Indiana Administrative Code Title 888 - INDIANA BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
Indiana Administrative Code – Title 888: Indiana Board of Veterinary Medicine
This Title establishes the Indiana Board of Veterinary Medicine, which regulates the practice of veterinary medicine within the state. It outlines the board’s powers, structure, licensing requirements, professional standards, disciplinary rules, and administrative procedures.
1. Purpose of the Board
To protect public health and animal welfare by ensuring veterinary services are delivered safely, ethically, and professionally.
To license and regulate veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
To enforce standards of professional conduct.
To provide a formal structure for discipline, rulemaking, and oversight of the veterinary profession.
2. Organization of the Board
The Board is composed of appointed members, generally including:
Licensed veterinarians.
A registered veterinary technician.
A public (non-veterinarian) member to represent community interests.
Members elect officers (such as chair, vice-chair, secretary).
The Board meets periodically to conduct business, review applications, and hold hearings.
3. Powers & Duties
The Board has authority to:
Adopt rules governing veterinary practice and technician support.
Examine and license veterinarians and vet technicians.
Approve continuing education standards.
Investigate complaints against licensees.
Impose disciplinary actions such as probation, suspension, or license revocation.
Interpret and clarify rules for the profession.
4. Licensing of Veterinarians
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must meet education and training standards.
Examination: Applicants must pass required national and/or state exams.
Application Process: Includes submission of forms, proof of education, fees, and examination results.
License Renewal: Required periodically with proof of continuing education.
5. Veterinary Technicians
The Board also oversees the registration or licensing of veterinary technicians.
Requirements typically include completion of an approved program and passage of a technician exam.
Defines what tasks a technician may perform under direct or indirect supervision of a veterinarian.
6. Professional Conduct Standards
Veterinarians and vet technicians must:
Practice within the scope of training and license.
Maintain accurate medical records.
Uphold standards of animal care, client communication, and ethical practice.
Avoid misconduct such as negligence, fraud, or substance abuse affecting practice.
Maintain confidentiality of client and patient information.
7. Continuing Education
Licensed veterinarians and technicians must complete a certain number of continuing education hours to renew their license.
The Board approves acceptable courses, seminars, or online programs.
Proof of completion must be submitted with renewal applications.
8. Disciplinary Actions
The Board may discipline a licensee for:
Professional incompetence or negligence.
Fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a license.
Substance abuse impairing practice.
Unethical conduct, including animal cruelty.
Violating rules set forth in Title 888.
Possible penalties include:
Reprimand or censure.
Fines or probation.
Suspension or permanent revocation of license.
Requirement to complete corrective education or treatment.
9. Complaints & Hearings
Any person may file a complaint against a veterinarian or technician.
The Board investigates complaints and may hold hearings.
Licensees are entitled to notice and due process before discipline is imposed.
Final decisions are issued by the Board after deliberation.
10. Recordkeeping & Reporting
Veterinarians must maintain detailed medical records of animal treatment.
Records must be available for inspection during investigations.
Controlled substances used in veterinary practice must be logged and monitored.
11. Miscellaneous Rules
Rules on the use of titles (e.g., only licensed veterinarians may call themselves “Doctor of Veterinary Medicine” in Indiana).
Clarification of what constitutes unlicensed practice of veterinary medicine.
Standards for the humane treatment of animals within veterinary facilities.
✅ In summary:
Indiana Administrative Code Title 888 – Indiana Board of Veterinary Medicine establishes the full administrative and professional framework for veterinary practice in Indiana. It governs the licensing of veterinarians and technicians, sets ethical and professional standards, enforces continuing education, handles complaints and discipline, and protects both the public and animals by ensuring veterinary care is competent and ethical.
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