§ 61-14-1 . Short title
§ 61-14-2 . Definitions
§ 61-14-3 . Criminal offender's character evaluation
§ 61-14-4 . Board created; terms; compensation; finance
§ 61-14-4.1 . Protected actions; communication
§ 61-14-5 . Board; duties
§ 61-14-5.1 . Impaired veterinarian
§ 61-14-6 . Veterinary technician examining committee; membership; terms; compensation
§ 61-14-7 . Duties of the veterinary technician examining committee
§ 61-14-7.1. Animal sheltering committee; duties [eff. 7/1/2018]
§ 61-14-8 . Application for license
§ 61-14-9 . Examination
§ 61-14-10 . Expedited and temporary license
§ 61-14-11 . Certification as veterinary technician; annual registration of employment; employment change; fees
§ 61-14-12 . License, permit and registration renewal
§ 61-14-13 . Denial, suspension or revocation of license
§ 61-14-14 . Exemptions
§ 61-14-15 . Persons previously licensed
§ 61-14-16 . Responsibility
§ 61-14-17 . Inoculation records; confidentiality
§ 61-14-18 . Practicing without license; penalty
§ 61-14-19 . Injunction
§ 61-14-20 . Termination of agency life; delayed repeal
Chapter 61, Article 14 NMSA 1978 may be cited as the “Veterinary Practice Act”.
CREDIT(S)
L. 1967, Ch. 62, § 1; L. 2011, Ch. 30, § 2, eff. June 17, 2011.
As used in the Veterinary Practice Act:
A. “animal” means any animal other than man;
B. “animal shelter”:
(1) means:
(a) a county or municipal facility that provides shelter to animals on a regular basis, including a small animal impound facility; and
(b) a private humane society or a private animal shelter that temporarily houses stray, unwanted or injured animals through administrative or contractual arrangements with a local government agency; and
(2) does not include a municipal zoological park;
C. “euthanasia” means to produce a humane death of an animal by standards deemed acceptable by the board as set forth in its rules;
D. “euthanasia agency” means a facility that provides shelter to animals on a regular basis, including a small animal impound facility, a humane society or a public or private shelter facility that temporarily houses stray, unwanted or injured animals, and that performs euthanasia;
E. “practice of veterinary medicine” means:
(1) the diagnosis, treatment, correction, change, relief or prevention of animal disease, deformity, defect, injury or other physical or mental condition, including the prescription or administration of any drug, medicine, biologic, apparatus, application, anesthetic or other therapeutic or diagnostic substance or technique and the use of any procedure for artificial insemination, testing for pregnancy, diagnosing and treating sterility or infertility or rendering advice with regard to any of these;
(2) the representation, directly or indirectly, publicly or privately, of an ability and willingness to do any act mentioned in Paragraph (1) of this subsection; or
(3) the use of 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 mentioned in Paragraph (1) of this subsection;
F. “veterinarian” means a person having the degree of doctor of veterinary medicine or its equivalent from a veterinary school or a person who has received a medical education in veterinary medicine in a foreign country and has thereafter entered the United States and fulfilled the requirements and standards set forth by the American veterinary medical association and has passed all examinations required by the board prior to being issued any license to practice veterinary medicine in this state;
G. “licensed veterinarian” means a person licensed to practice veterinary medicine in this state;
H. “veterinary school” means any veterinary college or any division of a university or college that is approved for accreditation by the American veterinary medical association;
I. “board” means the board of veterinary medicine;
J. “veterinary technician” means a skilled person certified by the board as being qualified by academic and practical training to provide veterinary services under the supervision and direction of the licensed veterinarian who is responsible for the performance of that technician;
K. “committee” means the veterinary technician examining committee;
L. “direct supervision” means the treatment of animals on the direction, order or prescription of a licensed veterinarian who is available on the premises and who has established a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship;
M. “sheltering committee” means the animal sheltering committee;
N. “valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship” means:
(1) the veterinarian has assumed responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of an animal being treated and the need for and the course of the animal's medical treatment;
(2) the client has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian;
(3) the veterinarian is sufficiently acquainted with an animal being treated, whether through examination of the animal or timely visits to the animal's habitat for purposes of assessing the condition in which the animal is kept, to be capable of making a preliminary or general diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal being treated; and
(4) the veterinarian is reasonably available for follow-up treatment; and
O. “veterinary medicine” means veterinary surgery, obstetrics, dentistry and all other branches or specialties of veterinary medicine.
Credits
L. 1967, Ch. 62, § 2; L. 1975, Ch. 96, § 1; L. 1977, Ch. 236, § 1; L. 1993, Ch. 163, § 1; L. 2017, Ch. 44, § 1, eff. July 1, 2018.
Formerly 1953 Comp., § 67-11-13.
Editors' Notes
REPEAL OF ACT
<For repeal of Act, see § 61-14-20.>
§ 61-14-3. Criminal offender's character evaluation
The provisions of the Criminal Offender Employment Act shall govern any consideration of criminal records required or permitted by the Veterinary Practice Act.
L. 1974, Ch. 78, § 19.
§ 61-14-4. Board created; terms; compensation; finance
A. The "board of veterinary medicine" is created. The board shall consist of seven members who are citizens of the United States and residents of New Mexico. Veterinary members shall have been licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state for five years preceding their appointment to the board.
B. Members of the board and their successors shall be appointed by the governor. Five of the members shall be licensed veterinarians, and these appointments may be made from a list of five names for each professional vacancy, submitted to the governor by the New Mexico veterinary medical association. Two members shall represent the public and shall not have been licensed as veterinarians or have any significant financial interest, whether direct or indirect, in the occupation regulated.
C. Members shall be appointed to staggered terms of four years each.
Appointments shall be made in such manner that the terms of no more than two board members expire on July 1 of each year. All board members shall hold office until their successors are appointed and qualified. Appointments to vacancies shall be for the unexpired terms. Board members shall not serve more than two consecutive four-year terms.
D. A majority of the members of the board constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business, except that the vote of four members is required for suspension or revocation of a license. The board shall elect a chairman and other necessary officers prescribed by regulation of the board.
E. Members of the board shall receive per diem and mileage as provided in the Per Diem and Mileage Act and shall receive no other compensation, perquisite or allowance. This reimbursement and all other expenses involved in carrying out the Veterinary Practice Act shall be paid exclusively from fees received pursuant to provisions of the Veterinary Practice Act. The board shall deposit all fees received pursuant to provisions of the Veterinary Practice Act with the state treasurer for the exclusive use of the board, and money shall be expended only upon vouchers certified by a majority of the board.
F. Any board member failing to attend, after proper notice, three consecutive meetings, either regular or special, shall automatically be removed as a member of the board.
L. 1967, Ch. 62, § 3; L. 1975, Ch. 96, § 2; L. 1979, Ch. 76, § 1; L. 1991, Ch. 189, § 21; L. 1993, Ch. 163, § 2; L. 1995, Ch. 154, § 1, eff. June 16, 1995.
§ 61-14-4.1. Protected actions; communication
A. No current or former member of the board, officer, administrator, staff member, committee member, examiner, representative, agent, employee, consultant, witness or any other person serving or having served the board shall bear liability or be subject to civil damages or criminal prosecutions for any action or omission undertaken or performed within the scope of the board's duties.
B. All written and oral communications made by any person to the board relating to actual or potential disciplinary action shall be confidential communications and are not public records for the purposes of the Inspection of Public Records Act. All data, communications and information acquired by the board relating to actual or potential disciplinary action shall not be disclosed except to the extent necessary to carry out the board's purposes or in a judicial appeal from the board's actions.
C. The board shall make available to interested members of the public information about a disciplinary action taken by the board pursuant to Section 61-14-13 NMSA 1978, including the name of the licensee, the nature of the violation of the Veterinary Practice Act and the disciplinary action taken.
D. No person or legal entity providing information to the board, whether as a report, a complaint or testimony, shall be subject to civil damages or criminal prosecutions.
L. 1999, Ch. 243, § 6.
The The board shall:
A. examine and determine the qualifications and fitness of applicants for a license to practice veterinary medicine in New Mexico and issue, renew, deny, suspend or revoke licenses in accordance with the Uniform Licensing Act;
B. regulate artificial insemination and pregnancy diagnosis by establishing standards of practice and issuing permits to persons found qualified;
C. establish a schedule of license and permit fees based on the board's financial requirements for the ensuing year;
D. conduct investigations necessary to determine violations of the Veterinary Practice Act and discipline persons found in violation in accordance with the Uniform Licensing Act;
E. employ personnel necessary to carry out its duties;
F. in accordance with the State Rules Act, promulgate and enforce rules necessary to establish recognized standards for the practice of veterinary medicine and to carry out the provisions of the Veterinary Practice Act. The board shall make available to interested members of the public copies of the Veterinary Practice Act and all rules promulgated by the board;
G. examine applicants for veterinary technician certification purposes. Such examination shall be held at least once a year at the times and places designated by the board;
H. establish a five-member veterinary technician examining committee;
I. promulgate rules establishing continuing education requirements as a condition for license renewal;
J. regulate the operation of veterinary facilities, including:
(1) establishing requirements for operation of a veterinary facility in accordance with recognized standards for the practice of veterinary medicine;
(2) issuing permits to qualified veterinary facilities; and
(3) promulgating standards for inspection of veterinary facilities.
For purposes of this subsection, “veterinary facility” means a building, mobile unit, vehicle or other location where services included within the practice of veterinary medicine are provided;
K. perform the duties imposed on the board pursuant to the Animal Sheltering Act; and
L. establish a five-member sheltering committee.
Credits
L. 1967, Ch. 62, § 4; L. 1975, Ch. 96, § 3; L. 1977, Ch. 167, § 1; L. 1993, Ch. 163, § 3; L. 1995, Ch. 154, § 2, eff. June 16, 1995; L. 1999, Ch. 243, § 1; L. 2017, Ch. 44, § 2, eff. July 1, 2018; L. 2022, Ch. 39, § 58, eff. May 18, 2022.
Formerly 1953 Comp., § 67-11-15.
§ 61-14-5.1. Impaired veterinarian
A. The board may appoint an impaired-veterinarian committee to organize and administer a program that will:
(1) serve as a diversion program to which the board may refer licensees in lieu of or in addition to other disciplinary action under terms set by the board; and
(2) be a confidential source of treatment or referral for veterinarians who, on a voluntary basis and without the knowledge of the board, desire to avail themselves of treatment for emotionally based or chemical-dependence impairments.
B. The impaired-veterinarian committee shall:
(1) provide evaluations for veterinarians who request participation in the diversion program;
(2) review and designate treatment facilities and services to which veterinarians in the diversion program may be referred;
(3) receive and review information concerning the status and progress of participants in the diversion program;
(4) publicize the diversion program in coordination with veterinary professional associations; and
(5) prepare and provide reports at least annually to the board.
C. Each veterinarian referred to the diversion program by the board shall be informed of the procedures applicable to the diversion program, of the rights and responsibilities associated with participation in the diversion program and of the possible consequences of failure to participate in the diversion program. Failure to comply with any treatment requirement of the diversion program may result in termination of diversion program participation; termination of diversion program participation shall be reported to the board by the impaired-veterinarian committee. Participation in the diversion program shall not be a defense against, but may be considered in mitigating, any disciplinary action taken by the board. The board is not precluded from commencing a disciplinary action against a veterinarian who is participating in the diversion program or has been terminated.
D. No member of the board or the impaired-veterinarian committee shall be liable for civil damages because of acts or omissions that occur in administering the provisions of this section.
L. 1993, Ch. 163, § 11.
§ 61-14-6. Veterinary technician examining committee; membership; terms; compensation
A. The "veterinary technician examining committee" shall consist of five members appointed by the board of veterinary medicine. The committee shall consist of two licensed veterinarians, one member of the board and two registered veterinary technicians.
B. Committee members shall serve for terms of four years except the board member on the committee shall be appointed for one year. With the exception of the board member on the committee, the terms of committee members shall be staggered by one year. Committee members shall serve until their successors have been appointed and qualified. Any vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the board of veterinary medicine for the remainder of the unexpired term.
C. Members of the committee shall receive per diem and mileage as provided in the Per Diem and Mileage Act and shall receive no other compensation, perquisite or allowance.
L. 1975, Ch. 96, § 4; L. 1993, Ch. 163, § 4.
§ 61-14-7. Duties of the veterinary technician examining committee
A. The committee shall evaluate qualifications of education, skill and experience for certification of a person as a veterinary technician and provide forms and procedures for the board for certificates of qualification and for annual registration of employment.
B. The committee shall assist the board in the examination of applicants for veterinary technician certification. Such examination shall be held at least once a year at the times and places designated by the board.
L. 1975, Ch. 96, § 5.
§ 61-14-7.1. Animal sheltering committee; duties
The sheltering committee shall:
A. develop a voluntary statewide dog and cat spay and neuter program in conjunction with animal shelters and euthanasia agencies;
B. develop criteria for individuals, nonprofit organizations, animal shelters and euthanasia agencies to receive assistance for dog and cat spaying and neutering from the animal care and facility fund; provided that assistance to individuals and nonprofit organizations shall only be given to individuals who have, or to nonprofit organizations that shall only provide assistance to service recipients who have, a household income that does not exceed two hundred percent of the current federal poverty level guidelines published by the United States department of health and human services; and
C. recommend to the board the disbursements of money from the animal care and facility fund to qualifying individuals, nonprofit organizations, animal shelters and euthanasia agencies.
Credits
Added by L. 2017, Ch. 44, § 3, eff. July 1, 2018. Amended by L. 2020, Ch. 69, § 1, eff. July 1, 2020.
§ 61-14-8. Application for license
A. Any person desiring a license to practice veterinary medicine in this state may make written application to the board showing that the person:
(1) has reached the age of majority; and
(2) is a person of good moral character.
The application shall contain other information and proof as required by regulation of the board and, except as provided in Section 61-1-34 NMSA 1978, shall be accompanied by an application fee established by the board.
B. If the board finds that the applicant possesses the proper qualifications, it shall admit the applicant to the next examination. If an applicant is found unqualified to take the examination, the board shall immediately notify the applicant in writing of its findings and the grounds for them.
Credits
L. 1967, Ch. 62, § 5; L. 1973, Ch. 49, § 1; L. 1993, Ch. 163, § 5; L. 2020, Ch. 6, § 38, eff. July 1, 2020.
The board shall conduct at least one examination each calendar year following public notice of the time and place. Examinations shall be prepared and conducted under regulations promulgated by the board, and shall be designed to test the applicant's knowledge and proficiency in the practice of veterinary medicine. Immediately after the results of each examination are determined, the board shall notify each applicant of the results of his examination and issue a license to those applicants successfully completing it. Any applicant failing an examination shall be admitted to any subsequent examination upon payment of another application fee.
L. 1967, Ch. 62, § 6.
§ 61-14-10. Expedited and temporary license
A. The board shall issue an expedited license to a qualified applicant licensed in another state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia or a foreign country as provided in Section 61-1-31.1 NMSA 1978. The board shall process the application as soon as practicable but no later than thirty days after the out-of-state veterinarian files an application for expedited licensure accompanied by any required fee if the applicant:
(1) holds a license that is current and in good standing issued by another licensing jurisdiction approved by the board; and
(2) has practiced veterinary medicine for at least five years.
B. If the board issues an expedited license to a person whose prior licensing jurisdiction did not require examination, the board may require the person to pass an examination before applying for license renewal.
C. The board by rule shall determine those states and territories of the United States and the District of Columbia from which it will not accept an applicant for expedited licensure and shall determine any foreign countries from which it will accept an applicant for expedited licensure. The board shall post the lists of disapproved and approved licensing jurisdictions on the board's website. The list of disapproved licensing jurisdictions shall include the specific reasons for disapproval. The lists shall be reviewed annually to determine if amendments to the rule are warranted.
D. The board may issue without examination a temporary permit to practice veterinary medicine to:
(1) a qualified applicant for a license pending examination, provided the applicant is a graduate veterinarian and employed by and working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian; provided that:
(a) the temporary permit shall expire the day after the notice of results of the first examination given after the permit is issued;
(b) a qualified applicant for a license pending examination may, at the board's discretion, be exempted from the requirement of working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, provided the applicant submits a written request for such exemption; and
(c) no additional temporary permit shall be issued to an applicant who has failed the required components of the New Mexico examination in this or any other state or any other territory, district or commonwealth of the United States; or
(2) a nonresident veterinarian validly licensed and in good standing with the licensing authority in another state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia or a foreign country if the nonresident veterinarian is employed by or has a contract with the state, a municipality or a county to provide veterinary services at a nationally accredited zoo or aquarium located in New Mexico; provided that the temporary permit shall be issued for a period lasting no more than six months and no more than two consecutive six-month temporary permits shall be issued to any one veterinarian.
E. A temporary permit to practice veterinary medicine may be summarily revoked by a majority vote of the board without a hearing.
Credits
L. 1967, Ch. 62, § 7; L. 1975, Ch. 96, § 6; L. 1993, Ch. 163, § 6; L. 1995, Ch. 154, § 3, eff. June 16, 1995; L. 2022, Ch. 8, § 1, eff. May 18, 2022; L. 2023, Ch. 190, § 29, eff. July 1, 2023.
Formerly 1953 Comp., § 67-11-18.
§ 61-14-11. Certification as veterinary technician; annual registration of employment; employment change; fees
A. No person shall perform or attempt to perform as a veterinary technician without first applying for and obtaining a certificate of qualification from the board of veterinary medicine as a veterinary technician and having his employment registered in accordance with board regulation.
B. A veterinary technician shall perform only those acts and duties assigned him by a supervising licensed veterinarian that are within the scope of practice of such supervising veterinarian, not to include diagnosis, prescription or surgery.
C. An applicant for a certificate of qualification as a veterinary technician shall complete application forms as supplied by the board of veterinary medicine, successfully complete an examination conducted by the board and pay a fee to defray the cost of processing the application and administering the examination, which fee is not returnable.
D. Each certified veterinary technician shall annually register his employment with the board of veterinary medicine, stating his name and current address, the name and office address of both his employer and supervising licensed veterinarian and such additional information as the board deems necessary. Upon any change of employment as a veterinary technician, such registration shall automatically be void. Each annual registration or registration of new employment shall be accompanied by fees set by the board for use by the board in defraying the cost of administering the Veterinary Practice Act.
L. 1975, Ch. 96, § 7; L. 1993, Ch. 163, § 7.
§ 61-14-12. License, permit and registration renewal
A. All licenses, permits and registrations issued pursuant to the Veterinary Practice Act may be renewed by payment of the renewal fee, except as provided in Section 61-1-34 NMSA 1978, and submission of proof of completion of continuing education requirements as established by regulation of the board. Not later than thirty days prior to expiration, the board shall mail a notice to each licensed veterinarian, registered veterinary technician and holder of an artificial insemination or pregnancy diagnosis permit that the license, registration or permit will expire and provide a renewal application form.
B. Except as provided in Subsections C and D of this section, a person may reinstate an expired license, registration or permit, issued pursuant to the Veterinary Practice Act, within five years of its expiration by making application to the board for renewal and paying the current renewal fee along with all delinquent renewal fees and late fees. After five years have elapsed since the date of expiration, a license, registration or permit may not be renewed and the holder shall apply for a new license, registration or permit and take the required examination.
C. A person shall not have the person's license, issued pursuant to the Veterinary Practice Act, reinstated in New Mexico if, during the time period in which the person's license lapsed, the person's license in another state or jurisdiction was suspended or revoked for reasons for which the license would have been subject to suspension or revocation in New Mexico.
D. A person who, during the time period in which the person's license, issued pursuant to the Veterinary Practice Act, lapsed, was subject to any disciplinary proceedings resulting in action less than suspension or revocation in another state or jurisdiction, may, at the discretion of the board, have the person's license to practice in New Mexico reinstated on a probationary status for up to two years. Upon request by the applicant for reinstatement, the board shall determine under what circumstances the probationary status shall be continued or removed or the application for reinstatement denied.
E. The board may provide by regulation for waiver of payment of any renewal fee of a licensed veterinarian during any period when the veterinarian is on active duty with any branch of the armed services of the United States for the duration of a national emergency.
Credits
L. 1967, Ch. 62, § 8; L. 1975, Ch. 96, § 8; L. 1977, Ch. 167, § 2; L. 1993, Ch. 163, § 8; L. 1995, Ch. 154, § 4, eff. June 16, 1995; L. 2017, Ch. 44, § 4, eff. July 1, 2018; L. 2020, Ch. 6, § 39, eff. July 1, 2020.
§ 61-14-13. Denial, suspension or revocation of license
A. In accordance with the procedures contained in the Uniform Licensing Act, the board may deny, suspend for a definite period or revoke a license, certificate or permit held or applied for under the Veterinary Practice Act, or may reprimand, place on probation, enter a stipulation with or impose an administrative penalty in an amount not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) on a holder of a license, certificate or permit, upon a finding by the board that the licensee, certificate or permit holder, or applicant:
(1) has committed an act of fraud, misrepresentation or deception in obtaining a license or permit;
(2) has been adjudicated insane or manifestly incapacitated;
(3) has used advertising or solicitation that is false, misleading or is otherwise deemed unprofessional under rules promulgated by the board;
(4) has been convicted of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude;
(5) is guilty of dishonesty, incompetence, gross negligence or other malpractice in the practice of veterinary medicine;
(6) has a professional association with or employs any person practicing veterinary medicine unlawfully;
(7) is guilty of fraud or dishonesty in the application or reporting of any test for disease in animals;
(8) has failed to maintain his professional premises and equipment in a clean and sanitary condition in compliance with facility permit rules promulgated by the board;
(9) is guilty of habitual or excessive use of intoxicants or drugs;
(10) is guilty of cruelty to animals;
(11) has had his license to practice veterinary medicine revoked by another state, territory or district of the United States on grounds other than nonpayment of license or permit fees;
(12) is guilty of unprofessional conduct by violation of a rule promulgated by the board pursuant to provisions of the Veterinary Practice Act;
(13) has failed to perform as a veterinary technician under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian;
(14) has failed as a licensed veterinarian to reasonably exercise direct supervision with respect to a veterinary technician;
(15) is guilty of aiding or abetting the practice of veterinary medicine by a person not licensed, certified or permitted by the board;
(16) has used any controlled drug or substance on any animal for the purpose of illegally influencing the outcome of a competitive event;
(17) has willfully or negligently administered a drug or substance that will adulterate meat, milk, poultry, fish or eggs;
(18) has failed to maintain required logs and records;
(19) has used a prescription or has sold any prescription drug or prescribed extra-label use of any over-the-counter drug in the absence of a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship;
(20) has failed to report, as required by law, or has made a false report of any contagious or infectious disease;
(21) has engaged in an unfair or deceptive practice; or
(22) has engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine on any animal or group of animals in the absence of a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship.
B. Disciplinary proceedings may be instituted by sworn complaint by any person and shall conform with the provisions of the Uniform Licensing Act.
C. Any person whose license, certificate or permit is suspended or revoked by the board pursuant to provisions of this section may, at the discretion of the board, be relicensed or reinstated by the board at any time without examination upon written application to the board showing cause to justify relicensing or reinstatement.
L. 1967, Ch. 62, § 9; L. 1975, Ch. 96, § 9; L. 1993, Ch. 163, § 9; L. 1995, Ch. 154, § 5, eff. June 16, 1995; L. 1998, Ch. 55, § 75, eff. Sept. 1, 1998; L. 1999, Ch. 243, § 2.
Provisions of the Veterinary Practice Act do not apply to:
A. employees of federal or state governments performing official duties;
B. regular students in a veterinary school performing duties or actions assigned by an instructor or working under direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian during a school vacation period;
C. reciprocal aid of neighbors in performing routine accepted livestock management practices;
D. a veterinarian licensed in a foreign jurisdiction consulting with a licensed veterinarian;
E. a merchant or manufacturer selling at the merchant's or manufacturer's regular place of business any medicine, feed, appliance or other product used in the prevention or treatment of animal disease;
F. the owner of an animal and the owner's consignees and their employees while performing routine accepted livestock management practices in the care of animals belonging to the owner;
G. a member of the faculty of a veterinary school performing the member's regular functions or a person lecturing or giving instruction or demonstration at a veterinary school or in connection with a continuing education course or seminar for licensed veterinarians, veterinary technicians or persons holding or training for valid permits for artificial insemination or diagnosing pregnancy;
H. a person selling or applying any pesticide, insecticide or herbicide; or
I. a person engaging in bona fide scientific research that reasonably requires experimentation involving animals.
Credits
L. 1967, Ch. 62, § 10; L. 1975, Ch. 96, § 10; L. 1993, Ch. 163, § 10; L. 1999, Ch. 243, § 3; L. 2017, Ch. 44, § 5, eff. July 1, 2018.
Formerly 1953 Comp., § 67-11-21.
Editors' Notes
REPEAL OF ACT
<For repeal of Act, see § 61-14-20.>
§ 61-14-15. Persons previously licensed
The board shall issue a license to any person holding a valid license to practice veterinary medicine in this state on the effective date of the Veterinary Practice Act.
L. 1967, Ch. 62, § 11.
Every veterinarian using, supervising or employing a registered veterinary technician shall be individually responsible and liable for the performance of the acts and omissions delegated to the veterinary technician. Nothing in this section shall be construed to relieve the veterinary technician of any responsibility and liability for any of his own acts and omissions.
L. 1975, Ch. 96, § 11; L. 1995, Ch. 154, § 6, eff. June 16, 1995.
§ 61-14-17. Inoculation records; confidentiality
Animal inoculation records maintained by any state or local public agency may be used only in protecting the public health and welfare or by any other government agency and are not public records open to inspection or duplication. Upon request, the agency shall verify, or deny, as the case may be, that the records reflect that a particular animal has received inoculations within the next preceding twelve months.
L. 1995, Ch. 154, § 7, eff. June 16, 1995.
§ 61-14-18. Practicing without license; penalty
A. It is a misdemeanor punishable pursuant to Section 31-19-1 NMSA 1978 for a person to practice veterinary medicine without complying with the provisions of the Veterinary Practice Act and without being the holder of a license entitling the person to practice veterinary medicine in New Mexico.
B. If the board finds that a person or entity has practiced veterinary medicine without a license, the board may:
(1) impose a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000);
(2) assess the person or entity for administrative costs, including investigative costs and the cost of conducting a hearing; and
(3) impose any other sanction as provided pursuant to board rules.
Credits
L. 1967, Ch. 62, § 13; L. 1999, Ch. 243, § 4; L. 2017, Ch. 44, § 6, eff. July 1, 2018.
The board or any person may bring an action in the district court to enjoin any person who is not a licensed veterinarian from engaging in the practice of veterinary medicine. If the court finds that the defendant is violating or threatening to violate the Veterinary Practice Act, it shall enter an order restraining him from the violation. Any person so enjoined who violates the injunction may be punished for contempt of court. This remedy by injunction shall be in addition to any remedy provided for criminal prosecution of the offender.
L. 1967, Ch. 62, § 14; L. 1999, Ch. 243, § 5.
§ 61-14-20. Termination of agency life; delayed repeal
The board of veterinary medicine is terminated on July 1, 2023 pursuant to the Sunset Act. The board shall continue to operate according to the provisions of Chapter 61, Article 14 and Chapter 77, Article 1B NMSA 1978 until July 1, 2024. Effective July 1, 2024, Chapter 61, Article 14 and Chapter 77, Article 1B NMSA 1978 are repealed.
Credits
L. 1979, Ch. 76, § 2; L. 1981, Ch. 241, § 27; L. 1985, Ch. 87, § 12; L. 1991, Ch. 189, § 22; L. 1993, Ch. 163, § 12; L. 1997, Ch. 46, § 16; L. 2005, Ch. 208, § 10, eff. June 17, 2005; L. 2011, Ch. 30, § 3, eff. June 17, 2011; L. 2017, Ch. 44, § 7, eff. July 1, 2017.