2026 Minnesota Statutes

CHAPTER 156. VETERINARIANS

BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

156.001 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Terms.

Except where the context otherwise indicates, for the purposes of this chapter, and acts amendatory thereof, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2.Accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine.

"Accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine" means 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.

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.

Subd. 3.Animal.

"Animal" means any organism, except humans, that has sensation and the power of voluntary movement and that requires oxygen and organic nutrients.

Subd. 4.Board.

"Board" means the state Board of Veterinary Medicine.

Subd. 4a.Client.

"Client" means a patient's owner, owner's agent, or other person presenting a patient for care.

Subd. 5.Compensation.

"Compensation" includes but is not limited to all fees, monetary rewards, discounts, remunerations, and emoluments received directly or indirectly.

Subd. 5a.Direct supervision.

"Direct supervision" means:

(1) when a supervising veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician is in the immediate area and within audible or visual range of an animal and the unlicensed veterinary employee treating the animal;

(2) the supervising veterinarian has met the requirements of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship under section 156.16, subdivision 12; and

(3) the supervising veterinarian assumes responsibility for the professional care given to an animal by a person working under the veterinarian's direction.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Subd. 6.Educational commission for foreign veterinary graduates certificate; ECFVG certificate.

"Educational commission for foreign veterinary graduates certificate" or "ECFVG certificate" means a certificate issued by the American Veterinary Medical Association Education Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates, indicating that the holder has demonstrated knowledge and skill equivalent to that possessed by a graduate of an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine.

Subd. 6a.Firm.

"Firm" includes a corporation, limited liability company, and limited liability partnership, wherever incorporated, organized, or registered.

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.

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.

Subd. 7.Foreign college of veterinary medicine.

"Foreign college of veterinary medicine" means a college of veterinary medicine other than an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine.

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.

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.

Subd. 8.Licensee.

"Licensee" means a person licensed to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology in the state of Minnesota.

Subd. 9.

MS 2024 [Repealed, 2026 c 53 s 63]

Subd. 9a.Patient.

"Patient" means any animal or group of animals receiving veterinary care from a licensed veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician.

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.

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.

Subd. 10.Practice of veterinary medicine.

"Practice of veterinary medicine" has the meaning given by section 156.12.

Subd. 10a.Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence; PAVE certificate.

A "Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence" or "PAVE" certificate is issued by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards, indicating that the holder has demonstrated knowledge and skill equivalent to that possessed by a graduate of an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine.

Subd. 10b.Remote supervision.

"Remote supervision" means:

(1) a veterinarian is not 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Subd. 10g.Veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

"Veterinarian-client-patient relationship" has the meaning given in section 156.16, subdivision 12.

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.

Subd. 11.Veterinary medicine.

"Veterinary medicine" includes veterinary surgery, obstetrics, pathology, radiology, dentistry, ophthalmology, cardiology, dermatology, laboratory animal medicine, and all other branches or specialties of veterinary medicine.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Subd. 12.Veterinary technology.

"Veterinary technology" means the science and practice of providing professional support to veterinarians, including the direct supervision of unlicensed veterinary employees. Veterinary technology does not include veterinary diagnosis, prognosis, surgery, or medication prescription.

History:

1965 c 204 s 1; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1976 c 285 s 1; 1985 c 228 s 1; 1996 c 415 s 2,3; 1999 c 231 s 151-153; 2008 c 297 art 1 s 32; 2024 c 127 art 20 s 1-4; 2026 c 53 s 1-28

156.01 STATE BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICINE.

Subdivision 1.Creation; membership.

There is hereby created a state Board of Veterinary Medicine that consists of nine board members. Two members must be public members as defined by section 214.02 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 must be a resident of the state of Minnesota, and the veterinarian and veterinary technician members of the board 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 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 must be as provided in chapter 214.

Subd. 2.

MS 2024 [Repealed, 2026 c 53 s 63]

Subd. 3.Officers.

The board must elect from its number a president and other officers as are necessary, all from within its membership. One person may hold the offices of both secretary and treasurer.

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.

Subd. 4.

MS 1974 [Repealed, 1976 c 222 s 209]

Subd. 5.Correspondence; record; registers.

The executive director shall conduct all correspondence necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter. The board shall keep an official record of all meetings. The board shall keep an official register of all applicants for licenses and a register of licensees. Such registers shall be prima facie evidence of the matters therein contained.

Subd. 6.Immunity.

Members and employees of the board and consultants or other persons engaged in the investigation of violations and in the preparation, presentation, or management of and testimony pertaining to charges of violations of section 156.081 or other board regulatory provisions on behalf of the board are not civilly liable for any actions, transactions, or publications in the performance of their duties in accordance with those provisions.

History:

(5851-1) 1937 c 119 s 1; 1965 c 204 s 2; 1973 c 638 s 39,40; 1975 c 136 s 44,45; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1976 c 222 s 123,124; 1976 c 239 s 62; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1991 c 199 art 1 s 48; 1996 c 415 s 4-7; 1999 c 231 s 154; 2026 c 53 s 29-31

156.015 FEES.

Subdivision 1.

MS 2024 [Repealed, 1Sp2025 c 3 art 3 s 125]

Subd. 1a.Nonrefundable fees.

All fees are nonrefundable.

Subd. 2.Continuing education review.

The board may charge a fee of $50 per submission to a sponsor for review and approval of individual continuing education seminars, courses, wet labs, and lectures. This fee does not apply to continuing education sponsors that already meet the criteria for preapproval under Minnesota Rules, part 9100.1000, subpart 3, item A.

Subd. 3.Fee amounts.

Fees must not exceed the following amounts but may be adjusted lower by board action:

(1) initial application fee, $75;

(2) state examination fee, $75;

(3) duplicate license fee, $25;

(4) continuing education sponsor application fee, $75;

(5) mailing list fee, $250;

(6) initial veterinary license fee, $300;

(7) initial veterinary technician fee, $100;

(8) active veterinary renewal fee, $300;

(9) active veterinary technician renewal fee, $100;

(10) inactive veterinary renewal fee, $150;

(11) inactive veterinary technician renewal fee, $50;

(12) institutional license fee, $300;

(13) active late veterinary renewal fee, $150;

(14) active late veterinary technician renewal fee, $50;

(15) inactive late veterinary renewal fee, $100;

(16) inactive late veterinary technician renewal fee, $25; and

(17) institutional late renewal fee, $150.

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 another veterinary licensing board.

Subd. 5.Deposit of fees.

The license fees collected under this section must be deposited in the state government special revenue fund.

History:

2007 c 147 art 16 s 14; 1Sp2025 c 3 art 3 s 118-121; 2026 c 53 s 32

156.02 APPLICANTS FOR LICENSE; QUALIFICATIONS.

Subdivision 1.License application.

(a) An application for a license to practice veterinary medicine in this state 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 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 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 the application is verified by the oath of the applicant.

Subd. 2.Required with application.

Every application must contain:

(1) the nonrefundable application fee;

(2) one of the following:

(i) a copy of a diploma from an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine;

(ii) an official transcript as proof of the applicant's degree; or

(iii) if the applicant is a graduate of a foreign college of veterinary medicine, a certificate of satisfactory completion of the ECFVG or PAVE program with a copy of the applicant's diploma and a translation of the diploma if the diploma is not in English; and

(3) if the applicant has served in the armed forces, a copy of discharge papers.

Subd. 3.

MS 2024 [Repealed, 2026 c 53 s 63]

History:

(5851-2) 1937 c 119 s 2; 1965 c 204 s 3; 1973 c 725 s 22; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1976 c 222 s 125; 1976 c 285 s 2,3; 1985 c 228 s 2; 1986 c 444; 1989 c 314 s 3; 1996 c 415 s 8; 1999 c 231 s 155,156; 2008 c 297 art 1 s 33,34; 2026 c 53 s 33,34

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 must make available to the applicant the online Minnesota Jurisprudence Exam. All applicants must be evaluated using an examination prescribed by the board. A passing score for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination must be the criterion referenced passing score as determined by the International Council for Veterinary Assessment.

History:

(5851-3) 1937 c 119 s 3; 1965 c 204 s 4; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1976 c 222 s 126; 1976 c 285 s 4; 1999 c 231 s 157; 2026 c 53 s 35

156.04 BOARD TO ISSUE LICENSE.

The Board of Veterinary Medicine must issue a license to practice veterinary medicine to every applicant who:

(1) has successfully passed the required examination; 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.

History:

(5851-4) 1937 c 119 s 4; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1976 c 285 s 5; 1996 c 415 s 9; 2008 c 297 art 1 s 35; 2026 c 53 s 36

156.05 LICENSE.

The license 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.

History:

(5851-5) 1937 c 119 s 5; 1965 c 204 s 5; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1985 c 247 s 25; 1996 c 415 s 10; 2026 c 53 s 37

156.06 LICENSE RECORDED.

The license, before issued, must be recorded in a database to be kept by the Board of Veterinary Medicine for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter. The records kept under this section must be available for public inspection with proper restrictions as to their preservation as provided in section 13.41.

History:

(5851-6) 1937 c 119 s 6; 1965 c 204 s 6; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1996 c 415 s 11; 2026 c 53 s 38

156.07 LICENSE RENEWAL.

(a) Persons now licensed in this state, or who are hereafter licensed by the Board of Veterinary Medicine as veterinarians or veterinary technicians, must periodically renew their license in a manner prescribed by the board. The board 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 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.

History:

(5851-7) 1937 c 119 s 7; 1963 c 578 s 1; 1965 c 204 s 7; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1976 c 222 s 127; 1976 c 285 s 6; 1986 c 444; 1996 c 415 s 12; 2024 c 127 art 20 s 5; 2026 c 53 s 39

156.071 REINSTATEMENT OF EXPIRED LICENSE.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, an expired license 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 must not be restored, reissued, or reinstated thereafter, 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 that, if the license were issued, would justify the revocation or suspension of the license according to section 156.081, subdivision 2;

(3) the person takes and passes all examinations required for an application for an initial license; and

(4) the person pays all applicable fees required by the board.

History:

1965 c 204 s 8; 1986 c 444; 1996 c 415 s 13; 2026 c 53 s 40

156.072 NONRESIDENTS; LICENSES.

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.

Subd. 2.Required with application.

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

(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) 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;

(7) score reports on previously taken national examinations in veterinary medicine, certified by the Veterinary Information Verification Agency 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.

Subd. 3.

MS 2024 [Repealed, 2026 c 53 s 63]

Subd. 4.

MS 1998 [Renumbered 156.073]

Subd. 5.

MS 1994 [Renumbered subd 4]

History:

1965 c 204 s 9; 1976 c 222 s 128,129; 1976 c 285 s 7-9; 1986 c 444; 1996 c 415 s 14; 1999 c 231 s 158,206; 2008 c 297 art 1 s 36; 2026 c 53 s 41,42

156.0721 INSTITUTIONAL LICENSURE.

Subdivision 1.Application and eligibility.

(a) Any person who seeks to practice veterinary medicine while employed by the University of Minnesota and who is not eligible for a regular license shall make a written application to the board for an institutional license using forms provided for that purpose or in a format accepted by the board. The board shall issue an institutional license to practice veterinary medicine to an applicant who:

(1) has obtained the degree of doctor of veterinary medicine or its equivalent from a nonaccredited college of veterinary medicine. A graduate from an accredited college and an applicant who has earned ECFVG or PAVE certificates should apply for a regular license to practice veterinary medicine;

(2) has passed the Minnesota Veterinary Jurisprudence Examination;

(3) is a person of good moral character, as attested by five notarized reference letters from adults not related to the applicant, at least two of whom are licensed veterinarians in the jurisdiction where the applicant is currently practicing or familiar with the applicant's clinical abilities as evidenced in clinical rotations;

(4) has paid the license application fee;

(5) provides proof of employment by the University of Minnesota;

(6) certifies that the applicant understands and agrees that the institutional license is valid only for the practice of veterinary medicine associated with the applicant's employment as a faculty member, intern, resident, or locum of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine or other unit of the University of Minnesota;

(7) provides proof of graduation from a veterinary college;

(8) completed a criminal background check as defined in section 214.075; and

(9) provides other information and proof as the board may require by rules and regulations.

(b) The University of Minnesota may submit the applications of its employees who seek an institutional license in a compiled format acceptable to the board, with any license application fees in a single form of payment.

(c) The fee for a license issued under this subdivision is the same as for a regular license to practice veterinary medicine in the state. License payment and renewal deadlines, late payment fees, and other license requirements are also the same as for a regular license to practice veterinary medicine.

(d) The University of Minnesota may be responsible for timely payment of renewal fees and submission of renewal forms.

Subd. 2.Scope of practice.

(a) An institutional license holder may practice veterinary medicine only as related to the license holder's regular function at the University of Minnesota. A person holding only an institutional license in this state must be remunerated for the practice of veterinary medicine in the state solely from state, federal, or institutional funds and not from the patient-owner beneficiary of the license holder's practice efforts.

(b) A license issued under this section must be canceled by the board upon receipt of information from the University of Minnesota that the holder of the license has left or is otherwise no longer employed at the University of Minnesota in this state.

(c) An institutional license holder must abide by all laws governing the practice of veterinary medicine in the state and is subject to the same disciplinary action as any other veterinarian licensed in the state.

History:

2024 c 127 art 20 s 6

156.073 MS 2024 [Repealed, 2026 c 53 s 63]

156.074 TEMPORARY LICENSE.

A graduate of a nonaccredited or approved college of veterinary medicine, who has satisfactorily completed the fourth year of clinical study at an approved or accredited college of veterinary medicine and has successfully passed the national examination in veterinary medicine and the Minnesota Veterinary Jurisprudence Examination, and is enrolled in the ECFVG program, may be granted a temporary license. The holder of a temporary license issued under these provisions must practice under the supervision of a Minnesota licensed veterinarian. The temporary license is valid until the candidate obtains ECFVG certification or for a maximum of two years from the date of issue.

History:

1999 c 231 s 159

156.075 REQUIREMENT FOR EQUINE TEETH FLOATERS.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

For purposes of this section the following terms have the meanings given them.

(a) "Equine teeth floating" means:

(1) removal of enamel points from teeth with handheld, nonmotorized, non-air-powered files or rasps;

(2) reestablishing normal molar table angles and freeing up lateral excursion and other normal movements of the mandible;

(3) shaping the lingual aspect of the lower arcades and the buccal aspect of the upper arcades to a rounded smooth surface; and

(4) removing points from the buccal aspect of the upper arcade and the lingual aspect of the lower arcade.

(b) "Indirect supervision" means a veterinarian must be available by telephone or other form of immediate communication. The veterinarian must be currently licensed under this chapter.

Subd. 2.Equine teeth floating services.

(a) A person may perform equine teeth floating services after submitting to the board the following:

(1) proof of current certification from the International Association of Equine Dentistry or other professional equine dentistry association as determined by the board; and

(2) a written statement signed by a supervising veterinarian experienced in large animal medicine that the applicant will be under direct or indirect supervision of the veterinarian when floating equine teeth.

(b) The board must waive the requirement in paragraph (a), clause (1), and allow a person to perform equine teeth floating services if the person provides satisfactory evidence of being actively engaged in equine teeth floating for at least ten of the past 15 years and has generated at least $5,000 annually in personal income from this activity.

History:

1Sp2005 c 1 art 1 s 80

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;

(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.

History:

2024 c 127 art 20 s 7; 2026 c 53 s 43

156.077 LICENSED VETERINARY TECHNICIANS.

Subdivision 1.Licensure; practice.

(a) The board shall issue a license to practice as a veterinary technician to an applicant who satisfies the requirements in this section and those imposed by the board in rule. A licensed veterinary technician may practice veterinary technology. A person may not use the title "veterinary technician" or the abbreviation "LVT" unless licensed by the board.

(b) The board may adopt by rule additional or temporary alternative licensure requirements or definitions for veterinary technician titles.

Subd. 2.Applicants; qualifications.

Application for a license to practice veterinary technology in this state shall be made to the board on a form furnished by the board and accompanied by evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant is at least 18 years of age, is of good moral character, and has:

(1) graduated from a veterinary technology program accredited or approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association or Canadian Veterinary Medical Association;

(2) received a passing score for the Veterinary Technician National Examination;

(3) received a passing score for the Minnesota Veterinary Technician Jurisprudence Examination; and

(4) completed a criminal background check.

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) if the applicant has served in the armed forces, a copy of the applicant's discharge papers.

Subd. 4.Temporary alternative qualifications.

(a) The board shall consider an application for licensure submitted by a person before July 1, 2031, if the person provides evidence satisfactory to the board that the person:

(1) is a certified veterinary technician in good standing with the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association; or

(2) has at least 4,160 hours actively engaged in the practice of veterinary technology within the previous five years.

(b) Each applicant under this subdivision must also submit to the board 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

History:

2024 c 127 art 20 s 8; 2026 c 53 s 44-48

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 Minnesota must submit an application to the board on a form furnished by the board. The board 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 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;

(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;

(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 the certificates in clauses (4) and (5), certification from the Veterinary Information Verification Agency that the applicant's licensure is in good standing;

(6) a nonrefundable application fee payable to the board, no part of which the board may refund if the application is denied;

(7) score reports on previously taken national examinations in veterinary technology, certified by the Veterinary Information Verification Agency, unless the board has waived this requirement because the applicant's current AAVSB licensing jurisdiction officially reported VTNE scores to the board;

(8) proof that the applicant received a passing score for the Minnesota Veterinary Technician Jurisprudence Examination; and

(9) proof of a completed criminal background check.

History:

2024 c 127 art 20 s 9; 2026 c 53 s 49

156.08 MS 1961 [Repealed, 1965 c 204 s 13]

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, must enter on the register the fact of the disciplinary action, as the case may be. The record of disciplinary action made by the executive director 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 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) 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 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 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 that violates any state or federal statute or rule promulgated by the board; 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 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.

Subd. 3.

MS 1994 [Repealed by amendment, 1996 c 415 s 15]

History:

1965 c 204 s 10; 1976 c 222 s 130; 1985 c 228 s 3; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 444; 1996 c 415 s 15; 2002 c 221 s 9; 2026 c 53 s 50

156.082 VETERINARY MEDICAL RECORDS.

Veterinary records of a client that are maintained by a state agency, statewide system, or political subdivision are private data on individuals or nonpublic data as defined in section 13.02.

History:

1996 c 415 s 16

156.09 MS 1984 [Repealed, 1985 c 228 s 5]

156.10 UNLAWFUL PRACTICE WITHOUT LICENSE OR PERMIT; GROSS MISDEMEANOR.

It is a gross misdemeanor for any person to practice veterinary medicine in the state without having first secured a veterinary license or temporary permit, as provided in this chapter.

History:

(5851-10) 1937 c 119 s 10; 1976 c 285 s 10; 1996 c 415 s 17; 1999 c 231 s 160

156.11 FIRMS NOT TO PRACTICE.

(a) It is unlawful in Minnesota for any firm, other than one organized pursuant to chapter 319B, to practice veterinary medicine, or to hold itself out or advertise itself in any way as being entitled to practice veterinary medicine, or to receive compensation derived from the practice of veterinary medicine or the performance of veterinary services by any person, whether that person is licensed to practice veterinary medicine or not. Any firm violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and must be fined not more than $3,000 for each offense. Each day that this section is violated is a separate offense.

(b) Notwithstanding section 319B.08, a veterinary medical practice firm has 12 months after the death of an owner before all of the owner's ownership interest must be acquired by the practice, by persons permitted to own the ownership interest, or by some combination.

History:

(5851-11) 1937 c 119 s 11; 1971 c 450 s 1; 1976 c 239 s 72; 1984 c 628 art 3 s 11; 1997 c 174 art 12 s 70; 1999 c 86 art 1 s 37; 1999 c 231 s 161

156.12 PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE.

Subdivision 1.Practice.

(a) The practice of veterinary medicine 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.

Subd. 2.Authorized activities.

No provision of this chapter may be construed to prohibit:

(1) a person from providing immediate care to a patient in the event of an emergency situation or accident;

(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;

(6) any person from providing a consultation to a licensed veterinarian in 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;

(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;

(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;

(10) any person from selling or applying any pesticide, insecticide or herbicide;

(11) any person from engaging in scientific research that reasonably requires experimentation involving animals and is conducted in a facility that complies with local and federal law, rules, and regulations;

(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 is responsible for the performance of the employee;

(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;

(14) a licensed chiropractor registered under section 148.032, subdivision 1, from practicing animal chiropractic;

(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.

Subd. 3.Requirement to be engaged in practice.

Any person who sells or offers to apply, any prescription drug, biologic preparation, including sera, vaccines, bacterins, tuberculin, mallein, johnin, or any other agent for the treatment, vaccination, or testing of any animal belonging to another, shall be engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine.

Subd. 4.Titles.

It is unlawful for a person who has not received a professional degree from an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine, ECFVG or PAVE certification, or an institutional license under section 156.0721 to use any of the following titles or designations: Veterinary, veterinarian, animal doctor, animal surgeon, animal dentist, animal chiropractor, animal acupuncturist, or any other title, designation, word, letter, abbreviation, sign, card, or device tending to indicate that the person is qualified to practice veterinary medicine.

Subd. 5.

MS 1994 [Repealed, 1996 c 415 s 33]

Subd. 6.

MS 2022 [Repealed, 2024 c 127 art 20 s 12]

History:

(5851-12) 1937 c 119 s 12; 1965 c 204 s 11; 1976 c 285 s 11; 1984 c 427 s 1; 1985 c 228 s 4; 1986 c 444; 1996 c 415 s 18-20; 1999 c 231 s 162,163; 2004 c 254 s 25,26; 2008 c 297 art 1 s 38-40; 2021 c 28 s 23; 2024 c 122 art 1 s 24; 2024 c 127 art 20 s 10,11; art 63 s 22; 2026 c 53 s 51,52; 2026 c 127 art 4 s 24

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.

History:

1996 c 415 s 21; 2026 c 53 s 53

156.122 COURTS TO REPORT.

The court administrator shall report to the board a judgment or finding by a court that a person regulated by the board:

(1) is a person who is mentally ill, chemically dependent, mentally ill and dangerous to the public, or is a sexual psychopathic personality or sexually dangerous person under chapter 253B or other applicable law;

(2) is guilty of a felony or gross misdemeanor; violation of a law involving the use, possession, or sale of a controlled substance; or operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance; or

(3) is in need of a guardian under sections 524.5-101 to 524.5-502.

History:

1996 c 415 s 22; 2002 c 221 s 10; 2004 c 146 art 3 s 11

156.123 COOPERATION REQUIRED.

A regulated person who is the subject of an investigation, or who is questioned in connection with an investigation, by or on behalf of the board shall cooperate fully with the investigation. Requests must be consistent with the nature and seriousness of the conduct being investigated. Cooperation includes responding fully and promptly to questions raised by or on behalf of the board relating to the subject of the investigation, providing copies of client and other records in the regulated person's possession relating to the matter under investigation as requested by the board, assisting the board in its investigation which includes executing releases for records as requested by the board, and appearing at disciplinary or educational conferences scheduled by the board.

History:

1996 c 415 s 23

156.124 IMMUNITY.

Any licensee of the board, person, agency, institution, facility, business, or organization is immune from civil liability for submitting a report in good faith to the board under this section or for otherwise reporting to the board violations or alleged violations of section 156.081 or any of the board's regulatory provisions, or for cooperating with an investigation of a report.

History:

1996 c 415 s 24

156.125 MENTAL EXAMINATION; ACCESS TO MEDICAL DATA.

Subdivision 1.Order for examination; consent.

If the board has probable cause to believe that grounds exist under section 156.081, subdivision 2, clause (3) or (13), against a regulated person, the executive director may authorize the issuance of an order directing the regulated person to submit to a mental or physical examination or substance use disorder evaluation. For the purpose of this section, every regulated person is considered to have consented to submit to a mental or physical examination or substance use disorder evaluation when ordered to do so and to have waived all objections to the admissibility of the examiner's or evaluator's testimony or reports on the grounds that the testimony or reports constitute a privileged communication. An order for examination under this chapter is private data on an individual.

Subd. 2.Failure to submit to or complete an examination.

Failure to submit to or complete an examination or evaluation, unless the failure was due to circumstances beyond the control of the regulated person, constitutes an admission that grounds exist under section 156.081, subdivision 2, clause (3) or (13), against the regulated person, based on the factual specifications in the examination or evaluation order, and may result in an application being denied or, after a contested case hearing as described in this subdivision, a disciplinary order. The only issues to be determined at the hearing are whether the executive director had probable cause to authorize the examination or evaluation order and whether the failure to submit was due to circumstances beyond the control of the regulated person. Neither the record of a proceeding under this subdivision nor the orders entered by the board are admissible, subject to subpoena, or to be used against the regulated person in a proceeding in which the board is not a party.

Subd. 3.Obtaining data and health records.

In addition to ordering a physical or mental examination and notwithstanding sections 13.384, 144.291 to 144.298, 144.651, or 595.02, or any other law limiting access to medical or other health records, the board may authorize obtaining data and health records relating to a regulated person without the regulated person's consent if the executive director has probable cause to believe that grounds exist under section 156.081, subdivision 2, clause (3) or (13), against the regulated person. A regulated person, insurance company, health care facility, provider as defined in section 144.291, subdivision 2, paragraph (i), or government agency shall comply with any written request under this subdivision and is not liable in any action for damages for releasing the data requested if the data are released in accordance with a written request made under this subdivision. Information on individuals obtained under this subdivision is investigative data under section 13.41.

History:

1996 c 415 s 25; 1999 c 227 s 22; 2007 c 147 art 10 s 15; 2020 c 83 art 2 s 15; 2022 c 98 art 4 s 51

156.126 TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF LICENSE.

In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the board, acting through its executive director and one or more designated board members without a hearing, may temporarily suspend the license of a regulated person if the executive director and one or more designated board members finds that the regulated person has violated a statute or rule that the board is empowered to enforce and continued practice by the regulated person would create an imminent risk of harm to others. The suspension is in effect upon service of a written temporary suspension order on the regulated person specifying the statute or rule violated. Service of the temporary suspension order is effective upon personal service or service by first class mail upon the regulated person or counsel at the regulated person's or counsel's last known address. The temporary order remains in effect until the board issues an order after a limited hearing described in this subdivision or upon agreement between the board and the regulated person. Within ten days of service of the temporary suspension order, the board shall conduct a limited hearing before its own members on the sole issue of whether there is a reasonable basis for the temporary suspension order to remain in effect. Both parties shall be given an opportunity to present evidence and oral argument at the hearing. Within five business days after the hearing, the board shall issue an order and, if the temporary suspension is to remain in effect, initiate a contested case hearing to be commenced within 45 days after service of the order. The administrative law judge shall issue a report within 30 days after closing the contested case hearing record. The board shall issue a final order within 30 days after receiving the administrative law judge's report.

History:

1996 c 415 s 26

156.127 FORMS OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION.

Subdivision 1.Board action.

When grounds exist under section 156.081, or other statute or rule which the board is authorized to enforce, the board may take one or more of the following disciplinary actions:

(1) deny an application for a license;

(2) revoke the regulated person's license;

(3) suspend the regulated person's license;

(4) impose limitations on the regulated person's license;

(5) impose conditions on the regulated person's license;

(6) censure or reprimand, publicly or privately, the regulated person;

(7) impose an administrative penalty not exceeding $10,000 for each separate violation, the amount of the penalty to be fixed so as to deprive the person of any economic advantage gained by reason of the violation, to discourage similar violations, or to reimburse the board for the cost of the investigation and proceeding including, but not limited to, fees paid for services provided by the Court of Administrative Hearings, legal and investigative services provided by the Office of the Attorney General, court reporter services, witnesses, reproduction of records, board members' per diem compensation, board staff time, and board and staff expenses; or

(8) take any other action justified by the facts of the case.

Subd. 2.Agreement.

When grounds exist under section 156.081, or other statute or rule which the board is authorized to enforce, the executive director and complaint committee may enter into an agreement with the regulated person for corrective action which may include requiring the regulated person:

(1) to complete an educational course or activity;

(2) to submit to the executive director or designated board member a written protocol or reports designed to prevent future violations of the same kind;

(3) to meet with a board member or board designee to discuss prevention of future violations of the same kind;

(4) to perform other action justified by the facts; or

(5) to cease performing specific acts or procedures justified by the facts.

The listing of these measures in this subdivision does not preclude a board from including the measures in an order for disciplinary action.

Subd. 3.Disciplinary action and reinstatement fee.

Upon reinstating a regulated person's license or granting an applicant's license, the board may, at its discretion, impose any disciplinary action, cost, or penalty listed in subdivision 1, as well as any reinstatement fee.

Subd. 4.Annual publication of disciplinary actions.

At least annually, the board may publish and make available to the public a description of all public disciplinary action taken by the board. The publication must include, for each disciplinary action taken, the name and the business address of the regulated person, and the form of disciplinary action taken by the board.

History:

1996 c 415 s 27; 2003 c 66 s 11,12; 2025 c 39 art 2 s 68

156.13 PENALTIES, HOW RECOVERED.

The penalties prescribed in this chapter may be recovered in a civil case instituted by the Board of Veterinary Medicine in the name of the state or by a criminal prosecution upon complaint being made. In case any county attorney shall omit or refuse to conduct such civil action or such criminal prosecution, the board may employ another attorney for that purpose.

History:

(5851-13) 1937 c 119 s 13; 1975 c 271 s 6

156.14 EXPENSES.

The expenses of administering sections 156.001 to 156.14 shall be paid from the appropriations made to the state Board of Veterinary Medicine.

History:

(5851-14) 1937 c 119 s 14; 1965 c 204 s 12; 1973 c 638 s 41; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1976 c 222 s 131

156.15 CEASE AND DESIST ORDERS.

Subdivision 1.Issuance.

In addition to the remedies and procedures applicable to the health-related licensing board provided in chapter 214, the board's complaint review committee, on behalf of the board, may issue and have served upon a person an order requiring the person to cease and desist from the unauthorized practice of veterinary medicine, or from violating or threatening to violate a statute, rule, or order which the board has authority to enforce. The order must be calculated to give reasonable notice of the rights of the person to request a hearing and must state the reasons for the entry of the order.

Subd. 2.Service.

Service of an order under this section is effective if the order is served on the person or counsel of record personally or by United States mail to the most recent address provided to the board for the person or counsel of record.

Subd. 3.Hearing.

Unless otherwise agreed by the complaint review committee and the person requesting the hearing, the hearing must be held no later than 30 days after the written request for the hearing is received by the complaint review committee.

Subd. 4.Report; further order.

The administrative law judge shall issue a report within 30 days of the close of the contested case hearing record. Within 30 days after receiving the report and any exceptions to it, the board shall issue a further order vacating, modifying, or making permanent the cease and desist order as the facts require.

Subd. 5.Finality; effect.

If no hearing is requested within 30 days of service of the order, the order becomes final and remains in effect until it is modified or vacated by the board.

Subd. 6.Default proceeding.

If the person to whom a cease and desist order is issued fails to appear at the hearing after being duly notified, the person is in default and the proceeding may be determined against that person upon consideration of the cease and desist order, the allegations of which may be considered to be true.

History:

2001 c 108 s 1; 2008 c 297 art 1 s 41

VETERINARY PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

156.16 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Applicability.

The definitions in this section apply to sections 156.16 to 156.20.

Subd. 2.

MS 2024 [Repealed, 2026 c 53 s 63]

Subd. 3.

MS 2024 [Repealed, 2026 c 53 s 63]

Subd. 4.

MS 2024 [Repealed, 2026 c 53 s 63]

Subd. 5.Food-producing animal.

"Food-producing animal " means any animal raised for human consumption or for producing food products or byproducts for food.

Subd. 6.Over-the-counter drug.

"Over-the-counter drug" means a veterinary drug labeled "for veterinary use only" or "for animal use only" that does not require a prescription or is not required to have the restrictive legend: "Caution: federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian."

Subd. 7.

MS 2024 [Repealed, 2026 c 53 s 63]

Subd. 8.

MS 2024 [Repealed, 2026 c 53 s 63]

Subd. 9.Pharmacist.

"Pharmacist" means an individual with a valid Minnesota license to practice pharmacy.

Subd. 10.Prescription.

"Prescription" means an order from a veterinarian to a pharmacist or another veterinarian authorizing the dispensing of veterinary prescription drugs, human drugs for extra-label use, or over-the-counter drugs for extra-label use to a client for use on or in a patient.

Subd. 11.

MS 2024 [Repealed, 2026 c 53 s 63]

Subd. 12.Veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

"Veterinarian-client-patient relationship" means a relationship in which the conditions in paragraphs (a) to (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.

Subd. 13.Veterinary drug.

"Veterinary drug" means:

(1) a drug for animal use recognized in the official United States Pharmacopoeia or National Formulary of the United States;

(2) a drug intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in animals;

(3) a drug, other than feed, medicated feed, or a growth promoting implant intended to affect the structure or function of the body of an animal; or

(4) a drug intended for use as a component of a drug in clause (1), (2), or (3).

Subd. 14.Veterinary prescription drug.

"Veterinary prescription drug" means:

(1) a drug that may not be dispensed without a prescription of a licensed veterinarian; and

(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."

History:

1989 c 314 s 4; 1996 c 415 s 28,29; 2008 c 297 art 1 s 42,43; 2026 c 53 s 54-56

156.17 POSSESSION PROHIBITED.

A person may not possess a veterinary prescription drug unless the person is a licensed veterinarian or pharmacist, a bona fide employee of a veterinarian acting in the course of that employment, a client holding a veterinary prescription drug by or on the order of a veterinarian, a manufacturer or wholesaler of veterinary drugs, an animal health researcher, or a person performing official state or federal regulatory duties.

History:

1989 c 314 s 5; 1996 c 415 s 30

156.18 VETERINARY PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

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 if a bona fide veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists, 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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(h) This section does not limit the authority of the Minnesota Racing Commission to regulate veterinarians providing services at a licensed racetrack.

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 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 of the drug;

(5) the strength of the drug;

(6) directions for the drug's use;

(7) the withdrawal time, 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 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 drug is in the manufacturer's original package, the information required in paragraph (a) must 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.

Subd. 3.Records on veterinary drug transactions.

A veterinarian must maintain complete records of receipt and distribution of each prescription veterinary drug. The records may be kept in the form of sales invoices, shipping records, prescription files, or a record or log established solely to satisfy the requirements of this subdivision. Records must include:

(1) the name of the drug;

(2) the name and address of the person from whom the drug was shipped and the date and quantity received; and

(3) the name and address of the person to whom the drug was distributed and the date and quantity shipped or otherwise distributed.

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.

History:

1989 c 314 s 6; 1996 c 415 s 31,32; 2008 c 297 art 1 s 44,45; 2026 c 53 s 57-59

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 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.

History:

1989 c 314 s 7; 2008 c 297 art 1 s 46; 2026 c 53 s 60

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.

History:

2026 c 53 s 61

156.20 MS 2024 [Repealed, 2026 c 53 s 63]

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.

History:

2026 c 53 s 62