Shown verbatim: the complete text as captured from the official page posted by the Minnesota Legislature, fetched 2026-08-28. This is the third engrossment. The official bill page.
A bill for an act relating to animals; modifying provisions relating to the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 156.001, subdivisions 2, 3, 5, 7a, 8, 10b, by adding subdivisions; 156.01, subdivisions 1, 3, by adding a subdivision; 156.02, subdivisions 1, 2; 156.03; 156.04; 156.05; 156.06; 156.07; 156.071; 156.072, subdivisions 1, 2; 156.076; 156.077, subdivision 3, by adding subdivisions; 156.078; 156.081; 156.12, subdivisions 1, 2; 156.121; 156.16, subdivisions 5, 12, 14; 156.18, subdivisions 1, 2, 4; 156.19; Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 156.015, subdivision 4; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 156; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 156.001, subdivision 9; 156.01, subdivision 2; 156.02, subdivision 3; 156.072, subdivision 3; 156.073; 156.16, subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11; 156.20. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, subdivision 2, is amended to read: Subd. 2. Accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine. "Accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine" means a any veterinary college, school, or division of a university or college that offers the degree of doctor of veterinary medicine or its equivalent and that conforms to the standards required for accreditation or approval by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education. Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 2a. Accredited program of veterinary technology. "Accredited program of veterinary technology" means any postsecondary educational program that offers a degree in veterinary technology or its equivalent and is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities. Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, subdivision 3, is amended to read: Subd. 3. Animal. "Animal" does not include poultry means any organism, except humans, that has sensation and the power of voluntary movement and that requires oxygen and organic nutrients. Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 4a. Client. "Client" means a patient's owner, owner's agent, or other person presenting a patient for care. Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, subdivision 5, is amended to read: Subd. 5. Compensation. "Compensation" includes but is not limited to all fees, monetary rewards, discounts, remunerations, and emoluments received directly or indirectly. Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 5b. Consent. "Consent" means verbal or written permission given by a client for performing an examination, administering a diagnostic test, administering a procedure, or providing treatment to a patient. Consent includes permission that is express or implied from the circumstances. Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 5c. Consulting. "Consulting" means seeking and receiving advice in person, by telephone, electronically, or by any other method of communication from a licensed veterinarian or any other person whose expertise, in the opinion of the person seeking advice, would benefit the management of the case. Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 5d. Dispensing. "Dispensing" means distributing veterinary drugs requiring a prescription for the use of a patient, over-the-counter veterinary drugs for the use of a patient, or human drugs for the extra-label use of a patient by a person licensed as a pharmacist by the Board of Pharmacy or a person licensed by the Board of Veterinary Medicine. Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 5e. Donor. "Donor" means: (1) an individual at least 18 years of age if the drug or medical supply that is donated is obtained legally and meets the requirements of section 151.555 for donation; or (2) any entity legally authorized to possess medicine with a license or permit in good standing in the state in which the entity is located, without further restrictions, including but not limited to a health care facility, skilled nursing facility, assisted living facility, pharmacy, wholesaler, and drug manufacturer. Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 6b. Emergency stabilization. "Emergency stabilization" means care provided to a patient that has a life-threatening condition when immediate treatment is necessary to sustain the patient's life, prevent the deterioration of the patient's bodily functions, or alleviate or end the patient's suffering. Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 6c. Extra-label use. "Extra-label use" means the actual or intended use of a human drug or veterinary drug in the treatment of an animal in a manner that is not in accordance with the drug's labeling. Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, subdivision 7a, is amended to read: Subd. 7a. Licensed veterinary technician or veterinary technician. "Licensed veterinary technician" or "veterinary technician" means a person licensed by the board under section 156.077. EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026. Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 7b. Licensed veterinarian. "Licensed veterinarian" means any veterinarian who holds an active license from the board under section 156.02 to practice veterinary medicine in the state. Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, subdivision 8, is amended to read: Subd. 8. Licensee. "Licensee" means a person licensed to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology in the state of Minnesota. Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 9a. Patient. "Patient" means any animal or group of animals receiving veterinary care from a licensed veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician. Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 9b. Person. "Person" means any individual; firm; partnership, including a general, limited, or limited liability partnership; association; joint venture; cooperative; corporation; limited liability company; or any other group or combination acting in concert, and whether or not acting as a principal, partner, member, trustee, fiduciary, receiver, or as any other kind of legal or personal representative, or as the successor in interest, assignee, agent, factor, servant, employee, director, officer, or any other representative of the person. Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 9c. Physical rehabilitation. "Physical rehabilitation" means the use of therapeutic exercise and the application of modalities intended to restore or facilitate a patient's movement and physical function impacted by disease, injury, or disability. Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, subdivision 10b, is amended to read: Subd. 10b. Remote supervision. "Remote supervision" means: (1) a veterinarian is not on the premises available to provide direct supervision but is acquainted with the keeping and care of an animal by virtue of an examination of the animal or medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal is kept; and (2) the supervising veterinarian has given written or oral instructions to a licensed veterinary technician for ongoing care of an animal and is available by telephone or other form of immediate communication; and. (3) the employee treating the animal timely enters into the animal's medical record documentation of the treatment provided and the documentation is reviewed by the veterinarian. Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 10c. Surgery. "Surgery" means a treatment that is performed for the purpose of structurally altering a patient through the incision or destruction of tissues in the practice of veterinary medicine. Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 10d. Telemedicine. "Telemedicine" means the practice of veterinary medicine through the use of telecommunications technology that allows a licensed veterinarian with a properly established veterinarian-client-patient relationship to virtually evaluate, virtually diagnose, and virtually treat a patient. Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 10e. Teletriage. "Teletriage" means a safe, appropriate, and timely assessment and management of a patient, including providing first aid or making an immediate referral to a licensed veterinarian, without the need for a veterinarian-client-patient relationship and under uncertain and urgent conditions, by telephone or electronically. Teletriage does not include providing a diagnosis to a patient. Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 10f. Veterinarian. "Veterinarian" means an individual who has received a doctor of veterinary medicine degree or its equivalent from an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine or is the holder of an ECFVG or a PAVE certificate. Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 10g. Veterinarian-client-patient relationship. "Veterinarian-client-patient relationship" has the meaning given in section 156.16, subdivision 12. Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 10h. Veterinary medical facility. "Veterinary medical facility" means the premises, office, unit, structure, mobile unit, or area used for the practice of veterinary medicine. Veterinary medical facility does not include the premises of an owner when the owner's animal is treated on the owner's premises. Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 11a. Veterinary specialist. "Veterinary specialist" means a veterinarian who has been awarded and maintains certification from a veterinary specialty organization recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association or other veterinary specialty organization that maintains comparable certification requirements as determined by the board. Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 11b. Veterinary Technician National Exam. "Veterinary Technician National Exam" means the examination administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards to evaluate the competency of entry-level veterinary technicians and veterinary technologists. Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 11c. Veterinary technician specialist. "Veterinary technician specialist" means a veterinary technician or veterinary technologist who has been awarded and maintains certification from a veterinary technician specialty academy recognized by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America or another veterinary technician specialty organization that maintains comparable certification requirements as determined by the board. Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 11d. Veterinary technologist. "Veterinary technologist" means a person who has earned a baccalaureate degree in veterinary technology from a four-year program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities or the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.01, subdivision 1, is amended to read: Subdivision 1. Creation; membership. There is hereby created a state Board of Veterinary Medicine which shall consist that consists of nine board members. Two members must be public members as defined by section 214.02 and five licensed veterinarians appointed by the governor, five members must be licensed veterinarians appointed by the governor, one member must be a licensed veterinary technician appointed by the governor, and one member must be a licensed veterinarian appointed by the governor or a licensed veterinary technician appointed by the governor. Each appointee shall must be a resident of the state of Minnesota, and the veterinarian and veterinary technician members of the board shall must have practiced veterinary medicine or veterinary technology in this state for at least five years prior to their appointment. Membership terms, compensation of members, removal of members, the filling of membership vacancies, and fiscal year and reporting requirements shall must be as provided in sections 214.07 to 214.09. The provision of staff, administrative services and office space; the review and processing of complaints; the setting of board fees; and other provisions relating to board operations shall must be as provided in chapter 214. Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.01, subdivision 3, is amended to read: Subd. 3. Officers. The board shall must elect from its number a president and such other officers as are necessary, all from within its membership. One person may hold the offices of both secretary and treasurer. The board shall have a seal and the power to subpoena witnesses, to administer oaths, and take testimony. It shall make, alter, or amend rules that are necessary to carry this chapter into effect. It shall hold examinations for applicants for license to engage in veterinary practice at a time and place of its own choosing. Notice of an examination must be posted 90 days before the date set for the examination in all veterinary schools approved by the board in the state, and must be published in the American Association of Veterinary State Boards "Directory of Veterinary Licensure Requirements." The board may hold other meetings it deems necessary; but no meeting shall exceed three days duration. Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 3a. Duties and authority of the board. (a) The board may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, and take testimony. (b) The board may adopt and amend rules that are necessary to implement this chapter. (c) The board must administer examinations to applicants for licenses to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology. (d) The board may hold any meeting that the board deems necessary, except that a meeting held by the board must not exceed three days in duration. (e) The board must have a seal. Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 156.015, subdivision 4, is amended to read: Subd. 4. License verification. The board may charge a fee not to exceed $25 per license verification to a licensee for verification of the person's licensure status provided to other another veterinary licensing boards board. Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read: Subdivision 1. License application. (a) An application for a license to practice veterinary medicine in this state shall must be made in writing to the Board of Veterinary Medicine upon a form furnished by the board, accompanied by satisfactory evidence that the applicant is at least 18 years of age, is of good moral character, and has one of the following: (1) a diploma conferring the degree of doctor of veterinary medicine, or an equivalent degree, from an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine; (2) an ECFVG or a PAVE certificate; or (3) a certificate from the dean of an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine stating that the applicant is a student in good standing expecting to be graduated at the completion of the current academic year of the college in which the applicant is enrolled. (b) The application shall must contain the information and material required by subdivision 2 and any other information that the board may, in its sound judgment, require. The application shall must be filed with the board at least 60 days before the date of the examination. If the board deems it advisable, it may require that such the application be is verified by the oath of the applicant. Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.02, subdivision 2, is amended to read: Subd. 2. Required with application. Every application shall must contain the following information and material: (1) the nonrefundable application fee set by the board in the form of a check or money order payable to the board, which fee is not returnable in the event permission to take the examination is denied for good cause; (2) one of the following: (i) a copy of a diploma from an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine or a certificate from the dean or secretary of an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine showing the time spent in the school and the date when the applicant was duly and regularly graduated or will duly and regularly graduate; (ii) an official transcript as proof of the applicant's degree; or verification (iii) if the applicant is a graduate of a foreign college of veterinary medicine, a certificate of satisfactory completion of the ECFVG or PAVE certification program with a copy of the applicant's diploma and a translation of the diploma if the diploma is not in English; and (3) affidavits of at least two veterinarians and three adults who are not related to the applicant setting forth how long a time, when, and under what circumstances they have known the applicant, and any other facts as may be proper to enable the board to determine the qualifications of the applicant; and (4) (3) if the applicant has served in the armed forces, a copy of discharge papers. Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.03, is amended to read: 156.03 EXAMINATION; PAYMENT. Upon filing the application and any other papers,; affidavits, if applicable; or proof that the Board of Veterinary Medicine may require, together with the payment of the application fee and appropriate examination fee as set by the board, the board shall issue must make available to the applicant a permit to take the national examination in veterinary medicine and the online Minnesota Veterinary Jurisprudence Examination Exam. All applicants must be evaluated using an examination prescribed by the board. A passing score for the national examination North American Veterinary Licensing Examination must be the criterion referenced passing score as determined by the National Board Examination Committee International Council for Veterinary Assessment. Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.04, is amended to read: 156.04 BOARD TO ISSUE LICENSE. The Board of Veterinary Medicine shall must issue a license to practice veterinary medicine to every applicant who: (1) has successfully passed the required examination, who; and (2) either: (i) has received a diploma conferring the degree of doctor of veterinary medicine or an equivalent degree from an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine; or (ii) has an ECFVG or a PAVE certificate, and who shall have been adjudged to be duly qualified to practice veterinary medicine, a license to practice. Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.05, is amended to read: 156.05 LICENSE. The license shall must be subscribed by the president and secretary of the Board of Veterinary Medicine and have affixed to it by the executive director the seal of the board. Upon the board's request, a person licensed under this chapter must produce a copy of the person's license within seven days of receiving the request. Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.06, is amended to read: 156.06 LICENSE RECORDED. The license, before issued, shall must be recorded in a book or computer database to be kept in the office which by the Board of Veterinary Medicine shall establish for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter. These The records shall kept under this section must be available for public inspection with proper restrictions as to their preservation as provided in section 13.41. Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.07, is amended to read: 156.07 LICENSE RENEWAL. Persons licensed under this chapter shall conspicuously display their license in their principal place of business. (a) Persons now licensed in this state, or who shall are hereafter be licensed by the Board of Veterinary Medicine as veterinarians or veterinary technicians, shall must periodically renew their license in a manner prescribed by the board. The board shall must establish license renewal fees and continuing education requirements. The board may establish, by rule, an inactive license category, at a lower fee, for licensees not actively engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine or veterinary technology within the state of Minnesota. The board may assess a charge for delinquent payment of a renewal fee. (b) Any person who is licensed to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology in this state pursuant to this chapter, shall be is entitled to receive a license to continue to practice upon making application to the board and complying with the terms of this section and rules of the board. Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.071, is amended to read: 156.071 REINSTATEMENT OF EXPIRED LICENSE. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, an expired license, which that is suspended by the board pursuant to section 156.07, may be reinstated at any time within five years after its suspension on filing an application with the board and by payment of the renewal fee in effect on the last preceding regular renewal date, plus all back fees, late fees, and reinstatement fees. In addition, satisfactory evidence of meeting yearly continuing education requirements must be furnished to the board. (b) A person who fails to renew a license within five years after its suspension may not renew it, and it shall must not be restored, reissued, or reinstated thereafter, but such except the person may apply for and obtain a new license on complying with the following conditions: (1) the person is of good moral character; (2) no fact, circumstance, or condition exists which that, if the license were issued, would justify its the revocation or suspension of the license according to section 156.081, subdivision 2; (3) the person takes and passes the all examinations, if any, which would be required if the person were then applying for a license for the first time, or otherwise establishes to the satisfaction of the board that, with due regard for the public interest the person is qualified to practice veterinary medicine required for an application for an initial license; and (4) the person pays all of the applicable fees that would be required if the person were then applying for the license for the first time by the board. Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.072, subdivision 1, is amended to read: Subdivision 1. Application. A doctor of veterinary medicine duly admitted to practice in any state, commonwealth, territory, or district of the United States or province of Canada desiring permission to practice veterinary medicine in this state shall submit an application to the board upon forms prescribed by the board. Upon proof of licensure to practice in any United States or Canadian jurisdiction and having been actively engaged in practicing veterinary medicine therein, for at least three of the five years next preceding the application, or having been engaged in full time teaching of veterinary medicine in an approved or accredited college for at least three of the five years next preceding the application, or any combination thereof, the national examination in veterinary medicine may be waived, upon the recommendation of the board, and the applicant be admitted to practice without examination. However, the board may impose any other examinations it considers proper. Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.072, subdivision 2, is amended to read: Subd. 2. Required with application. Such doctor of veterinary medicine shall accompany the application by the following An applicant for a license to practice veterinary medicine in the state must provide the following to the board: (1) either: (i) a copy of a diploma from an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine or certification from the dean, registrar, or secretary of an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine attesting to the applicant's graduation from an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine,; or (ii) a copy of a diploma from a foreign college of veterinary medicine, a translation of the diploma if the diploma is not in English, and a certificate of satisfactory completion of the ECFVG or PAVE program; (2) affidavits of two licensed practicing doctors of veterinary medicine residing in the United States or Canadian licensing jurisdiction in which the applicant is currently practicing, attesting that they are well acquainted with the applicant, that the applicant is a person of good moral character, and has been actively engaged in practicing or teaching in such jurisdiction for the period above prescribed; (2) a copy of the applicant's valid unrestricted license to practice veterinary medicine in good standing from a state or territory in the United States or Canada; (3) a certificate from the regulatory agency having jurisdiction over the conduct of practice of veterinary medicine that such applicant is in good standing and is not the subject of disciplinary action or pending disciplinary action; (4) a certificate from all other jurisdictions in which the applicant holds a currently active license or held a license within the past ten years, stating that the applicant is and was in good standing and has not been subject to disciplinary action; (5) in lieu of clauses (3) and (4), certification from the Veterinary Information Verification Agency that the applicant's licensure is in good standing; (6) a nonrefundable fee as set by the board in form of check or money order payable to the board, no part of which shall be refunded should the application be denied; (7) score reports on previously taken national examinations in veterinary medicine, certified by the Veterinary Information Verification Agency; and unless the board has waived this requirement because the applicant's current American Association of Veterinary State Boards licensing jurisdiction officially reported North American Veterinary Licensing Examination scores to the board; (8) if requesting waiver of examination, provide evidence of meeting licensure requirements in the state of the applicant's original licensure that were substantially equal to the requirements for licensure in Minnesota in existence at that time.; (9) proof that the applicant received a passing score for the Minnesota Veterinarian Jurisprudence Examination; and (10) a completed criminal background check. Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.076, is amended to read: 156.076 DIRECT SUPERVISION; UNLICENSED VETERINARY EMPLOYEES. (a) An unlicensed veterinary employee may only administer medication or render auxiliary or supporting assistance under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician. (b) This section does not prohibit: (1) the performance of generalized nursing tasks ordered by the veterinarian and performed by an unlicensed employee on inpatient animals during the hours when a veterinarian is not on the premises; or (2) the performance of commonly accepted livestock management practices under remote supervision; or (3) under emergency conditions, an unlicensed employee from rendering lifesaving aid and treatment to an animal in the absence of a veterinarian if the animal is in a life-threatening condition and requires immediate treatment to sustain life or prevent further injury. Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.077, subdivision 3, is amended to read: Subd. 3. Required with application. A completed application must contain the following information and material: (1) the application fee set by the board, which is not refundable if permission to take the jurisprudence examination is denied for good cause; (2) proof of graduation from a veterinary technology program accredited or approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association or Canadian Veterinary Medical Association; and (3) affidavits from at least two licensed veterinarians and three adults who are not related to the applicant that establish how long, when, and under what circumstances the references have known the applicant and any other facts that may enable the board to determine the applicant's qualifications; and (4) (3) if the applicant has served in the armed forces, a copy of the applicant's discharge papers. Sec. 45. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.077, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 5. Pharmaceutical services. (a) A licensed veterinary technician must: (1) ensure that a prescription drug or prescription biologic is properly administered to a patient; or (2) provide instructions to a client on the proper administration of a drug or biologic to a patient if the licensed veterinary technician will not be administering or supervising the administration of the drug to the patient. (b) A veterinary technician must store and dispense drugs and biologics to clients according to section 151.35 and The United States Pharmacopeia and the National Formulary, 1990 edition, published by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc., Rockville, Maryland. EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026. Sec. 46. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.077, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 6. Record keeping. (a) A licensed veterinary technician working under a veterinarian's direct or remote supervision on a patient, group of patients, herd, or flock, regardless of whether the patient, group, herd, or flock is in the veterinarian's custody at a veterinary facility or on the owner's or caretaker's premises, must prepare a written medical record or electronic medical record regarding the patient, group, herd, or flock that contains, at a minimum: (1) the owner's name, address, and telephone number; (2) if applicable, the identity of the patient, including the patient's name, age, sex, and breed; (3) the dates of examination, treatment, and surgery; (4) a brief history of the condition of the patient, group of patients, herd, or flock; (5) examination findings; (6) laboratory and radiographic reports; (7) the veterinarian's tentative diagnosis; (8) the veterinarian's treatment plan; and (9) the veterinarian's prescribed medication and treatment, including the dosage and frequency of any prescribed medication. (b) A licensed veterinary technician must maintain an individual written medical record or electronic medical record for each patient, except a licensed veterinary technician may maintain one medical record for a group of patients if: (1) the patients are livestock as defined in section 17A.03, subdivision 5; horses; or a litter of animals; and (2) the record contains the information required in paragraph (a). (c) Within two weeks of receiving a written request for records, a veterinary technician under the direct or remote supervision of a veterinarian must release a patient's medical records or an accurate summary of the patient's medical records to the owner or owner's authorized agent, including the board. A supervising veterinarian may charge a reasonable fee for copying or preparing a summary of records, except in the case of a board investigation of a possible violation of section 156.081 or other statute or rule that the board is authorized to enforce. (d) A radiograph must be permanently identified. A licensed veterinary technician must only release a radiograph upon the written request of a veterinarian who has the written authorization of the owner of the patient to whom the radiograph pertains. The owner must return a radiograph within a reasonable time to the veterinary practice that originally prepared the radiograph. (e) A licensed veterinary technician must keep medical records private and must not release medical records to third parties unless authorized by the client or required by law. EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026. Sec. 47. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.077, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 7. Humane care. A licensed veterinary technician must treat animals entrusted by a client to the supervising veterinarian consistent with prevailing professional standards of humane treatment and care. EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026. Sec. 48. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.077, is amended by adding a subdivision to read: Subd. 8. Continuing education. (a) A licensed veterinary technician must complete at least 16 hours of continuing education credits during each biennial licensing period. Of those 16 hours, at least 12 hours of continuing education credits must be in a medical category. (b) Upon submitting an application to the board for the renewal of a license to practice veterinary technology, an applicant must provide documentation to the board that the applicant completed at least 16 continuing education credit hours according to paragraph (a). (c) A licensed veterinary technician must not carry forward excess continuing credit hours into the next licensing period. (d) A licensed veterinary technician must take additional continuing education required by the board if, in the course of a disciplinary proceeding, the board determines that remedial education in a specific subject area is necessary. EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026. Sec. 49. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.078, is amended to read: 156.078 NONRESIDENTS; LICENSED VETERINARY TECHNICIANS. A credentialed veterinary technician duly admitted to practice in any state, commonwealth, territory, or district of the United States or province of Canada who desires permission to practice veterinary technology in this state shall Minnesota must submit an application to the board on a form furnished by the board. The board shall must review an application for transfer if the applicant submits: (1) a copy of a diploma from an accredited or approved college of veterinary technology or certification from the dean, registrar, or secretary of an accredited or approved college of veterinary technology or a certificate of satisfactory completion of the PAVE program; (2) a copy of the applicant's valid unrestricted license in good standing to practice veterinary technology from a state or territory in the United States or Canada; if requesting waiver of examination, evidence of meeting licensure requirements in the state of the applicant's original licensure; (3) affidavits of two licensed practicing doctors of veterinary medicine or veterinary technicians residing in the United States or Canadian licensing jurisdiction in which the applicant is or was most recently practicing, attesting that they are well acquainted with the applicant, that the applicant is a person of good moral character, and that the applicant has been actively engaged in practicing or teaching in such jurisdiction; (4) (3) a certificate from the agency that regulates the conduct of practice of veterinary technology in the jurisdiction in which the applicant is or was most recently practicing, stating that the applicant is in good standing and is not the subject of disciplinary action or pending disciplinary action; (5) (4) a certificate from all other jurisdictions in which the applicant holds a currently active license or held a license within the past ten years, stating that the applicant is and was in good standing and has not been subject to disciplinary action; (6) (5) in lieu of the certificates in clauses (4) and (5), certification from the Veterinary Information Verification Agency that the applicant's licensure is in good standing; (7) a fee as set by the board in form of check or money order (6) a nonrefundable application fee payable to the board, no part of which shall be refunded should the board may refund if the application be is denied; (8) (7) score reports on previously taken national examinations in veterinary technology, certified by the Veterinary Information Verification Agency or evidence of employment as a veterinary technician for at least three years, unless the board has waived this requirement because the applicant's current AAVSB licensing jurisdiction officially reported VTNE scores to the board; (9) (8) proof that the applicant received a passing score for the Minnesota Veterinary Technician Jurisprudence Examination; and (10) (9) proof of a completed criminal background check. Sec. 50. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.081, is amended to read: 156.081 REVOCATION; SUSPENSION. Subdivision 1. Authority. The board may limit, suspend, or revoke the license of any person to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology in this state for any of the causes provided in this section. The executive director, in all cases of disciplined licenses, shall must enter on the register the fact of the disciplinary action, as the case may be. The record of such disciplinary action made by the executive director shall be is prima facie evidence of the fact thereof, and of the regularity of all the proceedings of the board in the matter of the disciplinary action. Subd. 2. Causes. (a) The board may revoke, suspend, or impose limitations upon a license to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology for any of the following causes: (1) the employment of fraud, misrepresentation or deception in obtaining such a license to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology; (2) being convicted of a felony or gross misdemeanor, including a finding or verdict of guilt, whether or not the adjudication of guilt is withheld or not entered, an admission of guilt, or a no contest plea, as evidenced by a certified copy of the conviction; (3) being unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety by reason of illness, use of alcohol, drugs, chemicals, or any other materials, or as a result of any mental or physical condition; (3) having an impairment that prevents a licensee from practicing veterinary medicine or veterinary technology with reasonable skill, competence, and safety to the public; (4) existence of a professional connection with or the lending of one's name to any illegal practitioner of veterinary medicine or veterinary technology; (5) having been the subject of revocation, suspension, or surrender of a veterinary license to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology in resolution of a complaint or other adverse action related to licensure in another jurisdiction or country; (6) violating a state or federal narcotics or controlled substance law irrespective of any proceedings under section 152.18 or federal law; (7) fraudulently conducting or reporting results of physical examinations or biological tests used to detect and prevent the dissemination of animal diseases, transportation of diseased animals, or distribution of contaminated, infected, or inedible animal products, or failing to report, as required by law, any contagious or infectious disease; (8) engaging in false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading advertising; (9) conviction on a charge of cruelty to animals; (10) failure, after written notification by the board, to keep one's premises and all equipment therein in a clean and sanitary condition, according to reasonable standards adopted by the board; (11) fraud, deception, or incompetence in the practice of veterinary medicine or veterinary technology, including any departure from or failure to conform to the minimum standards of acceptable and prevailing practice without actual injury having to be established; irrespective of whether there has been demonstrable injury or any sustained injury; (12) engaging in unprofessional conduct as defined in rules adopted by the board or engaging in conduct which that violates any state or federal statute or rule promulgated by the board or; any board order; or any state or federal order relating to the practice of veterinary medicine or veterinary technology; (13) being adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction, within or without this state, as a person who is incapacitated, mentally incompetent or mentally ill, chemically dependent, mentally ill and dangerous to the public, or a psychopathic personality; (14) revealing a privileged communication from or relating to a client except when otherwise required or permitted by law; (15) obtaining money, property, or services from a client through the use of undue influence, harassment, duress, deception, or fraud or through the improper use of the regulated individual's position as a professional; (16) practicing outside the scope of practice authorized by the board's practice act this chapter or Minnesota Rules, chapter 9100; or (17) making a false statement or misrepresentation to the board. (b) The board may limit, suspend, or revoke a license to practice veterinary technology for any of the following causes: (1) practicing veterinary medicine by diagnosing a patient, prescribing drugs, performing surgery, or giving a prognosis for a patient; (2) failing to meet the requirements of section 156.077; (3) engaging in actions or activities that create unnecessary danger to a patient's life, health, or safety; (4) making a claim that the licensee has performed or charged a fee for an act or treatment that the licensee did not perform; (5) publicly asserting or implying that the licensee has professional superiority in the practice of veterinary technology that cannot be substantiated; (6) practicing veterinary technology under a false or assumed name; (7) impersonating another licensed veterinary technician; (8) practicing veterinary technology while holding an expired, terminated, or suspended license to practice veterinary technology; (9) failing to provide information to the board within 30 days of receiving a written request from the board pursuant to an investigation by the board or on behalf of the board; (10) promoting, aiding, abetting, or permitting the practice of veterinary medicine or veterinary technology by an unlicensed individual; (11) being convicted of a felony or gross misdemeanor, including a finding or verdict of guilt, whether or not the adjudication of guilt is withheld or not entered, an admission of guilt, or a no contest plea, as evidenced by a certified copy of the conviction; (12) using, misusing, or selling a controlled drug listed in chapter 152 or the federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970, United States Code, title 21, section 812; (13) violating or failing to comply with state or federal law or regulations relating to storing, labeling, or dispensing controlled substances; (14) promoting, selling, or using a product for treatment of an animal that is outdated, damaged, misbranded, or adulterated; (15) refusing to allow the board or the board's agent to inspect a veterinary facility during reasonable hours pursuant to an investigation by or on behalf of the board; (16) performing unnecessary, unethical, or unauthorized treatment of a patient; (17) having a conflict of interest unless the licensee fully discloses the licensee's conflict of interest to the client; (18) surreptitiously obtaining through theft, unauthorized copying, duplicating, or other means client lists, mailing lists, medical records, or computer records that are the property of a veterinarian, veterinary partnership, or professional veterinary corporation; (19) failing to report to the board any disciplinary action taken against the licensee's license to practice veterinary technology in another jurisdiction; (20) failing to meet continuing education requirements for biennial license renewal; (21) failing to submit adequate proof of continuing education attendance within 30 days of a board request; or (22) falsifying continuing education attendance documentation. EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026. Sec. 51. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.12, subdivision 1, is amended to read: Subdivision 1. Practice. (a) The practice of veterinary medicine, as used in this chapter, shall mean the diagnosis, treatment, correction, relief, or prevention of animal disease, deformity, defect, injury, or other physical or mental conditions; the performance of obstetrical procedures for animals, including determination of pregnancy and correction of sterility or infertility; and the rendering of advice or recommendations with regard to any of the above. The practice of veterinary medicine shall include but not be limited to the prescription or administration of any drug, medicine, biologic, apparatus, application, anesthetic, or other therapeutic or diagnostic substance or technique. The practice shall not be construed to include the dehorning of cattle and goats or the castration of cattle, swine, goats, and sheep, or the docking of sheep. includes: (1) the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, correction, relief, or prevention of animal disease, pain, deformity, defect, injury, or other physical, behavioral, dental, or mental conditions, including but not limited to performing medical, dental, or surgical procedures; (2) using any procedure for reproductive management, including but not limited to the diagnosis or treatment of pregnancy, fertility, sterility, infertility, or obstetrical procedures; (3) prescribing, dispensing, or administering a drug, a medicine, a biologic, an appliance, an apparatus, an application, an anesthetic, or a treatment; and (4) determining the health, fitness, or soundness of an animal. (b) The practice of veterinary medicine includes the use of complementary, alternative, and integrative therapies. Complementary, alternative, and integrative therapies include but are not limited to veterinary acupuncture, acutherapy, and acupressure; veterinary homeopathy; veterinary manual or manipulative therapy, including therapies based on techniques practiced in osteopathy, chiropractic medicine, or physical rehabilitation and therapy; veterinary nutraceutical therapy; and veterinary phytotherapy. (c) A veterinarian-client-patient relationship between a licensed veterinarian and a patient must be established before the licensed veterinarian engages in the practice of veterinary medicine, except that a licensed veterinarian may provide emergency stabilization or teletriage to a patient without having established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship with the patient. Sec. 52. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.12, subdivision 2, is amended to read: Subd. 2. Authorized activities. No provision of this chapter shall may be construed to prohibit: (a) (1) a person from rendering necessary gratuitous assistance in the treatment of any animal when the assistance does not amount to prescribing, testing for, or diagnosing, operating, or vaccinating and when the attendance of a licensed veterinarian cannot be procured providing immediate care to a patient in the event of an emergency situation or accident; (b) (2) while under the direct supervision or remote supervision of a licensed veterinarian, a licensed veterinary technician or a veterinary assistant from providing emergency stabilization to a patient with the consent of the client if immediate access to a licensed veterinarian is delayed; (3) a licensed veterinarian or, while under the direct or remote supervision of a licensed veterinarian, a veterinary technician or a veterinary assistant from providing emergency teletriage, including poison control services, to an animal patient if immediate action is necessary; (4) any person from providing advice or performing actions that the board has designated by rule as accepted livestock management practices; (5) a person who is a regular student in an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine from performing duties or actions assigned by instructors or preceptors or working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian; (c) a veterinarian regularly licensed in another jurisdiction from consulting with (6) any person from providing a consultation to a licensed veterinarian in this the state; on the care and management of a patient only if: (i) the service provided by the person is limited to a consultation; and (ii) the licensed veterinarian receiving the consultation maintains the veterinarian-client-patient relationship; (7) any veterinarian employed by an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine from providing assistance requested by a licensed veterinarian with consent from the client and acting under the direct supervision or remote supervision of the licensed veterinarian who requested assistance. The licensed veterinarian requesting assistance must maintain responsibility for a veterinarian-client-patient relationship with the patient; (d) (8) the owner of an animal and the owner's regular employee from caring for, treating, and administering drugs prescribed by a licensed veterinarian to the animal belonging to the owner, except where the ownership of the animal was transferred for purposes of circumventing this chapter. When caring for, treating, or administering drugs to an animal, the animal's owner and the owner's regular employee must comply with all laws, rules, and regulations related to the use of medicines and biologics; (e) (9) veterinarians who are in compliance with section 156.0721 and who are employed by the University of Minnesota from performing their duties with the College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Agricultural Experiment Station, Agricultural Extension Service, Medical School, School of Public Health, School of Nursing, or other unit within the university; or a person from lecturing or giving instructions or demonstrations at the university or in connection with a continuing education course or seminar to veterinarians; (f) (10) any person from selling or applying any pesticide, insecticide or herbicide; (g) (11) any person from engaging in bona fide scientific research or investigations which that reasonably requires experimentation involving animals and is conducted in a facility that complies with local and federal law, rules, and regulations; (h) (12) any employee of a licensed veterinarian from performing duties other than diagnosis, prescription or surgical correction under the direction and supervision of the veterinarian or a licensed veterinary technician, who shall be is responsible for the performance of the employee; (i) (13) a graduate of a foreign college of veterinary medicine from working under the direct personal instruction, control, or supervision of a veterinarian faculty member of the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota in order to complete the requirements necessary to obtain an ECFVG or a PAVE certificate; (j) (14) a licensed chiropractor registered under section 148.01, subdivision 1a, from practicing animal chiropractic; or (k) (15) a person certified by the director of the Office of Emergency Medical Services under chapter 144E from providing emergency medical care to a police dog wounded in the line of duty.; (16) any employee of the federal, state, or local government from performing the employee's official duties; (17) any licensed individual with a licensed or regulated profession in the state from providing assistance requested by a licensed veterinarian from acting with the client's consent and acting under the direct or remote supervision of the licensed veterinarian. The licensed veterinarian providing direct or remote supervision must maintain responsibility for the veterinarian-client-patient relationship; (18) any pharmacist, merchant, or manufacturer at the pharmacist's, merchant's, or manufacturer's regular place of business from selling over-the-counter medicine, feed, appliances, or other products used in the prevention or treatment of animal diseases; (19) any person from providing training for animals, except that the person must not diagnose, prescribe, or dispense any therapeutic drugs without a license required by the board; (20) a veterinarian who is licensed in another state or a veterinary technician or veterinary technologist who has credentials in another state from practicing veterinary medicine or veterinary technology in Minnesota during an emergency or a natural disaster, within the scope and location of assigned veterinary medical or veterinary technological duties of the response efforts without passing written examinations or other qualifications, if: (i) an official declaration of the disaster or emergency has been made by the governor or the delegated state official; and (ii) the veterinarian, veterinary technician, or veterinary technologist has received an official invitation for a specified time by the authority with jurisdiction over coordinating animal or agricultural issues during disasters or emergencies in the state according to section 192.89; or (21) any person from lawfully providing care and rehabilitation to wildlife species according to Minnesota Rules, part 6244.0400. Sec. 53. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.121, is amended to read: 156.121 FACILITY INSPECTION. (a) The executive director, or an authorized representative of the board may, in response to a complaint, inspect a facility in which veterinary medicine is practiced, at any time during which the facility is open for business, to ensure compliance with the requirements of this chapter and the regulations of the board. (b) A licensed veterinarian must allow authorized representatives of the board to: (1) enter premises where veterinary drugs are held for distribution in the state at reasonable times, within reasonable limits, and in a reasonable manner; (2) inspect records, equipment, materials, containers, and facilities to determine whether veterinary drugs comply with this chapter; and (3) collect samples. Sec. 54. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.16, subdivision 5, is amended to read: Subd. 5. Food-producing animals animal. "Food-producing animals animal" means livestock or poultry any animal raised commercially for human consumption or for producing food products or byproducts for food. Sec. 55. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.16, subdivision 12, is amended to read: Subd. 12. Veterinarian-client-patient relationship. "Veterinarian-client-patient relationship" means a relationship in which the conditions in paragraphs (a) to (d) (e) have been met. (a) The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animal and the need for medical treatment, and the client has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian. (b) The veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the animal to initiate at least a general, preliminary, or tentative diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal. The veterinarian must be acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal by virtue of an examination of the animal or medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal is kept. (c) The veterinarian is available for consultation in case of adverse reactions or failure of the regimen of therapy. (d) The veterinarian maintains records documenting patient visits, diagnosis, treatments, and drugs prescribed, dispensed, or administered, and other relevant information. (e) The patient has visited or been examined by the veterinarian at least once every 12 months. Sec. 56. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.16, subdivision 14, is amended to read: Subd. 14. Veterinary prescription drug. "Veterinary prescription drug" means: (1) a drug that is not safe for animal use except under the supervision of a veterinarian, and that is required by federal law to bear the following statement: "Caution: federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian"; (2) (1) a drug that is required by state law to may not be dispensed only on order or without a prescription of a licensed veterinarian; and (3) the extra-label use of an over-the-counter animal drug or human drugs; and (4) a medicament compounded by mixing two or more legally obtained over-the-counter or prescription drugs. (2) a drug with the following statement on the drug's label: "Caution: federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian." Sec. 57. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.18, subdivision 1, is amended to read: Subdivision 1. Prescription. (a) A person may not dispense a veterinary prescription drug to a client without a prescription or other veterinary authorization. A person may not make extra-label use of an animal or human drug for an animal without a prescription from a veterinarian. A veterinarian or the veterinarian's authorized employee may dispense veterinary prescription drugs, human drugs for extra-label use, or an over-the-counter animal drug for extra-label use by a client without a separate written prescription, providing there is documentation of the prescription in the medical record and there is an existing veterinarian-client-patient relationship. The prescribing veterinarian must monitor the use of veterinary prescription drugs, human drugs for extra-label use, or over-the-counter animal drugs for extra-label use by a client. (b) A veterinarian may dispense prescription veterinary drugs and prescribe and dispense extra-label use drugs to a client without personally examining the animal if a bona fide veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists and, in the judgment of the veterinarian the client has sufficient knowledge to use the drugs properly, and the drugs are used in accordance with federal regulations. (c) A licensed veterinarian may dispense a veterinary prescription drug without establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship if: (1) the drug is prescribed by a licensed veterinarian or by a veterinarian licensed in another jurisdiction who has established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship; (2) the prescribing veterinarian has an inadequate supply of the drug, failure to dispense the drug would interrupt a therapeutic regimen, or failure to dispense the drug would cause an animal to suffer; (3) the dispensing veterinarian makes a reasonable attempt to verify the prescription with the prescribing veterinarian; (4) dispensing drugs without establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship constitutes less than ten percent of total drugs dispensed during the year; (5) the drug is necessary to facilitate the safe examination of a patient; or (6) the drug is necessary to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. (d) A veterinarian may issue a prescription or other veterinary authorization by oral or written communication to the dispenser, or by computer connection. If the communication is oral, the veterinarian must enter it into the patient's record. The dispenser must record the veterinarian's prescription or other veterinary authorization within 72 hours. (d) (e) A prescription or other veterinary authorization must include: (1) the name, address, and, if written, the signature of the prescriber; (2) the name and address of the client; (3) identification of the species and patient for which the drug is prescribed or ordered; (4) the name, strength, and quantity of the drug; (5) the date of issue; (6) directions for use; (7) the withdrawal time, if applicable; (8) expiration date of prescription; and (9) number of authorized refills. (e) (f) A veterinarian may, in the course of professional practice and an existing veterinarian-client-patient relationship, prepare medicaments that combine drugs approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and other legally obtained ingredients with appropriate vehicles, as long as the medicaments conform with federal regulations. (f) (g) A veterinarian or a bona fide employee of a veterinarian may dispense veterinary prescription drugs to a person on the basis of a prescription issued by a licensed veterinarian. The provisions of paragraphs (c) and (d) apply. (g) (h) This section does not limit the authority of the Minnesota Racing Commission to regulate veterinarians providing services at a licensed racetrack. Sec. 58. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.18, subdivision 2, is amended to read: Subd. 2. Label of dispensed veterinary drugs. (a) A veterinarian or the veterinarian's authorized agent or employee dispensing a veterinary prescription drug, an over-the-counter animal drug for extra-label use by an animal, or a human drug for extra-label use by an animal must provide written information which that includes: (1) the name and address of the veterinarian,; (2) date of filling, the prescription; (3) species and name of the patient,; (4) the name or names of the drug,; (5) the strength of the drug or drugs,; (6) directions for the drug's use,; (7) the withdrawal time, and if applicable; (8) cautionary statements, if any, appropriate for the drug.; and (9) the name and address of the dispensing pharmacy, if applicable. (b) If the veterinary drug has been prepared, mixed, formulated, or packaged by the dispenser, all of the information required in paragraph (a) must be provided on a label affixed to the container. (c) If the veterinary drug is in the manufacturer's original package, the information required in paragraph (a) must be supplied in writing but need not be on a label affixed to the container by the manufacturer or a licensed veterinarian. Information required in paragraph (a) that is provided by the manufacturer on the original package does not need to be repeated in the separate written information. Written information required by this paragraph may be written on the sales invoice. Sec. 59. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.18, subdivision 4, is amended to read: Subd. 4. Record keeping. Records required by this section must be kept for at least two years after dispensing of the drug has been completed, unless otherwise specified by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. Sec. 60. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.19, is amended to read: 156.19 EXTRA-LABEL USE. A person, other than a veterinarian or an employee of a veterinarian, must not make extra-label use of a veterinary drug in or on a food-producing animal, unless permitted by the prescription of a veterinarian. A veterinarian may prescribe the extra-label use of a drug if: (1) the veterinarian makes a careful medical diagnosis within the context of a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship; (2) the veterinarian determines that there is no marketed drug specifically labeled to treat the condition diagnosed, or that drug therapy as recommended by the labeling has, in the judgment of the attending veterinarian, been found to be clinically ineffective; (3) the veterinarian recommends procedures to ensure that the identity of the treated animal will be carefully maintained; (4) the veterinarian prescribes a significantly extended time period for drug withdrawal before marketing meat, milk, or eggs takes appropriate measures to ensure that the time frames for withdrawals are met and no illegal drug residues occur in any food-producing animal subjected to extra-label treatment; and (5) the veterinarian has met the criteria established in Code of Federal Regulations, title 21, part 530, which define the extra-label use of medication in or on animals. Sec. 61. [156.191] VETERINARY FEED DIRECTIVES; VETERINARY FEED DIRECTIVE DRUGS. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given. (b) "Veterinary feed directive" means a written statement issued by a licensed veterinarian in the course of the veterinarian's professional practice that orders the use of a VFD drug or combination VFD drug in or on an animal feed. A VFD authorizes a client to obtain and use animal feed bearing or containing a VFD drug or combination VFD drug to treat the client's animals only in accordance with the conditions for use approved, conditionally approved, or indexed by the Food and Drug Administration. (c) "Veterinary feed directive drug" or "VFD drug" means a drug intended for use in or on animal feed, which is limited by an approved application filed pursuant to section 512(b) of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938; a conditionally approved application filed pursuant to section 571 of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938; or an index listing under section 572 of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 to use under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Use of animal feed bearing or containing a VFD drug must be authorized by a lawful VFD. (d) A licensed veterinarian is required to comply with the most recent regulations issued under the federal Animal Drug Availability Act of 1996. Sec. 62. [156.21] DRUG DONATION FOR USE BY ANIMALS. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an owner or a legal caretaker of an animal may donate a drug that is dispensed for the animal that will not be used by the animal to a licensed veterinarian at a veterinary medical facility if the veterinarian or veterinary medical facility accepts the drug. (b) A licensed veterinarian or a veterinary medical facility may accept and reissue a drug donated pursuant to this section if: (1) the drug has not expired; (2) the licensed veterinarian or staff person at the veterinary medical facility who accepts the donation does not have any reason to believe that the drug has been adulterated; (3) the drug is not a controlled substance; and (4) the drug is not a compounded drug. (c) A licensed veterinarian or a veterinary medical facility must not resell a drug donated under this section. (d) A licensed veterinarian or a veterinary medical facility may reissue a drug donated under this section without charging a fee to: (1) another client of the veterinarian or a veterinary medical facility that would benefit from receiving the medication; (2) a nonprofit animal shelter; or (3) a pound as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 1721.0490, subpart 9. Sec. 63. REPEALER. Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 156.001, subdivision 9; 156.01, subdivision 2; 156.02, subdivision 3; 156.072, subdivision 3; 156.073; 156.16, subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, and 11; and 156.20, are repealed. APPENDIX Repealed Minnesota Statutes: H3718-3 156.001 DEFINITIONS. Subd. 9. Operation. "Operation" includes but is not limited to any act of cutting, scraping, or disturbing the intact body surface in any way, and any surgical or dental procedure, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. 156.01 STATE BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. Subd. 2. Nomination of appointees. Whenever the occasion arises pursuant to this chapter for the appointment of a veterinarian member of the board by the governor, the board of directors of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association may recommend to the governor, at least 30 days in advance of the date that the appointment is to be made, not more than three veterinarians qualified to serve on the board for each appointment to be made. 156.02 APPLICANTS FOR LICENSE; QUALIFICATIONS. Subd. 3. Examination of certain individuals. The board may, on an individual basis, permit individuals not qualified for a Minnesota license by reason of graduation from a nonaccredited or approved college of veterinary medicine to take the national examinations in veterinary medicine when necessary as a prerequisite to obtaining the ECFVG certification. 156.072 NONRESIDENTS; LICENSES. Subd. 3. Examination. A doctor of veterinary medicine duly admitted to practice in any state, commonwealth, territory, or district of the United States or province of Canada desiring admission to practice in this state but who has not been actively engaged in the practice thereof for at least three of the preceding five years must be examined for admission in accordance with the requirements prescribed herein for those not admitted to practice anywhere. 156.073 TEMPORARY PERMIT. The board may issue without examination a temporary permit to practice veterinary medicine in this state to a person who has submitted an application approved by the board for license pending examination, and holds a doctor of veterinary medicine degree or an equivalent degree from an approved or accredited college of veterinary medicine or an ECFVG or PAVE certification. The temporary permit shall expire the day after publication of the notice of results of the first examination given after the permit is issued. No temporary permit may be issued to any applicant who has previously failed the national examination and is currently not licensed in any licensing jurisdiction of the United States or Canada or to any person whose license has been revoked or suspended or who is currently subject to a disciplinary order in any licensing jurisdiction of the United States or Canada. 156.16 DEFINITIONS. Subd. 2. Client. "Client" means the owner or caretaker of an animal who arranges for the animal's veterinary care. Subd. 3. Dispensing. "Dispensing" means distribution of veterinary prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs, human drugs for extra-label use, for extra-label use by a person licensed as a pharmacist by the Board of Pharmacy or a person licensed by the Board of Veterinary Medicine. Subd. 4. Extra-label use. "Extra-label use" means the actual or intended use of a human or veterinary drug in an animal in a manner that is not in accordance with the drug's labeling. Subd. 7. Patient. "Patient" means an animal for which a veterinary prescription drug is used or intended to be used. Subd. 8. Person. "Person" means an individual, or a firm, partnership, company, corporation, trustee, association, agency, or other public or private entity. Subd. 11. Veterinarian. "Veterinarian" means an individual with a valid Minnesota license to practice veterinary medicine. 156.20 INSPECTIONS AND SAMPLES. Subdivision 1. Authority. To enforce sections 156.16 to 156.19, a veterinarian must allow authorized representatives of the Board of Veterinary Medicine, after receiving allegations of a violation of sections 156.16 to 156.19 and upon presenting appropriate credentials to the veterinarian in charge, to: (1) enter premises in which veterinary drugs are held for distribution in Minnesota at reasonable times, within reasonable limits, and in a reasonable manner; (2) inspect pertinent records, equipment, materials, containers, and facilities bearing on whether veterinary drugs are in compliance with sections 156.16 to 156.19; and (3) collect samples. Subd. 2. Limits on inspection. An inspection authorized by this section may not extend to financial information, pricing information, personnel information, or sales information other than shipment information. An inspection must be started and completed with reasonable promptness.
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