Online News Vol. 2, Issue 1 |
Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine |
Update from the Director of the Professional Licensing Boards: For the new graduates, we now have 32 on-line applications available for those applying for their first license with us. This enables some new graduates to go on-line, register, apply for licensure and pay their fees. This paperless system allows the staff to process applications much quicker to the benefit of the applicant who can receive their license and go to work much faster than in the past. We are planning more on-line applications for the near future. As we begin the year 2010, we will continue to offer more services on-line and strive to improve our processing times. For license holders, please keep your personal information up to date and accurate so our transactions with you can be faster and more accurate.
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The Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine consists of six members: five licensed and practicing veterinarians and one consumer member. Typically, the Board meets six times each year. Board meetings are open to the public, with the exception of executive session, in which confidential matters such as complaints, disciplinary items, and applications are discussed. The Board is responsible for the regulation of licensed veterinarians, veterinarian technicians and faculty veterinarians in Georgia. The Board reviews applications, administers examinations, licenses qualified applicants and regulates the practice of licensees throughout the state. The practice of veterinary medicine consists of the diagnosis, care and treatment of animal abnormalities or diseases. As a learned science, licensure is considered after meeting specific veterinary education and examination requirements. The Board regulates individual practitioners of veterinary medicine and requires each licensed veterinarian to maintain minimum standards of care, at the facility where he or she is employed, as set forth in the Board's rules. Minutes from the Board meetings can be found on the Board’s website: www.sos.ga.gov/plb/veterinary. |
Board Members: Hugh Hill, DVM, President |
Board Staff: Anita Martin
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2010 Meetings: February 2, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. The Board meets at the Professional Licensing Board office in Macon. |
Number of Active Licensees: Veterinarian: 3,190 |
Actions Taken by the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine October: The Board accepted a cease and desist order from the following individual for the unlicensed practice of veterinary medicine:
December: The Board voted to post amendments to Board Rules 700-7-.03 Continuing Veterinary Education and 700-7-.04 Veterinary Technician Continuing Education. The main features of the rule amendments require one hour of the laws, rules and professionalism continuing education to be acquired in person; removes blanket approval for the laws, rules and professionalism continuing education; and limits the number of continuing education courses that can be acquired by in-house training at a licensees’ place of employment to six. |
License Renewals: Licenses expire as follows: It is illegal to practice as a veterinarian, veterinary technician or veterinary faculty member with an expired license. How do I renew my license? You may renew your license on the Professional Licensing Board website with a credit card. Click on the “License Renewal” icon and follow the instructions. You will be asked a series of questions including whether you have been convicted or received a board sanction since your last renewal, whether you have completed your continuing education requirements, and whether you are a U.S. citizen. Renewing your license via the website is the fastest way to renew your license. The Professional Licensing Boards do not mail paper renewals unless requested. A paper renewal form may be requested by the licensee by calling the Board office at 478-207-2440, or submitting a written request. Licensees may also call our automated system at 404-463-1100 and request a paper renewal form using their personal identification number included in their renewal notice. Disciplinary Issues: The board addresses these issues on a case-by-case basis and takes these matters very seriously applying sanctions to those who violate the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, Board rules, and policies. It is important that licensees review all laws, rules and policies that affect their profession. These may be found on the Board’s website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/veterinary. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine website. Grounds for denial, suspension, revocation of a license, or other disciplinary actions may be found at O.C.G.A. § 43-50-41 or at O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19, which can be found on the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine website. |
Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine Complaints Process Information: The Georgia General Assembly created the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine to regulate the licensing and practice of funeral services. The responsibility of administering the laws in O.C.G.A. § 43-50 is given to the Board, whose members are appointed by the Governor. The Board determines if applicants meet licensure requirements, promulgates rules, and considers complaints against licensees and allegations of unlicensed practice. The process for disposing of complaints is as follows: Complaint Form: Investigations: The Board gives serious consideration to all complaints. Further investigative action may be taken. Should you file a complaint, you may be contacted by a Board inspector or investigator for additional information. Investigative files are considered confidential for any purpose other than a hearing before the Board. However, the Board is authorized to release such records to another enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority. Notification Process: While the investigation is ongoing, the Board is unable to discuss the status of a complaint with anyone, including the complainant. When the Board has completed the case, the complainant will be notified in writing of the Board’s actions. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Board’s website. |
Frequently Asked Questions: A list of frequently asked questions may be found on the Board’s website. If you cannot find an answer to your question, you may contact the Board office at (478) 207-2440. |