Kenyon Conklin, VMD
AVMLA President | | |
Dear AVMLA Members,
As we move forward in shaping the future of AVMLA, your input is invaluable. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to complete the AVMLA Survey —it’s a key opportunity to share your insights and help us refine upcoming initiatives.
At the same time, registration is open for the AVMLA 2025 Continuing Education Conference & Members’ Annual Meeting on July 19–20, 2025, alongside the AVMA Conference in Washington, D.C. With President-Elect Rob Simpson, DVM, JD, leading an immersive 13-hour CLE program, this event promises essential regulatory discussions and professional development.
Don’t wait! Register today and secure your spot. Sponsorship opportunities are also available, providing a chance to support this important event while gaining valuable exposure.
Thank you for your continued dedication to AVMLA and the veterinary medical law community. Together, we’re shaping the future of our profession.
Looking forward to seeing you in Washington, D.C. this summer!
Warm regards,
Kenyon Conklin, VDM
AVMLA President 2024-25
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Share Your Feedback: AVMLA Survey
We want to hear from you! AVMLA is exploring ways to enhance your annual meeting experience, and your input is invaluable. Please take a moment to complete the survey and let us know if you attend AVMLA meetings held during AVMA. Your insights will help us better serve you and plan future events.
Start Survey
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Lance Roasa, DVM, JD
Dr. Lance Roasa is a veterinarian and attorney dedicated to supporting veterinary professionals in business, legal, and educational matters.
After earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Texas A&M University, Dr. Roasa pursued his Juris Doctor (JD) at the University of Nebraska, expanding his expertise in veterinary business transactions, malpractice law, and practice ownership.
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Dr. Roasa has played a significant role in the American Veterinary Medical Law Association (AVMLA), having served as President and remaining an active board member for over a decade. He is also one of the organizing panelists for AVMLA’s monthly member meetings, helping to facilitate discussions on regulatory updates, legal challenges, and professional growth.
Beyond his leadership within AVMLA,
Dr. Roasa is the founder of Roasa Law Group, where he provides legal counsel to veterinarians navigating practice transitions, employment agreements, and startup ventures. He also co-founded Drip Learning Technologies, a veterinary continuing education provider that became part of the VIN Family in 2021.
An educator and guest lecturer at multiple veterinary colleges, Dr. Roasa delivers courses on medical recordkeeping, malpractice risk, and business management, equipping veterinarians with the legal and financial knowledge essential to their careers.
For more details, visit Roasa Law Group or check out his profile on VIN.
| | | AVMLA 2025 Annual Continuing Education Program | | |
GET REGISTERED! The AVMLA Continuing Education Conference and Members' Annual Meeting will take place on July 19–20, 2025, in conjunction with the AVMA Conference in Washington, D.C.
This year’s conference, chaired by President-Elect Rob Simpson, DVM, JD, features 13-hour Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program. This premier event brings together professionals from the veterinary and legal fields to explore the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in veterinary medical law.
Special appreciation to ASPCA for sponsoring this event!
Don’t wait! Register today or consider sponsoring this impactful event. Together, we can shape the future of veterinary medicine.
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Share Your Expertise, Shape the Discussion
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Open invitation to the AVMLA Membership:
I’m excited to share an opportunity to contribute to AVMLA’s Monthly Membership Meetings (MMM)—a dynamic platform for veterinary and legal professionals that has thrived since its launch in 2024.We are now accepting proposals for our 2026 program schedule.
The MMMs are designed to spark collaboration, address industry challenges, and deliver practical insights tailored to our members. If you’ve attended before, you’ve seen firsthand the value in connecting with peers and gaining actionable knowledge.
Share Your Expertise, Shape the Discussion
We’re inviting you to bring your unique experience and insights to the forefront. Would you consider joining us as a guest speaker panelist?
AVMLA’s invited panelist generally consists of leading experts like Rob Simpson, DVM, JD; Jordan Tayce, DVM, JD; Lance Rosa, DVM, JD; Jim Wilson, DMV, JD; Bonnie Lutz, Esq; and more.
As a panelist, you’ll:
- Share your expertise with an engaged network of professionals.
- Be featured prominently in MMM promotions and the AVMLA News Brief.
- Contribute to meaningful discussions that directly benefit the veterinary and legal communities.
We’d also like to hear your perspective on the value you’ve gained from your participation in our Monthly Membership Meetings and if you are a current member of the AVMLA. Your testimonial can help us highlight the benefits of our community and inspire others to join.
What’s Important to You?
We also want to ensure our topics resonate with our members. What challenges are you facing, and what insights would enhance your practice? Here are some ideas for discussion:
- Veterinary contract negotiations
- Liability defense strategies
- Veterinary drug regulations
- Practice sales and acquisitions
- Ethical considerations shaping the industry
If you’re interested in participating as a panelist, please click here.
Grow the AVMLA Community
Know someone who would benefit from AVMLA’s resources? Invite colleagues, students, or peers to attend. As a panelist, you’ll also receive an exclusive invitational guest link to share. Our MMMs are a perfect introduction to the connections and insights AVMLA offers.
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendar for our next MMM on May 27th, 2025, at 8 PM ET, Open Townhall.
Thank you for being a valued member of the AVMLA. Your voice and expertise are what make our community thrive, and I look forward to your contributions as we continue to grow and make an impact together.
Best regards,
Debra Hamilton
Chair, AVMLA Membership Meeting Committee
| | AVMLA Monthly Members Meeting | | |
AVMLA Upcoming Member Meeting, May 27, 2025, 8PM, ET
Join us on May 27th, 2025, for an engaging and informative townhall discussion.
Bring your questions and expertise to exchange ideas with the AVMLA community.
REGISTER NOW! (This event is only for Tuesday, May 27, 2025.)
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Colorado Veterinary Professional Associates (VPA) Law – Colorado continues implementing its new mid-level veterinary professional role, similar to physician assistants in human medicine. Despite opposition from the AVMA, the state is moving forward with regulations to expand access to veterinary care.
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Bill to Expand Access to Veterinarians in Rural Areas Reintroduced - The Rural Veterinary Workforce Act is bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives Adrian Smith, John Larson, Michelle Fischbach, and Jimmy Panetta, with a Senate companion bill from Senators Mike Crapo and Tina Smith. The bill aims to address the critical shortage of Veterinary services in rural communities by removing federal taxes on loan repayments made under the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP).
informed about the evolving landscape of feline healthcare.
| | Veterinary Bills of Interest | |
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LD 1220 – A bill in Maine that seeks to allow chiropractors to treat animals without veterinary referral. The Maine Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) opposes this bill, and it has been sent for further review.
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LD 962 – A proposed law that would establish felony charges for DUI cases resulting in the death of a pet. It also includes noneconomic damages for emotional distress.
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Florida Senate Bill 382 – Signed into law on May 17, 2024, this bill initially exempted certain licensees, including veterinarians, from continuing education (CE) requirements. However, an amendment is expected in July 2025 to reinstate CE requirements for veterinarians.
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California Assembly Bill 2954 – Passed in March 2024, this law prohibits the declawing of cats, except for medical necessity. The previous law prohibited the declawing of “exotic or native wild cat species.” Section 31755 prohibits the declawing of any cats by any method, unless it is for a therapeutic purpose. Similar laws have passed or are pending in Pennsylvania (SB 1178) and Virginia (HB 1354).
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Do you have a case that you'd like to see covered?
Send it to us, and we will feature it in a future AVMLA News Brief
| | Want to be published in the AVMLA News Brief? | | | We are always looking for writers, legal/veterinary information, and your input on the AVMLA News Brief. Join the committee, volunteer to write an article and/or send us your state legislation for inclusion. More information can be found at www.AVMLA.org or contact the office to get involved! | | |
American Veterinary Medical Law Association | AVMLA.org | |
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