The proposed amendments to the North Dakota Century Code aim to modernize and expand the regulations governing veterinary medicine and veterinary technology. Key updates include the introduction of new definitions such as "specialized or holistic animal trade," "telemedicine," and "veterinarian-client-patient relationship." The bill emphasizes the importance of in-person examinations and follow-up care while allowing for the termination of the veterinarian-client relationship under specific conditions. Additionally, it refines the composition of the state board of veterinary medical examiners to ensure representation from both large and small animal practices and repeals outdated sections of the law to enhance accountability and standards of care.

Further amendments focus on the licensing and renewal processes for veterinarians and veterinary technicians, establishing specific requirements for license renewal, including proof of continuing education. The bill clarifies exceptions to unlicensed practice, outlines grounds for license refusal or revocation, and introduces provisions for cooperation with investigations by the board. It also emphasizes the confidentiality of treatment records and provides immunity for individuals acting in good faith within their roles. Notably, the bill allows for telemedicine services under defined conditions and introduces exceptions for foreign practitioners and specialized animal trade, streamlining the regulatory framework for veterinary practices in North Dakota.

Statutes affected:
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
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
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