Vet 100-700

CHAPTER Vet 100 ORGANIZATIONAL RULES

PART Vet 101 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

Vet 101.01 Purpose. The rules of this title implement the statutory responsibilities of the board of veterinary medicine under RSA 332-B, the New Hampshire Veterinary Practice Act, which include but are not limited to:

(a) Examination and licensing of veterinarians;

(b) Oversight and discipline of licensees and permittees;

(d) Development of continuing professional education requirements and other prerequisites for the renewal or reinstatement of licenses;

(e) Study and preservation of information concerning the practice of veterinary medicine and the practice of allied occupations; and

(f) Identification and prevention of the unauthorized practice of veterinary medicine.

Source. #1557, eff 4-1-80; ss by #2294, eff 2-1-83; ss by #2892, eff 10-26-84; ss by 5024, eff 12-4-90; ss by #6450, INTERIM, eff 2-8-97, EXPIRES: 6-8-97; ss by #6480, eff 3-29-97; ss by #7417, eff 12-21-00; ss by #9386, eff 2-11-09; ss by #13269, eff 9-29-21

Vet 101.02 Scope.

(a) These rules shall apply to all persons regulated by the board.

(b) The following shall be deemed by the board, pursuant to RSA 332-B:2, to be accepted livestock management practices and not the practice of veterinary medicine:

(1) Equine farrier services;

(2) Hoof trimming;

(3) Equine massage; and

(4) Equine filing or “floating” of teeth by non-motorized hand tools without sedation.

Source. #7417, eff 12-21-00; ss by #9386, eff 2-11-09

Vet 102.01 Terms Used. As used in these rules, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

(a) “Accredited veterinary medical program” means a school of veterinary medicine or a veterinary medical education program that has been approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA);

(b) “Accredited veterinary technology program” means a school of veterinary technology or a veterinary technology education program or a veterinary nursing program that has been approved by the AVMA;

(d) “Animal shelter” means a public or private humane society, animal shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, animal protection or control agency, or animal rescue group that provides shelter and care for homeless animals;

(e) “Approved program of continuing education” means an educational program approved by the board or offered by an approved provider of continuing education;

(f) “Approved provider of continuing education” means any person, professional association, university or college, corporation, or other entity that has met the requirements of the board to provide educational courses that are designed to assure continued competence in the practice of veterinary medicine or veterinary technology;

(g) “Board of veterinary medicine (Board)” means “Board” as defined in RSA 332-B:1, VIII;

(h) “Client” means an entity, person, group, or corporation that has entered into an agreement with a licensed veterinarian for the purposes of obtaining veterinary medical services;

(i) “Clinical Competency Test (CCT)” means the national clinical examination given prior to November 2000;

(j) “Complainant” means the individual(s) submitting written allegations of professional misconduct against a person licensed by the board;

(k) “Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine or therapies” means a heterogeneous group of preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic philosophies and practices that are not considered part of conventional veterinary medicine. These therapies include but are not limited to:

(1) Veterinary acupuncture, acutherapy, and acupressure;

(2) Veterinary homeopathy;

(3) Veterinary manual or manipulative therapy such as therapies based on techniques practiced in osteopathy, chiropractic medicine, or physical medicine and therapy;

(4) Veterinary nutraceutical therapy; and

(5) Veterinary phytotherapy;

(l) “Consultation” means when a licensed veterinarian receives advice or assistance in person, telephonically, electronically, or by any other method of communication, from a licensed veterinarian or other person whose expertise, in the opinion of the licensed veterinarian, would benefit an animal;

(m) “Continuing education” means training which is designed to assure continued competence in the practice of veterinary medicine or veterinary technology;

(n) “Continuing education contact hour” means a 50 to 60-minute clock hour of instruction, not including breaks or meals;

(o) “Conviction” means conviction of a crime by a court of competent jurisdiction and includes a finding or verdict of guilt, whether or not the adjudication of guilt is withheld or not entered on admission of guilt, a consent plea, a plea of nolo contendere, or a guilty plea;

(p) “Direct supervision” means supervision where the supervising veterinarian is on the premises of the animal treatment facility and is available on an immediate basis and has given written or oral instructions for treatment of the animal patients involved;

(q) “Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG)” means a program to test educational equivalency of graduates of non-AVMA accredited schools;

(r) “Examination” means a written or oral test approved by the board and given to a veterinarian;

(s) “Felony” means a criminal act as defined by this state or any other state under federal law;

(t) “Immediate supervision” means the supervising veterinarian is in the immediate area and within audible and visual range of the animal patient and the person treating the patient;

(u) “Indirect supervision” means supervision where the supervising veterinarian is not required to be in the same facility or in close proximity to the individual being supervised but the supervising veterinarian:

(1) Has given written or oral instructions for treatment of the animal patients involved; and

(2) Is available to provide supervision by electronic or telephonic means; and

(3) Has arranged for telephonic consultation with a licensed veterinarian, if necessary.

(v) “Informed consent” means the licensed veterinarian has informed the client or the client’s authorized representative, in a manner understood by the client or representative, of the diagnostic and treatment options, risk assessment, and prognosis, and has provided the client with an estimate of the charges for veterinary services to be rendered and the client has consented to the recommended treatment;

(w) “Jurisdiction” means any commonwealth, state, or territory, including the District of Columbia, of the United States of America, or any province of Canada;

(x) “Licensed veterinarian” means “licensed veterinarian” as defined in RSA 332-B:1, V;

(y) “Licensure transfer” means the method whereby a veterinarian or a veterinary technician currently licensed in another jurisdiction can also become licensed as a veterinarian or veterinary technician in New Hampshire;

(z) “Medical records” means all written or electronic progress notes, laboratory results, documentation of informed client consent, cage charts, dental charts, surgical reports, anesthesia reports, and diagnostic imaging including, but not limited to, radiographs, ultrasound, and other images. The term excludes invoices and financial documentation;

(aa) “National Board Examination (NBE)” means the national examination given prior to November 2000;

(ab) “National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (NBVME)” means the national board that establishes examinations for use by state veterinary boards;

(ac) “New Hampshire Professionals’ Health Program (NH PHP)” means the program for substance abuse disorders, behavioral/mental health conditions and other issues impacting the health and well-being of the licensee;

(ad) “North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE)” means the national board examination first given in November 2000;

(ae) “Permittee” means a person holding a temporary permit pursuant to RSA 332-B:12 and this term excludes licensed veterinarians;

(af) “Person” means “person” as defined in RSA 332-B:1, VII;

(ag) “Practice of Veterinary Medicine” means “practice of veterinarian medicine” as defined in RSA 332-B:1, III;

(ah) “Premises” means veterinary facility as defined below;

(ai) “Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education” means “PAVE” as defined in RSA 332-B:1, XII;

(aj) “Respondent” means a licensee, permittee, or other person holding a right or privilege issued by the board who is the subject of a board investigation or hearing;

(ak) “Specialist” means AVMA-recognized board-certified veterinary specialist;

(al) “Supervising veterinarian” means a licensed veterinarian who assumes responsibility for the professional veterinary care performed by a person working under his or her direction;

(am) “Telemedicine” means the practice of veterinary medicine by any electronic or telephonic or similar means;

(an) “Veterinarian” means “veterinarian” as defined in RSA 332-B:1;

(ao) “Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR)” means the licensed veterinarian has assumed responsibility for making medical judgements regarding the health of the animal(s) and the need for medical treatment;

(ap) “Veterinarian manager” is a licensed veterinarian who supervises the management and operation of a veterinary facility. This term includes medical director;

(aq) “Veterinary assistant” means a person who aids a veterinarian, veterinary nurse, or veterinary technician in patient care and who is not qualified as a credentialed veterinary nurse or veterinary technician;

(aq) “Veterinary facility” means any premises, place, or facility where the practice of veterinary medicine is performed, including but not limited to, a mobile clinic, outpatient clinic, humane society, rescue, shelter, breeder, satellite clinic, or veterinary hospital or clinic, or premises of a client;

(ar) “Veterinary Information Verifying Agency (VIVA)” means the agency that keeps the national disciplinary database;

(as) “Veterinary technician” means an individual who is trained through an AVMA accredited program and assists a veterinarian with diverse medical tasks and:

(1) Is a graduate of an AVMA accredited veterinary technology or veterinary nursing program;

(2) Has passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE); and

(3) Is credentialed as having the appropriate training and experience by a state government or an organization recognized by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America to issue the credential; or

(1) Has passed the VTNE prior to May 2, 2026; and

(2) Is credentialed as having the appropriate training and experience by a state government or an organization recognized by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America to issue the credential.

The term includes “veterinary nurse”.

Source. #1557, eff 4-1-80; ss by #2294, eff 2-1-83; ss by #2892, eff 10-26-84; ss by #5024, eff 12-4-90; ss by #6450, INTERIM, eff 2-8-97, EXPIRES: 6-8-97; ss by #6480, eff 3-29-97; ss by #7417, eff 12-21-00; ss by #9386, eff 2-11-09; ss by #13269, eff 9-29-21 (formerly Vet 102.02); ss by #13722, eff 10-15-23

PART Vet 103 AGENCY ORGANIZATION

Vet 103.01 Composition of the Board. Pursuant to RSA 332-B:3, I, the board shall consist of 7 members who meet the eligibility requirements of RSA 332-B:3, I and II. There are 5 practicing licensed veterinarians, one representative of the general public unconnected with the veterinary profession, and the state veterinarian, ex officio.

Source. #5024, eff 12-4-90; ss by #6450, INTERIM, eff 2-8-97, EXPIRES: 6-8-97; ss by #6480, eff 3-29-97; ss by #7417, eff 12-21-00; ss by #9386, eff 2-11-09; ss by #13269, eff 9-29-21

Vet 103.02 Officers.

(a) The board elects a president for a one-year term commencing in March. The president chairs the board's meetings, establishes the order of its business and directs the activities of its staff, consistent with the formal actions of the board.

(b) The board elects a vice president for a one-year term commencing in March. The vice president performs the duties specified in RSA 332-B:5 and performs the duties of the president in the absence of the president.

Source. #5024, eff 12-4-90; ss by #6450, INTERIM, eff 2-8-97, EXPIRES: 6-8-97; ss by #6480, eff 3-29-97; ss by #7417, eff 12-21-00; ss by #9386, eff 2-11-09; ss by #13269, eff 9-29-21

Vet 103.03 Office Location, Mailing Address and Telephone.

(a) The board's office is located at 7 Eagle Square, Concord, New Hampshire 03301 and is part of the Office of Professional licensure and Certification. The office is open to the public Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, during regular business hours.

(b) Correspondence shall be sent to the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification at 7 Eagle Square, Concord New Hampshire 03301.

Source. #5024, eff 12-4-90; ss by #6450, INTERIM, eff 2-8-97, EXPIRES: 6-8-97; ss by #6480, eff 3-29-97; ss by #7417, eff 12-21-00; ss by #9386, eff 2-11-09; ss by #13269, eff 9-29-21 (formerly Vet 103.04)

PART Vet 104 REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION

Vet 104.01 Requests. The public may make requests for information which shall be in writing, such as requests pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, the New Hampshire Right to Know Law.

Source. #6480, eff 3-29-97; ss by #7417, eff 12-21-00; ss by #9386, eff 2-11-09; ss by #13269, eff 9-29-21

Vet 104.02 Fees. The Office of Professional Licensure and Certification shall charge the fees listed in Plc 1001.01 for the copying of documents.

Source. #6480, eff 3-29-97; ss by #7417, eff 12-21-00; ss by #9386, eff 2-11-09; ss by #13269, eff 9-29-21

CHAPTER Vet 200 RULES OF PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

REVISION NOTE:

Document #13936, effective 6-23-24, repealed Part Vet 201 through Part Vet 207 in Chapter Vet 200, titled “Rules of Procedure”, and renamed the chapter as “Rules of Practice and Procedure”. Document #13936 also adopted a new Part Vet 201 titled “Applicability and Waiver of Substantive Rules”, containing Vet 201.01 titled “Rules of Practice and Procedure” and Vet 201.02 titled “Waiver of Administrative Rules.”

Document #13936 replaces all prior filings affecting the rules in the former Chapter Vet 200. The prior filings included the following documents. Italics indicate the rules were subject to expiration only pursuant to RSA 541-A:17, II:

#1557, eff 4-1-80

#2294, eff 2-1-83

#2892, eff 10-26-84

#4430, eff 6-02-88

#5024, eff 12-4-90, EXPIRED: 12-4-96

#6450, INTERIM, eff 2-8-97

#6481, eff 3-29-97

#7418, eff 12-21-00, EXPIRED: 12-21-08

#9464-A, eff 4-23-09 (Vet 201-Vet 205)

#9468-B, eff 4-23-09 (Vet 206), EXPIRED: 4-23-17

#12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-18-20 (Vet 206)

#13269, eff 9-29-21 (Vet 201-Vet 206)

#13522, eff 1-19-23 (Vet 207)

As practice and procedure rules, the rules in Document #13936 will not expire except pursuant to RSA 541-A:17, II.

PART Vet 201 APPLICABILITY AND WAIVER OF SUBSTANTIVE RULES

Vet 201.01 Rules of Practice and Procedure. The Plc 200 rules shall govern with regards to all procedures for:

(a) Adjudicatory proceedings;

(b) Rulemaking submissions, considerations, and dispositions of rulemaking petitions;

(d) Declaratory rulings;

(e) All statements of policy and interpretation;

(f) Explanation of adopted rules; and

(g) Voluntary surrender of licenses.

Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Vet 200) #13936, eff 6-23-24

Vet 201.02 Waiver of Administrative Rules.

(a) The board shall initiate a waiver of a substantive rule upon its own motion by providing affected parties with notice and opportunity to be heard, and issuing an order which finds that waiver would be necessary to advance the purpose of the rules of the board.

(b) Individuals who wish to request a waiver of a rule shall submit a written request to the board, which includes:

(1) The rule for which a waiver is requested;

(2) The anticipated length of time the requested waiver will be needed;

(3) The reason for requesting the waiver;

(4) Evidence of how the waiver will provide for the health and safety of the consumer or licensee;

(5) A time-limited written compliance plan which sets forth plans to achieve compliance including an estimated date of compliance; and

(6) The signature of the applicant.

(1) If adherence to the rule would cause the petitioner unnecessary or undue hardship;

(2) If the requested waiver is necessary because of any neglect or misfeasance on the part of the practitioner;

(3) If enforcement of the rule would injure a third person(s); and

(4) If waiver of the rule would injure a third person(s).

(d) The board shall approve a waiver of an administrative rule request only if:

(1) Granting a waiver does not have the effect of waiving or modifying a provision of RSA 332-B;

(2) The petitioner has shown good cause exists pursuant to (c) above to waive the rule; and

(3) The board determines that the individual’s plans for compliance with the rule includes an estimated date of compliance and eventual compliance.

(e) If the board, after receiving and reviewing a request for a waiver, requires further information or documentation to grant or deny the waiver, the board shall:

(1) Notify the applicant in writing within 30 days; and

(2) Specify the information or documentation the board requires.

(f) The board shall issue a written approval or denial of the waiver within 60 days of the date the request is received, unless additional information or documentation is required. If additional information and documentation is required, then the board shall issue a written approval or denial within 60 days of receiving the requested information or documentation.

Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Vet 200) #13936, eff 6-23-24

CHAPTER Vet 300 REGISTRATION OR LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

PART Vet 301 APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Vet 301.01 Application Procedures.

(a) Each applicant for a license to practice veterinary medicine shall:

(1) Complete and submit the “Universal Application for Initial License”, which contains the information required by Plc 304.03, the documentation required by Plc 304.04, and the signature and attestation specified in Plc 304.05;

(2) Submit the application fee described in Plc 1002.51;

(3) Submit or cause to have submitted through the American Association of Veterinary State Board’s Veterinary Application for Uniform Licensure Transfer (VAULT) portal, scores forwarded directly from Veterinary Information Verifying Agency (VIVA) confirming that the applicant has passed:

a. Both the National Board Exam (NBE) and the Clinical Competency Test (CCT); or

b. The North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE);

(4) Confirm that certified transcripts are sent directly from the applicant’s veterinary school to the office of professional licensure and certification (OPLC). If the transcripts are not in English, an officially translated copy shall be submitted to the OPLC with the transcripts; and

(5) If the applicant graduated from a veterinary school not accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the applicant shall have the AVMA submit a letter to the OPLC verifying the completion of the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) certification program, in accordance with Vet 302.01(b) or, if applicable, a certificate through any other certification program that meets the ECFVG or the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) program minimum standards.

(b) If the applicant is applying through this state to take the NAVLE, the applicant may access both the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (NBVME) NAVLE application and the NAVLE online approval form via the NBVME website. The applicant shall submit both directly to the NBVME by the deadlines posted on that website.

(c) If an applicant holds a United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number to prescribe schedules II-IV controlled substances the applicant shall:

(1) Register with the controlled drug prescription health and safety program (CDPHSP) pursuant to RSA 126-A:91; and

(2) Not engage in the prescribing or dispensing of controlled substances in schedules II-IV without having registered with the CDPHSP.

(d) Failure to register pursuant to (c)(1) above within 90 days of the initial issuance of a license shall constitute professional misconduct and shall be grounds for disciplinary action.

(e) The license shall be issued under the legal name of the licensee and that shall be the name used by the licensed veterinarian in all practice publications, advertising, and billing material.

Source. #1557, eff 4-1-80; amd by #1887, eff 12-14-81; ss by #2294, eff 2-1-83; amd by #2558, eff 12-27-83; ss by #2892, eff 10-26-84; ss by #5024, eff 12-4-90; amd by #5834, eff 6-2-94; ss by #6481, eff 3-29-97; ss by #7418, eff 12-21-00, EXPIRED: 12-21-08

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09; ss by #12080, eff 12-30-16; ss by #13467, eff 12-19-22; ss by #14397, eff 11-23-25, EXPIRES: 11-23-35

Vet 301.02 Abandonment of Application. An application shall be deemed abandoned when the applicant fails to complete the application/licensure process within 6 months of the board’s initial receipt of any required information.

Source. #5024, eff 12-4-90; ss by #6450, INTERIM, eff 2-8-97, EXPIRES: 6-8-97; ss by #6481, eff 3-29-97; ss by #7418, eff 12-21-00, EXPIRED: 12-21-08

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRES: 1-28-20

PART Vet 302 QUALIFICATIONS

Vet 302.01 Qualifications. Each applicant for licensure shall:

(a) Be 18 years of age or more;

(b) Have graduated from an AVMA accredited veterinary school or any other veterinary school that meets the minimum standards established by the AVMA for its approval, or have obtained an ECFVG or PAVE certificate or a certificate through any other certification program that meets the ECFVG or PAVE program minimum standards;

(d) Have a passing grade of 70% or higher for both the NBE and the CCT, or the NAVLE.

Source. #5024, eff 12-4-90; ss by #6450, INTERIM, eff 2-8-97, EXPIRES: 6-8-97; ss by #6481, eff 3-29-97; ss by #7418, eff 12-21-00, EXPIRED: 12-21-08

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13467, eff 12-19-22; ss by #14397, eff 11-23-25, EXPIRES: 11-23-35

Vet 302.02 Good Professional Character.

(a) Good professional character shall include but not be limited to:

(1) Traits including honesty, trustworthiness, diligence, and reliability that are relevant to and have a rational connection with the applicant’s present fitness to practice veterinary medicine;

(2) No conviction for any crime which would impair the individual’s worthiness and ability to serve as a professional licensed veterinarian pursuant to RSA 332-G:10;

(3) No behavioral problem which endangers the welfare or personal safety of clients, patients, or other veterinary personnel; and

(4) No practice within the state of New Hampshire within the previous 5 years without an active license.

(b) If the applicant has had a criminal conviction, suspended license, or revoked license the board shall consider the following when determining good professional character:

(1) Age and maturity at the time the criminal act was committed;

(2) The degree of culpability required for conviction of the crime, license suspension, or license revocation and any mitigating factors including motive for commission of the crime or licensing offense;

(3) The classification of the criminal act and the seriousness of actual and potential harm to persons or property;

(4) Criminal and licensure history and the likelihood that conduct will be repeated;

(5) The permissibility of service as a professional licensed veterinarian within the terms of any parole or probation;

(6) Proximity or remoteness in time of the criminal conviction, license suspension, or license revocation;

(7) Whether the criminal history or suspension or revocation of a license to practice impaired the applicant’s ability to practice; and

(8) Any evidence offered which would support good professional character.

Source. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13467, eff 12-19-22

Vet 302.03 Addendum to the Universal Application for Initial License. Each applicant for licensure shall complete and submit the “Addendum to the Universal Application for Initial License for Veterinarians” revised 7/2025 by attesting to the following:

(a) The applicant is 18 years of age or more;

(b) The applicant is either a graduate of an AVMA accredited school of veterinary medicine or the holder of an ECFVG certificate, a PAVE certificate, or certificate through any other certification program that meets the ECFVG or the PAVE program minimum standards;

(c) If the applicant is not a graduate of an AVMA accredited school of veterinary medicine, the applicant has requested through the American Association of Veterinary State Board’s Veterinary Application for Uniform Licensure Transfer (VAULT) portal the following:

(1) A letter from the AVMA verifying that the Education Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) certification program was completed; or

(2) A certified copy of the Certificate of Qualification issued by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association;

(d) The applicant has requested certified transcripts from their veterinary school to be submitted directly to the OPLC. If transcripts are not in English, an officially translated copy shall be submitted with the transcripts;

(e) The applicant has requested their exam scores to be submitted to the OPLC directly from Veterinary Information Verifying Agency (VIVA) to demonstrate that the applicant has passed both the National Board Exam (NBE) and the Clinical Competency Test (CCT), or the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE); and

(f) If the applicant is applying through this state to take the NAVLE, the applicant has submitted the NAVLE application and the NAVLE online approval form directly to the NBVME by the deadlines posted on that website.

Source. #14397, eff 11-23-25, EXPIRES: 11-23-35

PART Vet 303 JURISPRUDENCE EXAMINATION

Vet 303.01 Examination Subjects. Applicants shall be examined in the laws and rules affecting the practice of veterinary medicine in New Hampshire.

Source. #1557, eff 4-1-80; ss by #2294, eff 2-1-83; ss by #2892, eff 10-26-84; ss by #5024, eff 12-4-90; ss by #6450, INTERIM, eff 2-8-97, EXPIRES: 6-8-97; ss by #6481, eff 3-29-97; ss by #7418, eff 12-21-00, EXPIRED: 12-21-08

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09 (from Vet 303.02), EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13467, eff 12-19-22; ss by #14397, eff 11-23-25, EXPIRES: 11-23-35

Vet 303.02 Passing Grade and Retention of Examination. A passing score on the examination shall be 90%. All examinations shall be retained at the board office for a period of 3 years and destroyed thereafter.

Source. #1887, eff 12-14-81; ss by #2294, eff 2-1-83; ss by #2892, eff 10-26-84; ss by #5024, eff 12-4-90; ss by #6450, INTERIM, eff 2-8-97, EXPIRES: 6-8-97; ss by #6481, eff 3-29-97; ss by #7418, eff 12-21-00; ss by #7710, eff 6-21-02; ss by #9464-B, eff 4-23-09 (from Vet 303.03), EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13567, eff 12-19-22

PART Vet 304 RECIPROCITY

Vet 304.01 Reciprocity Application Procedures. Applicants who are licensed in another jurisdiction with substantially similar requirements as New Hampshire shall meet the requirements of Plc 313.57 and apply for licensure as required by Plc 313.03.

Source. #1887, eff 12-14-81; ss by #2294, eff 2-1-83; ss by #2892, eff 10-26-84; ss by #5024, eff 12-4-90; ss by #6450, INTERIM, eff 2-8-97, EXPIRES: 6-8-97; ss by #6481, eff 3-29-97; ss by #6859, eff 9-30-98; ss by #7418, eff 12-21-00, EXPIRED: 12-21-08

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13467, eff 12-19-22; ss by #14397, eff 11-23-25, EXPIRES: 11-23-35

PART Vet 305 TEMPORARY PERMIT

Vet 305.01 Definitions.

(a) "Direct supervision" means that there is a licensed veterinarian on the premises of the animal treatment facility or in a physically related structure who is available for in-person consultation on an immediate basis if necessary.

(b) "Indirect supervision" means there is no licensed veterinarian on the premises of the animal treatment facility, but a licensed veterinarian has given written or oral instructions for treatment of the animal patients involved and has arranged for telephone consultation with a licensed veterinarian, if necessary.

(c) "Permittee" means a person holding a temporary permit pursuant to RSA 332-B:12. A permittee is not a "licensed veterinarian" for purposes of these rules.

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13467, eff 12-19-22, EXPIRES: 12-19-32

Vet 305.02 Application for Temporary Permit.

(a) An application for a temporary permit shall submit the following:

(1) A complete application as defined in Vet 301.01 and all supporting documents except for Vet 301.01(f)(1);

(2) A written statement sent directly to the board from the New Hampshire licensed veterinarian agreeing to supervise the applicant’s practice in accordance with these rules and stating the practice where the permittee will be working; and

(3) The payment for the application fee set forth in Plc 1002.44.

Source. #7418, eff 12-21-00, EXPIRED: 12-21-08

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13467, eff 12-19-22 (formerly Vet 305.03)

Vet 305.03 Obligations of Temporary Permit.

(a) The permittee shall:

(1) Practice under the supervising veterinarian recognized in Vet 305.01;

(2) Notify the board, in writing, within 5 days if employment is terminated;

(3) Meet all the requirements of Vet 302 except Vet 302.01(d); and

(4) Take and pass the New Hampshire jurisprudence examination described in Vet 303.

(b) The temporary permit shall:

(1) Be valid for no more than one year from the date issued; and

(2) Not be renewable.

(1) Be responsible for the permittee’s actions;

(2) Provide a written statement to the board and the permittee within 5 days of early termination of the agreement to supervise.

(d) The temporary permit holder shall sit for the first available set of examinations described in Vet 301.02(d) following the date the temporary permit is issued.

Source. #7418, eff 12-21-00, EXPIRED: 12-21-08

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13467, eff 12-19-22 (formerly Vet 305.02)

Vet 305.04 Approval or Denial of a Temporary Permit.

(a) If the board, after receiving and reviewing a completed application for temporary permit packet requires further information or documents to determine the eligibility for the temporary permit, the board shall:

(1) So notify the applicant in writing within 30 days; and

(2) Specify the information or documents it requires.

(b) Within 60 days of the date the renewal application is completed, the board shall issue written approval or, intent to deny, the application.

(1) Make a written request for a hearing of the applicant's challenge; and

(2) Submit this request to the board within 60 days of the board's notification of license denial.

Source. #13467, eff 12-19-22

PART Vet 306 FEES

Vet 306.01 Fees.

(a) Fees shall be assessed pursuant to RSA 332-B:7, III according to the following schedule:

(1) The examination and initial licensing fee including a temporary permit shall be $175.00;

(2) The fee for annual license renewal applied for before December 31 shall be $150.00;

(3) The fee for annual license renewal applied for after December 31 shall be $200.00;

(4) The fee for copies of laws and rules shall be $25.00;

(5) The fee for replacement of license certificate shall be $10.00;

(6) The fee for a mailing list on paper shall be $25.00; an e-mailed list shall be $15.00; general information shall be $.50 per page; and

(7) The fee for verification of licensure shall be $20.

Source. #7418, eff 12-21-00; ss by #7792, eff 11-22-02; ss by #9023, eff 11-8-07; ss by #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13467, eff 12-19-22, EXPIRES: 12-19-32

Vet 306.02 Insufficient Funds. The applicant and/or renewing veterinarian shall be charged a fee of $25 or 5 percent of the face amount of the check, whichever is greater, plus all bank fees, in addition to the amount of the check, for any check returned due to insufficient funds.

Source. #7418, eff 12-21-00, EXPIRED: 12-21-08

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13467, eff 12-19-22, EXPIRES: 12-19-32

Vet 306.03 Refunds. No refunds shall be granted once the application or the renewal process is initiated.

Source. #7418, eff 12-21-00, EXPIRED: 12-21-08

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13467, eff 12-19-22, EXPIRES: 12-19-32

PART Vet 307 CONDITIONAL LICENSURE

Vet 307.01 Conditional Licensure Eligibility. The OPLC shall issue conditional licenses rather than full licenses to applicants who are graduates of a non-AVMA-accredited college of veterinary medicine who meet the following qualifications:

(a) Applicant is enrolled in the ECFVG certificate program, or another certification program that that meets the ECFVG or PAVE program minimum standards, and has completed all but the clinical practice examination (CPE);

(b) Applicant has successfully passed the jurisprudence examination pursuant to Vet 303;

(c) Applicant has submitted the “Universal Application for Initial License”, which contains the information required by Plc 304.03, the documentation required by Plc 304.04, and the signature and attestation specified in Plc 304.05;

(d) Applicant has submitted the applicable fee pursuant to Plc 1002.51;

(e) Applicant is a person of good professional character in accordance with Vet 302.02; and

(f) Applicant is 18 years or older.

Source. #14397, eff 11-23-25, EXPIRES: 11-23-35

Vet 307.02 Conditional License Duration.

(a) Conditional licenses shall be valid for 2 years from the date of issuance, or until the licensee obtains ECFVG certification and receives a full license.

(b) An ECFVG candidate, or a candidate for another certification program that meets the ECFVG or PAVE program minimum standards, who does not pass a CPE examination may apply to renew or reinstate their conditional license, however, a conditional license shall not be renewed or reinstated more than once.

Source. #14397, eff 11-23-25, EXPIRES: 11-23-35

Vet 307.03 Practice Under a Licensed Veterinarian. Pursuant to RSA 332-B:11, II, conditional licensees shall practice under the direct supervision of a veterinary ian licensed in New Hampshire.

Source. #14397, eff 11-23-25, EXPIRES: 11-23-35

CHAPTER Vet 400 CONTINUED STATUS

PART Vet 401 RENEWAL

Vet 401.01 Application for Renewal.

(a) All applicants for renewal of their license shall file the “Application for Renewal of Licensure to Practice Veterinary Medicine” form, revised 10/2022.

(b) The application shall:

(1) Be supplied by the board; and

(2) Contain the following preprinted statement:

“I acknowledge that knowingly making a false statement on this application form is a misdemeanor under RSA 641:2, I. I certify that the information I have provided on all parts of the application form and in the documents that I have personally submitted or caused to be submitted to support my application is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

I also certify that I have read the statute and the rules of the Board and promise that, if I am licensed, I will abide by them. Based on the statute and rules governing the profession for which I am applying I have not committed any acts that would be grounds for disciplinary action in this or any other State.”

(c) The effect of the renewal applicant’s signature on the application form for renewal of license described in (a) above shall be:

(1) The applicant’s acknowledgement that knowingly making a false statement on the application form is a misdemeanor under RSA 641:2, I;

(2) The applicant’s certification that:

a. The information provided on all of the parts of the application form and in the documents personally submitted to support the application is complete and accurate to the best of the applicant’s knowledge and belief; and

b. The applicant has read the statutes and administrative rules of the board; and

(3) The applicant’s promise to abide by the statutes and administrative rules of the board.

Source. #1887, eff 12-14-81; ss by #2294, eff 2-1-83; ss by #2892, eff 10-26-84; ss by #5024, eff 12-4-90; ss by #6450, INTERIM, eff 2-8-97, EXPIRES: 6-8-97; ss by #6481, eff
3-29-97; ss by #7418, eff 12-21-00, EXPIRED: 12-21-08

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13557, eff 3-1-23

Vet 401.02 Extension of Time.

(a) The board shall grant an extension of time for obtaining continuing education hours provided that the board finds there is good cause for the extension and the licensee complies with the following:

(1) A request for an extension is made in writing prior to expiration date of the license;

(2) The licensee states what form of continuing education they are attending and when; and

(3) The licensee notifies the board when the continuing education hours have been accumulated.

(b) Good cause under (a) above shall include, but not be limited to, illness, death of a family member, or other reason beyond the control of the petitioner.

(1) The licensee’s adherence to the rules would cause hardship;

(2) The request for an extension is necessary because of any neglect or misfeasance on the part of the petitioner; and

(3) The extension might be detrimental to public welfare and safety.

(d) Continuing education credits shall not be required for new graduates of a veterinary education program for their first renewal after graduation.

Source. #5024, eff 12-4-90; ss by #6450, INTERIM, eff 2-8-97, EXPIRES: 6-8-97; ss by #6481, eff 3-29-97; ss by #7418, eff 12-21-00, EXPIRED: 12-21-08

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13557, eff 3-1-23

PART Vet 402 REVOCATION, SUSPENSION, AND OTHER SANCTIONS

Vet 402.01 Misconduct. Misconduct sufficient to support disciplinary proceedings shall be:

(a) The practice of fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure a license to practice;

(b) Conviction of a felony or any offense involving moral turpitude in accordance with RSA 332 G:10;

(c) Any unprofessional conduct, or dishonorable conduct unworthy of, and affecting the practice of, the profession including but not limited to;

(1) Animal abuse or cruelty; or

(2) Insurance fraud;

(d) Unfitness or incompetency to practice the profession or any particular aspect or specialty thereof as evidenced by negligent or willful acts performed in a manner inconsistent with the health or safety of animals under the care of the licensee, the intentional injury of an animal or human in a context related to the profession, or a pattern of conduct inconsistent with the basic skills and knowledge required to practice the profession;

(e) Addiction to the use of alcohol or other habit-forming drugs to a degree which renders the person unfit to practice;

(f) Mental or physical incompetency to practice;

(g) Willful or repeated violation of the provisions of RSA 332-B;

(h) Suspension or revocation of a license, in a jurisdiction with license requirements comparable to those of this state, and not reinstated;

(i) The use of advertising or solicitation which is false, misleading, or fraudulent;

(j) Having professional association with or employing any person practicing veterinary medicine unlawfully;

(k) Fraud or dishonesty in the application or reporting of any test disease in animals;

(l) Failure to keep the veterinary premises and equipment in a safe, clean, and sanitary condition;

(m) Failure to report as required by law, or making false report of any contagious or infectious disease;

(n) Dishonesty or gross negligence in the inspection of foodstuffs, maintenance of medical records, or the issuance of health, vaccination, or inspection certificates;

(o) The violation of the board’s administrative rules or board practice act RSA 332-B; or

(p) Practice without a currently valid license or permit.

Source. #1887, eff 12-14-81; ss by #2294, eff 2-1-83; ss by #2892, eff 10-26-84; ss by #5024, eff 12-4-90; ss by #6450, INTERIM, eff 2-8-97, EXPIRES: 6-8-97; ss by #6481, eff
3-29-97; ss by #7418, eff 12-21-00, EXPIRED: 12-21-08

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13557, eff 3-1-23

Vet 402.02 Sanctions.

(a) Pursuant to RSA 332-B:14, III, disciplinary measures available to the board to sanction misconduct shall be:

(1) By reprimand;

(2) By suspension, limitation, or restriction of license;

(3) By revocation of license;

(4) By requiring the person to participate in a program of continuing education in the area or areas in which the person has been found deficient; or

(5) By the imposition of civil penalties of up to $2,000 per violation, or in the case of continuing violations, not more than $200 per day, whichever is greater.

Source. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13557, eff 3-1-23

Vet 402.03 Procedure for Imposition of Sanctions. Other than immediate license suspension authorized by RSA 541-A:30, III and RSA 332-B:15-a, the board shall impose disciplinary sanctions only:

(a) After prior notice to the licensee and the opportunity for the licensee to be heard; or

(b) By agreement in a settlement between the board and the licensee made pursuant to RSA 328-B:14, IV.

Source. #13557, eff 3-1-23

Vet 402.04 Determinations Required for Sanctions.

(a) In determining which sanction or combination of sanctions to impose, the board shall:

(1) First determine the nature of the act or omission constituting the misconduct done by the licensee;

(2) Next determine whether the misconduct has one or more of the characteristics listed in (b) below; and

(3) Finally, apply the standards in Vet 402.05.

(b) The characteristics the board shall consider are whether:

(1) The misconduct actually caused physical or mental harm;

(2) The misconduct had the potential to cause physical or mental harm; or

(3) The misconduct repeated earlier misconduct done by the licensee, as determined by:

a. An earlier hearing;

b. An earlier settlement agreement predicated on the same misconduct by the licensee;

c. Any previous board actions; or

d. An admission by the licensee;

(4) The misconduct was not the first misconduct by the licensee, as determined by:

a. An earlier hearing;

b. An earlier settlement agreement predicated on the same misconduct by the licensee; or

c. An admission by the licensee; and

(5) The misconduct was intentional rather than the result of negligence or inadvertence.

Source. #13557, eff 3-1-23

Vet 402.05 Standards for the Selection of Sanctions. The board shall select appropriate sanction(s):

(a) From the list in Vet 402.02; and

(b) By choosing, in light of the characteristics determined pursuant to Vet 402.04, the sanction or combination of sanctions:

(1) Most likely to protect public health and safety;

(2) Most likely to prevent future misconduct by the licensee;

(3) Takes into account any acknowledgement of fault by the licensee and any cooperation by the licensee with the board's investigation of misconduct;

(4) Takes into account the licensee’s state of mind at the time of the offense

(5) Most likely to correct any attitudinal, educational, or other deficiencies which led to the licensee's misconduct;

(6) That encourages the responsible practice of veterinary medicine; and

(7) That demonstrates to the licensee and the public the board's intention to ensure that its licensees practice in accordance with applicable law and to promote public welfare.

Source. #13557, eff 3-1-23

Vet 402.06 Disciplinary Action in Another Jurisdiction.

(a) Failure of a licensee to notify the board within 15 days of disciplinary action in another jurisdiction shall result in disciplinary action of up to and including revocation of New Hampshire veterinary license if the same offense would result in disciplinary action in New Hampshire.

(b) The licensee shall have details of the disciplinary action forwarded to the board directly from that jurisdiction within 30 days of the action.

Source. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13557, eff 3-1-23 (formerly Vet 402.02)

Vet 402.07 Unauthorized Practice. When the board determines that one of the following measures is likely to be the most effective way to stop unauthorized practice as defined in RSA 332-B:1-a, the board shall:

(a) Issue a cease and desist order against the person or entity engaged in the unauthorized practice; or

(b) Seek an injunction against such person or entity.

Source. #13557, eff 3-1-23

Vet 402.08 Notification of American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). The board shall report to Veterinary Information Verifying Agency (VIVA) any disciplinary actions or findings of misconduct in this state.

Source. #13557, eff 3-1-23

PART Vet 403 CONTINUING EDUCATION

Vet 403.01 Continuing Education Requirements.

(a) The licensee shall obtain a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education during the immediately preceding 24 months of the date of renewal as set forth in RSA 332-B:13, III with a minimum of 6 hours earned per each 12-month period preceding the renewal.

(b) Continuing education courses shall be a course sponsored or approved by one of the following organizations:

(1) The American Association of Veterinary State Boards, Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE);

(2) American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA);

(3) American Association of Avian Pathologists (AAAP);

(4) American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP);

(5) American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP);

(6) American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP);

(7) American Association of Food Hygiene Veterinarians (AAFHV);

(8) American Association of Industrial Veterinarians (AAIV);

(9) American Association of Rehabilitative Veterinarians (AARV);

(10) American Association of Small Ruminant practitioners (AASRP);

(11) American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV);

(12) American Association of Veterinary Clinicians (AAVC);

(13) American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP);

(14) American Board of Veterinary Toxicology (ABVT);

(15) American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM);

(16) American College of Poultry Veterinarians (ACPV);

(17) American College of Theriogenologists (ACT);

(18) American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACRAA);

(19) American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB);

(20) American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology (ACVCP);

(21) American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD);

(22) American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVCC);

(23) American College of Veterinary lnternal Medicine (ACVIM);

(24) American College of Veterinary Microbiologists (ACVM);

(25) American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN);

(26) American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO);

(27) American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP);

(28) American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine (ACVPM);

(29) American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR);

(30) American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS);

(31) American College of Zoological Medicine (ACVZM);

(32) American Embryo Transfer Association (AETA);

(33) American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners (ASLAP);

(34) American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC);

(35) American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA);

(36) Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV);

(37) Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference (ACVC);

(38) Fetch dvm360 Conference;

(39) International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine (IAAAM);

(40) National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians;

(41) North American Veterinary Community (NAVC), including Veterinary Meeting and Expo (VMX);

(42) Penn State Dairy Production Medicine (certificate programs);

(43) State and Regional Veterinary Medical Associations;

(44) US Animal Health Association (USAHA);

(45) Veterinary Emergency Critical Care Society (VECCS);

(46) Veterinary Orthopedic Society (VOS); and

(47) Western Veterinary Conference (WVC).

(c) A minimum of 24 hours per renewal shall be medical courses with a maximum of 6 hours earned in non-medical courses including practice management, professional development, and professional wellness.

(d) A maximum of 6 credits shall be from programs accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

(e) A maximum of 4 hours shall be in complementary and alternative veterinary therapies.

(f) At least one hour shall be in the content area of medical records, law, or ethics.

(g) At least one hour shall be in the area of opioid use or prescribing of opioids.

(h) A maximum of one contact hour of continuing education for professional wellness per biennium.

(i) A minimum of 50% of continuing education hours shall be obtained through in person or simultaneously interactive remote learning.

(j) No more than 50% of the required continuing education shall be through passive prerecorded learning.

(k) Documentation of continuing education courses shall be:

(1) A certificate of attendance containing the following information:

a. Name of organization providing or sponsoring the course;

b. Date of the course;

c. Title of the course;

d. Name of speaker; and

e. Number of hours earned at the course;

(2) Proof of completion of a course approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards, RACE shall have the RACE number printed on it in addition to the information described in (1) above; and

(3) Maintained for no less than 3 years.

(l) Continuing education courses not approved by organizations listed in (c) above shall be submitted to the board for preapproval and be considered appropriate for approval if the course is:

(1) Specific to the licensee’s practice type or location; and

(2) Designed to enhance the licensee’s veterinary skills;

(m) Requests for approval of continuing education described in (k) above shall be submitted to the board a minimum of 10 weeks in advance of attendance.

(n) Requests for continuing education credits for international conferences that are not RACE approved shall be submitted to the board a minimum of 10 weeks in advance of attendance accompanied by proof of the host country’s certification organization showing that the organization is equivalent to RACE.

Source. #7418, eff 12-21-00, EXPIRED: 12-21-08

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13557, eff 3-1-23

Vet 403.02 Audit Procedure.

(a) The board shall select on a random basis a minimum of 3% of the renewal applications submitted in each renewal year for an audit of completion of the continuing education required by Vet 403.01.

(b) Audited renewal applicants who reported on the renewal application form that they completed continuing education shall respond to the board’s request no later than the date indicated on the letter informing them that they have been audited and do so by:

(1) Providing a list of continuing education earned on the “Veterinary Board Continuing Education Audit Form” dated 10/2022; and

(2) Attaching to the “Veterinary Board Continuing Education Audit Form” proof in the form of the documentation described in Vet 403.01(j).

(c) If the board observes that the documents submitted pursuant to (b)(1) above do not support the renewal applicant's claim of continuing education, the board shall review the possibility that the renewal applicant made an error on the renewal application form or in submitting documents.

(d) In making the review called for by (c) above, the board shall seek further information from the renewal applicant if doing so will aid in the review.

(e) If, having completed the review required by (c) above, the board believes that the renewal applicant made an error in reporting or in submitting documents and did not intentionally falsely report continuing education, the board shall:

(1) Require correction of the error; or

(2) If the error cannot be corrected issue a notice of hearing to determine if the license violated the rules governing continuing education.

(f) If, having completed the review required by (d) above, the board believes that the renewal applicant has intentionally falsely reported continuing education, the board shall commence a disciplinary adjudicative proceeding.

Source. #13557, eff 3-1-23

PART Vet 404 ONGOING REQUIREMENTS

Vet 404.01 Change of Address. Each licensed veterinarian shall notify the board of any change of his or her address within 30 days of the change.

Source. #1557, eff 4-1-80; ss by #2294, eff 2-1-83; ss by #2892, eff 10-26-84; ss by #5024, eff 12-4-90; ss by #6450, INTERIM, eff 2-8-97, EXPIRES: 6-8-97; ss by #6481, eff
3-29-97; ss by #7418, eff 12-21-00, EXPIRED: 12-21-08

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13557, eff 3-1-23

Vet 404.02 Change of Name. Each licensed veterinarian shall in practice situations use their name, which shall be the name in which the licensee’s license is issued and the licensee shall notify the board in writing within 30 days of a name change and provide the board with a copy of the legal documentation.

Source. #13557, eff 3-1-23

PART Vet 405 RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACTIONS OF VETERINARY NURSES, VETERINARY TECHNICIANS, AND VETERINARY ASSISTANTS

Vet 405.01 Veterinary Nurses, Veterinary Technicians, or Veterinary Assistants’ Acts and Conduct.

(a) All veterinary nurses, veterinary technicians, and veterinarian assistants who assist a licensed veterinarian in the care and treatment of animals shall be the professional responsibility of the licensed veterinarian being assisted. The licensed veterinarian shall supervise the veterinary nurses, veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants.

(b) The veterinary nurses, veterinary technicians, or veterinary assistants’ acts and conduct shall be deemed at all times to be the acts and conduct of the supervising licensed veterinarian.

(c) Licensees shall refer to Vet 800 which describes the training and scope of activity allowed to be performed by a veterinary nurses, veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants in the practice of veterinary medicine.

Source. #7418, eff 12-21-00, EXPIRED: 12-21-08

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13557, eff 3-1-23

PART Vet 406 REINSTATEMENT OF AN EXPIRED LICENSE

Vet 406.01 Application for Reinstatement.

(a) Applicants for reinstatement who have allowed their license to lapse for non-renewal for no more than 5 years shall apply by:

(1) Submitting an “Application for Reinstatement of Licensure to Practice Veterinary Medicine” form, revised 10/2022;

(2) Placing their signature on the “Application for Reinstatement of Licensure to Practice Veterinary Medicine” form after the following statement:

“I acknowledge that knowingly making a false statement on this application form is a misdemeanor under RSA 641:2, I. I certify that the information I have provided on all parts of the application form, and in the documents that I have personally submitted to support my application, is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I also certify that I have read and understood the statute and the rules of the Board of Veterinary Medicine and promise that, if I am licensed, I will abide by them.”

(3) Pay the fee required by Plc 1002.44;

(4) Show proof of having completed 30 hours of continuing education, as described in Vet 403, within the immediately preceding 2 years of the date the application for reinstatement was submitted; and

(5) Be of good professional character as described in Vet 302.

(b) Applicants for reinstatement who allowed their license to lapse for non-renewal for more than 5 years and have been active in the profession by practicing as a veterinarian for at least 1,000 hours per year in a jurisdiction outside of New Hampshire for 3 years or more shall apply by:

(1) Submitting an “Application for Reinstatement of Licensure to Practice Veterinary Medicine” form, revised 10/2022;

(2) Pay the fee required by Plc 1002.44;

(3) Show proof of having completed 30 hours of continuing education, as described in Vet 403, within the immediately preceding 2 years of the date the application for reinstatement was submitted; and

(4) Be of good professional character as described in Vet 302.

(c) Applicants for reinstatement who allowed their license to lapse for non-renewal for more than 5 years and have not been active in the profession by practicing as a veterinarian for at least 1,000 hours per year in any jurisdiction for 3 years or more shall apply by:

(1) Submitting an “Application for Reinstatement of Licensure to Practice Veterinary Medicine” form, revised 10/2022;

(2) Pay the fee required by Plc 1002.44; and

(3) Show proof of having completed 30 hours of continuing education, as described in Vet 403, within the immediately preceding 2 years of the date the application for reinstatement was submitted.

(4) Submitting verification of licensure directly to the board from each state or jurisdiction where the applicant has ever been licensed;

(5) Submitting a current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume;

(6) Submitting 2 letters of recommendation sent directly to the board from practicing veterinarians who can attest to the veterinary abilities of the applicant within the last 5 years;

(7) Submitting detailed information of pending complaints or disciplinary action taken in another state or jurisdiction relating in any way to the practice of veterinary medicine; and

(8) Be of good professional character as described in Vet 302.

Source. #13557, eff 3-1-23

CHAPTER Vet 500 ETHICAL STANDARDS

PART Vet 501 UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Vet 501.01 Adoption of Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics. All licensed veterinarians shall comply with the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the AVMA as revised August 2019 and available as noted in Appendix II except where the vet rules have a stricter requirement.

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09; ss by #12080, eff 12-30-16; ss by #13466, eff 10-21-22

Vet 501.02 Violations of Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics. Conduct which violates the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the AVMA as revised April 2016 shall constitute unprofessional or dishonorable conduct pursuant to RSA 332-B:14, II(c).

Source. #5024, eff 12-4-90; ss by #6450, INTERIM, eff 2-8-97, EXPIRES: 6-8-97; ss by #6481, eff 3-29-97; ss by #7418, eff 12-21-00, EXPIRED: 12-21-08

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09; ss by #12080, eff 12-30-16

Vet 501.03 Veterinary Specialists.

(a) No veterinarian shall identify him or herself as a member of an AVMA-recognized specialty organization if such certification has not been awarded and maintained. Only those veterinarians who have been certified by an AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty organization shall refer to themselves as specialists.

(b) All licensees shall clearly identify their level of veterinary degree and expertise, whether they are specialists or not, to the client to avoid confusion so that the client may seek an appropriate level of care.

Source. #13466, eff 10-21-22

Vet 501.04 Specialty Facilities Naming Guidelines.

(a) A facility that provides services by AVMA-recognized board-certified veterinary specialist(s) shall be referred to as a specialty referral facility.

(b) In order to use the term specialty or referral in the name of a facility, more than half of the total average veterinary hours worked per week shall be worked by AVMA-recognized board-certified veterinary specialists as described in Vet 501.03.

(c) In order to use the terms “specialty”, “specialist”, “referral”, or similar in the facilities name, a facility shall offer AVMA recognized specialty services provided by an AVMA board-certified veterinary specialist(s) and shall not provide general practice services on a regular basis.

Source. #13466, eff 10-21-22

PART Vet 502 EMERGENCY COVERAGE AND AFTER HOURS CARE

Vet 502.01 Emergency Coverage.

(a) The licensed veterinarian shall be available for follow-up evaluation or provide guidance to clients for veterinary emergency coverage, and continuing care and treatment.

(b) The licensed veterinarian shall disclose what his or her usual and customary business hours are when establishing a veterinarian-client-patient-relationship (VCPR).

Source. #5311, eff 1-21-92, EXPIRED: 1-21-98

New. #6859, eff 9-30-98; ss by #7418, eff 12-21-00, EXPIRED: 12-21-08

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13466, eff 10-21-22

Vet 502.02 After Hours Care. The licensed veterinarian shall disclose to the client who will be providing the supervision of the patient at any time a patient is on the premises, including, but not limited to, overnight hospitalization.

Source. #13466, eff 10-21-22

PART Vet 503 EUTHANASIA

Vet 503.01 Adoption of AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition. All licensed veterinarians shall comply with the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition, available as noted in Appendix II and except where vet rules have a stricter requirement.

Source. #13466, eff 10-21-22

CHAPTER Vet 600 PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

PART Vet 601 ACUPUNCTURE

Vet 601.01 Acupuncture Defined. "Acupuncture" means inserting needles into the tissue of living animals for the production of counter-irritation.

Source. #1697, eff 1-1-81; ss by #2294, eff 2-1-83; ss by #2892, eff 10-26-84; ss by #5024, eff 12-4-90; ss by #6450, INTERIM, eff 2-8-97, EXPIRES: 6-8-97; ss by #6481, eff 3-29-97; ss by #7418, eff 12-21-00, EXPIRED: 12-21-08

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. 13453, eff 9-29-22

Vet 601.02 License Required.

(a) Acupuncture performed on an animal shall be considered the practice of veterinary medicine and shall be performed only by persons authorized to practice under RSA 332-B and the rules of this title.

(b) The terms "application" and "technique" shall include acupuncture.

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13453, eff 9-29-22

PART Vet 602 EMBRYO TRANSFERS

Vet 602.01 Surgical Embryo Transfers. Surgical embryo transfers in animals shall be considered the practice of veterinary medicine and shall be performed only by persons authorized to practice under RSA 332-B and the rules of this title.

Source. #2413, eff 7-5-83; ss by #2892, eff 10-26-84; ss by #5024, eff 12-4-90; ss by #6450, INTERIM, eff 2-8-97, EXPIRES: 6-8-97; ss by #6481, eff 3-29-97; ss by #7418, eff 12-21-00, EXPIRED: 12-21-08

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. 13453, eff 9-29-22

PART Vet 603 TELEMEDICINE

Vet 603.01 Practice of Telemedicine.

(a) The practice of veterinary medicine includes telemedicine and shall be conducted within a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR). Persons who are not licensed in New Hampshire as veterinarians, shall not provide remote veterinary telemedicine services to a client or patient in New Hampshire through telephonic, electronic, or another technological method.

(b) The requirement in (a) above shall not prohibit the following:

(1) Provision of consulting services to an attending veterinarian who has established a valid VCPR; and

(2) On-call or other coverage arrangements among veterinarians who regularly practice at the same physical location and within the practice of the veterinarian who initially established the VCPR, when the veterinarian has current access to the patient’s current and prior medical record.

Source. #13453, eff 9-29-22

PART Vet 604 VETERINARY CLIENT PATIENT RELATIONSHIP (VCPR)

Vet 604.01 Establishing a VCPR. A VCPR shall be established only through an in-person physical examination by the licensed veterinarian or an in-person site visit by the licensed veterinarian.

Source. #13453, eff 9-29-22

Vet 604.02 Maintaining a VCPR. A VCPR shall expire unless an in-person physical examination or an in-person site visit has been completed by the licensed veterinarian in the prior 365 days.

Source. #13453, eff 9-29-22

CHAPTER Vet 700 VETERINARY MEDICAL RECORDS

PART Vet 701 RECORD MAKING AND KEEPING

Vet 701.01 Daily Reports.

(a) Every licensed veterinarian shall make daily written reports in the medical records of the animals he or she treats as follows:

(1) Records for companion animals and horses shall be kept for each animal, but records for livestock, as defined in RSA 21:34-a excluding horses, may be maintained on a group or client basis;

(2) The records shall be readily retrievable and shall be kept by the veterinary facility, practice owner, or licensed veterinarian medical director in the event that the veterinary practice owner is not a licensed veterinarian, for a period of at least 5 years following the last treatment or examination; and

(3) This record-making and keeping requirement in (1) and (2) above shall apply to any practice of veterinary medicine regardless of when, where, and how it was done or the reason the services were performed.

(b) The records required by Vet 701.01(a) shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) Name, address, and telephone number of the animal’s owner on each page of the medical record;

(2) Name, number, or other identification, such as microchip, tattoo, or ear tag, of the animal or group on each page of the medical record;

(3) Species, breed, age, sex, and color of the animal;

(4) Immunization record;

(5) Beginning and ending dates of custody of the animal;

(6) Date and time of visits and treatments;

(7) Reason for visit;

(8) An pertinent history of the animal’s condition as it pertains to its medical status;

(9) Physical examination including:

(a) Whether within normal limits, abnormal, or not examined; and

(b) Absolute data as applicable, including, but not limited to:

a. Weight;

b. Temperature;

c. Heart rate; and

d. Respiratory rate;

(10) Laboratory, radiology and imaging, and ancillary services or data and interpretation;

(11) Assessment, prognosis, and provisional or final diagnosis;

(12) Plan for testing, diagnostics, and treatment;

(13) All treatments and medications administered, prescribed, or dispensed:

a. Including time, dose, and route of administration; and

b. Response to treatment;

(14) Surgery and anesthesia, including but not limited, to medications, materials, and vital signs;

(15) Progress of the case;

(16) Documented authorization by the client consenting to or declining of recommendations, and their associated risks, benefits, and costs;

(17) Cage charts, dental charts, surgical reports, and anesthesia monitoring records;

(18) All communications with clients whether in person, over the phone, in written or electronic form or via another method;

(19) An accurate description of dental procedures, including duration and identity of the practice team members involved in the procedure; and

(20) Discharge instructions.

(d) Medical records shall be legible.

(e) The author of medical record entries shall be permanently and uniquely identified, by code numbers or letters, initials, or signatures, in a manner that is understood by anyone examining such records.

(f) Sufficient information shall be entered in the history and examination portions of the record to justify the tentative diagnosis, problems, and treatment.

Source. #7418, eff 12-21-00; amd by #7710, eff 6-21-02, paras. (b)(c) EXPIRED: 12-21-08; ss by #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13454, eff 9-28-22

Vet 701.02 Transfer of Records.

(a) The original physical records shall be the property of the practice, shelter, or facility at which care was provided except that the licensed veterinarian shall comply with any request by the animal’s owner for a copy of the records within one week. A minimal fee may be charged but the sending of the copies shall not be contingent upon payment of any prior outstanding balance or this fee.

(b) All previous veterinary medical records relating to the animal, not the owner, shall become available to the new owner of an animal.

(c) Unique, non-digital radiographs and ultrasonographic images shall be transferred to the new veterinarian if requested by the animal’s owner but shall be returned to the original veterinarian. The new veterinarian may make copies of the images if needed.

(d) Medical records exclude financial and billing information.

Source. #7418, eff 12-21-00, EXPIRED: 12-21-08

New. #9464-B, eff 4-23-09, EXPIRED: 4-23-17

New. #12842, INTERIM, eff 8-1-19, EXPIRED: 1-28-20

New. #13454, eff 9-28-22

CHAPTER Vet 800 NON-VETERINARIANS

PART Vet 801 VETERINARY NURSES, VETERINARY TECHNICIANS, AND VETERINARY ASSISTANTS

Vet 801.01 Definitions.

(a) “Non-veterinarian” means a veterinary nurse, a veterinary technician, or a veterinary assistant employed and who is under the direction and responsibility of a licensed veterinarian.

Source. #13577, eff 5-15-23

Vet 801.02 Testing.

(a) Anyone who has graduated from an AVMA accredited veterinary technology or veterinary nursing program shall be eligible to take the VTNE offered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).

(b) Anyone who has a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine and has 2 years of on-the-job training covering the tasks listed in Vet 802 and verified by a letter from a licensed supervising veterinarian shall be eligible to take the VTNE offered by the AAVSB until May 1, 2026. Anyone who wishes to take the VTNE after May 1, 2026 shall comply with (a) above.

(c) Anyone who has obtained 4 years of on-the-job training covering the tasks listed in Vet 802 and verified by a letter from a supervising veterinarian shall be eligible to take the VTNE offered by the AAVSB until May 1, 2026. Anyone who wishes to take the VTNE after May 1, 2026 shall comply with (a) above.

Source. #13577, eff 5-15-23

PART Vet 802 TASKS ALLOWED TO BE PERFORMED BY A VETERINARY NURSE OR VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

Vet 802.01 Veterinary Nurse or Veterinary Technician.

(a) Under the immediate supervision of the licensed veterinarian, the veterinary nurse and veterinary technician shall be authorized to assist during surgical procedures.

(b) Under direct supervision the following tasks may be delegated to a veterinary nurse or veterinary technician:

(1) Induction and maintenance of anesthesia, by inhalant gas or intravenous method, including placing of endotracheal tube;

(2) Euthanasia;

(3) Administration of parenteral sedatives, including those intended as a premedication for anesthesia;

(4) Blood or blood component collection, preparation, or administration for the purpose of blood banking or transfusion;

(5) Application of bandages and splints;

(6) Dental procedures limited to the removal of calculus and plaque, polishing, and application of barrier sealants; and

(7) Central intravenous or arterial catheterization.

(1) Administration and application of treatments, drugs, medications, and immunological agents by oral and parenteral routes with the exception of:

a. Intra-cardiac or epidural routes; and

b. Medications intended to induce sedation as a premedication to anesthesia;

(2) Intravenous catheterizations except central venous or arterial catheters;

(3) Initiation of parenteral fluid administration;

(4) Radiography including settings, positioning, processing, and safety procedures;

(5) Collection of blood;

(6) Collection of urine by expression, catheterization, or cystocentesis;

(7) Collection and preparation of tissue, cellular or microbiological samples by skin scrapings, impressions, or other non-surgical methods;

(8) Tonometry;

(9) Routine laboratory test procedures;

(10) Handling of biohazardous waste material; and

(11) Measurement of blood pressure.

(d) Other services shall only be delegated by the supervising to a veterinary nurse or veterinary technician if they are competent to perform them based on the veterinary technician’s or veterinary nurses’ skill level and shall include, at a minimum, indirect supervision unless those services are prohibited by this chapter or RSA 332-B.

(e) Under conditions of emergency, a veterinary nurse or veterinary technician may render the following aid and treatment:

(1) Without a direct order from a licensed veterinarian:

a. Application of a tourniquet or pressure bandage to control hemorrhage;

b. Resuscitative procedures not to include administration of drugs or defibrillation;

c. Application of splints, wound dressings or bandages to prevent further damage of or to bones or soft tissue;

d. Peripheral intravenous catheterization; and

e. Oxygen therapy.

(2) After a direct order from a licensed veterinarian, a veterinary nurse or technician may perform the administration of pharmacological agents or parenteral fluids.

(f) No veterinary nurse or veterinary technician shall:

(1) Make any diagnosis or prognosis;

(2) Prescribe any treatments, drugs, medications, or appliances; or

(3) Perform surgery.

(g) Any veterinary nurse or veterinary technician, working for an animal shelter as defined in RSA 437:1, I, shall be exempt from the requirement to have direct supervision by a licensed veterinarian while performing euthanasia during their work at that animal shelter.

Source. #13577, eff 5-15-23; ss by #13826, eff 2-18-24

PART Vet 803 STUDENTS

Vet 803.01 Students in a Veterinary Technician Program. A person who is a student in an AVMA accredited veterinary technology program or a post-secondary pre-veterinary program may perform the tasks described in Vet 802.01 while working under the direct supervision of a credentialed veterinary nurse or veterinary technician assuming the appropriate level of veterinary supervision as outlined in Vet 802.

Source. #13577, eff 5-15-23

PART Vet 804 VETERINARY ASSISTANTS

Vet 804.01 Tasks Allowed to be Performed by Veterinary Assistants. On order of the supervising veterinarian and as appropriate to the level of the veterinarian assistant’s skill as determined by the supervising veterinarian, a veterinary assistant under indirect supervision, may:

(a) Monitor anesthesia under immediate supervision;

(b) Obtain and prepare blood samples;

(c) Perform laboratory services for which an assistant has been trained and shall be conducted under indirect supervision as defined in Vet 102.01(u);

(d) Administer oral medication, subcutaneous injections, and fluids, except those intended to induce sedation prior to anesthesia which shall only be administered under immediate supervision;

(e) Connect and disconnect intravenous fluids; and

(f) Restrain the animal.

Source. #13577, eff 5-15-23

CHAPTER Vet 900 ANIMAL DENTAL CARE

PART Vet 901 DENTAL CARE

Vet 901.01 Dental Care Performed by a Licensed Veterinarian.

(a) Veterinary dentistry is a discipline of veterinary medicine and surgery and includes the diagnosis, treatment, and management of the oral health for companion animals, equines, livestock, and various exotic species.

(b) Surgical procedure of the head or oral cavity shall include the following:

(1) The administration of prescription of sedatives, tranquilizers, analgesics, or anesthetics;

(2) Invasive procedures of the tissues of the oral cavity such as, but not limited to, the following:

a. Removal of sharp enamel points, except as permitted by Vet 101.02(b)(4);

b. Treatment of malocclusions of premolars, molars, canine teeth, and incisors;

c. Odontoplasty;

d. Extraction of first premolars and deciduous premolars and incisors;

e. Extraction of damaged or diseased teeth;

f. Treatment of diseased teeth via restorations or endodontic procedures;

g. Periodontal and orthodontic treatments; and

h. Endoscopy of the oral cavity; and

(3) Interpretation of dental radiography.

(c) A veterinarian shall perform operative dentistry and oral surgery for companion animals, equines, livestock, and various exotic species.

Source. #13657, eff 8-13-23

Vet 901.02 Anesthesia or Sedation.

(a) A small animal patient shall be anesthetized using an endotracheal tube for a complete oral examination, intraoral radiography, and dental scaling to be performed.

(b) Large animals and exotic patients shall be administered sedatives, tranquilizers, analgesics, or anesthetics based on the veterinarian’s judgement and best practice.

(c) The veterinarian shall use the following criteria to determine if referral to a veterinary dental specialist or a practice with a veterinary anesthesiologist is appropriate:

(1) When the dental procedure requires skills, equipment, and expertise beyond the level of capabilities of the primary care veterinarian;

(2) When the client expressed the desire for a higher level of care that exceeds the capabilities of the primary care veterinarian; or

(3) When there is significant anesthetic risk factors and comorbidities.

Source. #13657, eff 8-13-23

Vet 901.03 Medical Records of Dental Procedures:

(a) The following information shall be included in the dental chart or medical record described in Vet 701.01(b)(19):

(1) A complete description of all dental, oral, or other disease present during the examination;

(2) A complete description of all abnormal findings; and

(3) Documentation of communication with the client with regards to any dental disease or abnormal dental findings.

Source. #13657, eff 8-13-23

CHAPTER Vet 1000 PRESCRIPTION DRUG MONITORING PROGRAM

PART Vet 1001 OPIOID MANAGEMENT

Vet 1001.01 Opioid Management by Veterinarians. Veterinarians shall not be obligated to prescribe opioids, and as required by RSA 318-B:10 I and II, licensees shall adhere to the following rules regarding prescribing of opioids for pain:

(a) Conduct and document a detailed patient history and physical exam in response to a complaint of pain or anticipated pain;

(b) Complete and document a risk assessment to determine whether a patient is a medically appropriate candidate for a schedule II, III, or IV opioid. Examples of acceptable risk assessment processes may be found in the 2022 AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, and the WSAVA Guidelines for Recognition, Assessment, and Treatment of Pain, June 2014 edition which are both available as noted in Appendix II;

(c) Establish and document a pain treatment plan for the patient that includes the lowest effective dosage of opioids for the fewest days possible as well as consideration of non-pharmacological modalities and non-opioid therapy. Examples of acceptable treatment plan considerations may be found in the 2022 AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, and the WSAVA Guidelines for Recognition, Assessment, and Treatment of Pain, June 2014 edition which are both available as noted in Appendix II;

(d) Document informed consent of the owner including:

(1) The risk of side effects for the patient;

(2) The risks of keeping unused medication;

(3) Options for safely securing and disposing of unused medication; and

(4) That prior to any query of the prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) as required, the owner’s personal history of prescription access may be checked by the veterinarian, pursuant to RSA 126-A:92, in addition to the prescribing history for the patient;

(e) Prescribers required to register with the PDMP pursuant to RSA 126-A:91, or their designee, shall query the PDMP to obtain a history of schedule II-IV controlled substances dispensed to a patient, prior to the prescriber prescribing an initial schedule II, III, and IV opioids for the management or treatment of the patient’s pain, and then periodically, and but no less than twice per year, except when:

(1) Opioids are administered to patients in a health care setting;

(2) Treating acute pain associated with serious traumatic injury, post-operatively, or with an acute medical condition, with clear objective findings by the licensee, for no more than 7 days supply of schedule III, IV, or V substances; or

(3) When the PDMP database is inaccessible or not functioning properly the specific reason why there was no query of the database shall be documented in the patient’s medical record;

(f) If opioids are indicated and appropriate for prescription for acute pain, in addition to the requirements in Vet 501.04 (b), prescribing licensees shall not prescribe for more than 7 days supply of schedule III, IV, or V substances; and

(g) If opioids are indicated and appropriate for prescription for chronic pain, in addition to the requirements in Vet 501.04 (b) when opioids are prescribed for more than 90 days within any 6-month period, the prescribing veterinarian shall create and discuss a written treatment plan with the owner which includes but not be limited to:

(1) The goals of treatment, in terms of pain management and restoration of function;

(2) The owner's agreement to give the medications to the patient at the dose and frequency prescribed;

(3) The risk of side effects for the patient;

(4) Time course for treatment, including periodic evaluation of the patient by the veterinarian to ascertain whether or not a change to, or discontinuance of, opioid therapy, is warranted;

(5) Specific conduct that triggers the discontinuation or tapering of opioids;

(6) The owner’s obligation to provide safe medication use and storage;

(7) The owner’s legal requirement of obtaining opioid prescriptions from a single veterinary practice which shall be dispensed by a single pharmacy, if possible; and

(8) Any other provisions to which the owner and the veterinarian agree.

Source. #13576, eff 5-15-23

APPENDIX I

Rule	Specific State Statute Which the Rule Implements
Vet 101.01 thru 101.02	RSA 332-B:1-a; RSA 332-B:7, I, II, & IV
Vet 102.01	RSA 332-B:1
Vet 103.01	RSA 332-B:3, I
Vet 103.02 thru 103.03	RSA 332-B:5; RSA 332-B:7, VI
Vet 103.04	RSA 332-B:7, VI
Vet 104.01	RSA 91-A:4
Vet 104.02	RSA 332-B:7-a, VII

Vet 201.01	RSA 332-B:7-a, IX and XII
Vet 201.02	RSA 541-A:22, IV

Vet 301.01	RSA 332-B:9; RSA 318-B:41
Vet 301.01(c)	RSA 126-A:91
Vet 301.02	RSA 332-B:7-a, I
Vet 302.01	RSA 332-B:9
Vet 302.02	RSA 332-B:9 & RSA 332-B:11
Vet 302.03	RSA 332-B:9
Vet 303.01	RSA 332-B:10
Vet 303.02	RSA 332-B:10
Vet 304	2024, 327:274, VI; RSA 310:17
Vet 304.01	RSA 332-B:11
Vet 304.02	RSA 332-B:12

Vet 305.01 thru 305.03	RSA 332-B:12; RSA 332-B:7, III
Vet 306.01	RSA 332-B:13, I
Vet 306.02 thru 306.03	RSA 332-B:7, III
Vet 307	RSA 332-B:11

Vet 401.01	RSA 332-B:7-a, V, RSA 332-B:13, I, II, & III
Vet 401.02	RSA 332-B:13, III
Vet 402.01 through 402.08	RSA 332-B:14, II, & III
Vet 403.01	RSA 332-B:13, III
Vet 403.02	RSA 332-B:13, III
Vet 404.01 and 404.02	RSA 332-B:13, I
Vet 405.01	RSA 332-B:7-a, X
Vet 406	RSA 332-B:7-a, II, RSA 332-B:17

Vet 501.01	RSA 332-B:9
Vet 501.02	RSA 332-B:9
Vet 501.03	RSA 332-B:7-a, II
Vet 501.04	RSA 332-B:7-a, XII
Vet 502.01	RSA 332-B:7-a, VI
Vet 502.02	RSA 332-B:7-a, XII
Vet 503.01	RSA 332-B:7-a, VI

Vet 601 thru 604	RSA 332-B:1, III

Vet 700	RSA 332-B:7-a, XII

Vet 800	RSA 332-B:7-a, X, RSA 541-A:16,I(b)
Vet 802.01	RSA 332-B:7-a, X

Vet 901.01	RSA 332-B:7-a, II
Vet 901.02	RSA 332-B:7-a, II
Vet 901.03	RSA 332-B:7-a, II

Vet 1000	RSA 332-B:7-a, XV

APPENDIX II

Rule	Material Incorporated	How Materials May Be Obtained
Vet 501.01 thru 501.02	Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the AVMA, August 2019	Electronic via AVMA website, https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/principles-veterinary-medical-ethics-avma
Vet 503.01	AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition	Electronic via AVMA website, https://olaw.nih.gov/avma-guidelines-2020.htm
Vet 1001.01, (b) + (c)	2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, Mar/April 2022	The document is available for download at no cost at AAHA/AAFP https://www.aaha.org/globalassets/02-guidelines/2022-pain-management/resources/2022-aaha-pain-management-guidelines-for-dog-and-cats_updated_060622.pdf
Vet 1001.01, (b) + (c)	WSAVA Guidelines for Recognition, Assessment, and Treatment of Pain, June 2014	Electronic via https://ivapm.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Mathews_et_al-2014-Journal_of_Small_Animal_Practice-WSAVA-03.10.17.pdf