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 definitions related to the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. The bill emphasizes the necessity of an in-person examination to establish this relationship and outlines the responsibilities of veterinarians in maintaining patient records. Additionally, it repeals outdated sections of current law to streamline the legal framework and clarifies the roles of licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians, particularly regarding the limitations of veterinary technology practice.

Moreover, the bill amends various provisions related to the licensing and regulation of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, including the removal of the requirement for the board to hold licensing examinations and the introduction of temporary permits for qualified applicants. It establishes new criteria for license renewal, emphasizing continuing education, and clarifies exceptions to the practice of veterinary medicine. The bill also revises the grounds for license refusal, suspension, or revocation, introducing terms like "impaired veterinarian" and "impaired veterinary technician," and facilitates self-reporting for those seeking help for mental health or substance use disorders. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance public safety, professional accountability, and the standards of veterinary care 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