1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to animals; modifying provisions relating to the practice of veterinary 
1.3 	medicine and veterinary technology;amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 
1.4 	156.001, subdivisions 2, 3, 5, 7a, 8, 10b, by adding subdivisions; 156.01, 
1.5 	subdivisions 1, 3, by adding a subdivision; 156.02, subdivisions 1, 2; 156.03; 
1.6 	156.04; 156.05; 156.06; 156.07; 156.071; 156.072, subdivisions 1, 2; 156.076; 
1.7 	156.077, subdivision 3, by adding subdivisions; 156.078; 156.081; 156.12, 
1.8 	subdivisions 1, 2; 156.121; 156.16, subdivisions 5, 12, 14; 156.18, subdivisions 
1.9 	1, 2, 4; 156.19; Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 156.015, subdivision 
1.10 	4; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 156; repealing 
1.11 	Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 156.001, subdivision 9; 156.01, subdivision 2; 
1.12 	156.02, subdivision 3; 156.072, subdivision 3; 156.073; 156.16, subdivisions 2, 
1.13 	3, 4, 7, 8, 11; 156.20.
1.14 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.15 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
1.16 		Subd. 2.Accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine. "Accredited or 
1.17 	approved college of veterinary medicine" means a any veterinary college, school, or division 
1.18 	of a university or college that offers the degree of doctor of veterinary medicine or its 
1.19 	equivalent and that conforms to the standards required for accreditation or approval by the 
1.20 	American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education.

1.21 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
1.22 	read:
1.23 		Subd. 2a.Accredited program of veterinary technology. "Accredited program of 
1.24 	veterinary technology" means any postsecondary educational program that offers a degree 
1.25 	in veterinary technology or its equivalent and is accredited by the American Veterinary 
1.26 	Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities.

2.1 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
2.2 		Subd. 3.Animal. "Animal" does not include poultry means any organism, except humans, 
2.3 	that has sensation and the power of voluntary movement and that requires oxygen and 
2.4 	organic nutrients.

2.5 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
2.6 	read:
2.7 		Subd. 4a.Client. "Client" means a patient's owner, owner's agent, or other person 
2.8 	presenting a patient for care.

2.9 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
2.10 		Subd. 5.Compensation. "Compensation" includes but is not limited to all fees, monetary 
2.11 	rewards, discounts, remunerations, and emoluments received directly or indirectly.

2.12 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
2.13 	read:
2.14 		Subd. 5b.Consent. "Consent" means verbal or written permission given by a client for 
2.15 	performing an examination, administering a diagnostic test, administering a procedure, or 
2.16 	providing treatment to a patient. Consent includes permission that is express or implied 
2.17 	from the circumstances.

2.18 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
2.19 	read:
2.20 		Subd. 5c.Consulting. "Consulting" means seeking and receiving advice in person, by 
2.21 	telephone, electronically, or by any other method of communication from a licensed 
2.22 	veterinarian or any other person whose expertise, in the opinion of the person seeking advice, 
2.23 	would benefit the management of the case.

2.24 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
2.25 	read:
2.26 		Subd. 5d.Dispensing. "Dispensing" means distributing veterinary drugs requiring a 
2.27 	prescription for the use of a patient, over-the-counter veterinary drugs for the use of a patient, 
2.28 	or human drugs for the extra-label use of a patient by a person licensed as a pharmacist by 
2.29 	the Board of Pharmacy or a person licensed by the Board of Veterinary Medicine.

3.1 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
3.2 	read:
3.3 		Subd. 5e.Donor. "Donor" means:
3.4 	(1) an individual at least 18 years of age if the drug or medical supply that is donated is 
3.5 	obtained legally and meets the requirements of section 151.555 for donation; or
3.6 	(2) any entity legally authorized to possess medicine with a license or permit in good 
3.7 	standing in the state in which the entity is located, without further restrictions, including 
3.8 	but not limited to a health care facility, skilled nursing facility, assisted living facility, 
3.9 	pharmacy, wholesaler, and drug manufacturer.

3.10 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision 
3.11 	to read:
3.12 		Subd. 6b.Emergency stabilization. "Emergency stabilization" means care provided to 
3.13 	a patient that has a life-threatening condition when immediate treatment is necessary to 
3.14 	sustain the patient's life, prevent the deterioration of the patient's bodily functions, or alleviate 
3.15 	or end the patient's suffering.

3.16 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision 
3.17 	to read:
3.18 		Subd. 6c.Extra-label use. "Extra-label use" means the actual or intended use of a human 
3.19 	drug or veterinary drug in the treatment of an animal in a manner that is not in accordance 
3.20 	with the drug's labeling.

3.21 	Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, subdivision 7a, is amended to read:
3.22 		Subd. 7a.Licensed veterinary technician or veterinary technician. "Licensed 
3.23 	veterinary technician" or "veterinary technician" means a person licensed by the board under 
3.24 	section 156.077.

3.25 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

3.26 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision 
3.27 	to read:
3.28 		Subd. 7b.Licensed veterinarian. "Licensed veterinarian" means any veterinarian who 
3.29 	holds an active license from the board under section 156.02 to practice veterinary medicine 
3.30 	in the state.

4.1 	Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
4.2 		Subd. 8.Licensee. "Licensee" means a person licensed to practice veterinary medicine 
4.3 	or veterinary technology in the state of Minnesota.

4.4 	Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision 
4.5 	to read:
4.6 		Subd. 9a.Patient. "Patient" means any animal or group of animals receiving veterinary 
4.7 	care from a licensed veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician.

4.8 	Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision 
4.9 	to read:
4.10 		Subd. 9b.Person. "Person" means any individual; firm; partnership, including a general, 
4.11 	limited, or limited liability partnership; association; joint venture; cooperative; corporation; 
4.12 	limited liability company; or any other group or combination acting in concert, and whether 
4.13 	or not acting as a principal, partner, member, trustee, fiduciary, receiver, or as any other 
4.14 	kind of legal or personal representative, or as the successor in interest, assignee, agent, 
4.15 	factor, servant, employee, director, officer, or any other representative of the person.

4.16 	Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision 
4.17 	to read:
4.18 		Subd. 9c.Physical rehabilitation. "Physical rehabilitation" means the use of therapeutic 
4.19 	exercise and the application of modalities intended to restore or facilitate a patient's 
4.20 	movement and physical function impacted by disease, injury, or disability.

4.21 	Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, subdivision 10b, is amended to read:
4.22 		Subd. 10b.Remote supervision. "Remote supervision" means:
4.23 	(1) a veterinarian is not on the premises available to provide direct supervision but is 
4.24 	acquainted with the keeping and care of an animal by virtue of an examination of the animal 
4.25 	or medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal is kept; and
4.26 	(2) the supervising veterinarian has given written or oral instructions to a licensed 
4.27 	veterinary technician for ongoing care of an animal and is available by telephone or other 
4.28 	form of immediate communication; and.
5.1 	(3) the employee treating the animal timely enters into the animal's medical record 
5.2 	documentation of the treatment provided and the documentation is reviewed by the 
5.3 	veterinarian.

5.4 	Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision 
5.5 	to read:
5.6 		Subd. 10c.Surgery. "Surgery" means a treatment that is performed for the purpose of 
5.7 	structurally altering a patient through the incision or destruction of tissues in the practice 
5.8 	of veterinary medicine.

5.9 	Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision 
5.10 	to read:
5.11 		Subd. 10d.Telemedicine. "Telemedicine" means the practice of veterinary medicine 
5.12 	through the use of telecommunications technology that allows a licensed veterinarian with 
5.13 	a properly established veterinarian-client-patient relationship to virtually evaluate, virtually 
5.14 	diagnose, and virtually treat a patient.

5.15 	Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision 
5.16 	to read:
5.17 		Subd. 10e.Teletriage. "Teletriage" means a safe, appropriate, and timely assessment 
5.18 	and management of a patient, including providing first aid or making an immediate referral 
5.19 	to a licensed veterinarian, without the need for a veterinarian-client-patient relationship and 
5.20 	under uncertain and urgent conditions, by telephone or electronically. Teletriage does not 
5.21 	include providing a diagnosis to a patient.

5.22 	Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision 
5.23 	to read:
5.24 		Subd. 10f.Veterinarian. "Veterinarian" means an individual who has received a doctor 
5.25 	of veterinary medicine degree or its equivalent from an accredited or approved college of 
5.26 	veterinary medicine or is the holder of an ECFVG or a PAVE certificate.

5.27 	Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision 
5.28 	to read:
5.29 		Subd. 10g.Veterinarian-client-patient relationship. "Veterinarian-client-patient 
5.30 	relationship" has the meaning given in section 156.16, subdivision 12.

6.1 	Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision 
6.2 	to read:
6.3 		Subd. 10h.Veterinary medical facility. "Veterinary medical facility" means the 
6.4 	premises, office, unit, structure, mobile unit, or area used for the practice of veterinary 
6.5 	medicine. Veterinary medical facility does not include the premises of an owner when the 
6.6 	owner's animal is treated on the owner's premises.

6.7 	Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision 
6.8 	to read:
6.9 		Subd. 11a.Veterinary specialist. "Veterinary specialist" means a veterinarian who has 
6.10 	been awarded and maintains certification from a veterinary specialty organization recognized 
6.11 	by the American Veterinary Medical Association or other veterinary specialty organization 
6.12 	that maintains comparable certification requirements as determined by the board.

6.13 	Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision 
6.14 	to read:
6.15 		Subd. 11b.Veterinary Technician National Exam. "Veterinary Technician National 
6.16 	Exam" means the examination administered by the American Association of Veterinary 
6.17 	State Boards to evaluate the competency of entry-level veterinary technicians and veterinary 
6.18 	technologists.

6.19 	Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision 
6.20 	to read:
6.21 		Subd. 11c.Veterinary technician specialist. "Veterinary technician specialist" means 
6.22 	a veterinary technician or veterinary technologist who has been awarded and maintains 
6.23 	certification from a veterinary technician specialty academy recognized by the National 
6.24 	Association of Veterinary Technicians in America or another veterinary technician specialty 
6.25 	organization that maintains comparable certification requirements as determined by the 
6.26 	board.

6.27 	Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.001, is amended by adding a subdivision 
6.28 	to read:
6.29 		Subd. 11d.Veterinary technologist. "Veterinary technologist" means a person who has 
6.30 	earned a baccalaureate degree in veterinary technology from a four-year program accredited 
7.1 	by the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician 
7.2 	Education and Activities or the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.

7.3 	Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.01, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
7.4 		Subdivision 1.Creation; membership. There is hereby created a state Board of 
7.5 	Veterinary Medicine which shall consist that consists of nine board members. Two members 
7.6 	must be public members as defined by section 214.02and five licensed veterinarians
7.7 	appointed by the governor, five members must be licensed veterinarians appointed by the 
7.8 	governor, one member must be a licensed veterinary technician appointed by the governor, 
7.9 	and one member must be a licensed veterinarian appointed by the governor or a licensed 
7.10 	veterinary technician appointed by the governor. Each appointee shall must be a resident 
7.11 	of the state of Minnesota, and the veterinarian and veterinary technician members of the 
7.12 	board shall must have practiced veterinary medicine or veterinary technology in this state 
7.13 	for at least five years prior to their appointment. Membership terms, compensation of 
7.14 	members, removal of members, the filling of membership vacancies, and fiscal year and 
7.15 	reporting requirements shall must be as provided in sections 214.07 to 214.09. The provision 
7.16 	of staff, administrative services and office space; the review and processing of complaints; 
7.17 	the setting of board fees; and other provisions relating to board operations shall must be as 
7.18 	provided in chapter 214.

7.19 	Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.01, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
7.20 		Subd. 3.Officers. The board shall must elect from its number a president and such other 
7.21 	officers as are necessary, all from within its membership. One person may hold the offices 
7.22 	of both secretary and treasurer. The board shall have a seal and the power to subpoena 
7.23 	witnesses, to administer oaths, and take testimony. It shall make, alter, or amend rules that 
7.24 	are necessary to carry this chapter into effect. It shall hold examinations for applicants for 
7.25 	license to engage in veterinary practice at a time and place of its own choosing. Notice of 
7.26 	an examination must be posted 90 days before the date set for the examination in all 
7.27 	veterinary schools approved by the board in the state, and must be published in the American 
7.28 	Association of Veterinary State Boards "Directory of Veterinary Licensure Requirements." 
7.29 	The board may hold other meetings it deems necessary; but no meeting shall exceed three 
7.30 	days duration.

8.1 	Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
8.2 	read:
8.3 		Subd. 3a.Duties and authority of the board. (a) The board may subpoena witnesses, 
8.4 	administer oaths, and take testimony.
8.5 	(b) The board may adopt and amend rules that are necessary to implement this chapter.
8.6 	(c) The board must administer examinations to applicants for licenses to practice 
8.7 	veterinary medicine or veterinary technology.
8.8 	(d) The board may hold any meeting that the board deems necessary, except that a 
8.9 	meeting held by the board must not exceed three days in duration.
8.10 	(e) The board must have a seal.

8.11 	Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 156.015, subdivision 4, is amended 
8.12 	to read:
8.13 		Subd. 4.License verification. The board may charge a fee not to exceed $25 per license 
8.14 	verification to a licensee for verification of the person's licensure status provided to other
8.15 	another veterinary licensing boards board.

8.16 	Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
8.17 		Subdivision 1.License application. (a) An application for a license to practice veterinary 
8.18 	medicine in this state shall must be made in writing to the Board of Veterinary Medicine 
8.19 	upon a form furnished by the board, accompanied by satisfactory evidence that the applicant 
8.20 	is at least 18 years of age, is of good moral character, and has one of the following:
8.21 	(1) a diploma conferring the degree of doctor of veterinary medicine, or an equivalent 
8.22 	degree, from an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine;
8.23 	(2) an ECFVG or a PAVE certificate; or
8.24 	(3) a certificate from the dean of an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine 
8.25 	stating that the applicant is a student in good standing expecting to be graduated at the 
8.26 	completion of the current academic year of the college in which the applicant is enrolled.
8.27 	(b) The application shall must contain the information and material required by 
8.28 	subdivision 2 and any other information that the board may, in its sound judgment, require. 
8.29 	The application shall must be filed with the board at least 60 days before the date of the 
8.30 	examination. If the board deems it advisable, it may require that such the application be is
8.31 	verified by the oath of the applicant.

9.1 	Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.02, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
9.2 		Subd. 2.Required with application. Every application shall must contain the following 
9.3 	information and material:
9.4 	(1) the nonrefundable application fee set by the board in the form of a check or money 
9.5 	order payable to the board, which fee is not returnable in the event permission to take the 
9.6 	examination is denied for good cause;
9.7 	(2) one of the following:
9.8 	(i) a copy of a diploma from an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine 
9.9 	or a certificate from the dean or secretary of an accredited or approved college of veterinary 
9.10 	medicine showing the time spent in the school and the date when the applicant was duly 
9.11 	and regularly graduated or will duly and regularly graduate;
9.12 	(ii) an official transcript as proof of the applicant's degree; or verification
9.13 	(iii) if the applicant is a graduate of a foreign college of veterinary medicine, a certificate 
9.14 	of satisfactory completion of the ECFVG or PAVE certification program with a copy of 
9.15 	the applicant's diploma and a translation of the diploma if the diploma is not in English;
9.16 	and
9.17 	(3) affidavits of at least two veterinarians and three adults who are not related to the 
9.18 	applicant setting forth how long a time, when, and under what circumstances they have 
9.19 	known the applicant, and any other facts as may be proper to enable the board to determine 
9.20 	the qualifications of the applicant; and
9.21 	(4) (3) if the applicant has served in the armed forces, a copy of discharge papers.

9.22 	Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.03, is amended to read:
9.23 	156.03 EXAMINATION; PAYMENT.
9.24 	Upon filing the application and any other papers,; affidavits, if applicable; or proof that 
9.25 	the Board of Veterinary Medicine may require, together with the payment of the application 
9.26 	fee and appropriate examination fee as set by the board, the board shall issue must make 
9.27 	available to the applicant a permit to take the national examination in veterinary medicine 
9.28 	and the online Minnesota Veterinary Jurisprudence Examination Exam. All applicants must 
9.29 	be evaluated using an examination prescribed by the board. A passing score for the national 
9.30 	examination North American Veterinary Licensing Examination must be the criterion 
9.31 	referenced passing score as determined by the National Board Examination Committee
9.32 	International Council for Veterinary Assessment.

10.1 	Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.04, is amended to read:
10.2 	156.04 BOARD TO ISSUE LICENSE.
10.3 	The Board of Veterinary Medicine shall must issue a license to practice veterinary 
10.4 	medicine to every applicant who:
10.5 	(1) has successfully passed the required examination, who; and
10.6 	(2) either:
10.7 	(i) has received a diploma conferring the degree of doctor of veterinary medicine or an 
10.8 	equivalent degree from an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine; or
10.9 	(ii) has an ECFVG or a PAVE certificate, and who shall have been adjudged to be duly 
10.10 	qualified to practice veterinary medicine, a license to practice.

10.11 	Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.05, is amended to read:
10.12 	156.05 LICENSE.
10.13 	The license shall must be subscribed by the president and secretary of the Board of 
10.14 	Veterinary Medicine and have affixed to it by the executive director the seal of the board.
10.15 	Upon the board's request, a person licensed under this chapter must produce a copy of the 
10.16 	person's license within seven days of receiving the request.

10.17 	Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.06, is amended to read:
10.18 	156.06 LICENSE RECORDED.
10.19 	The license, before issued, shall must be recorded in a book or computer database to be 
10.20 	kept in the office which by the Board of Veterinary Medicine shall establish for the purpose 
10.21 	of carrying out the provisions of this chapter. These The records shall kept under this section 
10.22 	must be available for public inspection with proper restrictions as to their preservation as 
10.23 	provided in section 13.41.

10.24 	Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.07, is amended to read:
10.25 	156.07 LICENSE RENEWAL.
10.26 	Persons licensed under this chapter shall conspicuously display their license in their 
10.27 	principal place of business.
10.28 	(a) Persons now licensed in this state, or who shall are hereafter be licensed by the Board 
10.29 	of Veterinary Medicine as veterinarians or veterinary technicians, shall must periodically 
10.30 	renew their license in a manner prescribed by the board. The board shall must establish 
11.1 	license renewal fees and continuing education requirements. The board may establish, by 
11.2 	rule, an inactive license category, at a lower fee, for licensees not actively engaged in the 
11.3 	practice of veterinary medicine or veterinary technology within the state of Minnesota. The 
11.4 	board may assess a charge for delinquent payment of a renewal fee.
11.5 	(b) Any person who is licensed to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology 
11.6 	in this state pursuant to this chapter, shall be is entitled to receive a license to continue to 
11.7 	practice upon making application to the board and complying with the terms of this section 
11.8 	and rules of the board.

11.9 	Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.071, is amended to read:
11.10 	156.071 REINSTATEMENT OF EXPIRED LICENSE.
11.11 	(a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, an expired license, which that is 
11.12 	suspended by the board pursuant to section 156.07, may be reinstated at any time within 
11.13 	five years after its suspension on filing an application with the board and by payment of the 
11.14 	renewal fee in effect on the last preceding regular renewal date, plus all back fees, late fees, 
11.15 	and reinstatement fees. In addition, satisfactory evidence of meeting yearly continuing 
11.16 	education requirements must be furnished to the board.
11.17 	(b) A person who fails to renew a license within five years after its suspension may not 
11.18 	renew it, and it shall must not be restored, reissued, or reinstated thereafter, but such except 
11.19 	the person may apply for and obtain a new license on complying with the following 
11.20 	conditions:
11.21 	(1) the person is of good moral character;
11.22 	(2) no fact, circumstance, or condition exists which that, if the license were issued, would 
11.23 	justify its the revocation or suspension of the license according to section 156.081, 
11.24 	subdivision 2;
11.25 	(3) the person takes and passes the all examinations, if any, which would be required if 
11.26 	the person were then applying for a license for the first time, or otherwise establishes to the 
11.27 	satisfaction of the board that, with due regard for the public interest the person is qualified 
11.28 	to practice veterinary medicine required for an application for an initial license; and
11.29 	(4) the person pays all of the applicable fees that would be required if the person were 
11.30 	then applying for the license for the first time by the board.

12.1 	Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.072, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
12.2 		Subdivision 1.Application. A doctor of veterinary medicine duly admitted to practice 
12.3 	in any state, commonwealth, territory, or district of the United States or province of Canada 
12.4 	desiring permission to practice veterinary medicine in this state shall submit an application 
12.5 	to the board upon forms prescribed by the board. Upon proof of licensure to practice in any 
12.6 	United States or Canadian jurisdiction and having been actively engaged in practicing 
12.7 	veterinary medicine therein, for at least three of the five years next preceding the application, 
12.8 	or having been engaged in full time teaching of veterinary medicine in an approved or 
12.9 	accredited college for at least three of the five years next preceding the application, or any 
12.10 	combination thereof, the national examination in veterinary medicine may be waived, upon 
12.11 	the recommendation of the board, and the applicant be admitted to practice without 
12.12 	examination. However, the board may impose any other examinations it considers proper.

12.13 	Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.072, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
12.14 		Subd. 2.Required with application. Such doctor of veterinary medicine shall accompany 
12.15 	the application by the following An applicant for a license to practice veterinary medicine 
12.16 	in the state must provide the following to the board:
12.17 	(1) either:
12.18 	(i) a copy of a diploma from an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine 
12.19 	or certification from the dean, registrar, or secretary of an accredited or approved college 
12.20 	of veterinary medicine attesting to the applicant's graduation from an accredited or approved 
12.21 	college of veterinary medicine,; or
12.22 	(ii) a copy of a diploma from a foreign college of veterinary medicine, a translation of 
12.23 	the diploma if the diploma is not in English, and a certificate of satisfactory completion of 
12.24 	the ECFVG or PAVE program;
12.25 	(2) affidavits of two licensed practicing doctors of veterinary medicine residing in the 
12.26 	United States or Canadian licensing jurisdiction in which the applicant is currently practicing, 
12.27 	attesting that they are well acquainted with the applicant, that the applicant is a person of 
12.28 	good moral character, and has been actively engaged in practicing or teaching in such 
12.29 	jurisdiction for the period above prescribed;
12.30 	(2) a copy of the applicant's valid unrestricted license to practice veterinary medicine in 
12.31 	good standing from a state or territory in the United States or Canada;
13.1 	(3) a certificate from the regulatory agency having jurisdiction over the conduct of 
13.2 	practice of veterinary medicine that such applicant is in good standing and is not the subject 
13.3 	of disciplinary action or pending disciplinary action;
13.4 	(4) a certificate from all other jurisdictions in which the applicant holds a currently active 
13.5 	license or held a license within the past ten years, stating that the applicant is and was in 
13.6 	good standing and has not been subject to disciplinary action;
13.7 	(5) in lieu of clauses (3) and (4), certification from the Veterinary Information Verification 
13.8 	Agency that the applicant's licensure is in good standing;
13.9 	(6) a nonrefundable fee as set by the boardin form of check or money order payable to 
13.10 	the board, no part of which shall be refunded should the application be denied;
13.11 	(7) score reports on previously taken national examinations in veterinary medicine, 
13.12 	certified by the Veterinary Information Verification Agency; and unless the board has 
13.13 	waived this requirement because the applicant's current American Association of Veterinary 
13.14 	State Boards licensing jurisdiction officially reported North American Veterinary Licensing 
13.15 	Examination scores to the board;
13.16 	(8) if requesting waiver of examination, provide evidence of meeting licensure 
13.17 	requirements in the state of the applicant's original licensure that were substantially equal 
13.18 	to the requirements for licensure in Minnesota in existence at that time.;
13.19 	(9) proof that the applicant received a passing score for the Minnesota Veterinarian 
13.20 	Jurisprudence Examination; and
13.21 	(10) a completed criminal background check.

13.22 	Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.076, is amended to read:
13.23 	156.076 DIRECT SUPERVISION; UNLICENSED VETERINARY EMPLOYEES.
13.24 	(a) An unlicensed veterinary employee may only administer medication or render 
13.25 	auxiliary or supporting assistance under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian or 
13.26 	licensed veterinary technician.
13.27 	(b) This section does not prohibit:
13.28 	(1) the performance of generalized nursing tasks ordered by the veterinarian and 
13.29 	performed by an unlicensed employee on inpatient animals during the hours when a 
13.30 	veterinarian is not on the premises; or
14.1 	(2) the performance of commonly accepted livestock management practices under remote 
14.2 	supervision; or
14.3 	(3) under emergency conditions, an unlicensed employee from rendering lifesaving aid 
14.4 	and treatment to an animal in the absence of a veterinarian if the animal is in a life-threatening 
14.5 	condition and requires immediate treatment to sustain life or prevent further injury.

14.6 	Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.077, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
14.7 		Subd. 3.Required with application. A completed application must contain the following 
14.8 	information and material:
14.9 	(1) the application fee set by the board, which is not refundable if permission to take the 
14.10 	jurisprudence examination is denied for good cause;
14.11 	(2) proof of graduation from a veterinary technology program accredited or approved 
14.12 	by the American Veterinary Medical Association or Canadian Veterinary Medical 
14.13 	Association; and
14.14 	(3) affidavits from at least two licensed veterinarians and three adults who are not related 
14.15 	to the applicant that establish how long, when, and under what circumstances the references 
14.16 	have known the applicant and any other facts that may enable the board to determine the 
14.17 	applicant's qualifications; and
14.18 	(4) (3) if the applicant has served in the armed forces, a copy of the applicant's discharge 
14.19 	papers.

14.20 	Sec. 45. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.077, is amended by adding a subdivision 
14.21 	to read:
14.22 		Subd. 5.Pharmaceutical services. (a) A licensed veterinary technician must:
14.23 	(1) ensure that a prescription drug or prescription biologic is properly administered to 
14.24 	a patient; or
14.25 	(2) provide instructions to a client on the proper administration of a drug or biologic to 
14.26 	a patient if the licensed veterinary technician will not be administering or supervising the 
14.27 	administration of the drug to the patient.
14.28 	(b) A veterinary technician must store and dispense drugs and biologics to clients 
14.29 	according to section 151.35 and The United States Pharmacopeia and the National Formulary, 
14.30 	1990 edition, published by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc., Rockville, 
14.31 	Maryland.

15.1 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

15.2 	Sec. 46. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.077, is amended by adding a subdivision 
15.3 	to read:
15.4 		Subd. 6.Record keeping. (a) A licensed veterinary technician working under a 
15.5 	veterinarian's direct or remote supervision on a patient, group of patients, herd, or flock, 
15.6 	regardless of whether the patient, group, herd, or flock is in the veterinarian's custody at a 
15.7 	veterinary facility or on the owner's or caretaker's premises, must prepare a written medical 
15.8 	record or electronic medical record regarding the patient, group, herd, or flock that contains, 
15.9 	at a minimum:
15.10 	(1) the owner's name, address, and telephone number;
15.11 	(2) if applicable, the identity of the patient, including the patient's name, age, sex, and 
15.12 	breed;
15.13 	(3) the dates of examination, treatment, and surgery;
15.14 	(4) a brief history of the condition of the patient, group of patients, herd, or flock;
15.15 	(5) examination findings;
15.16 	(6) laboratory and radiographic reports;
15.17 	(7) the veterinarian's tentative diagnosis;
15.18 	(8) the veterinarian's treatment plan; and
15.19 	(9) the veterinarian's prescribed medication and treatment, including the dosage and 
15.20 	frequency of any prescribed medication.
15.21 	(b) A licensed veterinary technician must maintain an individual written medical record 
15.22 	or electronic medical record for each patient, except a licensed veterinary technician may 
15.23 	maintain one medical record for a group of patients if:
15.24 	(1) the patients are livestock as defined in section 17A.03, subdivision 5; horses; or a 
15.25 	litter of animals; and
15.26 	(2) the record contains the information required in paragraph (a).
15.27 	(c) Within two weeks of receiving a written request for records, a veterinary technician 
15.28 	under the direct or remote supervision of a veterinarian must release a patient's medical 
15.29 	records or an accurate summary of the patient's medical records to the owner or owner's 
15.30 	authorized agent, including the board. A supervising veterinarian may charge a reasonable 
15.31 	fee for copying or preparing a summary of records, except in the case of a board investigation 
16.1 	of a possible violation of section 156.081 or other statute or rule that the board is authorized 
16.2 	to enforce.
16.3 	(d) A radiograph must be permanently identified. A licensed veterinary technician must 
16.4 	only release a radiograph upon the written request of a veterinarian who has the written 
16.5 	authorization of the owner of the patient to whom the radiograph pertains. The owner must 
16.6 	return a radiograph within a reasonable time to the veterinary practice that originally prepared 
16.7 	the radiograph.
16.8 	(e) A licensed veterinary technician must keep medical records private and must not 
16.9 	release medical records to third parties unless authorized by the client or required by law.

16.10 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

16.11 	Sec. 47. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.077, is amended by adding a subdivision 
16.12 	to read:
16.13 		Subd. 7.Humane care. A licensed veterinary technician must treat animals entrusted 
16.14 	by a client to the supervising veterinarian consistent with prevailing professional standards 
16.15 	of humane treatment and care.

16.16 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

16.17 	Sec. 48. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.077, is amended by adding a subdivision 
16.18 	to read:
16.19 		Subd. 8.Continuing education. (a) A licensed veterinary technician must complete at 
16.20 	least 16 hours of continuing education credits during each biennial licensing period. Of 
16.21 	those 16 hours, at least 12 hours of continuing education credits must be in a medical 
16.22 	category.
16.23 	(b) Upon submitting an application to the board for the renewal of a license to practice 
16.24 	veterinary technology, an applicant must provide documentation to the board that the 
16.25 	applicant completed at least 16 continuing education credit hours according to paragraph 
16.26 	(a).
16.27 	(c) A licensed veterinary technician must not carry forward excess continuing credit 
16.28 	hours into the next licensing period.
16.29 	(d) A licensed veterinary technician must take additional continuing education required 
16.30 	by the board if, in the course of a disciplinary proceeding, the board determines that remedial 
16.31 	education in a specific subject area is necessary.

17.1 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

17.2 	Sec. 49. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.078, is amended to read:
17.3 	156.078 NONRESIDENTS; LICENSED VETERINARY TECHNICIANS.
17.4 	A credentialed veterinary technician duly admitted to practice in any state, 
17.5 	commonwealth, territory, or district of the United States or province of Canada who desires 
17.6 	permission to practice veterinary technology in this state shall Minnesota must submit an 
17.7 	application to the board on a form furnished by the board. The board shall must review an 
17.8 	application for transfer if the applicant submits:
17.9 	(1) a copy of a diploma from an accredited or approved college of veterinary technology 
17.10 	or certification from the dean, registrar, or secretary of an accredited or approved college 
17.11 	of veterinary technology or a certificate of satisfactory completion of the PAVE program;
17.12 	(2) a copy of the applicant's valid unrestricted license in good standing to practice 
17.13 	veterinary technology from a state or territory in the United States or Canada;
17.14 	if requesting waiver of examination, evidence of meeting licensure requirements in the 
17.15 	state of the applicant's original licensure;
17.16 	(3) affidavits of two licensed practicing doctors of veterinary medicine or veterinary 
17.17 	technicians residing in the United States or Canadian licensing jurisdiction in which the 
17.18 	applicant is or was most recently practicing, attesting that they are well acquainted with the 
17.19 	applicant, that the applicant is a person of good moral character, and that the applicant has 
17.20 	been actively engaged in practicing or teaching in such jurisdiction;
17.21 	(4) (3) a certificate from the agency that regulates the conduct of practice of veterinary 
17.22 	technology in the jurisdiction in which the applicant is or was most recently practicing, 
17.23 	stating that the applicant is in good standing and is not the subject of disciplinary action or 
17.24 	pending disciplinary action;
17.25 	(5) (4) a certificate from all other jurisdictions in which the applicant holds a currently 
17.26 	active license or held a license within the past ten years, stating that the applicant is and 
17.27 	was in good standing and has not been subject to disciplinary action;
17.28 	(6) (5) in lieu of the certificates in clauses (4) and (5), certification from the Veterinary 
17.29 	Information Verification Agency that the applicant's licensure is in good standing;
17.30 	(7) a fee as set by the board in form of check or money order(6) a nonrefundable 
17.31 	application fee payable to the board, no part of which shall be refunded should the board 
17.32 	may refund if the application be is denied;
18.1 	(8) (7) score reports on previously taken national examinations in veterinary technology, 
18.2 	certified by the Veterinary Information Verification Agency or evidence of employment as 
18.3 	a veterinary technician for at least three years, unless the board has waived this requirement 
18.4 	because the applicant's current AAVSB licensing jurisdiction officially reported VTNE 
18.5 	scores to the board;
18.6 	(9) (8) proof that the applicant received a passing score for the Minnesota Veterinary 
18.7 	Technician Jurisprudence Examination; and
18.8 	(10) (9) proof of a completed criminal background check.

18.9 	Sec. 50. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.081, is amended to read:
18.10 	156.081 REVOCATION; SUSPENSION.
18.11 		Subdivision 1.Authority. The board may limit, suspend, or revoke the license of any 
18.12 	person to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology in this state for any of the 
18.13 	causes provided in this section. The executive director, in all cases of disciplined licenses, 
18.14 	shall must enter on the register the fact of the disciplinary action, as the case may be. The 
18.15 	record of such disciplinary action made by the executive director shall be is prima facie 
18.16 	evidence of the fact thereof, and of the regularity of all the proceedings of the board in the 
18.17 	matter of the disciplinary action.
18.18 		Subd. 2.Causes. (a) The board may revoke, suspend, or impose limitations upon a 
18.19 	license to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology for any of the following 
18.20 	causes:
18.21 	(1) the employment of fraud, misrepresentation or deception in obtaining such a license
18.22 	to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology;
18.23 	(2) being convicted of a felony or gross misdemeanor, including a finding or verdict of 
18.24 	guilt, whether or not the adjudication of guilt is withheld or not entered, an admission of 
18.25 	guilt, or a no contest plea, as evidenced by a certified copy of the conviction;
18.26 	(3) being unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety by reason of illness, use of 
18.27 	alcohol, drugs, chemicals, or any other materials, or as a result of any mental or physical 
18.28 	condition;
18.29 	(3) having an impairment that prevents a licensee from practicing veterinary medicine 
18.30 	or veterinary technology with reasonable skill, competence, and safety to the public;
18.31 	(4) existence of a professional connection with or the lending of one's name to any illegal 
18.32 	practitioner of veterinary medicine or veterinary technology;
19.1 	(5) having been the subject of revocation, suspension, or surrender of a veterinary license 
19.2 	to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology in resolution of a complaint or 
19.3 	other adverse action related to licensure in another jurisdiction or country;
19.4 	(6) violating a state or federal narcotics or controlled substance law irrespective of any 
19.5 	proceedings under section 152.18 or federal law;
19.6 	(7) fraudulently conducting or reporting results of physical examinations or biological 
19.7 	tests used to detect and prevent the dissemination of animal diseases, transportation of 
19.8 	diseased animals, or distribution of contaminated, infected, or inedible animal products, or 
19.9 	failing to report, as required by law, any contagious or infectious disease;
19.10 	(8) engaging in false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading advertising;
19.11 	(9) conviction on a charge of cruelty to animals;
19.12 	(10) failure, after written notification by the board, to keep one's premises and all 
19.13 	equipment therein in a clean and sanitary condition, according to reasonable standards 
19.14 	adopted by the board;
19.15 	(11) fraud, deception, or incompetence in the practice of veterinary medicine or veterinary 
19.16 	technology, including any departure from or failure to conform to the minimum standards 
19.17 	of acceptable and prevailing practice without actual injury having to be established;
19.18 	irrespective of whether there has been demonstrable injury or any sustained injury;
19.19 	(12) engaging in unprofessional conduct as defined in rules adopted by the board or 
19.20 	engaging in conduct which that violates any state or federal statute or rule promulgated by 
19.21 	the board or; any board order; or any state or federal order relating to the practice of 
19.22 	veterinary medicine or veterinary technology;
19.23 	(13) being adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction, within or without this state, 
19.24 	as a person who is incapacitated, mentally incompetent or mentally ill, chemically dependent, 
19.25 	mentally ill and dangerous to the public, or a psychopathic personality;
19.26 	(14) revealing a privileged communication from or relating to a client except when 
19.27 	otherwise required or permitted by law;
19.28 	(15) obtaining money, property, or services from a client through the use of undue 
19.29 	influence, harassment, duress, deception, or fraud or through the improper use of the regulated 
19.30 	individual's position as a professional;
19.31 	(16) practicing outside the scope of practice authorized by the board's practice act this 
19.32 	chapter or Minnesota Rules, chapter 9100; or
20.1 	(17) making a false statement or misrepresentation to the board.
20.2 	(b) The board may limit, suspend, or revoke a license to practice veterinary technology 
20.3 	for any of the following causes:
20.4 	(1) practicing veterinary medicine by diagnosing a patient, prescribing drugs, performing 
20.5 	surgery, or giving a prognosis for a patient;
20.6 	(2) failing to meet the requirements of section 156.077;
20.7 	(3) engaging in actions or activities that create unnecessary danger to a patient's life, 
20.8 	health, or safety;
20.9 	(4) making a claim that the licensee has performed or charged a fee for an act or treatment 
20.10 	that the licensee did not perform;
20.11 	(5) publicly asserting or implying that the licensee has professional superiority in the 
20.12 	practice of veterinary technology that cannot be substantiated;
20.13 	(6) practicing veterinary technology under a false or assumed name;
20.14 	(7) impersonating another licensed veterinary technician;
20.15 	(8) practicing veterinary technology while holding an expired, terminated, or suspended 
20.16 	license to practice veterinary technology;
20.17 	(9) failing to provide information to the board within 30 days of receiving a written 
20.18 	request from the board pursuant to an investigation by the board or on behalf of the board;
20.19 	(10) promoting, aiding, abetting, or permitting the practice of veterinary medicine or 
20.20 	veterinary technology by an unlicensed individual;
20.21 	(11) being convicted of a felony or gross misdemeanor, including a finding or verdict 
20.22 	of guilt, whether or not the adjudication of guilt is withheld or not entered, an admission of 
20.23 	guilt, or a no contest plea, as evidenced by a certified copy of the conviction;
20.24 	(12) using, misusing, or selling a controlled drug listed in chapter 152 or the federal 
20.25 	Controlled Substances Act of 1970, United States Code, title 21, section 812;
20.26 	(13) violating or failing to comply with state or federal law or regulations relating to 
20.27 	storing, labeling, or dispensing controlled substances;
20.28 	(14) promoting, selling, or using a product for treatment of an animal that is outdated, 
20.29 	damaged, misbranded, or adulterated;
20.30 	(15) refusing to allow the board or the board's agent to inspect a veterinary facility during 
20.31 	reasonable hours pursuant to an investigation by or on behalf of the board;
21.1 	(16) performing unnecessary, unethical, or unauthorized treatment of a patient;
21.2 	(17) having a conflict of interest unless the licensee fully discloses the licensee's conflict 
21.3 	of interest to the client;
21.4 	(18) surreptitiously obtaining through theft, unauthorized copying, duplicating, or other 
21.5 	means client lists, mailing lists, medical records, or computer records that are the property 
21.6 	of a veterinarian, veterinary partnership, or professional veterinary corporation;
21.7 	(19) failing to report to the board any disciplinary action taken against the licensee's 
21.8 	license to practice veterinary technology in another jurisdiction;
21.9 	(20) failing to meet continuing education requirements for biennial license renewal;
21.10 	(21) failing to submit adequate proof of continuing education attendance within 30 days 
21.11 	of a board request; or
21.12 	(22) falsifying continuing education attendance documentation.

21.13 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

21.14 	Sec. 51. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.12, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
21.15 		Subdivision 1.Practice. (a) The practice of veterinary medicine, as used in this chapter, 
21.16 	shall mean the diagnosis, treatment, correction, relief, or prevention of animal disease, 
21.17 	deformity, defect, injury, or other physical or mental conditions; the performance of 
21.18 	obstetrical procedures for animals, including determination of pregnancy and correction of 
21.19 	sterility or infertility; and the rendering of advice or recommendations with regard to any 
21.20 	of the above. The practice of veterinary medicine shall include but not be limited to the 
21.21 	prescription or administration of any drug, medicine, biologic, apparatus, application, 
21.22 	anesthetic, or other therapeutic or diagnostic substance or technique. The practice shall not 
21.23 	be construed to include the dehorning of cattle and goats or the castration of cattle, swine, 
21.24 	goats, and sheep, or the docking of sheep. includes:
21.25 	(1) the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, correction, relief, or prevention of animal disease, 
21.26 	pain, deformity, defect, injury, or other physical, behavioral, dental, or mental conditions, 
21.27 	including but not limited to performing medical, dental, or surgical procedures;
21.28 	(2) using any procedure for reproductive management, including but not limited to the 
21.29 	diagnosis or treatment of pregnancy, fertility, sterility, infertility, or obstetrical procedures;
21.30 	(3) prescribing, dispensing, or administering a drug, a medicine, a biologic, an appliance, 
21.31 	an apparatus, an application, an anesthetic, or a treatment; and
22.1 	(4) determining the health, fitness, or soundness of an animal.
22.2 	(b) The practice of veterinary medicine includes the use of complementary, alternative, 
22.3 	and integrative therapies. Complementary, alternative, and integrative therapies include but 
22.4 	are not limited to veterinary acupuncture, acutherapy, and acupressure; veterinary 
22.5 	homeopathy; veterinary manual or manipulative therapy, including therapies based on 
22.6 	techniques practiced in osteopathy, chiropractic medicine, or physical rehabilitation and 
22.7 	therapy; veterinary nutraceutical therapy; and veterinary phytotherapy.
22.8 	(c) A veterinarian-client-patient relationship between a licensed veterinarian and a patient 
22.9 	must be established before the licensed veterinarian engages in the practice of veterinary 
22.10 	medicine, except that a licensed veterinarian may provide emergency stabilization or 
22.11 	teletriage to a patient without having established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship 
22.12 	with the patient.

22.13 	Sec. 52. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.12, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
22.14 		Subd. 2.Authorized activities. No provision of this chapter shall may be construed to 
22.15 	prohibit:
22.16 	(a) (1) a person from rendering necessary gratuitous assistance in the treatment of any 
22.17 	animal when the assistance does not amount to prescribing, testing for, or diagnosing, 
22.18 	operating, or vaccinating and when the attendance of a licensed veterinarian cannot be 
22.19 	procured providing immediate care to a patient in the event of an emergency situation or 
22.20 	accident;
22.21 	(b) (2) while under the direct supervision or remote supervision of a licensed veterinarian, 
22.22 	a licensed veterinary technician or a veterinary assistant from providing emergency 
22.23 	stabilization to a patient with the consent of the client if immediate access to a licensed 
22.24 	veterinarian is delayed;
22.25 	(3) a licensed veterinarian or, while under the direct or remote supervision of a licensed 
22.26 	veterinarian, a veterinary technician or a veterinary assistant from providing emergency 
22.27 	teletriage, including poison control services, to an animal patient if immediate action is 
22.28 	necessary;
22.29 	(4) any person from providing advice or performing actions that the board has designated 
22.30 	by rule as accepted livestock management practices;
22.31 	(5) a person who is a regular student in an accredited or approved college of veterinary 
22.32 	medicine from performing duties or actions assigned by instructors or preceptors or working 
22.33 	under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian;
23.1 	(c) a veterinarian regularly licensed in another jurisdiction from consulting with (6) any 
23.2 	person from providing a consultation to a licensed veterinarian in this the state; on the care 
23.3 	and management of a patient only if:
23.4 	(i) the service provided by the person is limited to a consultation; and
23.5 	(ii) the licensed veterinarian receiving the consultation maintains the 
23.6 	veterinarian-client-patient relationship;
23.7 	(7) any veterinarian employed by an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine 
23.8 	from providing assistance requested by a licensed veterinarian with consent from the client 
23.9 	and acting under the direct supervision or remote supervision of the licensed veterinarian 
23.10 	who requested assistance. The licensed veterinarian requesting assistance must maintain 
23.11 	responsibility for a veterinarian-client-patient relationship with the patient;
23.12 	(d) (8) the owner of an animal and the owner's regular employee from caring for, treating, 
23.13 	and administering drugs prescribed by a licensed veterinarian to the animal belonging to 
23.14 	the owner, except where the ownership of the animal was transferred for purposes of 
23.15 	circumventing this chapter. When caring for, treating, or administering drugs to an animal, 
23.16 	the animal's owner and the owner's regular employee must comply with all laws, rules, and 
23.17 	regulations related to the use of medicines and biologics;
23.18 	(e) (9) veterinarians who are in compliance with section 156.0721 and who are employed 
23.19 	by the University of Minnesota from performing their duties with the College of Veterinary 
23.20 	Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Agricultural Experiment Station, Agricultural 
23.21 	Extension Service, Medical School, School of Public Health, School of Nursing, or other 
23.22 	unit within the university; or a person from lecturing or giving instructions or demonstrations 
23.23 	at the university or in connection with a continuing education course or seminar to 
23.24 	veterinarians;
23.25 	(f) (10) any person from selling or applying any pesticide, insecticide or herbicide;
23.26 	(g) (11) any person from engaging in bona fide scientific research or investigations 
23.27 	which that reasonably requires experimentation involving animals and is conducted in a 
23.28 	facility that complies with local and federal law, rules, and regulations;
23.29 	(h) (12) any employee of a licensed veterinarian from performing duties other than 
23.30 	diagnosis, prescription or surgical correction under the direction and supervision of the 
23.31 	veterinarian or a licensed veterinary technician, who shall be is responsible for the 
23.32 	performance of the employee;
24.1 	(i) (13) a graduate of a foreign college of veterinary medicine from working under the 
24.2 	direct personal instruction, control, or supervision of a veterinarian faculty member of the 
24.3 	College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota in order to complete the 
24.4 	requirements necessary to obtain an ECFVG or a PAVE certificate;
24.5 	(j) (14) a licensed chiropractor registered under section 148.01, subdivision 1a, from 
24.6 	practicing animal chiropractic; or
24.7 	(k) (15) a person certified by the director of the Office of Emergency Medical Services 
24.8 	under chapter 144E from providing emergency medical care to a police dog wounded in 
24.9 	the line of duty.;
24.10 	(16) any employee of the federal, state, or local government from performing the 
24.11 	employee's official duties;
24.12 	(17) any licensed individual with a licensed or regulated profession in the state from 
24.13 	providing assistance requested by a licensed veterinarian from acting with the client's consent 
24.14 	and acting under the direct or remote supervision of the licensed veterinarian. The licensed 
24.15 	veterinarian providing direct or remote supervision must maintain responsibility for the 
24.16 	veterinarian-client-patient relationship;
24.17 	(18) any pharmacist, merchant, or manufacturer at the pharmacist's, merchant's, or 
24.18 	manufacturer's regular place of business from selling over-the-counter medicine, feed, 
24.19 	appliances, or other products used in the prevention or treatment of animal diseases;
24.20 	(19) any person from providing training for animals, except that the person must not 
24.21 	diagnose, prescribe, or dispense any therapeutic drugs without a license required by the 
24.22 	board;
24.23 	(20) a veterinarian who is licensed in another state or a veterinary technician or veterinary 
24.24 	technologist who has credentials in another state from practicing veterinary medicine or 
24.25 	veterinary technology in Minnesota during an emergency or a natural disaster, within the 
24.26 	scope and location of assigned veterinary medical or veterinary technological duties of the 
24.27 	response efforts without passing written examinations or other qualifications, if:
24.28 	(i) an official declaration of the disaster or emergency has been made by the governor 
24.29 	or the delegated state official; and
24.30 	(ii) the veterinarian, veterinary technician, or veterinary technologist has received an 
24.31 	official invitation for a specified time by the authority with jurisdiction over coordinating 
24.32 	animal or agricultural issues during disasters or emergencies in the state according to section 
24.33 	192.89; or
25.1 	(21) any person from lawfully providing care and rehabilitation to wildlife species 
25.2 	according to Minnesota Rules, part 6244.0400.

25.3 	Sec. 53. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.121, is amended to read:
25.4 	156.121 FACILITY INSPECTION.
25.5 	(a) The executive director, or an authorized representative of the board may, in response 
25.6 	to a complaint, inspect a facility in which veterinary medicine is practiced, at any time 
25.7 	during which the facility is open for business, to ensure compliance with the requirements 
25.8 	of this chapter and the regulations of the board.
25.9 	(b) A licensed veterinarian must allow authorized representatives of the board to:
25.10 	(1) enter premises where veterinary drugs are held for distribution in the state at 
25.11 	reasonable times, within reasonable limits, and in a reasonable manner;
25.12 	(2) inspect records, equipment, materials, containers, and facilities to determine whether 
25.13 	veterinary drugs comply with this chapter; and
25.14 	(3) collect samples.

25.15 	Sec. 54. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.16, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
25.16 		Subd. 5.Food-producing animals animal. "Food-producing animals animal" means 
25.17 	livestock or poultry any animal raised commercially for human consumption or for producing 
25.18 	food products or byproducts for food.

25.19 	Sec. 55. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.16, subdivision 12, is amended to read:
25.20 		Subd. 12.Veterinarian-client-patient relationship. "Veterinarian-client-patient 
25.21 	relationship" means a relationship in which the conditions in paragraphs (a) to (d) (e) have 
25.22 	been met.
25.23 	(a) The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making medical judgments 
25.24 	regarding the health of the animal and the need for medical treatment, and the client has 
25.25 	agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian.
25.26 	(b) The veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the animal to initiate at least a general, 
25.27 	preliminary, or tentative diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal. The veterinarian 
25.28 	must be acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal by virtue of an examination of 
25.29 	the animal or medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal is 
25.30 	kept.
26.1 	(c) The veterinarian is available for consultation in case of adverse reactions or failure 
26.2 	of the regimen of therapy.
26.3 	(d) The veterinarian maintains records documenting patient visits, diagnosis, treatments, 
26.4 	and drugs prescribed, dispensed, or administered, and other relevant information.
26.5 	(e) The patient has visited or been examined by the veterinarian at least once every 12 
26.6 	months.

26.7 	Sec. 56. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.16, subdivision 14, is amended to read:
26.8 		Subd. 14.Veterinary prescription drug. "Veterinary prescription drug" means:
26.9 	(1) a drug that is not safe for animal use except under the supervision of a veterinarian, 
26.10 	and that is required by federal law to bear the following statement: "Caution: federal law 
26.11 	restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian";
26.12 	(2) (1) a drug that is required by state law to may not be dispensed only on order or
26.13 	without a prescription of a licensed veterinarian; and
26.14 	(3) the extra-label use of an over-the-counter animal drug or human drugs; and
26.15 	(4) a medicament compounded by mixing two or more legally obtained over-the-counter 
26.16 	or prescription drugs.
26.17 	(2) a drug with the following statement on the drug's label: "Caution: federal law restricts 
26.18 	this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian."

26.19 	Sec. 57. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.18, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
26.20 		Subdivision 1.Prescription. (a) A person may not dispense a veterinary prescription 
26.21 	drug to a client without a prescription or other veterinary authorization. A person may not 
26.22 	make extra-label use of an animal or human drug for an animal without a prescription from 
26.23 	a veterinarian. A veterinarian or the veterinarian's authorized employee may dispense 
26.24 	veterinary prescription drugs, human drugs for extra-label use, or an over-the-counter animal 
26.25 	drug for extra-label use by a client without a separate written prescription, providing there 
26.26 	is documentation of the prescription in the medical record and there is an existing 
26.27 	veterinarian-client-patient relationship. The prescribing veterinarian must monitor the use 
26.28 	of veterinary prescription drugs, human drugs for extra-label use, or over-the-counter animal 
26.29 	drugs for extra-label use by a client.
26.30 	(b) A veterinarian may dispense prescription veterinary drugs and prescribe and dispense 
26.31 	extra-label use drugs to a client without personally examining the animal if a bona fide 
27.1 	veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists and, in the judgment of the veterinarian the 
27.2 	client has sufficient knowledge to use the drugs properly, and the drugs are used in 
27.3 	accordance with federal regulations.
27.4 	(c) A licensed veterinarian may dispense a veterinary prescription drug without 
27.5 	establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship if:
27.6 	(1) the drug is prescribed by a licensed veterinarian or by a veterinarian licensed in 
27.7 	another jurisdiction who has established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship;
27.8 	(2) the prescribing veterinarian has an inadequate supply of the drug, failure to dispense 
27.9 	the drug would interrupt a therapeutic regimen, or failure to dispense the drug would cause 
27.10 	an animal to suffer;
27.11 	(3) the dispensing veterinarian makes a reasonable attempt to verify the prescription 
27.12 	with the prescribing veterinarian;
27.13 	(4) dispensing drugs without establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship 
27.14 	constitutes less than ten percent of total drugs dispensed during the year;
27.15 	(5) the drug is necessary to facilitate the safe examination of a patient; or
27.16 	(6) the drug is necessary to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.
27.17 	(d) A veterinarian may issue a prescription or other veterinary authorization by oral or 
27.18 	written communication to the dispenser, or by computer connection. If the communication 
27.19 	is oral, the veterinarian must enter it into the patient's record. The dispenser must record the 
27.20 	veterinarian's prescription or other veterinary authorization within 72 hours.
27.21 	(d) (e) A prescription or other veterinary authorization must include:
27.22 	(1) the name, address, and, if written, the signature of the prescriber;
27.23 	(2) the name and address of the client;
27.24 	(3) identification of the species and patient for which the drug is prescribed or ordered;
27.25 	(4) the name, strength, and quantity of the drug;
27.26 	(5) the date of issue;
27.27 	(6) directions for use;
27.28 	(7) the withdrawal time, if applicable;
27.29 	(8) expiration date of prescription; and
27.30 	(9) number of authorized refills.
28.1 	(e) (f) A veterinarian may, in the course of professional practice and an existing 
28.2 	veterinarian-client-patient relationship, prepare medicaments that combine drugs approved 
28.3 	by the United States Food and Drug Administration and other legally obtained ingredients 
28.4 	with appropriate vehicles, as long as the medicaments conform with federal regulations.
28.5 	(f) (g) A veterinarian or a bona fide employee of a veterinarian may dispense veterinary 
28.6 	prescription drugs to a person on the basis of a prescription issued by a licensed veterinarian. 
28.7 	The provisions of paragraphs (c) and (d) apply.
28.8 	(g) (h) This section does not limit the authority of the Minnesota Racing Commission 
28.9 	to regulate veterinarians providing services at a licensed racetrack.

28.10 	Sec. 58. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.18, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
28.11 		Subd. 2.Label of dispensed veterinary drugs. (a) A veterinarian or the veterinarian's 
28.12 	authorized agent or employee dispensing a veterinary prescription drug, an over-the-counter 
28.13 	animal drug for extra-label use by an animal, or a human drug for extra-label use by an 
28.14 	animal must provide written information which that includes:
28.15 	(1) the name and address of the veterinarian,;
28.16 	(2) date of filling, the prescription;
28.17 	(3) species and name of the patient,;
28.18 	(4) the name or names of the drug,;
28.19 	(5) the strength of the drug or drugs,;
28.20 	(6) directions for the drug's use,;
28.21 	(7) the withdrawal time, and if applicable;
28.22 	(8) cautionary statements, if any, appropriate for the drug.; and
28.23 	(9) the name and address of the dispensing pharmacy, if applicable.
28.24 	(b) If the veterinary drug has been prepared, mixed, formulated, or packaged by the 
28.25 	dispenser, all of the information required in paragraph (a) must be provided on a label affixed 
28.26 	to the container.
28.27 	(c) If the veterinary drug is in the manufacturer's original package, the information 
28.28 	required in paragraph (a) must be supplied in writing but need not be on a label affixed to 
28.29 	the container by the manufacturer or a licensed veterinarian. Information required in 
28.30 	paragraph (a) that is provided by the manufacturer on the original package does not need 
29.1 	to be repeated in the separate written information. Written information required by this 
29.2 	paragraph may be written on the sales invoice.

29.3 	Sec. 59. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.18, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
29.4 		Subd. 4.Record keeping. Records required by this section must be kept for at least two 
29.5 	years after dispensing of the drug has been completed, unless otherwise specified by the 
29.6 	federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

29.7 	Sec. 60. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 156.19, is amended to read:
29.8 	156.19 EXTRA-LABEL USE.
29.9 	A person, other than a veterinarian or an employee of a veterinarian, must not make 
29.10 	extra-label use of a veterinary drug in or on a food-producing animal, unless permitted by 
29.11 	the prescription of a veterinarian. A veterinarian may prescribe the extra-label use of a drug 
29.12 	if:
29.13 	(1) the veterinarian makes a careful medical diagnosis within the context of a valid 
29.14 	veterinarian-client-patient relationship;
29.15 	(2) the veterinarian determines that there is no marketed drug specifically labeled to 
29.16 	treat the condition diagnosed, or that drug therapy as recommended by the labeling has, in 
29.17 	the judgment of the attending veterinarian, been found to be clinically ineffective;
29.18 	(3) the veterinarian recommends procedures to ensure that the identity of the treated 
29.19 	animal will be carefully maintained;
29.20 	(4) the veterinarian prescribes a significantly extended time period for drug withdrawal 
29.21 	before marketing meat, milk, or eggs takes appropriate measures to ensure that the time 
29.22 	frames for withdrawals are met and no illegal drug residues occur in any food-producing 
29.23 	animal subjected to extra-label treatment; and
29.24 	(5) the veterinarian has met the criteria established in Code of Federal Regulations, title 
29.25 	21, part 530, which define the extra-label use of medication in or on animals.

29.26 	Sec. 61. [156.191] VETERINARY FEED DIRECTIVES; VETERINARY FEED 
29.27 	DIRECTIVE DRUGS.
29.28 	(a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given.
29.29 	(b) "Veterinary feed directive" means a written statement issued by a licensed veterinarian 
29.30 	in the course of the veterinarian's professional practice that orders the use of a VFD drug 
30.1 	or combination VFD drug in or on an animal feed. A VFD authorizes a client to obtain and 
30.2 	use animal feed bearing or containing a VFD drug or combination VFD drug to treat the 
30.3 	client's animals only in accordance with the conditions for use approved, conditionally 
30.4 	approved, or indexed by the Food and Drug Administration.
30.5 	(c) "Veterinary feed directive drug" or "VFD drug" means a drug intended for use in or 
30.6 	on animal feed, which is limited by an approved application filed pursuant to section 512(b) 
30.7 	of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938; a conditionally approved application 
30.8 	filed pursuant to section 571 of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938; or an 
30.9 	index listing under section 572 of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 to use 
30.10 	under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Use of animal feed bearing or containing 
30.11 	a VFD drug must be authorized by a lawful VFD.
30.12 	(d) A licensed veterinarian is required to comply with the most recent regulations issued 
30.13 	under the federal Animal Drug Availability Act of 1996.

30.14 	Sec. 62. [156.21] DRUG DONATION FOR USE BY ANIMALS.
30.15 	(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an owner or a legal caretaker of an 
30.16 	animal may donate a drug that is dispensed for the animal that will not be used by the animal 
30.17 	to a licensed veterinarian at a veterinary medical facility if the veterinarian or veterinary 
30.18 	medical facility accepts the drug.
30.19 	(b) A licensed veterinarian or a veterinary medical facility may accept and reissue a drug 
30.20 	donated pursuant to this section if:
30.21 	(1) the drug has not expired;
30.22 	(2) the licensed veterinarian or staff person at the veterinary medical facility who accepts 
30.23 	the donation does not have any reason to believe that the drug has been adulterated;
30.24 	(3) the drug is not a controlled substance; and
30.25 	(4) the drug is not a compounded drug.
30.26 	(c) A licensed veterinarian or a veterinary medical facility must not resell a drug donated 
30.27 	under this section.
30.28 	(d) A licensed veterinarian or a veterinary medical facility may reissue a drug donated 
30.29 	under this section without charging a fee to:
30.30 	(1) another client of the veterinarian or a veterinary medical facility that would benefit 
30.31 	from receiving the medication;
31.1 	(2) a nonprofit animal shelter; or
31.2 	(3) a pound as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 1721.0490, subpart 9.

31.3 	Sec. 63. REPEALER.
 31.4 	Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 156.001, subdivision 9; 156.01, subdivision 2; 156.02, 
31.5 	subdivision 3; 156.072, subdivision 3; 156.073; 156.16, subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, and 11; 
31.6 	and 156.20, are repealed.

APPENDIX 

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: S4069-1 

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.