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Board of Veterinary Medicine
Frequently Asked Questions

Please view the Board's Guidance Documents for more information on many of these topics.

Application Request/Process

How do I obtain application information?

You may download the application and instructions from the website under forms and applications or request via e-mail or phone that a packet be mailed to you.

Am I required to take a state regulations examination?

No; however, please note that your signature on your application attests to the statement that you have read, understood and will comply with any laws and regulations governing the practice of veterinary medicine and the use of controlled substances in Virginia.

How long does it take to become licensed?

Upon receipt of all required documents, and no problem is indicated, applicant is licensed immediately.

Does Virginia allow reciprocity with any state?

No; however, an applicant may request licensure through endorsement provided that the requirements of 18 VAC 150-20-120 of the veterinary medicine regulations have been met.

Address, phone and e-mail changes

How do I change my name, postal or e-mail address?

A name change must be made in writing with a copy of legal documentation of name change. A postal or e-mail address change can be revised on-line provided you have your assigned password. Otherwise, you may fax (804/527-4471) or e-mail  (vetbd@dhp.virginia.gov) the board office.

Closing Practice

What must I do when closing my practice?

The Veterinarian-in-Charge must notify the Board in writing of the closure of the permitted facility 10 days prior to closure. (18 VAC 150-20-181.A(4)). Include in the written notification how the clients are being informed regarding access to their records and if you had any controlled drugs, what is being done with them.

Change of Veterinarian-in-Charge

How is a change of Veterinarian-in-Charge made?

An application for a new permit, naming the Veterinarian-in-Charge (VIC), is to be made five days prior to the change of the VIC. (18 VAC 150-20-181.B). The Application for Veterinary Establishment form is used for this and may be downloaded from the Forms and Applications page.  A $30 fee made payable to the "Treasurer of Virginia" must accompany the form.

Continuing Competency

How many hours of CE are required?

Fifteen (15) hours are required annually for veterinarians and six (6) hours are required annually for veterinary technicians. CE hours can be obtained online and from journals of veterinary medicine. There is no limit on the number of hours that can be obtained online or through journals. CE courses or programs shall be related to the treatment and care of patients and shall be clinical courses in veterinary medicine or veterinary technology. For more information on CE, refer to 18 VAC 150-20-70 in our regulations.

What is the timeframe for obtaining CE?

The licensure renewal period is January 1 through December 31 of each year.

Can CE be carried over to the next renewal?

No

My continuing education course sponsor is not listed in the blanket listing of approved sponsors in the regulations, how do they obtain approval?

Contact the American Association of Veterinary State Boards at www.aavsb.org or 1/877-698-8482 and ask how to get a sponsor approved through their RACE (Registry of Approved Continuing Education) program. The Virginia Board accepts RACE approved programs as long as they meet the clinical requirement.

How does the Board monitor licensee compliance with the requirements for continuing education?

All active licensed veterinarians and licensed veterianary technicians must attest to CE compliance when renewing. They are required to maintain original documentation of continuing education taken for up to two (2) years. The documentation must verify the date and subject of each program or course, the number of continuing education hours or credits, and certification from an approved sponsor. Regulation Section 18 VAC 150-20-70(6) requires that the Board conduct a periodic random audit of veterinarians and veterinary technicians compliance with continuing education requirements. License numbers are randomly selected by computer and letters with specific instructions are sent to those audited. Please note that auditing is NOT done through veterinary establishment inspections. So, it is not necessary to maintain the documents on the site of a veterinary establishment. The documents merely need to be available to the licensee to send in if audited.

Drug Law


See link: Drug Law for Practitioners (MS Word)

Fees

For a complete list of fees, please refer to 18 VAC 150-20-100 in our Regulations

Who are checks payable to?

Treasurer of Virginia

License Verification

How do I obtain licensure verification to another state?

Verification of license to another jurisdiction requires a written request to the board office with payment of $15.00 per verification. Check should be made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia. You must provide your full name or license number and the mailing address of jurisdiction to receive verification.

How can I verify the licensure status of a licensee?

You may obtain information via an automated line (804) 270-6836 or visit license lookup.

Medical Records

How long does a veterinarian have to retain medical records?

3 years from date of last visit

How long are radiographs kept?

Radiographs are part of the medical record and should be kept for three years also.

Can a radiograph be released to the client?

Yes. 18 VAC150-20-200(A)(3)(c) provides that if a radiograph is transferred to another establishment or released to the client, a record of this transfer must be maintained on or with the patient’s record.

Are veterinarians required by law to release records?

While not required by specific statute, should any harm come to the animal because of the refusal to release patient records, the veterinarian could be held liable.

Renewal Process

When will I receive my license renewal notice?

Notifications will be mailed 45 to 60 days in advance of expiration. If one does not wish to renew on-line, a written renewal form may be requested by calling (804) 288-1167. Renewal fees are not displayed on the on-line renewal notification and are only reflected on a written renewal request or during the on-line renewal process.

How do I renew an expired license?

A license may be renewed with late fees for one month past the expiration date as long as the licensee is not practicing. After December 31st, a license that is not renewed is considered lapsed and may subject the licensee to disciplinary action and additional fines if they continue to practice. After January 31st, the license can no longer be renewed and must be reinstated.

How do I reinstate my license?

If a license has been lapsed for more than one month, a reinstatement application is required. The reinstatement application may be downloaded from the forms section or may be requested by contacting the board office. Once the application and supporting documentation (CE documentation, verification of licenses in any other states licensed or ever been licensed in) has been received, the application will be sent to two members of the Board for review. All fees must be paid before the license is updated.