Senate Bill 2839

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 73-39-57, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CLARIFY THE AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICINE TO CHARGE A FEE FOR INSPECTION OF VETERINARY PREMISES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 73-39-57, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

73-39-57. The board may:

(a) Adopt, amend or repeal all rules necessary for its government and all regulations necessary to implement this chapter, including the establishment and publication of standards of practice and professional conduct for the practice of veterinary medicine.

(b) Adopt, promulgate and enforce rules and regulations relating to specific duties and responsibilities; certification, registration or licensure; and other matters pertaining to veterinary technicians or nonlicensed persons consistent with this chapter.

(c) Initiate disciplinary procedures, hold hearings, reprimand, suspend, revoke or refuse to issue or renew credentials and perform any other acts that may be necessary to regulate veterinary technicians and technologists.

(d) Examine by established protocol the qualifications and fitness of applicants for a license to practice veterinary medicine in this state.

(e) Issue, renew or deny the licenses and temporary permits to practice veterinary medicine.

(f) Limit, suspend or revoke the licenses of disciplined veterinarians or otherwise discipline licensed veterinarians consistent with this chapter and applicable rules and regulations.

(g) Establish and publish annually a schedule of fees for licensing and certification.

(h) Conduct investigations of suspected violations of this chapter to determine whether there are sufficient grounds to initiate disciplinary proceedings.

(i) Inspect veterinary premises and equipment, including practice vehicles, at any time in accordance with protocols established by rule and establish and publish a schedule of fees for such inspections.

(j) Hold hearings on all matters properly brought before the board, to administer oaths, receive evidence, make necessary determinations and enter orders consistent with the findings. The board may require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of papers, records or other documentary evidence and commission depositions. The board may designate one or more of its members to serve as its hearing officer. The board shall adopt rules and regulations for hearings before the board and the rules shall afford any person appearing before the board the safeguards of procedural due process. Formal rules of evidence shall not apply.

(k) Employ full- or part-time personnel necessary to implement this chapter and purchase or rent necessary office space, equipment and supplies.

(l) Appoint from its own membership one or more members to act as representatives of the board at any meeting within or outside the state.

(m) Bring proceedings in the courts against any person for the enforcement of this chapter or any regulations made pursuant thereto.

The powers enumerated herein are granted for the purpose of enabling the board to supervise effectively the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology and are to be construed liberally to accomplish this objective.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2007.