This bill amends the laws governing veterinary practice to allow for the issuance of a conditional veterinary license to graduates of non-AVMA-accredited colleges of veterinary medicine who are enrolled in the ECFVG (Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates) certificate program and have completed all requirements except the clinical practice examination (CPE). The bill specifies that applicants must have successfully passed the New Hampshire veterinary jurisprudence examination to be eligible for the conditional license.

Under the new legislation, individuals holding a conditional license must practice under the direct supervision of a licensed New Hampshire veterinarian. Additionally, if the applicant is not a U.S. citizen, the supervising veterinarian is responsible for verifying the applicant's legal immigration status before employment and is prohibited from employing the applicant if they lack legal immigration status. The conditional license is valid for two years from the date of issuance or until the ECFVG candidate obtains ECFVG certification and receives a New Hampshire veterinary medical license. The bill allows for the renewal of the conditional license once if the ECFVG candidate does not pass the CPE examination, but it prohibits more than one renewal or reinstatement of a conditional license. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of September 17, 2024.

Statutes affected:
HB1526 text: 332-B:11