or neglect to renew same or pay such fees;

(10) Conduct investigations and hearings upon complaints calling for discipline of a licensee or applicant for license or certificate or permit holder or applicant for a certificate or a permit;

(11) Take testimony on any matter under its jurisdiction and any member thereof may administer oaths;

(12) Issue summonses and subpoenas, including subpoenas duces tecum, which shall be signed by either the president or the secretary-treasurer of the board, for any witness in connection with any matter within the jurisdiction of the board;

(13) Adopt such forms as it may deem necessary;

(14) Establish continuing educational requirements; and

(15) Issue such certificates as are authorized under this chapter.

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, §§ 6, 35; 1983 Pub.Acts, c. 57, § 4; 1997 Pub.Acts, c. 106, §§ 3, 4, eff. Jan. 1, 1998.

§ 63-12-107. Board; meetings

(a) The board shall meet at least once each year at such times and places as it may decide upon, and remain in session sufficiently long to examine all who may make application at the appointed time for a license.

(b) Four (4) members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and examination of candidates for license. A majority of those present shall be necessary to reject any application, but such rejection shall not bar the applicant from reexamination at the next regular meeting of the board.

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 7; 1998 Pub.Acts, c. 649, § 4, eff. March 24, 1998.

§ 63-12-108. Board; compensation and salaries; expenses

(a) The members of the board shall receive as compensation for their services one hundred dollars ($100) per day for each day or portion thereof, each, while in actual service of the board, which, together with the necessary expenses of each meeting of the board, shall be paid out of any moneys in the treasury of the board upon the certificate of the president and secretary.

(b) All reimbursement for travel expenses shall be in accordance with the provisions of the comprehensive travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.

CREDIT(S)

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 8; 1976 Pub.Acts, c. 806, § 1(117); 2013 Pub.Acts, c. 440, § 1, eff. July 1, 2013.

§ 63-12-109. Board; financial matters

It is unlawful for the board or any member thereof, in any manner whatsoever or for any purpose, to charge or obligate the state for the payment of any money, and the board shall look alone to the revenue derived from the operation of this chapter for the compensation designated above. If the revenue is not sufficient to pay each member in full, together with the necessary expenses of the board, then the amount available shall be prorated among the members. But if there should be a greater revenue derived than shall be required to pay the compensation and expenses including, but not limited to, the administrative and personnel expenses deemed necessary in the discretion of the board to conduct inspections and issue licenses, permits and certificates as provided by this chapter, directed, any surplus shall be paid to the state treasurer, who shall receipt the board for the amount so received and shall account for the money as for other state revenue.

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 9; 1997 Pub.Acts, c. 106, § 10, eff. Jan. 1, 1998.

§ 63-12-110. Board; records; confidential or privileged information

(a) The board shall keep records of its proceedings in a book provided for that purpose, especially with relation to the issuance, denial, renewal, suspension and revocation of licenses to practice veterinary medicine.

(b)(1) All licenses issued by the board shall be numbered and recorded by the secretary in a file for that purpose, and where a license is denied by the board to any applicant under this chapter, the fact and grounds for such denial shall be entered on the minutes of the board.

(2) The time of issuance or denial of license shall be noted along with the names of those board members present; and such file or record shall be open to public inspection.

(d) Information received by the board through inspections and investigations shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except in a proceeding involving the question of license.

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 10; 1983 Pub.Acts, c. 57, § 5.

§ 63-12-111. Veterinary schools; approval

(a) The board may approve schools and colleges of veterinary medicine, which maintain standards of training and reputability sufficient to admit their graduates to the examinations given by the board.

(b) In determining the standard of training and reputation of schools or colleges of veterinary medicine, the board may approve schools and colleges that are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

(c) The board may approve graduates of foreign schools of veterinary medicine that have been approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association or by obtaining proof that the college or school maintains standards equal to the standards of approved colleges or schools in the United States to take the examinations given by the board.

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 11.

§ 63-12-112. Licenses; qualifications

(a)(1) Any person wishing to practice veterinary medicine in this state shall obtain a license from the board. It is unlawful for such person to practice veterinary medicine as defined in § 63-12-103 unless the person obtains a license; and if the person so practices, the person shall be considered to have violated this chapter.

(2)(A) When the board receives a completed application for initial licensure from an applicant, then the board shall, within sixty (60) days from the date the board receives the completed application:

(i) Render a decision on the application; or

(ii) Inform the applicant of the need to appear before the board.

(B) As used in this subdivision (a)(2), “completed application” means an application that satisfies all statutory and board rule requirements.

(b) The board may admit to examination any applicant who submits satisfactory evidence that the applicant:

(1) Is a graduate of a school or college of veterinary medicine approved by the board;

(2) Is in good physical and mental health;

(3) Is of good moral character;

(4) Is a citizen of the United States or Canada or legally entitled to live within the United States;

(5) Subscribes to and will uphold the principles incorporated in the Constitution of the United States; and

(6) Has paid the required fee.

(c) Any person holding a license to practice veterinary medicine in this state that is valid on September 1, 1967, is considered to be licensed to practice veterinary medicine under this chapter and is subject to all the provisions thereof.

Credits
1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, §§ 12, 35; 1982 Pub.Acts, c. 611, § 1; 1983 Pub.Acts, c. 57, § 6; 2023 Pub.Acts, c. 426, § 9, eff. May 11, 2023.
Formerly § 63-1212.

§ 63-12-113. Licenses; temporary licenses

The board may issue a temporary license to practice veterinary medicine, to be used only under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, upon payment of a fee as set by the board, to:

(1) A veterinarian who meets all qualifications and requirements pursuant to this chapter and who has applied to take the examination as provided in § 63-12-115. Such license shall remain valid until the results of the examinations are made known to the applicant.

(A) Failure on both examinations will result in immediate termination of the license.

(i) If the applicant fails one (1) of the examinations, the applicant may be issued a second temporary license but must continue under direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian and only until the results of the next regularly scheduled examination are known.

(ii) If an applicant fails the same examination on two (2) separate testing dates, the applicant may, in the discretion of the board, and upon agreeing to meet any additional requirements of the board, be issued a third temporary license for up to one (1) year, plus the time until the results of the second regularly scheduled examination after issuance of the temporary license are made known.

(iii) No applicant shall be allowed to take the same examination more than three (3) times.

(B) During the validity of the temporary license, the applicant must be under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

(C) New graduates applying for such temporary license must provide the name and address of practice of the supervising veterinarian and any other requirements specified by the board in rules and regulations; or

(2)(A) A veterinarian duly licensed according to the laws of another state and who has made application for permanent licensure in Tennessee.

(i) A temporary license issued under the provisions of this section shall be valid until the board rules on the applicant's request.

(ii) If the board's decision is to issue a license without examination, the temporary license expires on receipt of the permanent license.

(iii) If the board's decision is for examination, then the law applies as stated in subdivision (1).

(B) An applicant who holds a license in another state or states must provide the name or names of such states, meet all qualifications and requirements pursuant to this chapter, provide the name and address of practice of the supervising veterinarian, and meet such other requirements as specified by the board in rules and regulations. All information submitted by an applicant will be subject to verification by the board.

(3) A graduate of a nonaccredited or nonapproved college of veterinary medicine who has satisfactorily completed the fourth year of clinical study at an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine, successfully passed the examination as provided in § 63-12-115, and is enrolled in the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) program of the American Veterinary Medical Association or other certification program deemed by the board to be equivalent to the ECFVG program may be granted a temporary license. The holder of a temporary license issued under this section must practice under the direct supervision of a veterinarian licensed in Tennessee. The temporary license is valid until the candidate obtains the ECFVG or equivalent certification; provided, that a temporary license issued pursuant to this section shall not be valid for more than a maximum of eighteen (18) months from the date the temporary license is issued.

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 13; 1983 Pub.Acts, c. 57, § 7; 1989 Pub.Acts, c. 523, § 71. Amended by 2004 Pub.Acts, c. 522, § 1, eff. April 12, 2004.

§ 63-12-114. Examination; application

(a)(1) Any person desiring to take the state board written and oral examination shall make application in writing to the board on blanks provided for that purpose at least forty-five (45) days before the examination.

(2) The application for the state board written and oral examination shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee as set by the board.

(3) The application for the national board examination shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee as set by the board.

(4) Any person desiring to take the clinical competency test shall make application in writing to the board on blanks provided for that purpose at least forty-five (45) days before the examination.

(5) The application for the clinical competency test shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee as set by the board.

(b)(1) Applicants who are accepted for the state board written and oral examination shall pay a fee to the board at least forty-five (45) days prior to taking the examination, as set by the board.

(2) Applicants who are accepted for the national board examination shall pay a fee to the board at least forty-five (45) days prior to taking the examination as set by the board.

(3) Applicants who are accepted for the clinical competency test shall pay a fee to the board at least forty-five (45) days prior to taking the examination as set by the board.

(c) The board shall give notice of the time and place of all examinations in such manner as the board may consider expedient.

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 14; 1980 Pub.Acts, c. 568, § 1; 1988 Pub.Acts, c. 752, §§ 1, 2; 1989 Pub.Acts, c. 523, §§ 72 to 77.

§ 63-12-115. Examination; content

(a) The examination of applicants for license to practice veterinary medicine shall be administered by designated board members, and will consist of the national board examination and the state board examination, and will be conducted under uniform rules and regulations adopted by the board.

(b) The board shall require the applicant to take a written examination in the English language, in veterinary anatomy, veterinary surgery, veterinary physiology, veterinary pathology, veterinary obstetrics, veterinary materia medica, and veterinary practice, chemistry and such other subjects related to veterinary medicine as the board may require.

(d) The minimum passing grade shall be established by the board.

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 15; 1983 Pub.Acts, c. 57, § 8.

§ 63-12-116. Certification; rights and privileges

(a) If the applicant for examination be found worthy and competent by the board, it shall issue to the applicant a certificate of license to practice veterinary medicine in this state.

(b) Each licensee shall be entitled to exercise all the rights and privileges of a doctor of veterinary medicine. Every person practicing veterinary medicine shall be governed by the laws of this state and the rules adopted by the board.

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 16.

§ 63-12-117. License without examination; reciprocity

(a) The board, in its discretion, may issue a license without a written examination to a qualified applicant who furnishes satisfactory proof that the applicant is a graduate of an approved veterinary college and meets all other standards adopted by the board in rules and regulations. At its discretion, the board may orally or practically examine any person qualifying for license under this section or may enter into agreement for reciprocal licensing with other states having substantially similar requirements for licensure.

(b)(1) When the board receives a completed application for licensure from an applicant who is licensed in another state or territory of the United States or in the District of Columbia, then the board shall, within sixty (60) days from the date the board receives the completed application:

(A) Render a decision on the application; or

(B) Inform the applicant of the need to appear before the board.

(2) As used in this subsection (b), “completed application” means an application that satisfies all statutory and board rule requirements.

Credits
1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 17; 1983 Pub.Acts, c. 57, § 9; 2023 Pub.Acts, c. 426, § 8, eff. May 11, 2023.

§ 63-12-118. Veterinary wellness committee; liability; confidential information

(a) As used in this section, “veterinary wellness committee” or “committee” means any committee, board, commission, or other entity established by any state-wide veterinary medical association or local veterinary medical association for the purpose of providing immediate and continuing help to veterinary professionals licensed to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology, students of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology, certified animal euthanasia technicians, and employees of veterinary practices in this state who suffer from physical or mental conditions that result from disease, disorder, trauma, or age and that impair their ability to perform their duties in veterinary medicine with reasonable skill and safety.

(b) Veterinary wellness committee members, employees, and agents, including volunteers, taking any action authorized by this chapter, engaging in the performance of any duties on behalf of the committee, or participating in any administrative or judicial proceeding resulting from their participation on the committee, shall be immune from civil or criminal liability with respect to any action taken in good faith and without malice.

(c) All information, interviews, reports, statements, memoranda, or other data furnished to or produced by a veterinary wellness committee and any findings, conclusions, reports, or recommendations resulting from the proceedings of the committee are privileged and confidential. Information and actions taken by the committee shall be privileged and held in strictest confidence and shall not be disclosed or required to be disclosed to any person or entity outside of the committee, unless such disclosure is authorized by the member of the veterinary profession to whom it relates. Nothing contained in this subsection (c) applies to records, documents, or information otherwise available from original sources, and such records, documents, or information are not immune from discovery or use in any civil proceedings solely due to having been presented to the committee.

Credits

2016 Pub.Acts, c. 819, § 5, eff. July 1, 2016.

§ 63-12-119. Unauthorized practice; criminal law and procedure

Any person who practices or attempts to practice veterinary medicine in this state and makes a charge for the practice, without having complied with the provisions of this chapter, commits a Class B misdemeanor for each instance of such practice.

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 19; 1989 Pub.Acts, c. 591, § 112.

§ 63-12-120. Continuing education requirements

(a) Each license holder under this chapter, except as otherwise provided, shall be required to meet continuing educational requirements each year within the renewal period, which are approved by the board, such as those conducted or sponsored by the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association, the Southern Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association or any of its constituent branches. The minimum number of hours of attendance for continuing education so required shall be prescribed by the board. However, postgraduate study or attendance at an institution or an educational session approved by the board shall be considered equivalent, but the board shall have the right, for good cause shown, to prescribe the type and character of postgraduate study to be done by any doctor of veterinary medicine in order to comply with the requirements of this chapter.

(b) The board in its discretion may waive the annual continuing education requirements for good cause shown.

(c) The board shall promulgate, in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, rules that establish criteria for issuance of the continuing education credits required by this section.

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 20; 1983 Pub.Acts, c. 57, § 11; 1984 Pub.Acts, c. 906, § 3.

§ 63-12-121. License; renewal; requirements

(a) All persons who are now or may hereafter be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in this state shall renew such license as follows:

(1) Each year, the secretary-treasurer of the board shall mail an application for renewal of license to every person holding a valid current license;

(2) The applicant shall fill in the application and return it to the secretary-treasurer of the board;

(3) The applicant shall furnish the board such evidence as it may require of having complied with provisions pursuant to this chapter, relating to the annual educational program;

(4) The annual renewal fee shall be set by the board and shall be paid at the time the application for renewal of license is filed;

(5) If any holder of a license fails to renew the license within sixty (60) days after registration becomes due, as provided in this section, the license or certificate of such person shall be automatically revoked at the expiration of the sixty (60) days after the registration was required, without further notice or hearing unless requested;

(6) However, during any war or national emergency, the holder of a license, on active duty with the armed services, shall not be required to renew the license until January 1 of the year following the date of the holder's release from such active duty; and

(7) The acceptance of any fee by the board shall not in any way affect the board's powers or duties with respect to the revocation, suspension or refusal to grant any license.

(b) All fines for offenses for the violation of this chapter shall be paid over to the board and shall become a part of the receipts of the board. All money received by the board shall be paid into the state treasury and become a part of the general fund of the state. The budget director shall make such allotments out of the general fund as the budget director may deem proper for the necessary expenses of the board, and no expenditure shall be made by the board unless and until such allotment has been made by the budget director. Such allotments shall be disbursed under the general budgetary laws of this state.

(c) Any person licensed to practice veterinary medicine, who has retired or may hereafter retire from such practice in this state, shall not be made to register as required by this chapter if such person shall file with this board, an affidavit on a form to be furnished by the board, which affidavit shall state the date on which such person retired from such practice and such other facts as shall tend to verify such retirement as the board shall deem necessary. If such person thereafter reengages in the practice of veterinary medicine in this state, such person shall apply for registration with the board as provided by this chapter, and shall meet continuing education requirements as set by the board.

(d)(1) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the division, with the approval of the commissioner, shall establish a system of license renewals at alternative intervals that will allow for the distribution of the license workload as uniformly as is practicable throughout the calendar year. Licenses issued under the alternative method are valid for twenty-four (24) months, and shall expire on the last day of the last month of the license period. However, during a transition period, or at any time thereafter when the board shall determine that the volume of work for any given interval is unduly burdensome or costly, either the licenses or renewals, or both of them, may be issued for terms of not less than six (6) months nor more than eighteen (18) months. The fee imposed for any license under the alternative interval method for a period of other than twenty-four (24) months shall be proportionate to the annual fee and modified in no other manner, except that the proportional fee shall be rounded off to the nearest quarter of a dollar (25¢).

(2) No renewal application will be accepted after the last day of the month following the license expiration date under the alternative method authorized in this subsection (d).

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 21; impl. am. by 1978 Pub.Acts, c. 934, §§ 22, 36; 1983 Pub.Acts, c. 57, § 12; 1988 Pub.Acts, c. 752, § 3; 1989 Pub.Acts, c. 360, §§ 39 to 42; 1989 Pub.Acts, c. 523, § 212.

§ 63-12-122. License; reissuance after suspension or revocation

(a) The board, by an affirmative vote of three (3), at any time after suspension or revocation of a license for good and sufficient cause, may reissue a license to the person affected, conferring upon the person all the rights and privileges pertaining to the practice of veterinary medicine.

(b) Any person to whom such license may be reissued shall pay the same fee as upon the issuance of the original license.

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 22.

§ 63-12-123. License; duplicates

(a) The board may issue a duplicate license to replace one that has been lost or destroyed, or where a name change is requested for a fee as set by the board.

(b) Each duplicate license shall have the word "Duplicate" typed or printed across its face.

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 23; 1983 Pub.Acts, c. 57, § 13; 1989 Pub.Acts, c. 523, § 78.

§ 63-12-124. License; denial, suspension or revocation; grounds

(a) The board, pursuant to the procedure prescribed in this section, has the power to deny, suspend or revoke any license or to otherwise discipline an applicant or licensee who is found guilty by the board of one (1) or more of the following:

(1) Willful or repeated violation of any provisions of this chapter or any rules of the board;

(2) Fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure a license to practice veterinary medicine, or presenting to the board dishonest or fraudulent evidence of qualification or fraud or deception in the process of examination for the purpose of securing a license;

(3) The willful failure to display a license;

(4) Fraud, deception, misrepresentation, dishonest or illegal practices in or connected with the practice of veterinary medicine in any of its branches;

(5) Willfully making any misrepresentation in the inspection of food for human consumption;

(6) Fraudulently issuing or using any health certificate, vaccination certificate, inspection certificate, test chart or other blank form used in the practice of veterinary medicine to the dissemination of animal disease, transportation of diseased animals or the sale of inedible products of animal origin for human consumption;

(7) Fraud or dishonesty in applying, treating or reporting on tuberculin, diagnostic or other biological test;

(8) Failure to keep the equipment and premises of the business establishment in a clean and sanitary condition;

(9) Refusing to permit the board or any legal representative of the board to inspect the business premises of the licensee during regular business hours;

(10) Circulating knowingly untrue, fraudulent, misleading or deceptive advertising;

(11) Gross malpractice or a pattern of continued or repeated malpractice, ignorance, negligence or incompetence in the course of veterinary medical practice;

(12) Unprofessional or unethical conduct or engaging in practices in connection with the practice of veterinary medicine that are in violation of the standards of professional conduct as defined in this section or prescribed by the rules of the board;

(13) Conduct reflecting unfavorably upon the profession of veterinary medicine;

(14) The willful making of any false statement as to a material matter in any oath or affidavit that is required by this chapter;

(15) Revocation by another state of a license to practice veterinary medicine in that state, in which case the record of such revocation shall be conclusive evidence;

(16) Conviction on a charge of cruelty to animals;

(17) Conviction of a felony under federal or state law involving use, misuse, possession or sale of any controlled substance or controlled substance analogue;

(18) Conviction of a felony in the courts of this state, or of any other state, territory or country that, if committed in this state, would be a felony;

(A) The record of conviction in a court of competent jurisdiction shall be sufficient evidence for disciplinary action to be taken as may be considered proper by the board. For the purpose of this chapter, a conviction shall be considered to be a conviction that has been upheld by the highest appellate court having jurisdiction or a conviction upon which the time for filing an appeal has passed; and

(B) A record of conviction upon charges that involve the unlawful practice of veterinary medicine; and based upon such record of conviction, without any other testimony, the board may take temporary disciplinary action even though an appeal for review by a higher court may be pending;

(19) Permitting or allowing another to use the licensee's license for the purpose of treating or offering to treat sick, injured or affected animals;

(20) Engaging in the practice of veterinary medicine under a false or assumed name or the impersonation of another practitioner of a like, similar or different name;

(21) Has been guilty of employing or permitting any person who does not hold a license to practice veterinary medicine in this state to perform work that, under this chapter, can lawfully be done only by persons holding such license and permitted by law to practice veterinary medicine in this state. It shall be conclusively presumed that any unlicensed person, if employed by a licensed person, was employed for such purpose if the unlicensed person has attended any school of veterinary medicine or surgery, accredited or otherwise, for a period of over thirty (30) days;

(22) Addiction to the habitual use of intoxicating liquors, narcotics or other stimulants to such an extent as to incapacitate the applicant or licensee from the performance of the applicant's or the licensee's professional obligations and duties;

(23) Professional incompetence;

(24) Having been adjudged mentally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction and the disabilities of such person not having been restored or the voluntary commitment or admission to a state hospital or other mental institution. The record of adjudication, judgment, order or voluntary commitment is conclusive evidence of such mental illness; and upon receipt of a certified copy of any such adjudication, judgment, order or record of voluntary commitment by the board, it may suspend the license of the person so adjudicated or committed;

(25) Failure to report, as required by law, or making false report of, any contagious or infectious disease as referred to under the United States department of agriculture (U.S.D.A.) standards for accreditation of veterinarians in Tennessee and other states;

(26) Has been found guilty of using biologicals or other drugs that have deteriorated or after the expiration date of that particular lot or serial number;

(27) Has been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude;

(28) Dispensing, prescribing or otherwise distributing any controlled substance or any other drug not in the course of the accepted practice of veterinary medicine; or

(29) Practicing veterinary medicine without establishing and maintaining a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

(b) The board may, on its own motion, cause to be investigated any report indicating that a veterinarian is or may be in violation of the provisions of this chapter.

(c) Any person who in good faith shall report to the board any information that a veterinarian is or may be in violation of any provisions of this chapter shall not be subject to suit for civil damages as a result thereof.

(d) An action taken under this section shall be subject to the applicable provisions of the Fresh Start Act that are compiled in chapter 1, part 1 of this title.

Credits
1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 24; 1983 Pub.Acts, c. 57, § 14; 2012 Pub.Acts, c. 848, § 76, eff. May 15, 2012; 2016 Pub.Acts, c. 819, § 4, eff. July 1, 2016; 2018 Pub.Acts, c. 745, § 29, eff. July 1, 2018.

§ 63-12-125. Administrative procedure

The provisions of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, shall apply to all proceedings of the board and regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter.

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 25; 1983 Pub.Acts, c. 57, § 15.

§§ 63-12-126, 63-12-127. Repealed by 1983 Pub.Acts, c. 57, § 16

§ 63-12-128. Disciplinary proceedings; authority

(a) The board has the authority to enter an order to discipline any person, corporation or other similar organization, public or private, for-profit or not-for-profit, who or which, after proper hearing, has been found guilty by the board of a violation of one (1) or more provisions of this chapter or any rule of the board. The board, based upon the evidence and its findings of fact, may enter its final order, which may include one (1) or more of the following provisions:

(1) Suspend or limit the right to practice veterinary medicine in this state;

(2) Suspend or limit the right to hold a certificate or premises permit in this state;

(3) Revoke the license to practice veterinary medicine. Following revocation of such license, the licensee may be re-licensed at the discretion of the board with or without examination;

(4) Impose judgment and penalties, but suspend enforcement thereof and place the licensee or license applicant, certificate holder or certificate applicant, premises permit holder or premises permit applicant on probation;

(5) Suspend the imposition of judgment and penalties;

(6) Refuse to issue a new license, certificate, or premises permit;

(7) Withhold any license, certificate, or premises permit, either permanently or for a period of time, when the same has not been delivered;

(8) Suspend or limit the right to own or operate a veterinary facility in this state; or

(9) Take such other action in relation to discipline as the board in its discretion may deem proper.

(b) Immediately upon entry of the final order by the board, a copy thereof shall be delivered to the respondent and the respondent's counsel, if any, either personally or by registered or certified mail.

(d) Judicial review of orders of the board may be had by writ of certiorari or as otherwise provided by the laws of this state.

CREDIT(S)

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 28; 1996 Pub.Acts, c. 771, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1997; 1996 Pub.Acts, c. 773, §§ 1, 2, eff. April 17, 1996; 1997 Pub.Acts, c. 106, §§ 5 to 7, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; 2010 Pub.Acts, c. 1043, §§ 10, 11, eff. June 11, 2010.

§ 63-12-129. Enforcement; inspections and investigations

(a) The enforcement of the laws and rules of the board regulating the practicing of veterinary medicine in this state is primarily vested in the board, who may have the following powers and duties:

(1) To employ investigators, counsel and clerical assistance or any other necessary personnel;

(2) To inspect all veterinary facilities to determine sanitary conditions, physical equipment, methods of operation, keeping of records, etc. This inspection shall be by a member of the board or a licensed veterinarian representing the board;

(3) To inspect licenses; and

(4) To conduct investigations of all alleged violations.

(b) The powers granted to the board shall not curtail or in any manner affect or eliminate the duties, efforts and assistance of the department of health in the enforcement of this chapter.

(c) All expenses, compensation or fees incurred in connection with enforcement duties and powers shall be paid from the funds of the board and in all respects treated as other expenses of the board, subject to the provisions of this chapter.

CREDIT(S)

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 29; 1996 Pub.Acts, c. 771, § 4, eff. Jan. 1, 1997; 1996 Pub.Acts, c. 773, § 3, eff. April 17, 1996.

§ 63-12-130. Criminal law and procedure; prosecutions

(a) The state and county prosecuting attorneys shall prosecute all persons charged with the violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or rules of the board.

(b) The secretary-treasurer of the board, or other person employed or designated by the board, shall assist the prosecuting attorneys by furnishing them evidence of such violations whenever the board comes into possession of same.

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 30.

§ 63-12-131. Criminal law and procedure; false personation

Any person filing or attempting to file as the person's own the diploma or license of another, or a forged or fictitious license or diploma or certificate or forged affidavit or identification commits a Class E felony.

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 31; 1989 Pub.Acts, c. 591, § 85.

§ 63-12-132. Criminal law and procedure; injunctions

In addition to the penalties herein provided in this chapter, the board may institute legal proceedings to enjoin the violation of the provisions of this chapter or rules of the board in any court of competent jurisdiction, and such court may grant a temporary or permanent injunction restraining the violation thereof.

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 32.

§ 63-12-133. Application of law; exemptions

(a) This chapter shall not be construed as applying to:

(1) Students in schools or colleges of veterinary medicine when in performance of duties or actions assigned by their instructors or when working under the immediate supervision of a licensed veterinarian;

(2) Any lawfully qualified veterinarian residing in another state or country, when meeting in consultation with a licensed veterinarian of this state, who:

(A) Does not open an office or appoint a place to do business within this state;

(B) Does not print or use letterhead or business cards reflecting addresses in this state;

(D) Practices veterinary medicine as a consultant while rendering services directly to the public, under the direction of and in consultation with licensees of this state, for less than twelve (12) days per calendar year.

(3) Any veterinarian in the employ of a state agency or the United States government while actually engaged in the performance of the veterinarian's official duties; however, this exemption shall not apply to such person when the person is not engaged in carrying out the person's official duties or is not working at the installations for which the person's services were engaged;

(4) Prevent any person or the person's regular employee from administering to the ills and injuries of the person's own animals, including, but not limited to, castration of animals and dehorning of cattle, unless title has been transferred or employment provided for the purpose of circumventing this law;

(5) State agencies, accredited schools, institutions, foundations, business corporations or associations, physicians licensed to practice medicine and surgery in all its branches, graduate doctors of veterinary medicine or persons under the direct supervision thereof, who or which conduct experiments and scientific research on animals in the development of pharmaceuticals, biologicals, serums or methods of treatment or techniques for the diagnosis or treatment of human ailments, or when engaged in the study and development of methods and techniques directly or indirectly applicable to the problems of the practice of veterinary medicine;

(6) Veterinary aides, nurses, laboratory technicians or other employees of a licensed veterinarian who administer medication or render auxiliary or supporting assistance under the responsible supervision of such licensed veterinarian;

(7) Any person gratuitously treating animals in cases of emergency; provided, that the person does not claim to be a veterinarian or use any title or degree appertaining to the practice thereof;

(8) Any merchant or manufacturer selling at the merchant's or manufacturer's regular place of business medicines, feed, appliances or other products used in the prevention or treatment of animal diseases. This shall not be construed to authorize the sale of medicines or biologicals that must be obtained by a prescription from a veterinarian, but shall only include the right to sell those medicines that are classified as proprietary and that are commonly known as over-the-counter medicines;

(9) Any person advising with respect to or performing acts that the board by rule has prescribed as accepted livestock management practice;

(10) Any person or such person's employees when removing an embryo from the person's own food animal for the purpose of transplanting or cryopreserving such embryo; and

(11) The use of any manual procedure for the testing of pregnancy in bovine animals when performed by a farmer as defined in § 67-6-207(e)(1),(3),(4) and (5), only if:

(A) Such farmer testing for pregnancy is not compensated by the person who owns such animals, other than by the exchange of services for or the use of equipment by such farmer performing the pregnancy test; and

(B) The results of such testing are for the owner’s use only and not to affect commerce.

(b) The operations known as castrating and dehorning are not regarded as practicing veterinary surgery, and nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit anyone from castrating or dehorning any wild or domestic animal.

(c) For the purposes of this chapter, the practice of veterinary medicine shall not include the artificial insemination of livestock, as the term livestock is defined in § 43-1-114. The practice of artificial insemination shall be considered an accepted livestock management practice.

(d) Deleted by 2018 Pub.Acts, c. 679, § 1, eff. July 1, 2018.

Credits
1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 33; 2006 Pub.Acts, c. 532, § 1, eff. April 19, 2006; 2010 Pub.Acts, c. 804, §§ 3 to 5, eff. April 19, 2010; 2014 Pub.Acts, c. 568, § 5, eff. March 21, 2014; 2017 Pub.Acts, c. 274, § 1, eff. May 4, 2017; 2018 Pub.Acts, c. 679, § 1, eff. July 1, 2018.

§ 63-12-134. Liens and incumbrances

(a) Every licensed veterinarian has a lien on each animal or pet treated, boarded or cared for by the veterinarian while in the veterinarian's custody and under contract with the owner of such animal or pet for payment of charges for treatment, board or care of such animal or pet. Such veterinarian has the right to retain such animal or pet until such charges are paid.

(b)(1) If the charges due for the services named in this section are not paid within ten (10) days after demand for the charges due on the owner of such animal or pet, in person, or by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested, addressed to the owner at the address given when such animal or pet is delivered, and the receipt has been returned by the United States postal authorities, such animal or pet shall be deemed to be abandoned and the licensed veterinarian is authorized to sell the animal or pet either at public or private sale, and if the veterinarian does not succeed in selling such animal or pet within ten (10) days, then the veterinarian is authorized to dispose of such animal or pet in any manner that the veterinarian deems proper or turn the animal or pet over to the nearest humane society or dog pound in the area for disposal as such custodian deems proper.

(2) An animal shall also be considered abandoned by its owner if the owner gives a licensed veterinarian a false address and telephone number and the demand mailed by the licensed veterinarian registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, is returned undelivered. Under the circumstances provided in this subdivision (b)(2), the licensed veterinarian may consider the animal abandoned when the veterinarian receives notice that the mailed demand is undeliverable, and the licensed veterinarian may dispose of the animal as provided in subdivision (b)(1). As an alternative, the licensed veterinarian may turn the animal or pet over to the nearest humane society or animal control shelter in the area for disposition of the animal as such custodian deems proper without first offering the animal or pet for sale.

(c) The giving of notice to the owners, as provided in subsection (b), relieves the licensed veterinarian, or any custodian to whom such animal or pet may be given, of any further liability for disposal.

(d) Failure of the owner of any such animal or pet to receive the demand by registered or certified mail provided for in this section does not render the licensed veterinarian liable to the owner of such animal or pet for the disposal thereof in any manner provided in this section.

(e) When any animal or pet is sold as authorized in this law to satisfy a lien for any of the services enumerated, any moneys realized from the sale, less such charges, and any expenses incurred in making the demand for payment thereof in connection with the sale, shall be paid to the owner of the animal or pet.

(f) No legal proceeding for the enforcement of the lien created by this law is necessary concerning abandoned animals as defined in subsection (b), other than compliance with the requirements provided in this section.

1967 Pub.Acts, c. 80, § 34; 1983 Pub.Acts, c. 57, § 17; 1997 Pub.Acts, c. 204, § 1, eff. May 9, 1997.

§ 63-12-135. Animal technicians

(a) The board shall examine and license veterinary technicians and has the same authority in the regulation, examination and qualification of licensed veterinary technicians as it has under the provisions of this chapter for the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinarians.

(b) Any licensed veterinarian may assign to a licensed veterinary technician regularly employed by the veterinarian any task or procedure to be performed for which the veterinarian exercises responsible supervision and full responsibility except those procedures requiring professional judgment or skill as prescribed by board rule.

(c) The fees provided in this chapter pertaining to applications, licensing and renewal for veterinarians also apply to licensed veterinary technicians.

(d) It is a Class B misdemeanor for any person to use in connection with the person's name any designation intending to imply that the person is a veterinary technician or a licensed veterinary technician unless the person meets the requirements contained in this chapter.

(e) The board may, on its own motion, cause to be investigated any report indicating that a licensed veterinary technician is or may be in violation of the provisions of this chapter. Any person who in good faith reports to the board any information that a licensed veterinary technician is or may be in violation of any provisions of this chapter is not subject to suit for civil damages as a result thereof.

CREDIT(S)

1972 Pub.Acts, c. 688, § 1; 1983 Pub.Acts, c. 57, § 18; 1989 Pub.Acts, c. 591, § 112; 1999 Pub.Acts, c. 375, §§ 5, 7, 9 to 11, eff. June 14, 1999; 2013 Pub.Acts, c. 440, § 2, eff. July 1, 2013.

§ 63-12-136. Repealed by 1996 Pub.Acts, c. 773, § 4, eff. April 17, 1996

§ 63-12-137. Unlawful practice; ownership; exemptions

(a) It is unlawful for any licensed veterinarian to practice veterinary medicine as an employee of any person other than a veterinarian duly licensed in this state, or a veterinary facility operated at all times under the direct medical supervision of a veterinarian duly licensed in this state.

(b) No person, corporation or other similar organization, public or private, for-profit or not-for-profit, other than a veterinarian duly licensed in this state, shall own or operate a veterinary facility within this state, except as follows:

(1) Any person, corporation or other similar organization, public or private, for-profit or not-for-profit, shall apply for and receive a premises permit before the commencement of operations at the veterinary facility; and

(2) The owner of the veterinary facility shall not restrict or interfere with medically appropriate veterinary diagnostic or treatment decisions by the licensed veterinarians employed at the veterinary facility.

(1) A veterinarian employed by a person, corporation or other similar organization, public or private, for-profit or not-for-profit, to treat such employer's animal(s);

(2) A veterinarian employed by an official agency of the federal or state government, or any subdivision thereof; and

(3) A veterinarian employed by any licensed research facility.

1983 Pub.Acts, c. 57, § 19; 1996 Pub.Acts, c. 771, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 1997; 1996 Pub.Acts, c. 773, § 5, eff. April 17, 1996.

§ 63-12-138. Peer review; immunity

(a) As used in this section, "peer review committee" or "committee" means any committee, board, commission or other entity constituted by any state-wide veterinary medical association, or local veterinary medical association, or local veterinary association for the purpose of receiving and evaluating veterinary acts of other veterinarians or veterinary auxiliary personnel.

(b) Any veterinarian who serves on any peer review committee or on any other committee shall be immune from liability with respect to any action taken by the veterinarian in good faith and without malice as a member of such committee, board, commission or other entity.

(c) Veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, and members of boards of directors of any publicly supported or privately supported animal health care facility, or any other individual appointed to any committee, as described in subsection (a), shall be immune from liability to any client, patient, individual or organization for furnishing information, data, reports or records to any such committee or for damages resulting from any decision, opinions, actions and proceedings rendered, entered or acted upon by such committees undertaken or performed within the scope or functions of the duties of such committees, if made or taken in good faith and without malice and on the basis of facts reasonably known or reasonably believed to exist.

(d) All information, interviews, reports, statements, memoranda or other data furnished to any such peer review committee or other entity, and any findings, conclusions or recommendations resulting from the proceedings of such committee or other entity are privileged. The records and proceedings of any such committee or other entity are confidential and shall be used by such committee or other entity and the members thereof only in the exercise of the proper functions of the committee or other entity, and shall not become public record nor be available for court subpoena or discovery proceedings. Nothing contained in this subsection (d) applies to records, documents or information otherwise available from original sources, such records, documents or information not to be construed as immune from discovery or use in any civil proceedings solely due to presentation to the committee.

1987 Pub.Acts, c. 293, § 1; 1999 Pub.Acts, c. 375, § 8, eff. June 14, 1999.

§ 63-12-139. Premises permits; inspection; application; exemptions; mobile clinics; fees

(a) Any person who owns or operates any veterinary facility, including mobile clinics, or any other premises where a licensed veterinarian practices or where the practice of veterinary medicine occurs shall apply for and secure a premises permit from the board prior to the commencement of any services that would subject the provider of those services to licensure under this chapter. Any premises in operation on January 1, 1997, shall register with the board by filling out an application as required by the board.

(b) Any premises at which veterinary services are provided and not owned or leased by a licensed veterinarian on January 1, 1997, shall be inspected prior to the opening of such premises. Upon receipt of the application and payment of the application and inspection fee established by the board, the board shall cause such premises to be inspected by an authorized agent of the board within thirty (30) days of receipt of the application. Any premises in which a licensed veterinarian operates a practice on January 1, 1997, shall be granted a temporary permit upon submission of the registration required by subsection (a), which temporary permit shall remain in effect until the premises are inspected by the board. Any premises for which a permit has been granted on or after January 1, 1997, shall be inspected by the board within sixty (60) days of any change of ownership or legal responsibility for the premises. If the board is unable to complete any inspection of the premises within the thirty- or sixty-day time periods prescribed in this subsection (b), it shall issue a temporary premises permit, which shall remain in effect until the inspection required by this section is completed.

(c)(1) A premises permit shall be issued if the premises meet minimum standards established by board rules as to sanitary conditions and physical plant. In lieu of the procedures identified in subsection (b), the board may issue a premises permit upon certification by the applicant that the premises have been inspected and accredited by a recognized organization, the standards of which are found by the board to meet or exceed the minimum standards established by board rules.

(2) Except as provided in subdivision (c)(3), all veterinary facilities located in retail establishments shall have an entrance into the permitted premises that is directly on a public street or other area which adjoins the establishment, and such entrance shall be separate from the entrance primarily used by regular retail customers. For purposes of this chapter, “retail establishment” means any retail store in excess of two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet that primarily sells goods not related to the practice of veterinary medicine; companion animal retail facilities that primarily sell goods in the categories of companion animal nutrition, food, supplies, and behavioral products; or any veterinary facility located in an enclosed shopping mall or enclosed shopping center.

(3) Veterinary facilities located in retail establishments that were issued a premises permit prior to January 1, 2015, and that have a separate entrance used by regular retail customers shall maintain and utilize the separate entrance in order to comply with subdivision (c)(2). Veterinary facilities located in retail establishments that were issued a premises permit prior to January 1, 2015, and that do not have a separate entrance used by regular retail customers on July 1, 2016, are in compliance with subdivision (c)(2).

(4) The costs of any inspection undertaken by the board shall be set by the board and paid in advance by the applicant, in addition to the fee established by the board for the premises permit.

(d) Each application for a premises permit submitted by a person not licensed under this chapter shall state the name and address of the licensed veterinarian who will be responsible for the practice of veterinary medicine on the premises. The supervising veterinarian shall be licensed in Tennessee. The applicant shall also include the name or names and address or addresses of the licensee or licensees who will be on-site when the practice of veterinary medicine occurs. The applicant shall affirm that the practice of veterinary medicine shall not be provided on the premises without the physical presence of a veterinarian licensed in Tennessee. An application for a premises permit submitted pursuant to this subsection (d) may be denied if any veterinarian submitted by the applicant has been previously disciplined by the board. The holder of a premises permit shall notify the board of any change of ownership or legal responsibility for premises for which a permit has been issued, any change as to the supervising veterinarian for the premises and any change as to the licensed veterinarian or veterinarians who will be employed to provide veterinary medical services at the premises at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of the change unless the change arises from unforeseen circumstances, in which case notice shall be given within five (5) days of the effective date of the change.

(e) The board shall deny any application for a premises permit if the inspection reveals that the premises do not meet the minimum standards established by the board. The applicant shall pay the inspection fee for each additional reinspection required to determine whether any deficiencies found by the board have been brought into compliance with the minimum standards established by board rules and regulations as to sanitary conditions and physical plant.

(f) Any practitioner who provides veterinary services on a house-call basis and does not maintain a veterinary facility for the receipt of patients shall not be required to secure a premises permit, but must provide for appropriate equipment and facilities as established by the board.

(g) Any practitioner who provides veterinary services solely to agricultural animals and does not maintain a veterinary facility for the receipt of patients shall not be required to obtain a premises permit, but must provide for appropriate equipment and facilities as established by the board.

(h) Mobile large and small animal veterinary clinics operating in more than one (1) location and examining and/or treating animals belonging to multiple clients whose animals are not permanently housed or boarded at that location shall have a premises permit for the mobile facilities that are utilized unless exempted by state or local public health officials. Such mobile clinics shall also specify the locations at which such mobile clinics will operate. Such information shall be considered as part of the application for a premises permit. Any change in the locations at which the mobile clinics will operate shall be reported to the board at least thirty (30) days in advance of the effective date of the change.

(i) The following are exempt from this section:

(1) A veterinary facility owned by a person, corporation or other similar organization, public or private, for-profit or not-for-profit, to treat such employer's animals;

(2) A veterinary facility operated by an official agency of the federal or state government; and

(3) A licensed research facility.

(j) The board shall be authorized to employ such persons who may be required, in its discretion, to inspect premises under the jurisdiction of the board. The board shall establish a fee schedule for inspections required under this chapter. An applicant for a premises permit shall remit to the board an application fee, which shall be equal to the license fee required of licensed veterinarians. A licensed veterinarian or an applicant for licensure as a veterinarian shall not be required to submit an additional fee for a premises permit but shall be required to submit the required inspection fee, if such licensed veterinarian or applicant also submits an application for a premises permit.

(k) The board of veterinary examiners is authorized to issue a limited waiver to the requirement for a premises permit under this section to a veterinarian who meets the following requirements:

(1) The waiver is granted for one (1) day, once in a calendar year;

(2) The waiver is applicable to only one (1) county and only one (1) waiver shall be granted in each county in a calendar year;

(3) The waiver is only for livestock testing; and

(4) The waiver is only for one (1) location, which shall be a farm.

Credits
1996 Pub.Acts, c. 771, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1997; 2013 Pub.Acts, c. 440, §§ 3, 4, eff. July 1, 2013; 2016 Pub.Acts, c. 819, § 1, eff. July 1, 2016.

§ 63-12-140. Operation without permit

(a) It is an offense to knowingly operate a veterinary facility in this state without a premises permit.

(b) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor and each violation constitutes a separate offense.

1996 Pub.Acts, c. 771, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1997.

§ 63-12-141. Restricted controlled substance registration certificates; euthanizing injured, sick or abandoned animals; certified animal euthanasia technician

(a) The board of veterinary medical examiners, upon submission of a complete application and payment of a fee established by the board, shall issue to any animal control agency that it determines to be qualified a certificate authorizing the agency to apply to the federal drug enforcement agency, including any successor entity, for a restricted controlled substance registration certificate for the purchase, possession and use of sodium pentobarbital or other drugs as authorized by the board for administration by a certified animal euthanasia technician to euthanize injured, sick or abandoned animals. It is a Class B misdemeanor for any person or entity to use or imply that such person or entity has been granted a certificate as a certified animal control agency unless a certificate has been granted under the provisions of this title.

(b) The board, upon submission of a complete application and payment of a fee established by the board, shall issue to any person who it determines to be qualified, a certificate for such person to function as a certified animal euthanasia technician. It is a Class B misdemeanor for any person or entity to use or imply that such person or entity has been granted a certificate as a certified animal euthanasia technician unless a certificate has been granted under the provisions of this title.

(c) EUTHANASIA OF ANIMALS. Euthanasia of animals in a certified animal control agency may only be performed by a licensed veterinarian, including a licensed veterinary technician employed by and functioning under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, or a certified animal euthanasia technician as provided by law. A certified animal control agency that employs a certified animal euthanasia technician may purchase, possess and administer sodium pentobarbital or such other drug that the board may approve for the euthanasia of animals. Sodium pentobarbital and such other drugs approved by the board shall be the only drugs used for the euthanasia of animals in a certified animal control agency.

(d) RENEWAL OF CERTIFICATION. Certified animal control agencies and certified animal euthanasia technicians shall be required to renew their certificates at such intervals, upon such conditions and upon the payment of such fees as may be established by the board.

1997 Pub.Acts, c. 106, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; 1999 Pub.Acts, c. 375, § 6, eff. June 14, 1999.

§ 63-12-142. Gratuitous emergency treatment to an ill or injured animal; exemption from civil damages

Any licensed veterinarian, or ancillary veterinary personnel employed by and working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, who, in good faith, at such person's own initiative, renders emergency treatment to an ill or injured animal gratuitously and without making charge for such treatment, is not liable to the owner of the animal for any civil damages arising from the treatment provided to the animal except in cases of gross negligence. If the licensed veterinarian, or ancillary veterinary personnel acting under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, performs euthanasia on an animal it is presumed that it was a humane act necessary to relieve pain and suffering.

1997 Pub.Acts, c. 484, § 1, eff. June 13, 1997.

§ 63-12-143. Determination of costs

The board shall promulgate rules governing the assessment of costs against a licensee or other person found by the board to have violated any provision of this chapter. The costs assessed by the board may include only those costs directly related to the prosecution of the charges against the licensee or other person, including investigatory costs where appropriate. The board shall determine the appropriate amount of costs, if any, to be assessed in a contested case. These costs shall be reasonable and proportionate in light of the violation committed by the licensee or other person.

1999 Pub.Acts, c. 436, § 3, eff. July 1, 1999.

§ 63-12-144. Animal chemical capture; certified technicians

(a)(1) The board of veterinary medical examiners, upon submission of a complete application and payment of a fee established by the board, shall issue to any governmental animal control agency that the board determines to be qualified and that has a valid premises permit issued by the board, a certificate authorizing chemical capture of animals under this section by certified animal chemical capture technicians.

(2) The agencies shall submit, as part of the application, a written protocol for chemical capture of animals by certified animal chemical capture technicians to the board for approval. The protocol shall include, at a minimum, the procedure for removing the dart from a captured animal, first aid care of the dart wound, the procedure for providing veterinary care to the animal immediately upon capture, the appropriate location and handling of the animal during recovery from anesthesia, and the supervisory structure regarding who makes the final decision to proceed with the chemical capture of an animal.

(3) It is a Class B misdemeanor for any person or entity to engage in the chemical capture of animals or imply that the person or entity has been granted a certificate as a certified animal control agency with a premises permit unless the certificate and permit have been granted under this title.

(b)(1) The board, upon submission of a complete application and payment of a fee established by the board, shall issue to any person who the board determines to be qualified, a certificate for the person to function as a certified animal chemical capture technician. Applicants shall be required to have successfully completed a sixteen-hour chemical immobilization certification course. The course must be approved by the board and the curriculum of the course shall include pharmacology, proper administration, recordkeeping, chemical capture technology, animal behavior, postimmobilization procedures, proper public and personnel safety, and marksmanship training.

(2) It is a Class B misdemeanor for any person to chemically capture animals or imply that the person has been granted a certificate as a certified animal chemical capture technician unless a certificate has been granted under this title.

(c) The chemical capture of dogs and cats, as defined in § 44-17-601, shall only be performed by a licensed veterinarian, a licensed veterinary technician employed by and functioning under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, or a certified animal chemical capture technician as provided by law. Telazol and such other drugs that the board may approve shall be the only drugs used for the chemical capture of dogs and cats by a certified animal chemical capture technician.

(d) Tranquilizer guns shall be used for the humane chemical capture of dogs and cats. Any such tranquilizer gun shall have the capability to track the darts it shoots, and shall be well maintained and kept in a high state of repair at all times.

(e) Certified animal control agencies and certified animal chemical capture technicians shall be required to renew their certificates at such intervals, upon such conditions and upon the payment of such fees as may be established by the board.

(f) Nothing in this part shall be construed to limit in any way the practice of a licensed veterinarian as provided by law.

CREDIT(S)

2008 Pub.Acts, c. 805, § 2.

§ 63-12-145. Occupation and preemption; local regulation

(a) The general assembly intends by this chapter, other provisions of the Tennessee Code Annotated and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter and the Tennessee Code Annotated to occupy and preempt the entire field of legislation concerning the regulation of the practice of veterinary medicine, including, but not limited to, the regulation of any act or procedure utilized within the practice of veterinary medicine.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), a municipality, metropolitan government or county may regulate the time and place of the business operations of a person or facility holding a license or certificate under this chapter; provided, that the regulation does not conflict with state laws or regulations governing the practice of veterinary medicine.

CREDIT(S)

2009 Pub.Acts, c. 149, § 1, eff. May 5, 2009.

Part 2. Animal Massage Therapists

§ 63-12-201. Definitions

As used in this part:

(1) “Animal massage therapy” means the manipulation of the soft tissues of the animal body with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the animal. “Animal massage therapy” does not include the diagnosis, treatment, correction, alleviation, or prevention of any animal disease, illness, pain, deformity, defect, injury, or other physical or mental condition, or otherwise constitute the practice of veterinary medicine;

(2) “Certified animal massage therapist” means a person who qualifies for, and voluntarily obtains, certification under this part; and

(3) “Registered animal massage therapist” means a person who qualifies for, and voluntarily obtains, certification under this part.

Credits

2018 Pub.Acts, c. 679, § 3, eff. July 1, 2018.

§ 63-12-202. Use of the title “certified animal therapist” or “registered animal therapist”

(a) No person shall use the title “certified animal massage therapist” or “registered animal massage therapist” unless the person meets the requirements of this part.

(b) This part shall not prohibit any person from rendering or offering to render animal massage therapy services; provided, that a person who is not certified or registered under this part shall not use, or knowingly allow themselves to be identified by, the title “certified animal massage therapist” or “registered animal massage therapist”.

(c) Persons who hold themselves out as certified animal massage therapists or registered animal massage therapists without complying with § 63-12-203 are in violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, compiled in title 47, chapter 18, part 1.

Credits
2018 Pub.Acts, c. 679, § 4, eff. July 1, 2018.

§ 63-12-203. Training, supervision, and examination

In order to use the term “certified animal massage therapist” or “registered animal massage therapist”, a person must:

(1) Complete at least fifty (50) hours of training in anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, and pathologies in order to gain aptitude in preventing the delay of care to animals;

(2) Complete at least fifty (50) hours of supervised in-class hands-on work, which would include assessment and execution of bodywork skills being studied, benefits of massage, benefits of acupressure, and practice guidelines; and

(3) Take and pass an examination by the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage or a comparable examination that tests the aptitude in the course of training described in subdivisions (1) and (2).

(4) Deleted by 2019 Pub.Acts, c. 69, § 1, eff. July 1, 2019.

Credits

2018 Pub.Acts, c. 679, § 5, eff. July 1, 2018; 2019 Pub.Acts, c. 69, § 1, eff. July 1, 2019

§ 63-12-204. Liability insurance

A person practicing animal massage therapy shall obtain liability insurance in the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for the benefit of any person who is damaged because of the negligence of the person in the performance of animal massage therapy services.

Credits
2018 Pub.Acts, c. 679, § 6, eff. July 1, 2018.

Full Statute Name: West's Tennessee Code Annotated. Title 63. Professions of the Healing Arts. Chapter 12. Veterinarians.

Part 1. General Provisions

Title and Scope of Chapter

Board of Veterinary Medicine

Licensing and Examination Provisions

Revocation of Licenses and Disciplinary Provisions

Liens on Animals, Animal Technicians, Gratuitous Emergency Care, and Permits for Premises

Part 2. Animal Massage Therapists

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