An Act To Improve Access to Veterinary Medicine and Improve Veterinary Care

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  Maine has regulated the licensure of veterinarians for the practice of veterinary medicine for decades; and

Whereas,  the health and safety of Maine's agricultural and domestic animals vitally affects the agricultural and general economy of the State, and the public interest and public welfare; and

Whereas,  there is a shortage of veterinarians in this State practicing veterinary medicine on large animals, and as a result Maine's large animal population is currently underserved; and

Whereas,  encouraging veterinarians currently licensed in another state to practice in Maine will reduce the shortage of veterinarians; and

Whereas,  Maine's veterinary licensing laws now uphold the highest standards of the profession and ensure the practice of veterinary medicine by highly qualified individuals; and

Whereas,  maintaining the integrity of the veterinary licensing process is critical to protect Maine's animals and the general economy; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Sec. 1. 32 MRSA §4861, sub-§5,  as amended by PL 2007, c. 402, Pt. R, §5, is further amended to read:

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.