Vet Association Seeks Public’s Ideas For Improved Care

The AVMA periodically publishes its Model Veterinary Practice Act (MVPA), which includes sections on definitions, veterinary medical boards, licensing, client confidentiality, veterinary education, veterinary technicians and technologists, abandoned animals, and cruelty to animals, as well as other topics. The MVPA has been published since the early 1960s and was last reviewed in 2003. The need to review the MVPA arises because of changes in the profession such as new technologies and techniques and even cultural changes.

The AVMA is issuing early notice of this public input period to encourage all interested parties to get involved and give informed comments. Organizations and individuals can contribute comments about the MVPA on the AVMA website during the 30-day public comment period, which is scheduled to start in January 2011. The AVMA requests that the comments submitted be specific and include suggested language for the new MVPA. Advanced notice of the comment period is designed to allow organizations to meet and and discuss the act in order to come to consensus on their comments.

"This is an excellent opportunity for veterinarians, pet owners, the public, farmers or really anybody who cares about animals and veterinary medicine to offer input that will help guide the profession," says Dr. John Scamahorn, chair of the AVMA Model Veterinary Practice Act Task Force. "The Model Veterinary Practice Act is used by state legislatures and state veterinary licensing and exam boards to help shape the rules and laws that govern the practice of veterinary medicine."

Photograph courtesy the AVMA