|
Senate Bill 811 |
Senate Author: Zaffirini |
|
Effective: 9-1-11 |
House Sponsor: Hardcastle |
Senate Bill 811 amends provisions of the Occupations Code relating to the regulation of the practice of veterinary medicine. The bill authorizes the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to order a veterinarian who is subject to disciplinary action based on a finding that the veterinarian is impaired by chemical dependency or mental illness to participate in the peer assistance program for veterinarians. The bill authorizes the board to contract with a board‑approved entity to conduct examinations for a veterinarian license, establishes qualifications for the issuance of a temporary veterinarian license, and provides that the veterinarian-client confidentiality privilege is waived by the client or the owner of the animal treated by the veterinarian in a proceeding to substantiate and collect on a claim for the provision of veterinary services. The bill eliminates an exemption from regulation for certain foreign veterinary graduates who are participating in certain extern or preceptor programs.