By Isaiah Artis
On November 18, 2024, the Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) published its Sunset Review Report in preparation for its Sunset Review Oversight hearing before the Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development and the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions. The Board’s enabling act, section 4800, et seq. of the Business and Professions Code is scheduled to “sunset” or be repealed on January 1, 2026, if it is not extended during sunset review.
VMB’s report includes a summary of the Board’s activities over the past four years, describes major changes to the board since the last sunset review, including 21 relevant legislative bills that have impacted VMB, updates the legislature regarding issues raised during its previous sunset review, and identifies 15 new issues the Board would like the legislature to consider during this Sunset Review Period. The Board seeks to amend section 4809.7 of the Business and Professions Code to end the mandate that 20 percent of all registered veterinary premises are inspected annually. Currently, the language of section 4809.7 mandates that 20 percent of all registered veterinary premises are inspected annually. The decision to amend this language is based on a subcommittee’s finding that the statutory inspection mandate was unrealistic and unattainable. Because of this finding, the Board requests that the legislature amend section 4809.7 to end the 20% veterinary premises inspections mandate and instead require random, unannounced inspections.
Also, the Board seeks to work with the Legislature over the next year to determine whether the statutory cap for licensed and unlicensed practice fines should be increased to deter harmful veterinary practices. According to VMB, complaints against licensed veterinarians allege significant harm or death to animal patients. In those cases, licensed veterinarians assisted the pet’s owner and performed services gratuitously; thus, licensees claim the Board has no jurisdiction over the conduct. Further, unlicensed persons who claim to be licensed in other countries perform similar services as hired animal rescuers, trade show workers, and at unlicensed rodeos. These unlicensed people also argue that the Board does not have jurisdiction over their conduct. The Board requests that the legislature work with the Board to narrow this exemption to its intended purpose of protecting consumers and animal patients.
Additionally, the Board seeks to amend section 4800 of the Business and Professions Code to add one registered veterinary technician (RVT) to the Board Composition. Currently, only one member of the Board can be an RVT, and that position is given an extensive workload. The additional RVT members could assist with the existing workload. Further, the Board believes the RVT perspective is invaluable in VMB discussions and decision-making. This position would increase the number of Board members from eight to nine.
The legislature has yet to prepare its background paper for the Joint Sunset Review Oversight hearing.