Want to Shape the Future of the Veterinary Profession?

November 10, 2010 — 

The AVMA seeks input on Model Practice Act

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is soliciting comments from veterinarians and veterinary healthcare team members on its Model Veterinary Practice Act (MVPA) in order to help shape the future of veterinary medicine.

The current MVPA, which was last reviewed in 2003, includes sections on definitions, veterinary medical boards, licensing, client confidentiality, veterinary education, veterinary technicians and technologists, abandoned animals, cruelty to animals, as well as other topics.

"This is an excellent opportunity for veterinarians and members of veterinary healthcare teams - as well as pet owners, the public, farmers or really anybody who cares about animals and veterinary medicine -- to offer input that will help guide the profession," says Dr. John Scamahorn, chair of the AVMA Model Veterinary Practice Act Task Force. "The Model Veterinary Practice Act is used by state legislatures and state veterinary licensing and exam boards to help shape the rules and laws that govern the course of veterinary medicine."

The AVMA is providing early notice of this public input period to encourage all interested parties to get involved and provide informed comments. The current MVPA is available for public review on the AVMA website, at http://www.avma.org/issues/policy/mvpa.asp. Organizations and individuals can make comments about the MVPA on the AVMA website during the 30-day public comment period that is scheduled to start in January 2011. The AVMA requests that the comments submitted be specific and include suggested language for the new MVPA.

"Early notice of this comment period was essential in order to give veterinarians and their colleagues adequate time to review the current Model Veterinary Practice Act," explains Dr. Ron DeHaven, chief executive officer of the AVMA. "By issuing this alert early, we're hoping veterinarians will take time to review the many provisions of the act in advance of the comment period. Some allied and constituent organizations may even choose to meet in order to come to consensus on their comments, and we want to encourage and allow for these discussions about the future of veterinary medicine."

The first MVPA was created by the AVMA in the early 1960s. Over the years, it has been revised several times to reflect changes in the profession such as new technologies and techniques and even societal changes.

For more information, visit http://www.avma.org.