la-202609-8412a908c4: Licensing Procedures

Department of Agriculture and Forestry Board of Veterinary Medicine Licensing Procedures(LAC 46:LXXXV.309 and 807) In accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act (R.S. 49:950 et seq.), the 2022 Louisiana Administrative Code Review, and the JML Executive Order No. 25-038, the Board (“Board”) of Veterinary Medicine has conducted a comprehensive review of Rules 309 and 807 and has amended the rules to establish a clearer and more streamlined process for out of state veterinarians and veterinary technicians to register with the board and practice veterinary medicine in the state of Louisiana during a gubernatorial-declared emergency. The historical notes shall be updated to reflect the review of these rules. This Rule is hereby adopted on the date of promulgation. Title 46 PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL STANDARDS Part LXXXV. Veterinarians Chapter 3.Licensure Procedures §309.Temporary Registration during a Declared Public Health Emergency A.Pursuant to R.S. 29:769(E), during any period in which a public health emergency has been lawfully declared by the governor of Louisiana, the board, through its emergency rule-making authority, may issue a temporary registration to out-of-state veterinarians who are licensed in another jurisdiction of the United States and whose licenses are current, unrestricted, and in good standing in such jurisdictions. B.The Emergency Rule implemented by the board pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act shall address the necessity for such an Emergency Rule and the specificity necessary to address the needs of the particular declared emergency at issue. Such information will be posted on the board's website and included in the expedited application for temporary registration for veterinarians. C.Temporary registrations may be granted to veterinarians for a period of time not to exceed 60 days at the discretion of the board, with the potential extension of up to two additional periods not to exceed 60 days for each extension as determined appropriate and necessary by the board. D.All out-of-state veterinarians seeking temporary registration from the board shall: 1.complete and submit an application for temporary registration, which includes the disclosure of all licenses currently held in a state, territory, or district of the United States; and, 2.provide licensure verification from all United States jurisdictions in which licenses are currently held. E.A temporary registration must be issued by the board prior to an out-of-state veterinarian rendering any veterinary services in Louisiana. F.A veterinarian holding a valid temporary registration shall comply with the Louisiana Veterinary Practice Act, board rules, and other applicable laws. G.If a veterinarian holding a valid temporary registration issued by the board fails to comply with the conditions established by this Rule, the board may terminate the registration upon notice and hearing. H.Any out-of-state licensed veterinarian practicing veterinary medicine in Louisiana without a valid temporary registration issued by the board shall be deemed to be engaged in the unlawful practice of veterinary medicine and shall be subject to prosecution and to any other remedies available under the law. AUTHORITY NOTE:Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1518 et seq. HISTORICAL NOTE:Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 32:1900 (October 2006), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 52: Chapter 8.Registered Veterinary Technicians §807.Temporary Registration during a Declared Public Health Emergency A.Pursuant to R.S. 29:769(E), during any period in which a public health emergency has been lawfully declared by the governor of Louisiana, the board, through its emergency rule-making authority, may issue a temporary registration to out-of-state veterinary technicians who are licensed, certified, or registered in another jurisdiction of the United States and whose licenses, certificates, or registrations are current, unrestricted, and in good standing in such jurisdictions. B.The Emergency Rule implemented by the board pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act shall address the necessity for such an Emergency Rule and the specificity necessary to address the needs of the particular declared emergency at issue. Such information will be posted on the board's website and included in the expedited application for temporary registration for veterinary technicians. C.Temporary registrations may be granted to veterinary technicians for a period of time not to exceed 60 days at the discretion of the board, with the potential extension of up to two additional periods not to exceed 60 days for each extension as determined appropriate and necessary by the board. D.All out-of-state veterinary technicians seeking temporary registration from the board shall: 1.complete and submit an application for temporary registration, which includes the disclosure of all licenses, certificates, or registrations currently held in a state, territory, or district of the United States; and, 2.provide licensure verification from all United States jurisdictions in which licenses, certificates, or registrations are currently held. E.A temporary registration must be issued by the board prior to an out-of-state veterinary technician rendering any veterinary medical assistance in Louisiana. Veterinary medical assistance shall be performed under the direct supervision, as defined in R.S. §1542(3) of a veterinarian licensed to practice in Louisiana, except that no registered veterinary technician shall perform animal diagnosis, the prescribing of treatment or medications, or any surgical procedures. F.A veterinary technician holding a valid temporary registration shall comply with the Louisiana Veterinary Practice Act, board rules, and other applicable laws. G.If a veterinary technician holding a valid temporary registration issued by the board fails to comply with the conditions established by this Rule, the board may terminate the registration upon notice and hearing. H.Any out-of-state licensed veterinary technician practicing veterinary medicine in Louisiana without a valid temporary registration issued by the board shall be deemed to be engaged in the unlawful practice of veterinary medicine and shall be subject to prosecution and to any other remedies available under the law. AUTHORITY NOTE:Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1549. HISTORICAL NOTE:Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 16:227 (March 1990), repromulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 51:950 (July 2025), amended by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Board of Veterinary Medicine, LR 52: Family Impact Statement The proposed Rule should not have any known or foreseeable impact on family formation, stability, and autonomy. In particular, the proposed Rule has no known or foreseeable impact on: 1.the stability of the family; 2.the authority and rights of persons regarding the education and supervision of their children; 3.the functioning of the family; 4.family earnings and family budget; 5.the behavior and personal responsibility of children; 6.the ability of the family or a local government to perform the function as contained in the proposed Rule. Poverty Impact Statement The proposed Rule should not have any known or foreseeable impact on any child, individual or family as defined by R.S. 49:973(B). In particular, there should be no known or foreseeable effect on: 1.the effect on household income, assets, and financial security; 2.the effect on early childhood development and preschool through postsecondary education development; 3.the effect on employment and workforce development; 4.the effect on taxes and tax credits; 5.the effect on child and dependent care, housing, health care, nutrition, transportation, and utilities assistance. Small Business Analysis The proposed Rule should have no adverse impact on small businesses as defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Provider Impact Statement The proposed Rule should not have any known or foreseeable impact on providers as defined by HCR 170 of the 2014 Regular Legislative Session. In particular, there should be no known or foreseeable effect on: 1.the effect on the staffing level requirements or qualifications required to provide the same level of service; 2.the total direct and indirect effect on the cost to the providers to provide the same level of service; or 3.the overall effect on the ability of the provider to provide the same level of service. Public Comments Interested parties may submit written comments to the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine, Attention: Jared B. Granier, Executive Director, via U.S Mail at 5825 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 or via e-mail attachment to director@lsbvm.org or via hand delivery. Comments will be accepted until 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026. All written comments must be dated and must include the first and last name, email address, mailing address, phone number, and the original signature of the person submitting the comments. Public Hearing Interested parties may submit a written request to conduct a public hearing to the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine, Attention: Jared B. Granier, Executive Director, via U.S Mail at 5825 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 or via e-mail attachment to director@lsbvm.org or via hand delivery; however, such request must be received by no later than 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026. If the criteria set forth in R.S. 49:953(A)(2)(a) are satisfied, a public hearing will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026 at 5825 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806. To confirm whether or not a public hearing will be held, interested parties should visit the board’s website at www.lsbvm.org/rulemaking-projects after Saturday, October 10, 2026. If a public hearing is to be held, all interested parties are invited to attend and present data, views, comments, or arguments, orally or in writing. In the event of a hearing, parking is available to the public in front of the Department of Agriculture and Forestry Building at 5825 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806. Jared B. Granier Executive Director FISCAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT FOR ADMINISTRATIVE RULES RULE TITLE: Licensing Procedures I.ESTIMATED IMPLEMENTATION COSTS (SAVINGS) TO STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (Summary) There are no anticipated costs or savings to state or local governmental units resulting from the proposed rule change, except for the cost associated with publishing, which is included in the annual operating budget of the Board of Veterinary Medicine (Board). The proposed rule change will establish a clearer, more streamlined process for out-of-state veterinarians and veterinary technicians to register with the Board and practice veterinary medicine in Louisiana during a gubernatorial-declared emergency. II.ESTIMATED EFFECT ON REVENUE COLLECTIONS OF STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL UNITS (Summary) The proposed rule change is not anticipated to impact revenue collections of state or local governmental units. III.ESTIMATED COSTS AND/OR ECONOMIC BENEFITS TO DIRECTLY AFFECTED PERSONS, SMALL BUSINESSES, OR NONGOVERNMENTAL GROUPS (Summary) The proposed rule change is not anticipated to cost or provide an economic benefit to any affected persons, small businesses, or non-governmental groups. The proposed rule change will establish a clearer, more streamlined process for out-of-state veterinarians and veterinary technicians to register with the Board and practice veterinary medicine in Louisiana during a gubernatorial-declared emergency. IV.ESTIMATED EFFECT ON COMPETITION AND EMPLOYMENT (Summary) The proposed rule change is not anticipated to impact competition or employment in either the public or private sector. Jared B. GranierPatrice Thomas Executive DirectorDeputy Fiscal Officer 2609#008Legislative Fiscal Office