MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2005 Regular Session
To: Agriculture
By: Senator(s) Posey
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 73-39-9, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICINE TO INSPECT THE PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT OF VETERINARIANS AND TO ESTABLISH SANCTIONS FOR FAILURE TO KEEP IN SANITARY CONDITION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Section 73-39-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
73-39-9. (1) The board shall elect from their members a president, vice president and secretary-treasurer. The board is authorized:
(a) To adopt reasonable rules governing the practice of veterinary medicine as are necessary to enable it to carry out and make effective the purpose and intent of this chapter. Such rules shall be adopted and promulgated in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(b) To adopt rules of professional conduct appropriate to establish and maintain a high standard of integrity, skills and practice in the profession of veterinary medicine. In prescribing such rules of professional conduct, the board may be guided by the principles of veterinary medical ethics adopted by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association.
(c) To have its rules printed which shall be distributed to all licensed veterinarians.
(d) To bring proceedings in courts for the enforcement of this chapter or any rules made pursuant thereto.
(e) To hold at least one (1) regular meeting on the third Tuesday in June each year in the City of Jackson at such time and location as fixed by the board, for the purpose of conducting examinations of applicants for license to practice veterinary medicine, the election of officers and to consider any other business that may properly come before the board. Other meetings may be held upon the call of the president and secretary of the board.
(f) To pass upon the qualifications of applicants for a license to practice veterinary medicine in this state, or for a certificate as an animal technician.
(g) To prescribe the subjects, character, manner, time and place of holding examinations and the filing of applications for examinations and to conduct the examinations.
(h) To issue temporary permits to practice to duly qualified applicants which shall be signed by the secretary.
(i) To provide for, regulate and require all persons licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter to renew their license annually; to require as a condition precedent to such annual renewal the payment of the annual renewal fee as provided herein; to issue annual renewal licenses to such persons and to suspend or revoke the license of such persons who fail, refuse or neglect to renew same or pay such fees.
(j) To conduct investigations and hearings upon complaints calling for discipline of a licensee or applicant for license.
(k) To take testimony on any matter under its jurisdiction and any member thereof may administer oaths.
(l) To issue summons and subpoenas, including subpoenas duces tecum, for any witness in connection with any matter within the jurisdiction of the board, which shall be signed by either the president or the secretary-treasurer of the board.
(m) To adopt such forms as it may deem necessary.
(2) The board shall inspect veterinary premises and equipment at least annually and shall promulgate rules and standards to evaluate the sanitary conditions of the premises and equipment. The board shall establish sanctions for the failure to keep premises and equipment in accordance with its rules and standards.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2005.