PUBLIC Law, Chapter 594, An Act To Clarify Authorized Associations of Veterinary Practice

An Act To Clarify Authorized Associations of Veterinary Practice

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

Whereas, it is essential to immediately modernize the Maine Veterinary Practice Act so that veterinarians can continue to provide vital services to Maine businesses in our emerging industries, including aquaculture and bioscience, helping to support innovation in new technologies; 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,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 32 MRSA §4864, sub-§12, as amended by PL 2007, c. 402, Pt. R, §8, is further amended to read:

12. Unauthorized associations. A veterinarian may practice only in an individual capacity under that veterinarian's own name or in association with a licensed practitioner of veterinary medicine or professional association. Notwithstanding paragraph A, for purposes of this subsection, a veterinarian who has an employment relationship with a corporation or other legal entity that provides a continuum of veterinary services and treatment, including, but not limited to, diagnostic laboratory, research and development services and health and import and export certification, is considered to be lawfully practicing under that veterinarian's own name as long as that veterinarian is individually accountable for conduct under that veterinarian's license. The following are deemed unauthorized associations:

A. Association Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, association for the joint practice of veterinary medicine with any person, corporation or partnership not licensed to practice veterinary medicine;

B. Knowingly aiding and abetting in the practice of veterinary medicine any person not licensed to practice in this State;

C. The lending, leasing or in any other manner placing of one's license at the disposal of or in the service of any other person not licensed to practice veterinary medicine in this State; and

D. The continuance of a veterinarian directly or indirectly in the employ of or in association with any veterinarian after knowledge that such veterinarian is engaged in the violation of the provisions of this chapter; or

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

Effective 90 days following adjournment of the 125th Legislature, Second Regular Session, unless otherwise indicated.

SP0656 LD 1877	PUBLIC Law, Chapter 594 Emergency Signed on 2012-04-05 00:00:00.0 - Second Regular Session - 125th Maine Legislature
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