KRS 321.010 Repealed, 1948
321.010. Repealed, 1948
Catchline at repeal: Definitions.
History: Repealed 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 28. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 63b-14.
VETERINARIANS
KRS tit. XXVI, ch. 321
in effectKRS 321.020 Repealed, 1948
321.020. Repealed, 1948
Catchline at repeal: Practice without license and registration prohibited.
History: Repealed 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 28. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 63b-10, 63b-11.
KRS 321.030 Repealed, 1948
321.030. Repealed, 1948
Catchline at repeal: Persons exempt from KRS 321.020.
History: Repealed 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 28. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 63b-14, 63b-15, 63b-16.
KRS 321.040 Repealed, 1948
321.040. Repealed, 1948
Catchline at repeal: License to practice -- Fee -- Issuance of license --Reexamination.
History: Repealed 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 28. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 63b-4.
KRS 321.050 Repealed, 1948
321.050. Repealed, 1948
Catchline at repeal: Nature of examination.
History: Repealed 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 28. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 63b-5.
KRS 321.060 Repealed, 1948
321.060. Repealed, 1948
Catchline at repeal: Time and place of examination -- Notice.
History: Repealed 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 28. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 63b-2.
KRS 321.070 Repealed, 1948
321.070. Repealed, 1948
Catchline at repeal: Renewal of license.
History: Repealed 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 28. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 63b-9.
KRS 321.080 Repealed, 1948
321.080. Repealed, 1948
Catchline at repeal: Causes for refusal, suspension, revocation of license.
History: Repealed 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 28. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 63b-13.
KRS 321.090 Repealed, 1948
321.090. Repealed, 1948
Catchline at repeal: Hearing on suspension, revocation of license -- Appeal to Governor.
History: Repealed 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 28. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 63b-13.
KRS 321.100 Repealed, 1948
321.100. Repealed, 1948
Catchline at repeal: County clerk to be notified of suspension or revocation -- Practice prohibited.
History: Repealed 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 28. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 63b-13.
KRS 321.110 Repealed, 1948
321.110. Repealed, 1948
Catchline at repeal: State Board of Veterinary Examiners -- Members -- Terms -- Qualifications -- Officers -- Compensation.
History: Repealed 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 28. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 63b-1, 63b-2, 63b-5.
KRS 321.120 Repealed, 1948
321.120. Repealed, 1948
Catchline at repeal: Functions of board.
History: Repealed 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 28. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 63b-2, 63b-12.
KRS 321.130 Repealed, 1948
321.130. Repealed, 1948
Catchline at repeal: President may issue subpoenas, administer oaths.
History: Repealed 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 28. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 63b-2.
KRS 321.140 Repealed, 1948
321.140. Repealed, 1948
Catchline at repeal: Record of board's proceedings -- Notice of refusal to issue license.
History: Repealed 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 28. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 63b-6.
KRS 321.150 Repealed, 1948
321.150. Repealed, 1948
Catchline at repeal: Secretary to report to commissioner.
History: Repealed 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 28. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 63b-9.
KRS 321.160 Repealed, 1948
321.160. Repealed, 1948
Catchline at repeal: License to be recorded with county clerk -- Practice prohibited before recording -- Fee.
History: Repealed 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 28. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 63b-7.
KRS 321.170 Repealed, 1948
321.170. Repealed, 1948
Catchline at repeal: County clerk to keep list of licenses, report to board.
History: Repealed 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 28. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 63b-8.
KRS 321.175 Purpose of chapter
321.175. Purpose of chapter
(1) This chapter shall be known as the Kentucky Veterinary Medicine Practice Act.
(2) It is hereby declared that:
(a) The practices of veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, animal euthanasia, and allied animal health professionals and the operation of veterinary facilities, AAHP facilities, and board-certified animal control agencies are privileges which are granted by legislative authority and are subject to regulation and control in the interest of public health, safety, and welfare to protect the public from: 1. Being misled by incompetent, unscrupulous, and unauthorized practitioners; 2. Unprofessional or illegal practices by persons licensed to practice veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, animal euthanasia, and the allied animal health professions; 3. Substandard care; and 4. Unlicensed persons;
(b) It is a matter of public interest and concern that the practices of veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, animal euthanasia, and allied animal health professions working on animals merit and receive the confidence of the public and that only qualified individuals be permitted to practice these professions in the Commonwealth. This chapter shall be liberally construed to carry out these objectives and purposes;
(c) The intent of this chapter is to regulate the professions of veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, animal euthanasia, and allied animal health professional work on animals and to establish standards for veterinary premises and AAHP premises, both fixed and mobile, and shall result in displacing competition by restricting licensure, permitting, certification, and registration to practice these professions, as this practice is defined and interpreted by the board, to persons and premises determined by the board to be qualified under this chapter; and
(d) Any resulting restriction on competition is outweighed by the broader interest in protection of the public health, safety, and welfare. It is understood that the regulatory structure calls for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, AAHPs, and citizens at large to serve on the board and this chapter recognizes the need for professional expertise provided by veterinarians and veterinary technicians serving the public interest.
(3) This chapter is intended to provide active oversight and supervision through its legislative enactment, the promulgation of administrative regulations, the appointment of board members by the Governor, legal representation of the board by competent counsel, legislative appropriation of moneys and spending authority to support the board, and engagement in the administrative regulation review process under the auspices of the Legislative Research Commission.
(4) It is the purpose of this chapter to promote, preserve, and protect the public health, safety, and welfare by and through the licensure, permitting, certification, registration, and regulation of individuals, whether physically located within or outside of the Commonwealth, who practice veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, animal euthanasia, and AAHP services within Kentucky, and the registration of veterinary facility locations, AAHP facility locations, and mobile facilities where veterinary medicine or AAHP activities are being practiced. In furtherance of this purpose, the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners is created, and its members, functions, and procedures shall be established in accordance with this chapter.
(5) The purpose of this chapter is to establish a comprehensive scheme to fully occupy the fields of veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, AAHP work on animals, and animal euthanasia, and provide a uniform regulatory scheme to be enforced by the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners as defined in the scopes of practice.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 1, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2016. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 318, sec. 282, effective July 15, 1996. -- Created 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 1, effective July 14, 1992.
Legislative Research Commission Note (7/14/92). This statute was created in 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, which contains the enrolled text of Senate Bill 250. A committee substitute for this bill was adopted by the House with a floor amendment, and the Senate subsequently concurred in this action by the House; this amended substitute thus became the enrolled version of the bill. In drafting the House Committee Substitute, the original Section 10 of the bill was deleted in its entirety, but internal section references within the bill were not renumbered to reflect this deletion. Therefore, in codifying this statute, the internal section reference within Acts ch. 299, sec. 1, has been changed pursuant to KRS 7.136(1).
KRS 321.180 Repealed, 1992
321.180. Repealed, 1992
Catchline at repeal: Definitions -- What constitutes practice of veterinary medicine.
History: Repealed 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 23, effective July 14, 1992. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 1.
KRS 321.181 Definitions for chapter
321.181. Definitions for chapter
As used in this chapter:
(1) "Allied animal health professional" or "AAHP" means a professional who has completed an approved allied animal health professional program as defined in an administrative regulation promulgated by the board in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A and who offers specialized, limited services as defined in this chapter or by an administrative regulation to an animal patient in an area of practice as identified in KRS 321.251;
(2) (a) "Allied animal health professional facility" or "AAHP facility" means any building, fixed facility, place, premises, mobile facility, mobile unit, or location from which the practice of allied animal health professionals on animals is conducted or performed, including but not limited to a mobile clinic or facility, outpatient clinic, emergency facility, specialty facility, referral facility, human facility, or center.
(b) An AAHP facility includes all fixed buildings used in AAHP practice at a single physical premises location.
(c) An AAHP facility does not include: 1. The premises of a client unless a fixed allied animal health professional facility is located on the premises; 2. A research facility; 3. A federal military base; 4. Locations for temporary animal exhibition; 5. State or federal regulatory facilities; or 6. An approved allied animal health professional program location;
(3) "Allied animal health professional manager" or "AAHP manager" means at least one (1) board-licensed AAHP who registers to assume responsibility for the registration, management, and operation of a registered allied animal health professional facility;
(4) "Allied animal health professional license" or "AAHP license" means a credential issued to an allied animal health professional who is licensed by the board to practice on animals in the Commonwealth and to conduct specialized services for an animal patient limited to the scope of work as defined in this chapter or by the board in administrative regulation;
(5) "Animal" means any member of the animal kingdom other than a human, whether living or dead;
(6) "Animal chiropractic" means the science of diagnosing and adjusting or manipulating the subluxations of the articulations of an animal's spine and its adjacent tissues and by applying methods of treatment designed to augment those adjustments or manipulations;
(7) "Animal control agency" means an animal shelter fulfilling the duties required pursuant to KRS Chapter 258 that is owned, contracted with, or in service on behalf of a county or municipality;
(8) "Animal shelter" means a public agency or private humane society, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, animal protection shelter or control agency, or other facility that provides shelter and care for homeless, stray, unwanted, or injured domestic animals;
(9) "Applicant" means a person who submits an application for licensure, certification, license, or registration, whether complete or not, to the board;
(10) "Approved allied animal health professional program" means a school or educational program offering specialized training to provide limited services to an animal patient that has been approved by the board in an administrative regulation as meeting its administrative standards;
(11) "Approved foreign equivalency program" means a school or educational program that has been approved by the board as meeting its administrative standards, which offers additional training and testing for persons who graduated from a non -board- approved veterinary medical program or non -board-approved veterinary technology program;
(12) "Approved program of continuing education" means an educational program approved by the board or offered by an approved provider of continuing education;
(13) "Approved provider of continuing education" means any person t hat has met the requirements of the board to provide educational courses that are designed to ensure continued competence in the practice of veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, animal euthanasia, or other area of practice governed by the board;
(14) "Approved veterinary medical program" means a school of veterinary medicine or a veterinary medical education program that has been approved by the board as meeting its administrative standards;
(15) "Approved veterinary technology program" means a schoo l of veterinary technology or a veterinary technology education program that has been approved by the board as meeting its administrative standards;
(16) "Background check" means an inquiry within a system for the collection, processing, preservation, or d issemination of criminal history records maintained by one (1) or more local, state, or federal agencies;
(17) "Board" means the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners;
(18) "Certificate holder" means a person certified by the board;
(19) "Certified animal control agency" means an animal shelter that is certified by the board;
(20) "Certified animal euthanasia specialist" means a person employed by a certified animal control agency who is authorized by the board to humanely euthanize animals by administering drugs designated by the board for euthanasia and sedation including animals owned by the certified animal control agency or animals in emergency care circumstances;
(21) "Chemical restraint" means the use of any controlled substance, veterinary drug, prescription, veterinary prescription drug, or legend drug that assists in the restraint of or sedates the animal;
(22) "Client" means the owner, owner's agent, or other person presenting the patient for care, who has entered into an agreement with a veterina rian or allied animal health professional on behalf of a patient for the purposes of obtaining veterinary medical services or allied animal health professional services in person or by any means of communication or telehealth;
(23) "Compensation" includes any gift, bonus, fee, money, credit, or other thing of value;
(24) "Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine therapies" means a heterogeneous group of preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic philosophies and practices that are not considered part of conventional veterinary medicine. These therapies include but are not limited to:
(a) Veterinary acupuncture, acutherapy, and acupressure;
(b) Veterinary homeopathy;
(c) Veterinary manual or manipulative therapy, such as therapies based on techniques practiced in osteopathy, chiropractic, or physical medicine and therapy;
(d) Veterinary nutraceutical therapy; and
(e) Veterinary phytotherapy;
(25) "Consultation" means a veterinarian's receipt of advice, assistance in person, or by any method of communication from a veterinarian or other person whose expertise, in the opinion of the veterinarian, would benefit a patient while the responsibility for the welfare of the patient remains with the veterinarian receiving consultation;
(26) "Continuing education" means training that is designed to ensure continued competence in the practice of veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, or for certified animal euthanasia specialists, licensed allied animal health professionals, or any board credential holder;
(27) "Continuing education contact hour" means a fifty (50) minute clock hour of instruction, not including breaks or meals;
(28) "Conviction" means a formal declaration that someone is guilty of a crime by a court of competent jurisdiction and shall include a finding or verdict of guilt, an admission of guilt, a no contest plea, a plea of nolo contendere, or a guilty plea;
(29) "Credential" means:
(a) Any license, certificate, permit, registration, or other credential issued or approved by the board; or
(b) The authorization to serve as the veterinarian manager or registered responsible party designated on a veterinary facility registration, as the AAHP manager or registered responsible party designated on an AAHP facility registration, or as the designated on-site manager designated for a certified animal control agency;
(30) "Credential holder" means a person who holds an approved credential issued by the board, which may be one (1) or more of the following:
(a) Certificate;
(b) License;
(c) Registration; or
(d) Special permit;
(31) "Designated on-site manager" means a person who registers with the board to assume responsibility for the ordering, management, use, and disposal of controlled substances at a certified animal control agency;
(32) "Discipline" means any final order, settlement agreement, reprimand, fine, or other adverse consequence assessed against a person by the board or any of its counterparts in other jurisdictions;
(33) "Embryo transfer" means to remove an embryo from any animal for the purpose of transplanting the embryo into another animal, cryopreserving the embryo, or implanting the embryo into any animal, including food and companion animals;
(34) "Emergency care" means immediate treatment that is necessary to sustain life or end suffering of an animal that is in a life-threatening condition;
(35) "Equine dentistry" means any diagnosis, treatment, or surgical procedure performed on the head or oral cavity of an equine animal, including:
(a) Any procedure that invades the tissues of the oral cavity, including a procedure to: 1. Remove sharp enamel projections; 2. Treat malocclusions of the teeth; 3. Reshape teeth; or 4. Extract one (1) or more teeth;
(b) The treatment or extraction of damaged or diseased teeth;
(c) The treatment of diseased teeth through restoration and endodontic procedures;
(d) Periodontal treatments, including the: 1. Removal of calculus, soft deposits, plaque, and stains above the gum line; and 2. Smoothing, filing, and polishing of tooth surfaces; and
(e) Dental radiography;
(36) "Examination" means a qualifying examination approved by the board as a condition for certification, licensure, permit, or registration;
(37) "Expired" is a licensure status whereby the credential holder failed to renew the credential in a timely manner in accordance with the deadline set by the board;
(38) "Extralabel use" means actual use or intended use of a drug in an animal in a manner that is not in accordance with the approved labeling and includes but is not limited to:
(a) Use in species or production class not listed in the labeling;
(b) Use for indications such as disease or other conditions not listed in the labeling;
(c) Use at dosage levels, frequencies, or routes of administration other than those stated in the labeling; and
(d) Deviation from the labeled withdrawal time based on these different uses;
(39) "Felony" means a criminal act as defined by any jurisdiction or by definition under federal law;
(40) "Fixed facility" means a permanent location that is generally not moveable;
(41) "Grievance" or "complaint" means any allegation of misconduct that may constitute a violation of this chapter or any administrative regulation promulgated under the authority of this chapter;
(42) "Impaired" means that a credential holder, designated on-site manager, veterinarian manager, AAHP manager, or registered responsible party may reasonably be unable to perform that person's duties with competence, skill, and safety because of a physical or mental disability or incapacity, including deterioration of mental capacity, loss of motor skills, or substance use or disorder of sufficient degree which may reasonably diminish the person's ability to deliver competent patient care;
(43) "In-person" means physically in the same physical space;
(44) "Informed consent" or "consent" means the veterinarian or allied animal health professional licensee has informed the client or the client's authorized representative in a manner understood by the client or the client's authorized representative of the diagnostic and treatment options, potential outcomes, risk assessment, prognosis, and options and the client has consented to or knowingly declined the recommended services or treatment;
(45) "Jurisdiction" means:
(a) Any Commonwealth, state, or territory of the United States of America, including the District of Columbia;
(b) Any province of Canada; or
(c) A regulatory organization, including an international body; that issues licenses, registrations, permits, or certificates related to the professional fields of veterinary medicine;
(46) "Licensee" means a person licensed by the board under this chapter;
(47) "Livestock" means bovines, equines, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, captured or cultivated aquatic species, farm-raised cervidae and camelidae, bees, and any other species used in the production of fiber, meat, eggs, honey, milk, and other animal food products;
(48) "Mobile facility" or "mobile unit" means a motor vehicle that is utilized pursuant to KRS 321.205;
(49) "Patient" means any animal or group of animals receiving care from a veterinarian, veterinary technician, veterinary assistant, animal euthanasia specialist, allied animal health professional, veterinary student, veterinary technician student, or veterinary practice staff;
(50) "Permittee" means a person permitted by the board under this chapter;
(51) "Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, association, joint venture, cooperative, corporation, governmental body, or any other group, legal entity, or combination acting in concert, and whether or not acting as a principal, trustee, fiduciary, receiver, or as any kind of legal or personal representative, or as the successor in interest, assignee, agent, factor, servant, employee, director, officer, or any other representative of the person;
(52) "Practice of veterinary medicine" means any person who practices veterinary medicine when performing any one (1) or more of the following on an animal:
(a) Directly or indirectly diagnoses, prognoses, corrects, changes, relieves, prevents, supervises, recommends, or performs medical or surgical treatment, including complementary and alternative veterinary medicine therapies, obstetrics, dentistry, oral surgery, acupuncture, laser therapy, manipulation, and all other branches or specialties of veterinary medicine, for the diagnosis, prevention, cure, or relief of a wound, defect, deformity, fracture, bodily injury, disease, or dental, physical, behavioral, or mental condition;
(b) Prescribes, dispenses, or administers any drug, medicine, anesthetic, biologic, appliance, apparatus, application, treatment, or other therapeutic or diagnostic substance or technique for veterinary purposes, or performs euthanasia, in accordance with the applicable federal statutes and regulations governing controlled prescription drugs, legend drugs, and veterinary drugs;
(c) Performs any manual procedure for the diagnosis, treatment, or both of pregnancy, sterility, or infertility, including embryo transfer;
(d) Represents oneself, directly or indirectly, as engaging in the practice of veterinary medicine; or
(e) Uses any words, letters, or titles as to induce the belief that the individual using them is authorized to practice veterinary medicine under this chapter with such use being prima facie evidence of the intention to represent oneself as engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine;
(53) "Practice of veterinary technology" means:
(a) The practices of veterinary technology when performing patient care, professional medical care, monitoring, treatment, or other services on an animal that require a technical understanding of veterinary medicine on the basis of written or oral instruction of a veterinarian, or under supervision of a veterinarian; and
(b) 1. Representation of oneself, directly or indirectly, as a licensed veterinary technician or "LVT"; or 2. Use of any words, letters, or titles under circumstances that would induce the belief that the individual using them is authorized to practice as a veterinary technician under this chapter, with such use being prima facie evidence of the intention to represent oneself as engaged in practice as a veterinary technician;
(54) "Premises" means any place where an animal is located when veterinary medicine is being practiced;
(55) "Prescription" means an order for a drug or medicine, combination or mixture of drugs or medicines, or proprietary preparation that is signed, given, or authorized and intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in a patient;
(56) "Registrant" means a person or premises registered with the board under this chapter;
(57) "Registered allied animal health professional facility" or "registered AAHP facility" means an AAHP facility that is registered with the board;
(58) "Registered facility" means any AAHP facility or any veterinary facility that is registered with the board;
(59) "Registered responsible party" means at least one (1) person documented as the:
(a) Entity that is designated as the registered responsible party on a facility registration and is responsible for its operation and management in conjunction with the veterinarian manager or allied animal health professional manager; and
(b) Entity that is held accountable to the board as a credential holder for any violation of this chapter and its associated administrative regulations. At a minimum, the registered party shall include all persons, owners, and corporate owners of the registered veterinary facility or allied animal health professional facility;
(60) "Registered veterinary facility" means a veterinary facility that is registered with the board;
(61) "Supervision" pertains to any of the following:
(a) "Supervising veterinarian" means a veterinarian who assumes responsibility for the veterinary care given to a patient by an individual working under the veterinarian's direction and has examined the patient pursuant to currently acceptable standards of care;
(b) "Immediate supervision" means the supervising veterinarian is physically in the immediate area and within audible and visual range of the patient and the individual treating the patient;
(c) "Direct supervision" means the supervising veterinarian is readily available on the premises where the patient is being treated; and
(d) "Indirect supervision" means the supervising veterinarian need not be on the premises but has given either written or oral instructions for the treatment of the patient and is readily available for communication;
(62) "Teleadvice" means the provision of any health information, opinion, guidance, or recommendation concerning prudent future actions that are not specific to a particular patient's health, illness, or injury;
(63) "Teleconsulting" means telehealth in which a veterinarian, veterinary technician, AAHP, or other credential holder uses telehealth tools to communicate with a specialist or another professional to gain insights and advice on the care of a patient;
(64) "Telehealth" means all uses of technology to remotely gather and deliver health information, advice, education, and care;
(65) "Telemedicine" or "connected care" means the integration of digital technologies to enhance and support the VCPR and facilitate proactive and ongoing care through improved communication, diagnosis, and monitoring;
(66) "Telemonitoring," "mHealth," or "mobile health," means remote monitoring of a patient who is not at the same location as the health care provider;
(67) "Telesupervision" means the supervision of individuals using media such as audio or audio/video conference, text messaging, and e-mail;
(68) "Teletriage" means the safe, appropriate, and timely assessment and management of an animal patient via electronic consultation with its owner, regardless of whether there is an immediate referral to a veterinarian and where a diagnosis is not rendered;
(69) "Veterinarian" means an individual who is licensed to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine under this chapter;
(70) "Veterinarian manager" means at least one (1) Kentucky-licensed veterinarian who registers to assume responsibility for the registration, management, and operation of a registered veterinary facility;
(71) "Veterinarian-client-patient relationship" or "VCPR" has the same meaning as in KRS 321.185;
(72) "Veterinary assistant" means a layperson without credentials who is employed by a veterinarian in accordance with KRS 321.443;
(73) (a) "Veterinary facility" means any building, fixed facility, place, premises, mobile facility, or mobile unit location from which the practice of veterinary medicine and practice of veterinary technology are conducted or performed, including but not limited to a mobile clinic or facility, outpatient clinic, veterinary hospital or clinic, emergency facility, specialty facility, referral facility or center, temporary health clinic, or spay/neuter location. A veterinary facility shall include all fixed buildings used for the practice of veterinary medicine at a single physical premises location.
(b) "Veterinary facility" does not include: 1. The premises of a veterinary client unless a fixed veterinary facility is located on the veterinary client's premises; 2. A research facility; 3. A federal military base; 4. Locations for temporary animal exhibition; 5. State or federal regulatory facilities; 6. Officially designated emergency and disaster response locations; 7. A facility with current accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums; or 8. An American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited college of veterinary medicine or veterinary technology;
(74) "Veterinary specialist" means a veterinarian that has been awarded and maintains certification from an American Veterinary Medical Association-recognized veterinary specialty organization, program, or college, and is registered in this specialty with the board;
(75) "Veterinary student" means:
(a) A person enrolled in an approved veterinary medical program while pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine; or
(b) A person in a post-Doctor of Veterinary Medicine temporary private internship, residency, or veterinary hospital-based program, not to exceed thirty (30) days in a calendar year;
(76) "Veterinary technician" means a person who has completed an approved veterinary technology program, is licensed in accordance with this chapter, and meets the requirements in KRS 321.441;
(77) "Veterinary wellness committee" means a committee appointed by the board that is composed of individuals who have expertise in the areas of alcohol abuse, chemical dependence, drug abuse, or physical or mental condition designated by the board to perform activities related to the veterinary wellness program; and
(78) "Veterinary wellness program" means the board-sponsored program for the identification, intervention, and monitoring of credential holders or applicants who may be impaired as a result of alcohol abuse, chemical dependence, drug abuse, or any physical or mental condition.
Effective: June 27, 2025
History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 87, sec. 1, effective June 27, 2025. -- Repealed and reenacted 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 2, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2016. -- Amended 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 189, sec. 28, effective July 13, 2004. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1998. -- Created 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 2, effective July 14, 1992.
KRS 321.185 Veterinarian-client-patient relationship
321.185. Veterinarian-client-patient relationship
(1) In order for a veterinarian to practice veterinary medicine, a relationship among the veterinarian, the client, and the patient shall be established and maintained. The veterinarian-client-patient relationship or VCPR is the basis for veterinary care and means that:
(a) The veterinarian and the client or other caretaker of the patient both agree for the veterinarian to assume responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animal;
(b) There is sufficient knowledge of the animal by the veterinarian to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal. This means that within the previous twelve (12) months the veterinarian either physically examined the animal or made a medically appropriate in-person visit to the premises where the animal is kept; and
(c) The veterinarian has assumed responsibility for providing follow-up care and continuation of care to the patient, except in cases where the veterinarian has: 1. Arranged for or contracted for emergency care or urgent care coverage by another veterinarian who can provide reasonable and appropriate medical care and has notified the client how to access emergency care; or 2. Notified the client of an available registered facility that can provide reasonable and appropriate medical care.
(2) The VCPR may extend to another veterinarian employed in the same registered facility who is licensed to practice veterinary medicine within the Commonwealth, so long as the other Kentucky-licensed veterinarian has sufficient knowledge in the medical record to make a decision.
(3) The veterinarian shall maintain records that document patient visits, diagnosis, treatment, and other relevant information, as required by KRS 321.187.
(4) (a) A veterinarian shall not violate the confidential relationship between the veterinarian and the veterinarian's client. Consultation by the veterinarian with another veterinarian or professional expert for the benefit of the patient shall not constitute a violation of confidentiality.
(b) A veterinarian shall not release information concerning a client or care of a client's animal, except: 1. On the veterinarian's receipt of: a. A written authorization or other form of waiver executed by the client; or b. An appropriate court order or subpoena; 2. In cases of animal abuse, pursuant to KRS 321.188; 3. In cases of reportable diseases as they relate to public or animal health pursuant to KRS 257.080 and 258.065 and the administrative regulations promulgated under the authority of those statutes; 4. Other exceptions established in KRS 321.187 and 321.200; or 5. Upon request from the board.
(c) A veterinarian who releases information under paragraph (b) of this subsection shall not be liable to any person, including the client, for an action resulting from the disclosure.
(d) The privilege provided by this subsection is waived by the client or the owner of an animal treated by the veterinarian to the extent the client or owner places at issue in a civil or criminal proceeding: 1. The nature and extent of the animal's injuries; or 2. The care and treatment of the animal provided by the veterinarian.
(e) This subsection shall not apply to: 1. An inspection or investigation conducted by the board or an agent of the board; or 2. The veterinary reporting requirements and regulatory authority of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation to inspect, investigate, and supervise horses and other participants in horse racing as provided by KRS Chapter 230 and the administrative regulations promulgated under KRS Chapter 230, or any other state or federal law applicable to the regulation of horse racing in the Commonwealth.
(5) Veterinarians providing copies of records under this section may charge no more than the actual cost of copying, including reasonable staff time.
(6) A licensed veterinarian who in good faith engages in the practice of veterinary medicine by rendering or attempting to render emergency care or urgent care to an animal when a client cannot be identified shall not be subject to penalty based solely on the veterinarian's inability to establish a VCPR with an owner or the owner's representative.
(7) A VCPR shall not be established solely by telehealth means. In the absence of a VCPR, any advice provided through telehealth shall be general and not specific to a patient, diagnosis, or treatment. Veterinary telemedicine shall only be conducted within an existing VCPR, with the exception for advice given in an emergency care situation until that patient can be seen in person by a licensed veterinarian.
Effective: July 1, 2024
History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 171, sec. 107, effective July 1, 2024. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 10, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 117, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2020. -- Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 3, effective July 15, 2016. -- Amended 2009 Ky. Acts ch. 39, sec. 1, effective June 25, 2009. -- Created 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 3, effective July 14, 1992.
KRS 321.186 Telehealth -- Authorization -- Types
321.186. Telehealth -- Authorization -- Types
Telehealth shall be authorized for veterinary practice. Telehealth is divided into categories based on who is involved in the communication. For communication between veterinarians and other persons, there are distinctions in practice related to whether a VCPR as set forth in KRS 321.185 has been established with the patient. Different types of veterinary telehealth include the following:
(1) Telemonitoring, mHealth, or mobile health applications and wearables which are:
(a) Designed to augment animal health care within VCPRs; or
(b) Designed and marketed directly to consumers for their education and for animal monitoring without clinical input and outside the context of a VCPR;
(2) Telesupervision, which shall be permitted as a part of telehealth practice;
(3) Telemedicine or connected care, which provides the delivery of information specific to a particular patient and shall be conducted within the context of an established VCPR to ensure protection for the patient, subject to the following:
(a) Telemedicine or connected care is an approach to veterinary practice that is patient- and client-centered, and actively engages the entire veterinary healthcare team. This type of telehealth involves use of one (1) or more tools to exchange medical information electr onically from one (1) site to another to improve a patient's clinical health status, which may be utilized to augment the practice of veterinary medicine. The appropriate application of connected care or telemedicine can enhance animal care by facilitating communication, diagnostics, treatments, client education, scheduling, and other tasks;
(b) Practitioners providing telemedicine or connected care to patients in the Commonwealth shall be credentialed to practice by the board and operate in association with a registered veterinary facility or registered allied animal health professional facility in Kentucky. Practitioners practicing this type of telemedicine shall comply with all state and federal statutes and regulations, including requirements for access to follow-up care; and
(c) Telemedicine or connected care provided to patients in Kentucky shall only be conducted within an existing VCPR as set forth in KRS 321.185 and is required to be reestablished through an in -person visit every twelve (12) months, with the exception of advice given in an emergency care situation or teletriage until a patient can be seen by or transported to a veterinarian. The VCPR for that twelve (12) months shall be deemed to constitute a relationship in Kentucky, regardless of whether the patient or client travels outside the Commonwealth; and
(4) Telehealth conducted without a VCPR, which may include only the delivery of general advice, educational information, and teletriage. Telehealth which may be conducted without a VCPR includes:
(a) Teleadvice, which is general advice that is not intended to diagnose, prognose, treat, correct, change, alleviate, or prevent animal disease, illness, pain, deformity, defect, injury, or other physical, dental, or mental conditions. If the practitioner providing the teleadvice is a qualified veterinarian, veterinar y technician, allied animal health professional, or other board credential holder, the practitioner shall be required to hold a valid credential from the Kentucky board, except as authorized by KRS 321.200, shall comply with all state and federal statutes and regulations, and shall disclose the practitioner's name and Kentucky credential number to the person receiving services;
(b) Teleconsulting, in which the established VCPR remains with the veterinarian seeking advice or counsel; and
(c) Teletriage, when in assessing patient condition electronically, the assessor determines urgency and the need for immediate referral to a veterinarian, based on the owner’s or responsible party’s report of history and clinical signs, sometimes supplemented by visual information, such as photographs or video. Practitioners providing teletriage to patients in the Commonwealth shall be credentialed to practice by the board in Kentucky, shall comply with all state and federal statutes and regulations, and shall disclose the practitioner's name and Kentucky credential number to the person receiving services.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Created 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 3, effective June 29, 2023.
KRS 321.187 Medical recordkeeping -- Access to records
321.187. Medical recordkeeping -- Access to records
(1) Each veterinarian or AAHP who provides medical services to animals shall maintain accurate electronic or legibly written medical records that include the identity of the credential holder or authorized representative who makes the entry.
(2) The information in the medical records are the property of the client, and the client has a right to a copy of those records. The practice where the records were prepared shall be the official records custodian. Original patient records shall be retained by the practice, the veterinary facility or AAHP facility where they were prepared, or the veterinarian or AAHP who prepared them and be readily retrievable for a period of five (5) years following the last patient encounter. Records stored by a third party shall not relieve the veterinarian or AAHP from the responsibility of supplying records to the client upon request.
(3) (a) The veterinarian or AAHP may require that a request for medical records be in writing and may charge a reasonable fee for copying or the staff t ime in preparing the requested medical records, unless there is a board investigation, in which case no charges shall be authorized.
(b) Copies of the medical records shall be provided to the client, designated veterinarian, AAHP, or authorized representat ive within seven (7) calendar days after receipt of a proper request or sooner in accordance with the patient's medical condition.
(c) Failure to provide the medical records in a timely fashion upon proper request shall be considered unprofessional conduct .
(4) All records required by law to be kept by a veterinarian or AAHP shall be open to inspection by the board or its authorized representatives, and a copy shall be provided immediately upon request.
(5) All records shall comply with the requirements set forth by the board in administrative regulations.
(6) An animal patient's medical record and medical condition is confidential and may not be furnished to or discussed with any person other than the client or other veterinarians, veterinary technicians, v eterinary assistants, veterinary practice staff, veterinary students, AAHPs, or consultants involved in the care or treatment of the patient, except upon authorization of the client or under the following circumstances:
(a) Access to the records is specifically required by law, or as described in KRS 321.185 and 321.188;
(b) In response to a court order or subpoena with notice given to the client or the client's legal representative;
(c) For statistical and scientific research, if the information is abstracted in a way as to protect the identity of the patient and client;
(d) As part of an inspection or investigation conducted by the board or an agent of the board;
(e) To verify the rabies vaccination status of an animal to lo cal law enforcement, or to state or local health departments;
(f) In the course of a consultation; and
(g) As required by other state or federal law.
(7) A veterinarian or AAHP shall not intentionally create a false record, make a false statement, or alter or modify any medical record, document, or report concerning treatment of a patient. When correcting a medical record, the original content should be readable, and the alteration shall be clearly identified with the correction, reason for correction, date, and author's name.
Effective: June 27, 2025
History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 87, sec. 6, effective June 27, 2025. -- Created 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 4, effective June 29, 2023.
KRS 321.188 Reporting of animal abuse
321.188. Reporting of animal abuse
If a veterinarian finds that an animal with which the veterinarian has a VCPR has been abused in violation of KRS 525.125, 525.130, 525.135, or 525.137, the veterinarian may make a report to:
(1) The Office of the State Veterinarian for any animal for which an on-farm livestock or poultry care standard has been promulgated under KRS 257.196; or
(2) Law enforcement for any other animal.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 11, effective June 29, 2023. -- Created 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 117, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2020.
KRS 321.189 Criminal background investigation for applicants
321.189. Criminal background investigation for applicants
The board shall require a national and state criminal background investigation for every applicant seeking a license, certificate, registration, or permit issued by the board permitting the applicant to engage in a veterinary practice or activity regulated by the board. The criminal background investigation shall be by means of a fingerprint check by the Department of Kentucky State Police or equivalent state police body in the applicant’s home state and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, pursuant to the following requirements:
(1) The applicant shall provide his or her fingerprints to the Department of Kentucky State Police, or equivalent state police body in the applicant’s home state, for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation after a state criminal background check is conducted;
(2) The results of the national and state criminal background check shall be sent to the board for the screening of applicants;
(3) The board shall be prohibited from releasing any criminal history record information to any private entity or other licensing board, or authorizing receipt by such entity or board; and
(4) Any fee charged by the Department of Kentucky State Police or the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall be an amount no greater than the actual cost of processing the request and conducting the background check. The board may charge this fee to the applicant for licensure or certification.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Created 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 7, effective June 29, 2023.
KRS 321.190 License required to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology
321.190. License required to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology
(1) The practice of veterinary medicine and the practice of veterinary technology in the Commonwealth are subject to enforcement by the board. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine or the practice of veterinary technology in the Commonwealth through any means unless licensed under the applicable provisions of this chapter, except as provided in KRS 321.200 and 321.443.
(2) (a) A person shall not use the designation "veterinarian," "licensed veterinarian," or any other designation indicating licensure status, including abbreviations, or hold that person out as a veterinarian unless licensed for that profession.
(b) A person shall not use the designation "veterinary technician," "licensed veterinary technician," or any other designation indicating licensure status, including abbreviations, or hold that person out as a veterinary technician unless licensed for that profession.
(3) The practice of veterinary medicine by telephonic, videoconference, telehealth, or other means shall constitute the practice of veterinary medicine subject to licensure and enforcement by the board.
(4) A veterinarian shall utilize the services of a licensed veterinary technician or veterinary assistant in accordance with this chapter and the administrative regulations promulgated under the authority of this chapter. Unauthorized utilization of any person’s services in violation of this chapter shall be considered as aiding and abetting any unlicensed person to practice veterinary medicine as described in KRS 321.351.
(5) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent members of other professions from performing functions for which they are credentialed by the board and that is within their defined scope of practice. However, these persons shall not hold themselves out or refer to themselves by any title or description stating or implying that they are licensed or otherwise entitled to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine or the practice of veterinary technology.
(6) Except as authorized by KRS 321.200, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to permit any person who is not a veterinarian to perform any of the following activities relating to animals:
(a) Surgery;
(b) Diagnosis;
(c) Prognosis; and
(d) Prescription.
(7) A supervising veterinarian is individually and separately responsible and liable for the performance of the acts delegated to and the omissions of the licensed veterinary technician, veterinary assistant, special permittee, intern, preceptor, resident, or any other individual working under the veterinarian's supervision. Nothing in this section shall be construed to relieve licensed veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, special permittees, interns, preceptors, residents, or any other individuals working under supervision of any responsibility or liability for any of their own acts or omissions.
(8) Unless exempted by KRS 321.200, persons engaging in the practice of veterinary medicine or the practice of veterinary technology without a credential from the board shall be subject to enforcement and discipline by the board as established in KRS 321.352 and 321.990.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Repealed and reenacted 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 12, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 4, effective July 15, 2016. -- Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 15, effective July 14, 1992. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 15.
KRS 321.193 Veterinarian's license -- Requirements
321.193. Veterinarian's license -- Requirements
The board shall issue a license as a "veterinarian" to an applicant who meets the following requirements:
(1) Has completed an application for licensure approved by the board in administrative regulation;
(2) Has paid the application fee and the appropriat e examination fee;
(3) Is a person of good moral character. As one (1) element of good moral character, the board shall require each applicant for licensure to submit a full set of the applicant's fingerprints for the purpose of obtaining criminal records checks, pursuant to applicable law. All good moral character information, including the information obtained through the criminal background checks, shall be relevant to licensure eligibility determinations to the extent permitted by law;
(4) Has graduated and received a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine or equivalent degree in veterinary medicine from an approved veterinary medical program or approved foreign equivalency program;
(5) Has achieved a passing score on examinations required by administra tive regulation promulgated by the board;
(6) Has been approved for licensure by the board; and
(7) Has complied with any other requirements of this chapter or of the board by administrative regulation.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 13, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 5, effective July 15, 2016. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 240, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2000. -- Created 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 11, effective July 14, 1992.
KRS 321.195 Repealed, 2016
321.195. Repealed, 2016
Catchline at repeal: Retirement and reactivation of license.
History: Repealed 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 19, effective July 15, 2016. -- Created 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 6, effective July 14, 1992.
KRS 321.200 Exemptions from application of chapter
321.200. Exemptions from application of chapter
(1) No provision of this chapter shall be construed to prohibit any of the following:
(a) Any persons from gratuitously treating animals in cases of emergency care, provided they do not use the word "veterinarian," "veterinary," "veterinary technician," "veterinary nurse," or any title, words, abbreviation, or letters in a manner or under circumstances which may induce the belief that the person using them is qualified to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine or the practice of veterinary technology as described in KRS 321.181;
(b) 1. The owner of any animal or animals, the owner's full-time, or part-time, regular employees, or the owner's agent from caring for and treating animals maintained in their custody, including but not limited to euthanasia of livestock or administering drugs that are obtained and used in accordance with applicable state and federal statutes and regulations to, any animals belonging to the owner. With the exception of paragraph
(c) of this subsection and other limiting statutes, treatment shall not include surgery. 2. Transfer of ownership, a temporary contract, or a temporary change in a person's employment status shall not be used for the purpose of circumventing this provision. 3. This provision shall not exempt an employee who would otherwise qualify for a board credential from the credentialing requirements of this chapter based on the employment status;
(c) Any person from castrating and dehorning food animals, as long as any drugs or medications are obtained and used in accordance with applicable state and federal statutes and regulations governing controlled substances, legend drugs, and veterinary drugs;
(d) Any veterinary student as defined in KRS 321.181 from working under the direct supervision of a veterinarian who is licensed under this chapter;
(e) Unlicensed graduate veterinarians in the United States Armed Services or employees of the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, from engaging in the performance of their official duties;
(f) Other lawfully qualified veterinarians who reside in and are licensed in other jurisdictions from discussing or meeting, either in person or via telehealth, with licensed veterinarians of this Commonwealth in consultation about a patient so long as the Kentucky-licensed veterinarian has established and maintains a current VCPR with the patient;
(g) A trainer, sales agent, or herdsman from caring for animals, upon instruction from a Kentucky-licensed veterinarian, provided there is a current VCPR as defined in KRS 321.185;
(h) A university faculty member or unlicensed veterinarian employee from teaching veterinary science or related courses, providing services offered by the university's veterinary diagnostic laboratory, or from engaging in veterinary research through or on behalf of the university where the person is employed, including drug and drug testing research, provided that research is conducted in accordance with applicable state and federal statutes and regulations governing controlled substances, prescription drugs, veterinary drugs, and legend drugs. This provision shall not exempt the university faculty member or unlicensed veterinarian employee from the requirements of licensure if the person engages in the practice of veterinary medicine outside the authority of the university or the scope of employment with the university or engages in the private practice of veterinary medicine for compensation;
(i) Any person who holds a postgraduate degree in reproductive physiology or a related field, and who has performed embryo transfers in Kentucky during the five (5) years immediately preceding July 14, 1992, from performing embryo transfers on animals;
(j) Volunteer health practitioners providing services under KRS 39A.350 to 39A.366;
(k) A retailer or its agent from providing information and suggestions regarding the over-the-counter products it sells to treat animals so long as the information and suggestions are consistent with the product label and species appropriate;
(l) A Kentucky-licensed veterinarian from inspecting an animal, or an animal's radiographs or other medical records, on behalf of a potential buyer or potential seller, without regard to the existence of a VCPR;
(m) Any persons from implanting a microchip in an animal for the purposes of identification or the establishment of ownership;
(n) A veterinarian who is licensed in another jurisdiction of the United States or Canada, is in good standing in that jurisdiction, meets all criteria for licensure in Kentucky, and who has an active application on file with the board pending for less than ninety (90) days, from working as a veterinarian in Kentucky under the supervision of a Kentucky-licensed veterinarian while the board application for licensure is being processed, so long as the place of employment, start date, contact information where the applicant works, and a supervising veterinarian are disclosed in the application;
(o) Allied animal health professionals who are working within the scope of the license;
(p) Certified animal euthanasia specialists who are working within the scope of their certificate; or
(q) Volunteer health practitioners consulting with and assisting a licensed veterinarian at a facility accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums from assisting in the care of and procedures on the zoo animals at the facility while under the supervision of the veterinarian.
(2) (a) An unlicensed veterinarian who does not qualify for licensure in Kentucky and who is a nonresident of the United States may be employed in this Commonwealth to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine for not more than thirty (30) days in a calendar year, provided the person: 1. Holds a valid, current license as a veterinarian in the person's home country; 2. Practices under the direct supervision of a veterinarian licensed in Kentucky; 3. Registers with the board prior to commencing practice in the Commonwealth; and 4. Agrees to practice and follow all the rules and administrative regulations of this chapter and be subject to discipline for violations of those rules and administrative regulations by the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners.
(b) This subsection shall not apply to a nonresident of the United States who is otherwise eligible for a Kentucky license or other credential under this chapter.
(3) Nothing in this chapter shall interfere with the professional activities of any licensed pharmacist.
Effective: June 27, 2025
History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 87, sec. 7, effective June 27, 2025. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 16, sec. 13, effective June 29, 2023; and ch. 95, sec. 14, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 6, effective July 15, 2016. -- Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 96, sec. 19, effective June 26, 2007. -- Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 16, effective July 14, 1992. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 16.
KRS 321.201 Special permits -- Duration
321.201. Special permits -- Duration
(1) The board may issue a special permit to practice veterinary medicine to an unlicensed veterinarian who is a qualified applicant to become a licensed veterinarian and who is awaiting the pending results of a board -approved national examination or the final examination stage of an approved foreign education equivalency program.
(2) Individuals seeking to obtain a special permit shall apply to the board for licensure and shall be employed by and working under the direct supervision of a Kentucky - licensed veterinarian. The application shall include a letter of recommendation and acknowledgement of supervisory responsibilities and shall be signed by each supervising licensed veterinarian.
(3) The special permit shall not be issued until the application has been s ubmitted to take the next examination given by an approved examination provider.
(4) The special permit shall expire seven (7) business days after the notice of results of the first examination given after the permit was issued.
(5) A special permit holder may be subject to the disciplinary procedures as set forth in KRS 321.351.
(6) If the special permit holder does not pass an examination attempt, the person may apply for and obtain a new special permit for subsequent examination attempts. The board shall not issue any individual person more than a total of four (4) special permits.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 15, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 7, effective July 15, 2016. -- Created 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 5, effective July 14, 1992.
Legislative Research Commission Note (7/14/92). This statute was created in 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, which contains the enrolled text of Senate Bill 250. A committee substitute for this bill was adopted by the House with a floor amendment, and the Senate subsequently concurred in this action by the House; this amended substitute thus became the enrolled version of the bill. In drafting the House Committee Substitute, the original Section 10 of the bill was deleted in its entirety, but internal section references within the bill were not renumbered to reflect this deletion. Therefore, in codifying this statute, the internal section reference within Acts ch. 299, sec. 5, has been changed pursuant to KRS 7.136(1).
KRS 321.203 Veterinary facilities -- Registration
321.203. Veterinary facilities -- Registration
(1) Each veterinary facility and allied animal health professional facility registered with the board shall submit a completed renewal application by the renewal deadline and pay a biennial renewal fee for the renewal of the registration.
(2) A veterinary facility or AAHP facility with an expired registration may have its registration reinstated upon submission of a completed reinstatement application and payment of a reinstatement fee to the board.
(3) A suspended veterinary facility registration or AAHP facil ity registration is subject to expiration and termination and shall be renewed as provided in this chapter. Renewal or reinstatement shall not entitle the registrant to allow the practice of veterinary medicine or AAHP practice on the premises or from the mobile facility until the suspension has ended or is otherwise removed by the board and the right to operate or practice is restored by the board.
(4) A revoked registration is subject to expiration or termination but may not be renewed. If it is reinstated, the credential holder shall pay the reinstatement fee to the board.
(5) A veterinary facility or AAHP facility that fails to reinstate its registration within five (5) years after its expiration or termination shall not have it renewed, restored, reissued, or reinstated. A veterinary facility or AAHP facility may apply for and obtain a new registration by meeting the requirements of this chapter.
(6) The board may require that a veterinary facility or AAHP facility applying for renewal or reinstatement of registration show evidence of completion of continuing education by the veterinarian manager, AAHP manager, or registered responsible party as prescribed by administrative regulation promulgated by the board.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Created 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 9, effective June 29, 2023.
KRS 321.205 Mobile facilities -- Authorized incidental activities
321.205. Mobile facilities -- Authorized incidental activities
(1) A credential holder may utilize a "mobile facility" or "mobile unit" to conduct business within the scope allowable by their credential.
(2) The mobile facility shall be registered under a current facility registration with the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners in accordance with KRS 321.203 and 321.236 and the administrative regulations promulgated under the authority of this chapter.
(3) The mobile facility and its operators shall comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
(4) The mobile facility may:
(a) Make farm or house calls in a motor vehicle or utilize a motor vehicle equipped with special medical or surgical equipment appropriate for the species-specific services offered if the credential holder has a permanent base of operations with a published address and telephone number where the credential holder may be contacted. The published contact information shall be on file with the board;
(b) Apply the principles of environmental sanitation, food inspection, animal nutrition, artificial insemination, environmental pollution control, zoonotic disease control, and disaster medicine in the promotion and protection of public and animal health in accordance with administrative regulations promulgated under this chapter; and
(c) Engage in the collection of hazardous biological specimens and the use of vaccine which may be injurious to humans, in accordance with applicable state and federal statutes and regulations.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 16, effective June 29, 2023. -- Created 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 9, effective July 14, 1992.
KRS 321.207 Authorization to apply to United States Drug Enforcement Administration for controlled substance registration -- Certification of animal control agencies and animal euthanasia specialists -- Possession and storage of drugs used for euthanasia
321.207. Authorization to apply to United States Drug Enforcement Administration for controlled substance registration -- Certification of animal control agencies and animal euthanasia specialists -- Possession and storage of drugs used for euthanasia
(1) (a) The Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners, upon submission of a complete application and payment of a fee established by the board, shall issue to any animal control agency that it determines to be qualified, an authorization to apply to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for a controlled substance registration for the purchase, possession, storage, and administration of the specific drugs approved by the board to euthanize or sedate animals for euthanasia for animals own ed by the certified animal control agency, or in the case of emergency care related to injured, sick, or abandoned animals.
(b) A certified animal control agency that successfully obtains a DEA controlled substance registration shall comply with all state and federal laws related to the ordering, purchase, storage, tracking, management, and disposal of the drugs obtained under the controlled substance registration.
(c) A certified animal control agency shall comply with certification renewal requirements as set forth in KRS 321.208 or the certificate shall expire.
(2) A certified animal control agency shall comply with administrative regulations promulgated by the board which contain standards for proper storage and handling of the drugs the board has approved for this use, and any other provisions as may be necessary to ensure that the drugs are used safely and solely for the purpose set forth in this section.
(3) (a) A certified animal control agency shall submit to periodic inspections by the board or its authorized representatives to ensure compliance with DEA controlled substance registration and board requirements.
(b) An applicant for certification as a certified animal control agency shall submit to an inspection by the board or its authorized represen tatives prior to certification by the board to ensure adequate security for controlled substances storage.
(c) A previously certified animal control agency with an expired certificate shall submit to inspections by the board or its authorized representativ es to ensure proper log updates, removal, and disposal of all drugs obtained under the DEA controlled substance registration.
(4) Upon submission of a complete application, payment of a fee established by the board, and successful completion of a board-approved animal euthanasia specialist training course by the applicant, the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners shall issue to a person whom it determines to be qualified, a certificate for the person to function as a certified animal euthanasia specialist , subject to the following restrictions:
(a) A certified animal euthanasia specialist shall comply with certification renewal requirements as set forth in KRS 321.208 or the certificate shall expire;
(b) A certified animal euthanasia specialist shall maintain an employment relationship with a certified animal control agency to be qualified to practice animal euthanasia;
(c) A certified animal euthanasia specialist is authorized to perform euthanasia only on the premises of the certified animal control agency, except in case of emergency care;
(d) A certified animal euthanasia specialist shall euthanize only animals that are owned by the certified animal control agency or in cases of emergency care. Transfer of ownership or a temporary contract shall not be used for the purpose of circumventing this subsection;
(e) A certified animal euthanasia specialist shall not perform euthanasia at a private residence; and
(f) A certified animal euthanasia specialist shall not perform euthanasia for compensation, except for compensation from the certified animal eut hanasia specialist's employment relationship with a certified animal control agency.
(5) Euthanasia of animals in a certified animal control agency shall only be performed by:
(a) A licensed veterinarian;
(b) A licensed veterinary technician functioning un der the supervision of a licensed veterinarian; or
(c) A certified animal euthanasia specialist as provided for in subsection (4) of this section.
(6) A certified animal control agency that employs a certified animal euthanasia specialist may purchase, pos sess, and administer the specific drugs approved by the board in an administrative regulation for the euthanasia or sedation of animals for euthanasia. The specific drugs approved by the board shall be the only drugs used by certified animal euthanasia specialists for the euthanasia of animals or sedation of animals for euthanasia in a certified animal control agency.
(7) Certified animal control agencies and certified animal euthanasia specialists shall be required to renew their certificates at intervals, upon conditions, and upon the payment of fees established by the board through the promulgation of administrative regulations.
(8) (a) A veterinarian who is contracted or otherwise employed by an animal shelter shall not store drugs obtained under the vet erinarian's DEA controlled substance registration in the same locked storage unit where the drugs obtained under another DEA controlled substance registration are stored.
(b) Separate and secure storage arrangements, drug logs, drug order forms, and secure, limited access shall be required for each separate DEA controlled substance registration.
(c) A veterinarian shall not store drugs ordered under the veterinarian's DEA controlled substance registration at an animal shelter unless the DEA controlled substance registration under which the drugs are ordered lists the animal shelter address as the registrant address.
Effective: June 27, 2025
History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 87, sec. 8, effective June 27, 2025. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 17, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 8, effective July 15, 2016. -- Created 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1998.
KRS 321.208 Renewal of animal euthanasia specialist certificate and animal control agency certificate
321.208. Renewal of animal euthanasia specialist certificate and animal control agency certificate
(1) Each person who is certified as an animal euthanasia specialist shall submit a complete renewal application by the renewal deadline and pay to the board an annual renewal fee for the renewal of the person's certificate.
(2) Each animal shelter that is certified as an animal control agency shall submit a completed renewal application by the renewal deadline and pay to the board an annual renewal fee for the renewal of the animal control agency certificate.
(3) A sixty (60) day grace period shall be allowed after the renewal deadline, during which time individuals and agencies may renew their certificates upon submission of a completed application, and payment of the renewal fee and a late fee to the board. Any certificate that was not renewed by the grace period deadline shall expire. Upon expiration, the holder of that certificate is no longer eligible to practice animal euthanasia in the Commonwealth or maintain a United States Drug Enforcement Administration controlled substances registration.
(4) After the sixty (60) day grace period, individuals and agencies with an expired certificate may have their certificates reinstated upon submission of a completed reinstatement application and payment of a reinstatement fee to the board if the reinstatement application is made within five (5) years from the date of expiration. Animal control agencies may be subject to inspection prior to reinstatement.
(5) A suspended certificate is subject to expiration and termination and shall be renewed as provided in this chapter. Renewal or reinstatement shall not entitle the certificate holder to engage in the practice until the suspension has ended or is otherwise removed by the board and the right to practice is restored by the board.
(6) A revoked certificate is subject to expiration or termination but may not be renewed. If it is reinstated, the certificate holder shall pay the reinstatement fee.
(7) A person or agency that fails to reinstate its certificate within five (5) years after its expiration or termination shall not have it renewed, restored, reissued, or reinstated. A person or agency may apply for and obtain a new certificate by meeting the requirements of this chapter.
(8) The board may require that a person or agency applying for renewal or reinstatement of the certificate show evidence of completion of additional training or continuing education as set forth by administrative regulation promulgated in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A.
(9) The board may grant retired or inactive certificate status for certified animal euthanasia specialists and may establish conditions under which retired or inactive certificates may be renewed as set forth by administrative regulations promulgated in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A.
(10) The board shall require any applicant seeking to become registered as the designated on-site manager for an animal control agency to submit to a criminal background investigation conducted in accordance with KRS 321.189.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Created 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 6, effective June 29, 2023.
KRS 321.210 Repealed, 1992
321.210. Repealed, 1992
Catchline at repeal: Status of existing licenses -- Renewal of licenses -- Licensing of persons who practiced prior to 1916.
History: Repealed 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 23, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 384, sec. 479, effective June 17, 1978. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 5.
KRS 321.211 Renewal of veterinarian license -- Fees -- Expiration and termination of license -- Reinstatement -- Continuing education -- Retired or inactive licensure status
321.211. Renewal of veterinarian license -- Fees -- Expiration and termination of license -- Reinstatement -- Continuing education -- Retired or inactive licensure status
(1) Each person licensed as a veterinarian shall biennially submit a completed renewal application and pay to the board a renewal fee for the renewal of the person's license.
(2) A sixty (60) day grace period shall be allowed after the renewal deadline, as required for renewal in subsection (1) of this section, during which time indi viduals may renew their licenses upon submission of a completed renewal application and payment of the renewal fee plus a late renewal fee. All licenses not renewed by the grace period deadline shall expire based on the failure of the individual to renew i n a timely manner. Upon expiration, the licensee is no longer eligible to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine in the Commonwealth.
(3) After the sixty (60) day grace period, individuals with an expired license may have their licenses reinstated upon submission of a completed reinstatement application and payment of a reinstatement fee. No person who applies for reinstatement after expiration of the person's veterinarian license shall be required to submit to an examination as a condition for reins tatement, if the reinstatement application is made within five (5) years from the date of expiration.
(4) A suspended veterinarian license is subject to expiration and termination and shall be renewed as provided in this chapter. Renewal or reinstatement s hall not entitle the licensee to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine until the suspension has ended, or is otherwise removed by the board and the right to practice is restored by the board.
(5) A revoked license is subject to expiration or termin ation but may not be renewed. If it is reinstated, the licensee shall pay the reinstatement fee.
(6) A person who fails to reinstate the person's veterinarian license within five (5) years after its expiration or termination shall not have it renewed, rest ored, reissued, or reinstated. A person may apply for and obtain a new license by meeting the requirements of this chapter.
(7) The board may require that a person applying for renewal or reinstatement of licensure show evidence of completion of continuing education as promulgated by the board in administrative regulation.
(8) The board may grant retired or inactive licensure status and may establish conditions under which retired or inactive licenses may be renewed and reinstated as set forth by the board in administrative regulation.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 18, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 9, effective July 15, 2016. -- Amended 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 189, sec. 33, effective July 13, 2004; and ch. 96, sec. 1, effective July 13, 2004. -- Created 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 12, effective July 14, 1992.
KRS 321.220 Repealed, 1992
321.220. Repealed, 1992
Catchline at repeal: Licensing of person holding license from another state or country -- Reciprocity.
History: Repealed 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 23, effective July 14, 1992. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 7.
KRS 321.221 Requirements for a credential by endorsement for individuals licensed in other jurisdictions
321.221. Requirements for a credential by endorsement for individuals licensed in other jurisdictions
(1) The board may issue a credential by endorsement to any applicant who, upon submitting a completed application to the board and remitting a fee established in administrative regulation, demonstrates to the board that the applicant has met the following requirements:
(a) The applicant is a graduate of an approved veterinary medical program, approved veterinary technology program, or other educational program approved by the board as appropriate to the board credential;
(b) The applicant is of good moral character. As one (1) element of good moral character, the board shall require each applicant to submit a full set of fingerprints for the purpose of obtaining criminal records checks, pursuant to applicable law. All good moral character information, including the information obtained through the criminal background checks, shall be relevant to credential eligibility determinations to the extent permitted by law;
(c) The applicant holds a valid credential to practice veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, animal euthanasia, or an allied animal health profession and has engaged in the practice in another state, the District of Columbia, a territory of the United States, or a province of Canada for at least one (1) year immediately preceding application, if the requirements for credentialing in the issuing state or province are equal to or higher than the standards required for the issuance of a new credential under the provisions of this chapter;
(d) The applicant has passed an examination given by the board on the laws and administrative regulations of the Commonwealth as required in administrative regulations promulgated in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A under the provisions of this chapter; and
(e) The applicant has been approved for a credential by the board.
(2) The board shall not issue a credential by endorsement to any applicant who is under investigation in another state, territory, the District of Columbia, a Canadian province, or any jurisdiction for an act which could result in disciplinary action in that jurisdiction until the investigation and disciplinary proceedings have been completed.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 19, effective June 29, 2023. -- Created 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 4, effective July 14, 1992.
KRS 321.230 Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners -- Membership -- Qualifications -- Appointment -- Terms -- Vacancies -- Compensation -- Removal of member
321.230. Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners -- Membership -- Qualifications -- Appointment -- Terms -- Vacancies -- Compensation -- Removal of member
There hereby is created a board to be known as the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners.
(1) The board shall consist of eleven (11) members:
(a) Ten (10) members shall be appointed by the Governor as follows: 1. Seven (7) members shall be citizens of the Commonwealth and shall be veterinarians, each lawfully engaged in the practice of veterinar y medicine in this Commonwealth for at least two (2) years immediately preceding the date of the member's appointment; 2. One (1) member shall be a citizen of the Commonwealth and shall be a citizen at large who is not associated with or financially interested in the practices or businesses regulated; 3. One (1) member shall be a citizen of the Commonwealth and a licensed veterinary technician who has been employed in the veterinary field in the Commonwealth for at least two (2) years immediately preceding the date of the member's appointment; and 4. One (1) member shall be a licensed allied animal health professional who has been working on animals in the Commonwealth for at least two (2) years immediately preceding the date of the member's appointment; and
(b) One (1) member shall be the Commissioner of Agriculture or designee.
(2) The Governor's appointments to the board shall maintain a composition that includes diverse representation from each of the following areas:
(a) Species of animals served, including food animals, equines, and small animals; and
(b) All regional areas of the Commonwealth, including eastern Kentucky, western Kentucky, central Kentucky, and northern Kentucky.
(3) All appointed members shall be appointed for a term of four (4) years and shall serve until the member is reappointed or a qualified successor is appointed. The terms shall be evenly staggered, so that no more than three (3) members are appointed to full terms in any given calendar year.
(4) Any vacancy in the appointed membership of the board shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment by the Governor.
(5) Each member of the board shall receive one hundred dollars ($100) per day for each day or substantial part of a day of service actually given in carrying out the member's duties under this chapter, in addition to the member's necessary traveling, hotel, and contingent expenses incurred in attending the meetings of the board and in the performance of the member's duties.
(6) A board member may be removed by the Governor, or removed by a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of the board upon one (1) or more of the following grounds:
(a) A poor attendance record, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office;
(b) The refusal or inability for any reason of a board member to perform the duties as a member of the board in an efficient, responsible, and professional manner;
(c) The misuse of office by a member of the board to obtain financial or material gain or advantage personally or for another through the office;
(d) A final adjudication by a recognized body, including the courts, that the board member is in violation of the laws governing the practice of veterinary medicine, the practice of veterinary technology, or other board credentialed profession; or
(e) Other just and reasonable causes as determined solely by the board pursuant to applicable law. In these cases, removal of a member of the board shall be in accordance with KRS Chapters 13A and 13B and other applicable laws.
Effective: June 27, 2025
History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 87, sec. 9, effective June 27, 2025. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 20, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 10, effective July 15, 2016. -- Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 17, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 206, sec. 15. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 2.
KRS 321.235 Powers and duties of board -- Personal immunity
321.235. Powers and duties of board -- Personal immunity
(1) The board shall:
(a) Administer and enforce this chapter and set and evaluate the qualifications of applicants for licensure, certification, permitting, and registration;
(b) Promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to effectively carry out and enforce the provisions of this chapter;
(c) Promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to establish the fee amounts for all fees required by this chapter and the fees for services provided by the board. Fees may not exceed amo unts necessary to generate sufficient funds to effectively carry out and enforce the provisions of this chapter, including costs related to administration; overhead; staffing; information technology; investigations; inspections; administrative procedures; court costs; supplies; equipment; travel; educational awards; reserve funds for capital, operational, and programmatic expenses; and education and outreach efforts;
(d) Promulgate a code of conduct governing the practice of veterinary medicine that shall be based upon generally recognized principles of professional conduct; and
(e) Maintain jurisdiction over persons and premises, regardless of their licensure, certificate, permit, or registration status relative to acts, omissions, complaints, grievances, and investigations which occurred during the licensure, certification, permit, or registration period. The board shall also maintain jurisdiction over registered facilities, irrespective of their registration status, relative to acts, omissions, complaints, grievances, and investigations which occurred during the registration period. This jurisdiction shall be for purposes of enforcement of this chapter and any administrative regulations promulgated under this chapter, including the assessment and collection of fines, costs, and attorneys' fees. Jurisdiction of the board shall also extend to persons engaging in the unauthorized practice of veterinary medicine, unauthorized practice of veterinary technology, unauthorized practice of animal euthanasia, or unauthorized practice of an allied animal health professional on animals. Licensees, certificate holders, permittees, and registrants shall not divest the board of jurisdiction by changing or relinquishing licensure, certificate, permit, or registration status.
(2) The board may:
(a) Issue subpoenas, compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of accounts, books, and records, examine witnesses, pay appropriate witness fees, administer oaths, and investigate allegations of practices violating this chapter;
(b) Promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A: 1. To establish and enforce minimum standards for: a. Criteria of programs or other mechanisms to ensure the continuing competence of licensees, certificate holders, permittees, and registrants; b. Codes of conduct for its licensees, certificate holders, permittees, and registrants; and c. The registration of veterinary facilities, mobile facilities, and AAHP facilities; 2. Regarding the limited scopes of allied animal health professional practices or procedures on animals and the permitting thereof, including: a. Minimum requirements; b. Examination requirements and passing scores; c. Board oversight; d. Conditions for application, permitting, renewal, renewal grace periods, and reinstatement; e. Limitations on practice; and f. Minimum standards; and 3. To establish: a. Specific duties and responsibilities of the board; b. Administration of licensure, certification, permitting, or registration; c. Standards in veterinary medicine, medical records, and other matters pertaining to veterinarians, veterinary technicians, animal control agencies, animal euthanasia s pecialists, designated on-site mangers, allied animal health professionals, veterinary facilities, AAHP facilities, veterinarian managers, AAHP managers, registered responsible parties, or unlicensed persons; and d. A code of conduct for each license, cert ificate, permit, or registration class issued by the board;
(c) Conduct investigations, inspections, and hearings, and keep records and minutes necessary to carry out the function of this chapter;
(d) Enter and inspect any property or premises for the purp ose of investigating either actual or suspected veterinary practices, including practice vehicles and mobile facilities, at any time for the purpose of ascertaining compliance or noncompliance with this chapter, or any administrative regulation that may be promulgated under this chapter, in accordance with protocols established in this chapter and by the board in an administrative regulation;
(e) Evaluate the qualifications for and authorize the issuance of licenses, certificates, permits, and registrations to qualified candidates and premises;
(f) Renew or deny licenses, certificates, permits, and registrations, require continuing education as a condition for renewal, and promulgate administrative regulations regarding the issuance and renewal of retired an d inactive licenses, certificates, permits, and registrations;
(g) Limit, reprimand, suspend, or revoke licenses, certificates, permits, and registrations, or impose supervisory or probationary conditions upon licensees, certificate holders, permittees, or registrants, or impose administrative disciplinary fines, issue written reprimands, or any combination thereof;
(h) Issue a notice to comply or a notice of violation to any person for violations of any provision of this chapter or administrative regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter. A "notice to comply" or "NC" may be issued during the inspection process to request additional information needed to determine compliance or as a notice to correct a minor violation found during the inspection. Failure to take corrective action may lead to the issuance of a "notice of violation" or "NOV." A notice of violation means that a business or person is operating in violation of the law and subject to penalty pursuant to this chapter. Each day or part of a day that the violation continues is a separate violation subject to daily penalties. A notice of violation shall contain: 1. A citation to the statutory or regulatory requirement that has been or is being violated; 2. A description of the circumstances surrounding the violation, set forth in common and concise language; 3. Measures required to correct the violation; 4. A reasonable time for correction, if the respondent cannot take measures to correct the violation immediately; and 5. Notice of rights of appeal;
(i) Advise, consult, and cooperate with other agencies of the Commonwealth, other states, the federal government, interstate and interlocal agencies, and affected persons, groups, and industries;
(j) Seek injunctive relief in Franklin Circuit Court to stop the unlawful practice of veterinary medicine or practice of veterinary technology by unlicensed persons, or against any person for the enforcement of this chapter or any administrative regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter;
(k) Appoint from its own membership or staff one (1) or more members or personnel to act as representatives of the board at any meeting within or outside the Commonwealth; and
(l) Implement an educational award program to award scholarships or educational awards as determined by the board, to a person in the act of advancing toward, or having completed a degree in, veterinary medicine or veterinary technology from an approved veterinary medical program or approved veterinary technology program, and may take any other appropriate action to effectuate the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act in accordance with the following: 1. The selected awardee or awardees shall agree to sign an award contract guaranteeing to provide food animal or rural veterinary services or to protect public health in a veterinary resource shortage area identified by the board. Failure of an awardee to comply with the terms of the award contract shall be cause for the board to seek reimbursement of the award; 2. The board shall establish the required members of an educational award review committee through an administrative regulation and may contract with other state agencies, entities, and nonprofit organizations for the endowment, management, and administration of the educational award program. The requirements for the educational awards program, including application requirements, criteria for selecting applicants, criteria for identifying veterinary resource shortage areas, and criteria for prioritizing underserved areas, shall be determined by the board in administrative regulation. However, nothing contained in this section shall be construed as requiring the board to endow or award any scholarship or educational award; and 3. Educational award monies shall be collected as a portion of veterinarian and veterinary technician renewal fees. No more than fifteen percent (15%) of the monies collected during a single veterinarian renewal period may be applied to the educational awards program.
(3) As a part of any board investigation under this section or KRS 321.351, the board may require an applicant, credential holder, or any other person engaging in a veterinary practice or activity regulated by the board under this chapter to submit to a criminal background investigation conducted in accordance with KRS 321.189.
(4) Members of the board, its agents, and employees shall be immune from personal liability in any action, civil or criminal, which is based upon any official act or acts performed by them in good faith.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Repealed and reenacted 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 21, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 11, effective July 15, 2016. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1998. -- Created 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 14, effective July 14, 1992.
KRS 321.236 Administrative regulations -- Registration requirements -- Voluntary inspections by the board -- Disciplinary action against registrant
321.236. Administrative regulations -- Registration requirements -- Voluntary inspections by the board -- Disciplinary action against registrant
(1) The board may promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A defining:
(a) Application, renewal, and reinstatement requirements and fees for veterinary facilities and AAHP facilities;
(b) Responsibilities and limitations for registered responsible parties, veterinarian managers, and AAHP managers. This shall include an admini strative regulation governing interference or control by unlicensed persons in the practice of veterinary medicine or veterinary technology, or by persons who do not hold a board credential. Both registered responsible parties and veterinarian managers shall be responsible for a registered veterinary facility's operation and management, and both registered responsible parties and AAHP managers shall be responsible for a registered AAHP facility. Both parties associated with a registered facility shall be he ld accountable to the board as a credential holder for any violation of this chapter; and
(c) Minimum standards for veterinary facilities, mobile facilities, and AAHP facilities, including requirements for application, inspection, sanitation, and other factors.
(2) (a) All existing veterinary facilities and AAHP facilities, both fixed and mobile, shall be registered with the board not later than June 30, 2025.
(b) The board shall charge a minimum fee of two hundred dollars ($200) per initial registration.
(c) For initial registrations filed with the board by June 30, 2025, the initial registration fee shall be reduced by half to one hundred dollars ($100).
(d) After initial registration, the board shall not charge more for a facility registration renewal fee than the cost to run the registration program.
(3) (a) After June 30, 2025, all new facilities shall submit a completed application for registration to the board, including fees as promulgated by the board in administrative regulation.
(b) A new veterinary facility or AAHP facility shall not begin operation in the Commonwealth until the completed application and fee have been accepted by the board and notification in writing has been sent to the applicant.
(c) After the registration deadline in 2025, each new registered facility may be inspected by the board to verify that the facility is an operational veterinary facility or AAHP facility within the first one hundred twenty (120) days of operation.
(4) A mobile facility that is affiliated with a registered veterinary facility or AAHP facility shall be exempted from the requirement to register independently if a currently registered fixed facility identifies that unit as its affiliate. The board may charge additional registration fees to a registered veterinary facility or AAHP facility based upon the number of r egistered mobile units associated with a single facility registration through the promulgation of an administrative regulation in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A.
(5) Each application to register a veterinary facility or an AAHP facility shall meet the minimum requirements established by this chapter and the board in an administrative regulation promulgated in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A and identify the following persons responsible for its operation and management:
(a) The registered responsible party;
(b) The veterinarian manager, if a veterinary facility; or
(c) The AAHP manager, if an AAHP facility.
(6) (a) The veterinarian manager shall include at least one (1) Kentucky-licensed veterinarian with an active license in good standing with the board.
(b) The AAHP manager shall include at least one (1) Kentucky-licensed AAHP with an active license in good standing with the board.
(7) (a) The veterinarian manager and the registered responsible party are responsible for notifying the board of any change in the veterinarian manager's or registered responsible party's association with the veterinary facility.
(b) The AAHP manager and the registered responsible party are responsible for notifying the board of any change in the allied animal health professional's or registered responsible party's association with the AAHP facility.
(8) An application for registration renewal shall be completed and submitted to the board periodically after the initial registration deadline in 2025, in accordance with KRS 321.203 and as set forth in administrative regulations promulgated in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A.
(9) The board may conduct voluntary inspections in accordance with the following:
(a) Veterinary facilities and AAHP facilities shall be provided an option to conduct a self-inspection at the facility and may consult with the board or request a board inspection to ensure the facility is meeting minimum standards as established in administrative regulations promulgated in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A;
(b) The board may charge a fee for in-person consultations and inspections as established in an administrative regulation promulgated in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A;
(c) Voluntary consultations or inspections by the board shall not trigger a notice to comply or a notice of violation for deficiencies. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to limit the board from filing a grievance based upon a significant violation impacting public health, safety, and welfare, and animal health;
(d) Each registered facility that passes a voluntary, in-person inspection by the board shall receive a certificate of inspection from the board for display in the registered facility;
(e) Inspections of mobile units shall not extend into a registrant's private residence; and
(f) This subsection shall not prevent the board from conducting inspections at or implementing disciplinary action against a registered facility in response to a complaint, grievance, or upon a suspected violation of this chapter.
(10) The board may revoke, suspend, or take other disciplinary action deemed appropriate against the registrant, including ordering closure of the veterinary facility or AAHP facility, in accordance with KRS 321.351 and 321.353 on any of the following grounds:
(a) The board or its agents are denied access to conduct an inspection or investigation;
(b) The holder of a registration does not pay all prescribed fees or monetary penalties;
(c) There is no veterinarian manager or AAHP manager identified within the timeframes set by this chapter;
(d) Registered responsible parties are interfering with, exercising control over, or attempting to influence the professional judgment of a credential holder in any manner;
(e) Failure to comply with minimum standards defined in an administrative regulation promulgated by the board for the veterinary facility or AAHP facility; or
(f) Failure to comply with any provision of this chapter or administrative regulations promulgated under this chapter.
(11) The board may require any veterinarian manager applicant, AAHP manager applicant, or registered responsible party applicant to submit to a criminal background investigation conducted in accordance with KRS 321.189.
Effective: June 27, 2025
History: Amended 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 87, sec. 10, effective June 27, 2025. -- Created 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 8, effective June 29, 2023.
KRS 321.237 Veterinary wellness committee
321.237. Veterinary wellness committee
(1) The board may establish a veterinary wellness committee to undertake the functions and responsibilities of a veterinary wellness program. The functions and responsibilities may include any of the following:
(a) Receiving and evaluating reports of suspected impairment or incapacitation from any source;
(b) Issuing an order directing an applicant, certificate holder, licensee, designated on-site manager, permittee, registrant, veterinarian manager, or AAHP manager to undergo a mental or physical examination or chemical dependency evaluation, when probable cause exists that the credential holder has engaged in conduct prohibited by this chapter or a statute or administrative regulation enforced by the board. For the purpose of this section, every credential holder is considered to have consented to undergo a mental or physical examination or chemical dependency evaluation when ordered to do so, in writing, by the board and to have waived all objections to the admissibility of the examiner's or evaluator's testimony or reports on the grounds that the testimony or reports constitute a privileged communication;
(c) Intervening in cases of verified or suspected impairment or incapacitation; or
(d) Referring impaired or incapacitated credential holders, registrants, designated on-site managers, veterinarian managers, AAHP managers, or applicants to treatment programs as a requirement of initial or continued licensure, certification, registration, or permitting.
(2) Other provisions of law notwithstanding, all board and committee records pertaining to the veterinary wellness program shall be kept confidential. No person in attendance at any meeting of the committee shall be required to testify as to any committee discussions or proceedings.
(3) Other provisions of law notwithstanding, no member of the board or the veterinary wellness committee shall be liable for damages to any person for any acts, omissions, or recommendations made by the member in good faith while acting within the scope of the member's responsibilities in accordance with this section.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 22, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 13, effective July 15, 2016. -- Created 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 10, effective July 14, 1992.
KRS 321.240 Board officers -- Terms of officers -- Meetings -- Employment of staff
321.240. Board officers -- Terms of officers -- Meetings -- Employment of staff
(1) The board shall annually elect a chair and a vice chair from the appointed members of the board. Officers of the board shall serve for terms of one (1) year and until a successor is elected, as long as the officer holds a current appointment to the board.
(2) The board shall hold at least two (2) regular meetings annually and additional meetings as the board may deem necessary. The additional meetings may be held upon call of the chair or upon written request of three (3) members of the board.
(3) Five (5) members of the board shall constitute a quorum to conduct business.
(4) The board may employ its own executive director and staff, or employ or contract with any othe r persons it deems necessary to carry on the work of the board and shall define their duties and fix their compensation. Should the board prefer not to directly employ or contract with persons to serve as its executive director or staff, the board may ente r into a contract with another state agency in which the board shall pay to the agency a sum sufficient to offset that agency's costs in the salary and benefits of one (1) or more employees who will be assigned to serve the board as its executive director and staff.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 23, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 14, effective July 15, 2016. -- Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 18, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1962 Ky. Acts ch. 279, sec. 1. - - Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 3.
KRS 321.250 Repealed, 1992
321.250. Repealed, 1992
Catchline at repeal: Compensation and bond of secretary-treasurer -- Employees -- Facilities.
History: Repealed 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 23. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 4.
KRS 321.251 Allied animal health professional license -- Qualifications -- Areas of practice -- Administrative regulations -- Requirements
321.251. Allied animal health professional license -- Qualifications -- Areas of practice -- Administrative regulations -- Requirements
(1) The board shall issue an allied animal health professional license to a person who is qualified to be licensed under this section. A person is qualified to be licensed as an AAHP if the person:
(a) Has completed an application for AAHP licensing approved by the board through the promulgation of an administrative regulation;
(b) Has paid the application fee and the appropriate examination fee;
(c) Is a person of good moral character. As an element of good moral character, the board shall require each applicant for licensure to submit a full set of the applicant's fingerprints for the purpose of obtaining criminal re cords checks pursuant to KRS 321.189 and any other applicable law. All good moral character information, including the information obtained through the criminal background checks, shall be relevant to licensure eligibility determinations to the extent permitted by law;
(d) Has graduated and received a certification from an approved allied animal health professional program;
(e) Has achieved a passing score on any examinations required by the board in an administrative regulation;
(f) Has been approved for an AAHP license by the board; and
(g) Has complied with any other requirements of this chapter or the administrative regulations promulgated by the board.
(2) An AAHP licensee may work on animals in one (1) of the following areas of the practice of veterinary medicine so long as that practice is in accordance with and within the limitations established by the board in an administrative regulation promulgated in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A, including requirements for candidate qualifications, examinations, and applications:
(a) Animal chiropractic; or
(b) Equine dentistry.
(3) (a) An allied animal health professional seeking to work within the allowable scope of practice on animals shall be required to apply for an AAHP license from the board to practice on animals.
(b) If an applicant is approved for a license, the board shall desi gnate the area of practice specific to the AAHP licensee on the license.
(c) A separate AAHP license shall be required for each scope of practice as listed in subsection (2) of this section.
(4) (a) The board may establish by administrative regulation proc edures to license candidates for qualification in each distinct area of practice allowable under the AAHP license class by substituting experience for the education requirements in subsection (1)(d) of this section.
(b) As part of the application for an AA HP license, candidates who apply under this subsection shall: 1. Have been a Kentucky resident for at least twelve (12) months immediately preceding the date of application; 2. Provide a letter of recommendation from a minimum of two (2) Kentucky-licensed veterinarians; 3. Provide proof of employment or an Internal Revenue Service form 1099 showing self-employment in an area of practice as identified in subsection (2) of this section for a minimum of ten (10) years prior to the date of application for animal chiropractic, and a minimum of five (5) years prior to the date of application for equine dentistry; 4. Provide details regarding the duration of experience and times during which practice occurred, including average number of hours of practice per year; and 5. Provide a letter of good standing from any other jurisdictions in which the applicant is credentialed.
(c) The candidate application window under this subsection shall not exceed eighteen (18) months from the effective date of the administrative regulation governing applications for the AAHP license area of the practice. After the application window closes, individuals applying for a new AAHP license shall be required to meet the current standards of KRS Chapter 321 and administrative regulations promulgated by the board.
(5) AAHP licensees shall be required to register each premises or mobile unit from which he or she practices on animals as a registered AAHP facility in accordance with KRS 321.203, 321.205, and 321.236.
(6) AAHP licensees and AAHP registered facilities shall:
(a) Maintain an active credential with the board to maintain authorization to operate;
(b) Pay the application, renewal, reinstatement, and other required fees as established by the board in an administrative regulation;
(c) Renew the board credential on a schedule as established by the board in administrative regulation;
(d) Comply with all applicable provisions of KRS Chapter 321 and any administrative regulations promulgated thereunder and other applicable state and federal laws; and
(e) Be subject to disciplinary measures for failure to comply.
(7) Controls shall be established by the board in an administrative regulation promulgated in accordance with Chapter 13A regarding acquisition, distribution, and administration of drugs by AAHP licensees and their clients for use by the AAHPs in the services offered.
(8) (a) 1. Only a board-licensed allied animal health professional who is also licensed as a chiropractor with the Kentucky Board of Chiropractic Examiners and is qualified in the State of Kentucky to perform animal chiropractic within the limits established by the board in an administrative regulation may use the titles "animal chiropractor," "animal chiropractic practitioner," "ACP," or "AC." 2. A chiropractor shall not use the titles "veterinary chiropractor" or "veterinary adjuster" unless the chiropractor is also licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Kentucky. 3. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit a licensed veterinarian from using the titles "animal adjuster" or "animal spinal manipulation practitioner."
(b) 1. Only a duly licensed allied animal health professional who is a board- licensed equine dental provider and is qualified in the State of Kentucky to perform equine dentistry within the limits established in KRS 321.255 may use the titles "equine dental provider," "equine dental practitioner," "certified equine dental provider," "CEPD," or "EDP." 2. An equine dental provider shall not use the titles "equine dentist," "veterinary dentistry," or "veterinary dentist" unless the equine dental provider is also licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Kentucky. 3. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit a licensed veterinarian from using the titles "animal dentist" or "equine dentist."
(9) An AAHP licensee shall be held to the same standard of care as a veterinarian when the provider practices on animals.
Effective: June 27, 2025
History: Created 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 87, sec. 2, effective June 27, 2025. Legislative Research Commission Note (6/27/2025). 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 87, sec. 11, reads as follows: "Any valid permit held by an allied animal health professional under KRS Chapter 321 shall automatically become an allied animal health professional license on the effective date of this Act [June 27, 2025]."
KRS 321.253 Allied animal health professional license -- Renewal application -- Expired, suspended, or revoked licenses -- Continuing education requirement -- Retired or inactive status -- Fees to cover cost of operating licensee program
321.253. Allied animal health professional license -- Renewal application -- Expired, suspended, or revoked licenses -- Continuing education requirement -- Retired or inactive status -- Fees to cover cost of operating licensee program
(1) Each AAHP licensee shall submit a completed renewal application to the board and pay a renewal fee for the renewal of the license.
(2) A sixty (60) day grace period shall be allowed after the renewal deadline during which individuals may renew their licenses upon sub mission of a completed renewal application and payment of the renewal fee plus a late renewal fee. All licenses not renewed by the grace period deadline shall expire based on the failure of the individual to renew in a timely manner. Upon expiration, the l icensee is no longer eligible to practice as an allied animal health professional in the Commonwealth.
(3) After the sixty (60) day grace period, individuals with an expired license may have their licenses reinstated upon submission of a completed reinstat ement application and payment of the renewal fee, the renewal late fee, and the reinstatement fee. A person who applies for reinstatement after expiration of the person's AAHP license shall not be required to submit to an examination as a condition for rei nstatement, if the reinstatement application is made within five (5) years from the date of expiration.
(4) A suspended AAHP license is subject to expiration and termination and shall be renewed as provided in this chapter. Renewal or reinstatement shall n ot entitle the licensee to engage in practice as an allied animal health professional until the suspension has ended or is otherwise resolved by the board and the right to practice is restored by the board.
(5) A revoked license is subject to expiration or termination but may not be renewed. If a revoked license is reinstated, the licensee shall pay a reinstatement fee.
(6) A person who fails to reinstate his or her AAHP license within five (5) years after its expiration or termination shall not have it ren ewed, restored, reissued, or reinstated and the person may apply for and obtain a new license by meeting the requirements of this chapter.
(7) The board may require that a person applying for renewal or reinstatement of a license provide evidence of comple tion of continuing education as promulgated by the board in an administrative regulation.
(8) The board may grant retired or inactive license status and may establish conditions under which retired or inactive licenses may be renewed and reinstated as set forth by the board in an administrative regulation.
(9) Fees set by the board shall be designed to fully cover the cost to operate the licensee program but shall not exceed it.
Effective: June 27, 2025
History: Created 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 87, sec. 3, effective June 27, 2025.
KRS 321.255 Scope of practice -- Allied animal health professional equine dental provider
321.255. Scope of practice -- Allied animal health professional equine dental provider
(1) The services provided by allied animal health professional licensees are considered the practice of veterinary medicine that an AAHP licensee may provide to th e public through authorization by the General Assembly and within strict limitations on the scope of practice for each allowable license type as established in KRS 321.251(2).
(2) For a licensed AAHP -equine dental provider, the scope of practice is limited to the following:
(a) A licensed AAHP -equine dental provider may not perform equine dentistry unless the provider holds an AAHP license as an equine dental provider from the board;
(b) A licensed AAHP -equine dental provider shall work under the indirect supervision of a veterinarian;
(c) A licensed AAHP -equine dental provider may perform only the following equine dental procedures in equine species: 1. Removing sharp enamel dental points; 2. Removing small dental overgrowths; 3. Rostral profiling of the fi rst cheek teeth; 4. Reducing incisors; 5. Extracting loose, deciduous teeth; 6. Removing supragingival calculus; 7. Extracting loose, mobile, or diseased teeth or dental fragments with minimal periodontal attachments by hand and without the use of an elevator; and 8. Removing erupted, nondisplaced wolf teeth;
(d) Paragraph (b) of this subsection shall not be construed to prohibit a licensed veterinary technician employed by a veter inarian who is not a licensed AAHP-equine dental provider from performing the equine dental procedures described in paragraph (c) of this subsection if the licensed veterinary technician is under the direct supervision of a veterinarian;
(e) A copy of the dental chart of an equine animal shall be left with the person who authorizes an equine dental procedure and be made available to the veterinarian holding the VCPR with the client within an appropriate timeframe according to the condition, but no more than three (3) business days after services are provided; and
(f) Dispensing or prescribing any medication or drug associated with any equine dental procedure remains solely the domain of the veterinarian holding a valid VCPR with the client.
Effective: June 27, 2025
History: Created 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 87, sec. 4, effective June 27, 2025.
KRS 321.257 AAHP advisory committee -- Duties -- Membership -- Terms -- Removal -- Mileage reimbursement
321.257. AAHP advisory committee -- Duties -- Membership -- Terms -- Removal -- Mileage reimbursement
(1) The AAHP advisory committee is hereby created as an informal advisory committee to the board.
(2) The AAHP advisory committee shall advise and a ssist the board in adopting rules and administrative regulations relating to AAHP licensees.
(3) The board shall consult the advisory committee regarding matters relating to a disciplinary action that involves an AAHP license holder.
(4) (a) The AAHP advisory committee shall be composed of members appointed by the chair of the board with approval from a majority of a quorum of the board.
(b) The AAHP advisory committee shall include subcommittees specific to each area of practice for the distinct types of A AHP licenses as identified in KRS 321.251(2).
(c) Each subcommittee shall be composed of the following: 1. Two (2) members who are AAHP licensees with a license in active status specializing in each of the specific areas of practice as identified in KRS 321.251(2), have resided in and engaged in the AAHP practice in the Commonwealth for the five (5) years immediately preceding the date of appointment, and are of good moral character; 2. One (1) veterinarian member who holds an active veterinarian license in the Commonwealth in good standing and who engages with at least one (1) AAHP licensee providing services in each specific area of practice as identified in KRS 321.251(2); and 3. The AAHP licensees and veterinarian appointees shall be unique individuals for each area of practice as identified in KRS 321.251(2) and shall not hold more than one (1) seat on the AAHP advisory committee.
(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (c)1. of this subsection, advisory committee members appointed under paragraph (c)1. of this subsection shall not be required to hold an AAHP license issued under this chapter until the closure of the application window period for the AAHP license type as established in KRS 321.251(4).
(e) Appointments to the advisory committee shall be made without regard to the race, color, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, or national origin of the appointees.
(5) (a) Members of the AAHP advisory committee shall be appointed for staggered five-year terms.
(b) The terms of the members shall expire no more than five (5) years from the date of appointment.
(c) If a vacancy occurs during a member’s term, the chair of the board shall appoint a new member to fill the unexpired term.
(d) An advisory committee member may not serve more than two (2) consecutive full terms.
(6) (a) It shall be a ground for removal from the AAHP advisory committee if a member: 1. Does not have at the time of appointment the qualifications required by subsection (4) of this section and by KRS 321.251; 2. Does not maintain during service on the advisory committee the qualifications required by KRS 321.251; and 3. Cannot discharge the member’s duties for a substantial part of the member’s term due to illness or disability.
(b) The validity of an action of the AAHP advisory committee is not affected by the fact that the action is taken when a ground for removal of an advisory committee member exists.
(7) (a) The chair of the board shall designate biennially an AAHP advisory committee member as the chair of the advisory committee to serve in that capacity at the will of the chair of the board.
(b) The AAHP advisory committee or subcommittees shall meet at least one (1) time per year, or upon request by the board chair or board executive director.
(c) A meeting of the AAHP advisory committee may be held by telephone, conference call, or video conferencing.
(d) 1. Minutes shall be recorded for each meeting of the AAHP advisory committee. 2. A copy of the minutes shall be provided to the full board.
(e) The AAHP advisory committee may submit written reports or recommendations to the board for review.
(8) An AAHP advisory committee member shall not be entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses or any other form of compensation from the board other than mileage reimbursement at the current state reimbursement rate as established by the Finance and Administration Cabinet when a meeting of the AAHP advisory committee or a subcommittee is held in person.
Effective: June 27, 2025
History: Created 2025 Ky. Acts ch. 87, sec. 5, effective June 27, 2025.
KRS 321.260 Repealed, 1992
321.260. Repealed, 1992
Catchline at repeal: Examination for license -- Qualifications of applicants -- Form of application -- Fee -- Issuing and recording of licenses.
History: Repealed 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 23. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 110, sec. 1. -- Amended 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 120, sec. 13. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 8.
KRS 321.270 Repealed, 1992
321.270. Repealed, 1992
Catchline at repeal: Examination subjects -- Written and practical examinations -- Reexaminations -- Conduct of examinations -- Grades.
History: Repealed 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 23. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 9.
KRS 321.280 Repealed, 1992
321.280. Repealed, 1992
Catchline at repeal: Records of proceedings of board -- Notice of denial of license.
History: Repealed 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 23. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 10.
KRS 321.290 Repealed, 1992
321.290. Repealed, 1992
Catchline at repeal: Recording of license with county clerk.
History: Repealed 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 23. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 84, sec. 11; and ch. 384, sec. 480. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 11.
KRS 321.300 Repealed, 1992
321.300. Repealed, 1992
Catchline at repeal: Listing and report of licenses filed with county clerk.
History: Repealed 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 23. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 384, sec. 481. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 12.
KRS 321.310 Repealed, 1992
321.310. Repealed, 1992
Catchline at repeal: Collecting and accounting for fees -- Records of licensees.
History: Repealed 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 23. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 6.
KRS 321.320 Revolving fund for administration -- Reserve fund
321.320. Revolving fund for administration -- Reserve fund
(1) All fees and other moneys received by the board pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be deposited in the State Treasury to the credit of a revolving fund for the use of the board.
(2) (a) No part of this revolving fund shall revert to the gener al funds of this Commonwealth.
(b) Notwithstanding KRS 45.229, fund amounts not expended at the close of a fiscal year shall not lapse but shall be carried forward into the next fiscal year.
(c) Any interest earnings of the fund shall become a part of the fund and shall not lapse.
(3) All expenses incurred by the board shall be paid from this revolving fund, including:
(a) The compensation of members of the board;
(b) Salaries, wages, and benefits of the employees of the board;
(c) Payment of contractors hired by the board;
(d) Administrative services provided to the board;
(e) Investigative and legal services;
(f) Court costs;
(g) Technology expenses related to administration of this chapter; and
(h) All other expenses incurred by the board.
(4) The board shall keep and maintain a reserve fund for capital, operational, and programmatic expenses.
(5) Scholarships and other educational awards approved by the board for the purpose of promoting persons entering into the fields of veterinary medicine shall be paid from this revolving fund.
(6) The board may receive and expend funds, in addition to fees collected from parties other than applicants and credential holders, provided that these funds shall be used in the pursuit of a specific objective that the board may accomplish by this chapter or which the board is qualified to accomplish by reason of its jurisdiction or professional expertise.
(7) The board may direct investment of that portion of its revolving fund not needed to meet current expenses, the earning from which investments shall also be credited to the revolving fund of the board.
(8) The fund shall be held subject to the orde r of the board, and to be used for meeting necessary expenses incurred in the performance of the purposes of this chapter and the duties imposed thereby.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 24, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 19, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1966 Ky. Acts ch. 255, sec. 251. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 13.
KRS 321.330 Repealed, 1992
321.330. Repealed, 1992
Catchline at repeal: Annual renewal of licenses -- Continuing education required -- Revocation on failure to renew -- Exception.
History: Repealed 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 23. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 110, sec. 2. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 14.
KRS 321.340 Repealed, 1992
321.340. Repealed, 1992
Catchline at repeal: Grounds for refusing to issue license.
History: Repealed 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 23. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 17.
KRS 321.350 Repealed, 1992
321.350. Repealed, 1992
Catchline at repeal: Grounds for suspension or revocation of license.
History: Repealed 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 23. -- Amended 1962 Ky. Acts ch. 279, sec. 2. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 18.
KRS 321.351 Disciplinary action -- Offenses subject to disciplinary action -- Private admonishment -- Criminal background investigation
321.351. Disciplinary action -- Offenses subject to disciplinary action -- Private admonishment -- Criminal background investigation
(1) The board may refuse to issue a credential, or may suspend, revoke, impose probationary or supervisory conditions upon, impose an administrative fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) per violation, issue a written reprimand, issue a private admonishment, or any combination of actions regarding any credential holder upon proof that the credential holder has:
(a) Committed any act of dishonesty or corruption, if in accordance with KRS Chapter 335B. If the act constitutes a crime, conviction in a criminal proceeding is not a condition precedent to disciplinary action. Upon conviction of the crime, the judgment and sentence are presumptive evidence at the ensuing disciplinary hearing of the guilt of the credential holder or applicant. "Conviction," as used in this paragraph, shall include a finding or verdict of guilt, an admission of guilt, or a plea of nolo contendere;
(b) Misrepresented or concealed a material fact in obtaining a board credential, or in reinstatement of a board credential;
(c) Committed any unfair, false, misleading, or deceptive act or practice;
(d) Been incompetent or negligent in the practice of veterinary medicine, the practice of veterinary technology, animal euthanasia, allied animal health professional activities, or any associated professional activities;
(e) Violated any statute or administrative regulation governing the practice of veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, animal euthanasia, allied animal health professional activities, or any associated professional activities;
(f) Failed to comply with an order issued by the board or an assurance of voluntary compliance;
(g) Violated the code of conduct as set forth by the board by administrative regulation;
(h) Become impaired or incapacitated and unable to perform that person's duties with reasonable skill and safety; or
(i) Violated any applicable provision of any federal or sta te law or regulation regarding the dispensing of controlled substances, veterinary drugs, veterinary prescription drugs, or legend drugs, if in accordance with KRS Chapter 335B.
(2) Five (5) years from the date of a revocation, any person whose board credential has been revoked may petition the board for reinstatement. The board shall investigate the petition and may reinstate the board credential upon a finding that the individual has complied with any terms prescribed by the board and is again able to competently engage in practice.
(3) When in the judgment of the board, an alleged violation is not of a serious nature, and the evidence presented to the board after the investigation a nd appropriate opportunity for the credential holder to respond, provides a clear indication that the alleged violation did in fact occur, the board may issue a written reprimand to the credential holder. A copy of the reprimand shall be placed in the perm anent file of the credential holder. The credential holder shall have the right to file a response to the reprimand within thirty (30) days of its receipt and to have the response placed in the permanent licensure file. The credential holder may alternatively, within thirty (30) days of the receipt, file a request for hearing with the board. Upon receipt of this request the board shall set aside the written reprimand and set the matter for hearing.
(4) At any time during the investigative or hearing processes, the board may enter into an agreed order, settlement agreement, or accept an assurance of voluntary compliance with the credential holder which effectively deals with the complaint or grievance.
(5) The board may reconsider, modify, or reverse its probation, reprimand, suspensions, or other disciplinary action.
(6) Private admonishment shall not be subject to disclosure to the public under KRS 61.878 and shall not constitute disciplinary action, but may be used by the board for statistical purposes or in a subsequent disciplinary action against the credential holder or applicant.
(7) As a part of any board investigation under this section or KRS 321.235, the board may require an applicant, credential holder, or any other person engaging in a veterinary practice or activity regulated by the board under this chapter to submit to a criminal background investigation conducted in accordance with KRS 321.189.
(8) For the purposes of this section, "credential holder" means a person who:
(a) Holds any license, certificate, permit, registration, or other credential issued or approved by the board; or
(b) Serves as the veterinarian manager, AAHP manager, registered responsible party designated on a facility registration or AAHP facility registration, or as the designated on-site manager for a certified animal control agency.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 25, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 158, sec. 69, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 15, effective July 15, 2016. -- Created 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 13, effective July 14, 1992.
KRS 321.352 Board to establish fines through promulgation of administrative regulations
321.352. Board to establish fines through promulgation of administrative regulations
(1) The board shall establish the amounts, limits, or ranges for any fines imposed under this chapter through the promulgation of administrative regulations. The board shall fine any person who:
(a) Violates or aids in the violation of KRS 321.190, 321.201, 321.207, 321.236, 321.441, or 321.443 for practicing or for performing services without a credential required by the board;
(b) Is issued a notice of violation by the board for failure to comply with this chapter or administrative regulations promulgated under this chapter;
(c) Exercises or attempts to exercise control over, interferes with, or attempts to influence the professional judgment of a credential holder in any manner, including through coercion, collusion, extortion, inducement, or intimidation;
(d) 1. Violates any ruling of the board or hinders any agent of the board in carrying out the duties assigned to the agent; 2. Is an officer who refuses to enforce the provisions of this chapter when called upon by the board to do so; or 3. Attempts in any way to hinder or obstruct the board in carrying out the provisions of this chapter; or
(e) Resists, obstructs, interferes with, threatens, attempts to intimidate, or in any other manner interferes with an agent of the board or who willfully refuses to obey their lawful orders.
(2) The board may impose additional fines on a person who is convicted under KRS 321.990.
(3) Each day or part of a day that a violation continues is a separate violation and subject to daily penalties.
(4) For any violation of the Kentucky Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, in addition to any other fines designated in this section, the board may impose on any person fines in an amount equal to the cost of investigative and legal fees incurred by the board in processing the case.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Created 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 30, effective June 29, 2023.
KRS 321.353 Emergency order for immediate, temporary suspension of license, certificate, permit, or registration when necessary to protect the public -- Right to appeal
321.353. Emergency order for immediate, temporary suspension of license, certificate, permit, or registration when necessary to protect the public -- Right to appeal
(1) The board may, by a majority vote, issue an emergency order for the immediate, temporary suspension of a license, certificate, permit, or registration against which disciplinary action, an investigation, or initiating complaint is pending if the order is necessary to protect the public.
(2) The emergency order shall be made in accorda nce with KRS 13B.125 and shall be based upon a finding by the board that the emergency order is in the public interest and that there is substantial evidence of immediate danger to the health, welfare, and safety of the credential holder's clients, animals , or the general public.
(3) A licensee, certificate holder, permittee, or registrant may appeal the emergency order by filing a written request to the board for an emergency hearing in accordance with KRS 13B.125 within thirty (30) days after receipt of t he order.
(4) The appeal of an emergency order shall address only the necessity for the action and shall not constitute an appeal of the merits of the underlying complaint or charge.
(5) The emergency order shall remain in effect until modified or vacated by the board or hearing officer or superseded by final disciplinary action of the board or hearing officer on the underlying complaint or charge.
(6) The board shall expedite disciplinary hearings in which a licensee, certificate holder, permittee, or registrant has been suspended under subsection (1) of this section.
(7) Any party aggrieved by a final order of the board may appeal to the Franklin Circuit Court after a written decision is issued by the board in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 26, effective June 29, 2023. -- Created 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 12, effective July 15, 2016.
KRS 321.360 Hearings by board -- Appeal
321.360. Hearings by board -- Appeal
(1) Except as provided in KRS 321.235, 321.351, and 321.353, the board, before suspending, revoking, imposing probationary or supervisory conditions upon, imposing an administrative fine, or any combination of actions regarding any license, certificate, permit , or registration, or regarding any veterinarian manager, AAHP manager, registered responsible party, or designated on -site manager under the provisions of this chapter, shall set the matter for hearing in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B. After denying an application under the provisions of this chapter, or issuing a written reprimand, the board shall grant a hearing in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B to the denied applicant only upon written request of the applicant made within thirty (30) days of the date of the letter advising of the denial or the reprimand.
(2) Any party aggrieved by a final order of the board may appeal to Franklin Circuit Court in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 27, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 16, effective July 15, 2016. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 318, sec. 284, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 20, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts c h. 114, sec. 78, effective July 15, 1980. --Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 315, sec. 57. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 19.
KRS 321.370 Repealed, 1992
321.370. Repealed, 1992
Catchline at repeal: Witnesses and evidence at hearings -- Coercion of witnesses.
History: Repealed 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 23. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 20.
KRS 321.380 Repealed, 1992
321.380. Repealed, 1992
Catchline at repeal: Fees of witnesses and officers.
History: Repealed 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 23. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 21.
KRS 321.390 Repealed, 1992
321.390. Repealed, 1992
Catchline at repeal: Decision as to refusal, suspension or revocation of license -- Findings of fact -- Notice to county clerk.
History: Repealed 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 23. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 22.
KRS 321.400 Repealed, 1996
321.400. Repealed, 1996
Catchline at repeal: Commencement of action to review disciplinary action.
History: Repealed 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 318, sec. 357, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 21, effective July 14, 1992. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 23.
KRS 321.410 Repealed, 1992
321.410. Repealed, 1992
Catchline at repeal: Procedure in action -- Judgment -- Appeal to Court of Appeals.
History: Repealed 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 23. -- Amended 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 62, sec. 115. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 24.
KRS 321.420 Repealed, 1992
321.420. Repealed, 1992
Catchline at repeal: No license for five years after revocation.
History: Repealed 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 23. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 25.
KRS 321.430 Repealed, 1992
321.430. Repealed, 1992
Catchline at repeal: Injunction against unauthorized practice.
History: Repealed 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 23. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 27.
KRS 321.440 Repealed, 1992
321.440. Repealed, 1992
Catchline at repeal: Animal technician -- Qualifications.
History: Repealed 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 23. --Created 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 110, sec. 3.
KRS 321.441 Veterinary technician's license -- Qualifications -- Scope of practice -- Annual fee -- Exception
321.441. Veterinary technician's license -- Qualifications -- Scope of practice -- Annual fee -- Exception
(1) The board shall issue a license as a veterinary technician to an applicant who:
(a) Is a graduate of an approved veterinary technology prog ram with an associate or bachelor's degree related to veterinary technology;
(b) Obtains a passing score on an examination as determined by the board to assess the qualifications and fitness of an applicant to engage in the practice;
(c) Is a person of good moral character. As one (1) element of good moral character, the board shall require each applicant for licensure to submit a full set of the applicant's fingerprints for the purpose of obtaining criminal records checks, pursuant to applicable law. All good moral character information, including the information obtained through the criminal background checks, shall be relevant to licensure eligibility determinations to the extent permitted by law;
(d) Has met all the requirements of the board as establish ed by administrative regulation of the board; and
(e) Has been approved for licensure by the board.
(2) For the purpose of this chapter, "veterinary technician," "veterinary technologist," "veterinary nurse," or any other category of veterinary technician defined by the board in administrative regulation shall have the same meaning as "veterinary technician" under this chapter.
(3) The board shall promulgate administrative regulations for one (1) or more categories of veterinary technicians defining the:
(a) Minimum qualifications required;
(b) Specific tasks that the licensee may perform under a veterinarian's supervision; and
(c) Specific tasks that the licensee shall not perform.
(4) A veterinary technician shall be prohibited from performing the activities listed in KRS 321.190(6).
(5) The practice of veterinary technology by telehealth or other means shall constitute the practice of veterinary technology subject to licensure and enfo rcement by the board.
(6) A veterinary technician who performs veterinary technology contrary to this chapter and its associated administrative regulations shall be subject to disciplinary actions in a manner consistent with this chapter applicable to lice nsed veterinarians.
(7) Each veterinary technician licensed by the board shall pay an annual fee as prescribed by the board.
(8) Each veterinary technician licensed by the board shall complete annual continuing education hours to renew the license as requi red by the board in administrative regulation.
(9) Failure to renew shall result in the expiration of the license.
(10) A veterinarian shall utilize the services of a licensed veterinary technician in accordance with the terms and provisions of this chapter and its associated administrative regulations. Unauthorized utilization of licensed veterinary technicians by veterinarians shall be considered as aiding and abetting any unlicensed person to practice veterinary medicine as described in KRS 321.351.
(11) Nothing in this section shall prohibit volunteer health practitioners from providing services under KRS 39A.350 to 39A.366.
(12) Except as authorized by KRS 321.200, no person shall practice as a veterinary technician or perform any of the duties usually performed by a veterinary technician unless the person holds a license to practice as a veterinary technician issued and validly existing under this chapter.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 28, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 17, effective July 15, 2016. -- Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 96, sec. 20, effective June 26, 2007. -- Created 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 7, effective July 14, 1992.
Legislative Research Commission Note (7/14/92). This statute was created in 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, which contains the enrolled text of Senate Bill 250. A committee substitute for this bill was adopted by the House with a floor amendment, and the Senate subsequently concurred in this action by the House; this amended substitute thus became the enrolled version of the bill. In drafting the House Committee Substitute, the original Section 10 of the bill was deleted in its entirety, but internal section references within the bill were not renumbered to reflect this deletion. Therefore, in codifying this statute, the internal section references within Acts ch. 299, sec. 7, have been changed pursuant to KRS 7.136(1).
KRS 321.442 Renewal of veterinary technician license
321.442. Renewal of veterinary technician license
(1) Each person who is licensed as a veterinary technician shall submit a completed renewal application by the renewal deadline and pay to the board an annual renewal fee for the renewal of the person's license.
(2) A sixty (60) day grace period shall be allowed after the renewal deadline, during which time individuals may renew their licenses upon submission of a completed renewal application and payment of the renewal fee and a late fee to the board. All licenses not renewed by the grace period deadline shall expire based on the failure of the individual to renew in a timely manner. Upon expiration, the veterinary technician licensee is no longer eligible to practice in the Commonwealth.
(3) After the sixty (60) day grace period, individuals with an expired veterinary technician license may have their licenses reinstated upon submission of a completed reinstatement application and payment of a reinstatement fee to the board. No person who applies for reinstatement after expiration of the person's license shall be required to submit to an examination as a condition for reinstatement if a reinstatement application is made within five (5) years from the date of expiration.
(4) A suspended license is subject to expiration and termination and shall be renewed as provided in this chapter. Renewal or reinstatement shall not entitle the licensee to engage in the practice until the suspension has ended or is otherwise removed by the board and the right to practice is restored by the board.
(5) A revoked license is subject to expiration or termination but may not be renewed. If it is reinstated, the licensee shall pay the reinstatement fee.
(6) A person who fails to reinstate a license within five (5) years after its expiration or termination may not have it renewed, restored, reissued, or reinstated. A person may apply for and obtain a new license by meeting the requirements of this chapter.
(7) The board may require that a person applying for renewal or reinstatement of licensure show evidence of completion of continuing education as established in administrative regulations promulgated in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A.
(8) The board may grant retired or inactive licensure status and may establish conditions under which retired or inactive licenses may be renewed as established in administrative regulations promulgated in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Created 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 5, effective June 29, 2023.
KRS 321.443 Veterinary assistants -- Duties
321.443. Veterinary assistants -- Duties
(1) A veterinary assistant shall only work in the Commonwealth in the following circumstances:
(a) Under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian where a VCPR exists; or
(b) Under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinary technician who is under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian where a VCPR exists.
(2) Duties of a veterinary assistant shall exclude diagnosing, prescribing medication or treatment, and performance of surgical procedures other than castrating and dehorning of food animals.
(3) A veterinary assistant and the veterinary assistant's employer shall not represent the veterinary assistant as a veterinary technician.
(4) A veterinary assistant who performs the duties of a veterinary assistant contrary to this chapter or outside the scope defined by the board shall be subject to disciplinary actions in a manner consistent with this chapter applicable to licensed veterinarians.
(5) A veterinarian shall utilize the service of a veterinary assistant in accordance with the terms and provisions of this chapter and its associated administrative regulations. Unauthorized utilization of veterinary assistants shall be considered as aiding and abetting an unlicensed person to practice veterinary medicine as described in KRS 321.351.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 29, effective June 29, 2023. -- Created 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 8, effective July 14, 1992.
Legislative Research Commission Note (7/14/92). This statute was created in 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, which contains the enrolled text of Senate Bill 250. A committee substitute for this bill was adopted by the House with a floor amendment, and the Senate subsequently concurred in this action by the House; this amended substitute thus became the enrolled version of the bill. In drafting the House Committee Substitute, the original Section 10 of the bill was deleted in its entirety, but internal section references within the bill were not renumbered to reflect this deletion. Therefore, in codifying this statute, the internal section reference within Acts ch. 299, sec. 8, has been changed pursuant to KRS 7.136(1).
KRS 321.450 Repealed, 1992
321.450. Repealed, 1992
Catchline at repeal: Permit for use of animal technician -- Annual fee -- Veterinarian's responsibility -- Limitation of services.
History: Repealed 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 23, effective July 14, 1992. -- Created 1976 Ky. Acts ch. 110, sec. 4.
KRS 321.990 Penalties
321.990. Penalties
(1) Any person who violates or aids in the violation of KRS 321.190, 321.201, 321.207, 321.236, 321.441, or 321.443 for practicing or for performing services without a credential required by the board shall be guilty of a misdemeanor upon conviction in court, and shall be sentenced to jail for not less than ten (10) days nor more that ninety (90) days per violation.
(2) Any person exercising or attempting to exercise control over, interfering with, or attempting to influence the professional judgment of a credential holder in any manner, including through coercion, collusion, extortion, inducement, or intimidation, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor upon conviction in court, and shall be sentenced to jail for not less than ten (10) days nor more that ninety (90) days per violation.
(3) Any person who resists, obstructs, interferes with, threatens, attempts to intimidate, or in any other manner interferes with an agent of the board or who willfully refuses to obey their lawful orders shall be guilty of a misdemeanor upon conviction in court, and shall be sentenced to jail for not more than thirty (30) days for each offense.
(4) Each day or part of a day that a violation continues is a separate violation and subject to daily penalties.
(5) Nothing in this section shall limit, preclude, or supersede the board's power to:
(a) Impose fines for a violation of this chapter or any administrative regulations promulgated under this chapter;
(b) Deny, restrict, or revoke a license issued under this chapter or administrative regulations promulgated under this chapter; and
(c) Impose any other form of discipline based on a conviction under this section or as otherwise authorized by this chapter or administrative regulations promulgated under this chapter.
Effective: June 29, 2023
History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95, sec. 31, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 116, sec. 18, effective July 15, 2016. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 318, sec. 283, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 22, effective July 14, 1992. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 26. History for former KRS 321.990: Repealed 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 28. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 63b-11, 63b-13.
Legislative Research Commission Note (7/14/92). This statute was created in 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, which contains the enrolled text of Senate Bill 250. A committee substitute for this bill was adopted by the House with a floor amendment, and the Senate subsequently concurred in this action by the House; this amended substitute thus became the enrolled version of the bill. In drafting the House Committee Substitute, the original Section 10 of the bill was deleted in its entirety, but internal section references within the bill were not renumbered to reflect this deletion. Therefore, in codifying this statute, the internal section reference within Acts ch. 299, sec. 22, has been changed pursuant to KRS 7.136(1).
Source: Kentucky Legislative Research Commission (legislature.ky.gov)URL: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/chapter.aspx?id=38842Fetched: 10/20/2026