This bill seeks to modernize and enhance the regulations governing veterinary medicine and veterinary technology in North Dakota by introducing ten new sections to chapter 43-29 of the North Dakota Century Code. It includes definitions for key terms such as "accepted livestock management practice," "client," "telehealth," and "veterinary telemedicine," while amending existing provisions related to the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Notably, the bill specifies that this relationship cannot be established solely through veterinary telemedicine and emphasizes the importance of maintaining patient records and follow-up care. Additionally, it streamlines the legal framework by repealing outdated sections and clarifying the roles and responsibilities of veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

The bill also revises the structure and duties of the state board of veterinary medical examiners, adjusting its composition to include three veterinarians, one veterinary technician, and one public representative, while promoting diversity in veterinary practices. It updates licensure requirements, including the removal of the mandate for biannual examinations and the introduction of temporary permits for practicing veterinary medicine under specific conditions. Furthermore, it establishes a framework for complaints and investigations, allowing for self-reporting by practitioners facing mental health or substance use issues, and provides immunity from liability for those acting in good faith. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the standards of veterinary care, streamline licensing processes, and ensure the welfare of animals in North Dakota.

Statutes affected:
PREFILED: 43-29-01.1, 43-29-02, 43-29-03, 43-29-04, 43-29-05, 43-29-05.1, 43-29-06, 43-29-07, 43-29-07.1, 43-29-07.2, 43-29-07.3, 43-29-08.1, 43-29-13, 43-29-14, 43-29-15, 43-29-16, 43-29-16.1, 43-29-17, 43-29-19
Adopted by the Senate Human Services Committee: 43-29-01.1, 43-29-02, 43-29-03, 43-29-04, 43-29-05, 43-29-05.1, 43-29-06, 43-29-07, 43-29-07.1, 43-29-07.2, 43-29-07.3, 43-29-08.1, 43-29-13, 43-29-14, 43-29-15, 43-29-16, 43-29-16.1, 43-29-17, 43-29-19
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 43-29-01.1, 43-29-02, 43-29-03, 43-29-04, 43-29-05, 43-29-05.1, 43-29-06, 43-29-07, 43-29-07.1, 43-29-07.2, 43-29-07.3, 43-29-08.1, 43-29-13, 43-29-14, 43-29-15, 43-29-16, 43-29-16.1, 43-29-17, 43-29-19
Adopted by the House Agriculture Committee: 43-29-01.1, 43-29-02, 43-29-03, 43-29-04, 43-29-05, 43-29-05.1, 43-29-06, 43-29-07, 43-29-07.1, 43-29-07.2, 43-29-07.3, 43-29-08.1, 43-29-13, 43-29-14, 43-29-15, 43-29-16, 43-29-16.1, 43-29-17, 43-29-19
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Boschee: 43-29-01.1, 43-29-02, 43-29-03, 43-29-04, 43-29-05, 43-29-05.1, 43-29-06, 43-29-07, 43-29-07.1, 43-29-07.2, 43-29-07.3, 43-29-08.1, 43-29-13, 43-29-14, 43-29-15, 43-29-16, 43-29-16.1, 43-29-17, 43-29-19
Enrollment: 43-29-01.1, 43-29-02, 43-29-03, 43-29-04, 43-29-05, 43-29-05.1, 43-29-06, 43-29-07, 43-29-07.1, 43-29-07.2, 43-29-07.3, 43-29-08.1, 43-29-13, 43-29-14, 43-29-15, 43-29-16, 43-29-16.1, 43-29-17, 43-29-19
INTRODUCED: 43-29-01.1, 43-29-02, 43-29-03, 43-29-04, 43-29-05, 43-29-05.1, 43-29-06, 43-29-07, 43-29-07.1, 43-29-07.2, 43-29-07.3, 43-29-08.1, 43-29-13, 43-29-14, 43-29-15, 43-29-16, 43-29-16.1, 43-29-17, 43-29-19