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Dear AVMLA Members,
As we head into fall, I would like to personally invite everyone to
the upcoming MMM on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 8 PM ET for an insightful AVMLA webinar titled "Board Complaints and What a Practitioner Should Do."
Join us to gain valuable knowledge from our expert panel: Bonnie Lutz, BS, JD; Lance Roasa, DVM, JD; Jim Wilson, DVM, JD; and Rob Simpson, DVM, JD. They will share their expertise on navigating board complaints in veterinary practice. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and preparedness in handling these critical issues.
Panelists:
Bonnie Lutz, BS, JD
Lance Roasa, DVM, JD
Jim Wilson, DVM, JD
Rob Simpson, DVM, JD
Also, mark your calendars for November 26, 2024, at 8 PM ET for another AVMLA webinar on "Teaching Regulatory/Legal Issues in Vet Med," featuring the same esteemed panelists.
Panelists for November 26:
Lance Roasa, DVM, JD
Jim Wilson, DVM, JD
Rob Simpson, DVM, JD
Additionally, President-Elect Rob Simpson, DVM, JD, is the 2025 AVMLA Conference Program Chair for the AVMA in Washington, DC, in conjunction with the AVMA to be held, July 19-20th.
The conference's primary theme will focus on regulatory topics. Please complete the AVMLA speaker form by clicking here or send an email to info@avmla.org if you are interested in submitting a speaker proposal for next year's AVMLA program. No advertising proposals will be considered.
Thanks so much for your continued support of the AVMLA, we are looking forward to connecting with you soon!
Kenyon Conklin, VDM
AVMLA President 2024-25
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Rob Simpson, DVM, JD
AVMLA 2025 President-Elect,
Annual Conference Program Chair
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Dr. Rob Simpson, DVM, JD, AVMLA President-Elect & 2025 Program Chair
Dr. Rob Simpson graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law in 2015. With 16 years as a practicing small animal veterinarian and a decade of running an independent law firm, his experience is extensive and varied. Currently, Dr. Simpson serves as the Director of Professional Development Education and Assistant Professor at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Simpson’s leadership roles include President of the Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, Vice Chair of the Tennessee Controlled Substance Monitoring Database’s Oversight Committee, and East Tennessee Delegate of the Tennessee Bar Association Animal Law Division. His work has been published in numerous veterinary and legal journals.
As President-Elect of the AVMLA, Dr. Simpson’s immediate goals are to expand the membership base and foster a robust connection with student members.
Dr. Simpson's immediate goals as President-Elect of the AVMLA are to expand the membership base and foster a robust connection with students members.
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AVMLA Annual Conference Call for Speakers | |
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Rob Simpson, DVM, JD, AVMLA 2025 President-Elect and Annual Conference Program Chair, is pleased to announce the call for speakers for the 2025 AVMLA Annual Conference. The theme for this year’s conference will focus on regulatory topics.
We invite experts in veterinary medicine, law, and related fields to share their knowledge and insights at this premier event. Join us in making the 2025 conference an extraordinary learning and networking experience.
Submit your proposals and help shape the future of our profession!
Questions: info@avmla.org
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October's AVMLA Monthly Members Meeting | |
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Join us for the second installment in AVMLA's fall 3-part series on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 8 PM ET for an insightful webinar titled "Board Complaints and What a Practitioner Should Do."
Gain valuable knowledge from our expert panel: Bonnie Lutz, BS, JD; Lance Roasa, DVM, JD; Jim Wilson, DVM, JD; and Rob Simpson, DVM, JD. They will share their expertise on navigating board complaints in veterinary practice. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and preparedness in handling these critical issues.
Panelists:
Bonnie Lutz, BS, JD
Lance Roasa, DVM, JD
Jim Wilson, DVM, JD
Rob Simpson, DVM, JD
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Make plans to join us for engaging discussion on the Monthly Members Meeting! Join us the 4th Tuesday of each month at 8pm ET for discussion with our distinguished speakers, who offer a unique blend of expertise as both veterinarians and attorneys. Mark your calendars and register today to attend. Select the date of the session you are interested in. The program will only be offered in the month advertised. | |
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International - The Impact of New Veterinary Medical Regulations in Britain
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has provided some clarity on the recently signed Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulations 2024 and how they will affect farmers.
The regulations provide for the upregulation of all antiparasitics to prescription-only medicine (POM) status. This means that antiparasitics will now be available only on foot of a veterinary prescription issued by a vet.
The regulations, which are introduced under the Veterinary Medicinal Products, Mediated Feed and Fertiliser Regulation Act, were signed into law by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue.
Agriland
National - AVMA Updates Antimicrobial Policies
The AVMA has updated two of its policies concerning the judicious therapeutic use of antimicrobials and endorsed a joint statement from the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) and Academy of Veterinary Consultants (AVC) on the therapeutic use of medically important antimicrobials in cattle.
The actions by the AVMA Board of Directors (BOD) occurred June 19 while meeting in Austin, Texas, held concurrently with AVMA Convention 2024.
AVMA News
National - The Business of Practice: Update on Xylazine Regulations
In this episode of The Business of Practice podcast, Jim Zeliff, DVM, MBA, discussed the current regulatory environment surrounding xylazine. As the AAEP representative to the AVMA Legislative Advisory Council, Zeliff travels to Washington, D.C., twice a year to advise Congress on specific species’ needs and other veterinary matters.
“Xylazine is a big deal,” Zeliff said. In Philadelphia, people started cutting street fentanyl with powdered xylazine, which makes Narcan ineffective; this practice is now widespread in various parts of the country. Zeliff said powdered xylazine is obtained in bulk from China and arrives in the U.S. through the southern border. In 2023, the DEA pushed lawmakers to schedule xylazine to give the agency more tools to stop traffickers. However, because the drug is widely used in veterinary medicine for many species, the AVMA Legislative Advisory Council pushed for consideration for veterinary use.
Equimanagment
National - AVMA Releases Expanded Humane Slaughter Guidelines
The newest version of the AVMA Guidelines for the Humane Slaughter of Animals published September 13 with notable additions to many sections of the document.
The content of the 2016 edition addressed the slaughter of hooved livestock species, such as bovids, swine, and small ruminants; poultry; and selected species, such as fin fish and crocodilians. The 2024 edition updates this content; provides additional information on ducks, geese, pheasants, quail, and ratites; and adds new sections on mink and other fur-bearing animals, frogs, decapods, and cephalopods.
The guidelines are presented in a user-friendly format in which chapters are arranged according to species.
AVMA
National - FDA Reaffirms Prescribing, VCPR Requirements Amid Efforts to Deviate from Federal Law
In response to questions about requirements under federal law, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has addressed aspects of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) pertinent to a veterinarian’s role in prescribing animal drugs and the federal veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR). The FDA issued its “Dear Veterinarian” letter on September 4 as a reminder and educational effort for veterinarians.
In short, veterinarians are the only health care providers allowed to prescribe and dispense animal drugs. Plus, veterinarians must comply with the federal VCPR where it applies and, in those cases, it cannot be established through telemedicine. The VCPR can be maintained using telemedicine between physical examinations or timely and medically appropriate visits to the premises where the animal is kept.
AVMA
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VETERINARY BILLS OF INTEREST | |
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New bipartisan legislation introduced in Congress would help Americans manage the costs of veterinary care and pet insurance by including expenses for pets and service animals under tax-advantaged health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA).
The People and Animals Well-being (PAW) Act (H.R. 9508) amends Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations to allow pet owners to use their HSA or FSA accounts to cover up to $1,000 for veterinary care or a pet health insurance plan. These funds would be available for those with service animals as well within current HSA and FSA contribution limits.
The PAW Act aims to assist veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and individuals with disabilities by ensuring the IRS relies on an up-to-date federal definition of “service animal.” This includes animals trained to assist with both physical and mental disabilities.
Puppy Protection Act
U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced the Puppy Protection Act, which would create stronger standards for veterinary care, housing, and breeding for dogs. The legislation would ensure that dogs within breeders’ care have suitable and safe enclosures, access to outdoor areas, and regularly interact with other dogs and humans.
“As many Americans welcomed a dog into their family during the pandemic, we must ensure that the demand for pets is met with a commitment from breeders to raise dogs in humane conditions before they find their forever home,” said Durbin. “I’m proud to lead this effort in protecting dogs from neglectful breeders who have evaded proper oversight and inspection in the past. The Puppy Protection Act will ensure breeding dogs and puppies will be well-cared for and live a healthy life.”
The Colorado Secretary of State’s office has certified Colorado Proposition 129, formerly known as Proposed Initiative 145, which proposes the inception of a new midlevel practitioner (MLP) position in veterinary medicine known as a veterinary professional associate (VPA). The certification of this ballot initiative confirms that it will appear on November’s ballot in Colorado, and results will determine whether the state will become the first to establish the position.
According to the initiative, VPAs would require a master’s degree in veterinary clinical care, or the equivalent, and registration with the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine (CSBVM).2 The ballot measure tasks the CSBVM with the examination and determination of fitness of VPA applicants, along with the ability to issue, renew, deny, suspend, or revoke their licenses.2 VPAs would be allowed to practice veterinary medicine under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. If passed, the initiative has an effective date of January 1, 2026, with the first graduates ready to enter the veterinary workforce in 2027.
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Send it to us, and we will feature it in a future AVMLA News Brief
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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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