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Illinois Laws on Regulation and Licensing of Veterenarians

In Illinois, the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004 governs licensing and regulation of veterinarians.

Exemptions

Pursuant to 225 ILCS 115/4, the Act does not apply to the following persons:

1) Veterinarians employed by the federal or State government while engaged in their official duties.
2) Licensed veterinarians from other states who are invited to Illinois for consultation by a veterinarian licensed in Illinois.
3) Veterinarians employed by colleges or universities while engaged in the performance of their official duties, or faculty engaged in animal husbandry or animal management programs of colleges or universities.
3.5) A veterinarian or veterinary technician from another state or country who (A) is not licensed under this Act; (B) is currently licensed as a veterinarian or veterinary technician in another state or country, or otherwise exempt from licensure in the other state; (C) is an invited guest of a professional veterinary association, veterinary training program, or continuing education provider approved by the Department; and (D) engages in professional education through lectures, clinics, or demonstrations.
4) A veterinarian employed by an accredited college of veterinary medicine providing assistance requested by a veterinarian licensed in Illinois, acting with informed consent from the client and acting under the direct or indirect supervision and control of the licensed veterinarian. Providing assistance involves hands-on active participation in the treatment and care of the patient. The licensed veterinarian shall maintain responsibility for the veterinarian-client-patient relationship.
5) Veterinary students in an accredited college of veterinary medicine, university, department of a university, or other institution of veterinary medicine and surgery engaged in duties assigned by their instructors or working under the immediate or direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
5.5) Students of an accredited program in veterinary technology performing veterinary technology duties or actions assigned by instructors or working under the immediate or direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
6) Any person engaged in bona fide scientific research which requires the use of animals.
7) An owner of livestock and any of the owner’s employees or the owner and employees of a service and care provider of livestock caring for and treating livestock belonging to the owner or under a provider’s care, including but not limited to, the performance of husbandry and livestock management practices such as dehorning, castration, emasculation, or docking of cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and swine, artificial insemination, and drawing of semen.
8) An owner of an animal, or an agent of the owner acting with the owner’s approval, in caring for, training, or treating an animal belonging to the owner, so long as that individual or agent does not represent himself or herself as a veterinarian or use any title associated with the practice of veterinary medicine or surgery or diagnose, prescribe drugs, or perform surgery. The agent shall provide the owner with a written statement summarizing the nature of the services provided and obtain a signed acknowledgment from the owner that they accept the services provided. The services shall comply with the Humane Care for Animals Act. The provisions of this item (8) do not apply to a person who is exempt under item (7).
9) A member in good standing of another licensed or regulated profession within any state or a member of an organization or group approved by the Department by rule providing assistance that is requested in writing by a veterinarian licensed in this State acting within a veterinarian-client-patient relationship and with informed consent from the client and the member is acting under the immediate, direct, or indirect supervision and control of the licensed veterinarian. Providing assistance involves hands-on active participation in the treatment and care of the patient, as defined by rule. The licensed veterinarian shall maintain responsibility for the veterinarian-client-patient relationship, but shall be immune from liability, except for willful and wanton conduct, in any civil or criminal action if a member providing assistance does not meet the requirements of this item (9).
10) A graduate of a non-accredited college of veterinary medicine who is in the process of obtaining a certificate of educational equivalence and is performing duties or actions assigned by instructors in an approved college of veterinary medicine.
10.5) A veterinarian who is enrolled in a postgraduate instructional program in an accredited college of veterinary medicine performing duties or actions assigned by instructors or working under the immediate or direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian or a faculty member of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois.
11) A certified euthanasia technician who is authorized to perform euthanasia in the course and scope of his or her employment only as permitted by the Humane Euthanasia in Animal Shelters Act.
12) A person who, without expectation of compensation, provides emergency veterinary care in an emergency or disaster situation so long as he or she does not represent himself or herself as a veterinarian or use a title or degree pertaining to the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery.
13) Any certified veterinary technician or other employee of a licensed veterinarian performing permitted duties other than diagnosis, prognosis, prescription, or surgery under the appropriate direction and supervision of the veterinarian, who shall be responsible for the performance of the employee.
13.5) Any pharmacist licensed in the State, merchant, or manufacturer selling at his or her regular place of business medicines, feed, appliances, or other products used in the prevention or treatment of animal diseases as permitted by law and provided that the services he or she provides do not include diagnosing, prognosing, writing prescriptions, or surgery.
14) An approved humane investigator regulated under the Humane Care for Animals Act or employee of a shelter licensed under the Animal Welfare Act, working under the indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
15) An individual providing equine dentistry services requested by a veterinarian licensed to practice in this State, an owner, or an owner’s agent. For the purposes of this item (15), “equine dentistry services” means floating teeth without the use of drugs or extraction.
15.5) In the event of an emergency or disaster, a veterinarian or veterinary technician not licensed in this State who (A) is responding to a request for assistance from the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, or other State agency as determined by the Department; (B) is licensed and in good standing in another state; and (C) has been granted a temporary waiver from licensure by the Department.
16) Private treaty sale of animals unless otherwise provided by law.
17) Persons or entities practicing the specified occupations set forth in subsection (a) of, and pursuant to a licensing exemption granted in subsection (b) or (d) of, Section 2105-350 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, but only for so long as the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games Professional Licensure Exemption Law [65 ILCS 120/20-5] is operable.

Veterinarian Licensing and Disciplinary Board

Pursuant to 225 ILCS 115/7, a Veterinarian Licensing and Disciplinary Board is appointed consisting of 7 persons.  6 members must be licensed, in good standing veterinarians in Illinois, and must be actively engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery in Illinois, and one member must be a member of the public who is not licensed under this Act, or a similar Act of another jurisdiction and who has no connection with the veterinary profession.  The Board annually elects a Chairman who must be a Veterinarian.

Licensing of Veterinarians

Pursuant to 225 ILCS 115/5, a valid license is necessary to practice veterinary medicine and surgery in any of its branches.  Any person not licensed under this Act who practices veterinary medicine or surgery, who announces to the public in any way an intention to practice veterinary medicine and surgery, who uses the title Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or the initials D.V.M. or V.M.D., or who opens an office, hospital, or clinic for such purposes is considered to have violated this Act and is subject to all the penalties provided for such violations.  It is unlawful for any person who is not licensed in Illinois to provide veterinary medical services from any state to a client or patient in Illinois through telephonic, electronic, or other means, except where a bonafide veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists.  However, members of other professions are not prevented from performing functions for which they are duly licensed.

Pursuant to 225 ILCS 115/8, a person is qualified to receive a license if s/he:

(1) is of good moral character; (2) has graduated from an accredited college or school of veterinary medicine; and (3) has passed the examination authorized by the Department to determine fitness to hold a license.

225 ILCS 115/8 provides that applicants for licensure from non-accredited veterinary schools are required to successfully complete a program of educational equivalency as established by rule.  In determining moral character under this Section, the Department may take into consideration any felony conviction of the applicant, but such a conviction shall not operate as a bar to obtaining a license.  The Department may also request the applicant to submit and may consider as evidence of moral character, endorsements from 2 individuals licensed under this Act.

Pursuant to 225 ILCS 115/10, a person who desires to obtain a license as a veterinarian or a certificate as a veterinary technician shall apply to the Department on forms provided by the Department. Each application shall be accompanied by proof of qualifications and shall be verified by the applicant under oath and be accompanied by the required fee.

Pursuant to 225 ILCS 115/11, a person holding the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, or its equivalent, from an accredited college of veterinary medicine, and who has applied in writing to the Department for a license to practice veterinary medicine and surgery in any of its branches, and who has fulfilled the requirements of Section 8 of this Act, with the exception of receipt of notification of his or her examination results, may practice under the direct supervision of a veterinarian who is licensed in this State, until: (1) the applicant has been notified of his or her failure to pass the examination authorized by the Department; (2) the applicant has withdrawn his or her application; (3) the applicant has received a license from the Department after successfully passing the examination authorized by the Department; or (4) the applicant has been notified by the Department to cease and desist from practicing.

Pursuant to 225 ILCS 115/11, the Department immediately notifies, by certified mail, the supervising veterinarian employing the applicant and the applicant that the applicant must immediately cease and desist from practicing if the applicant (1) practices outside his or her employment under a licensed veterinarian; (2) violates any provision of this Act; or (3) becomes ineligible for licensure under this Act.

Pursuant to 225 ILCS 115/12, any veterinarian or certified veterinary technician who notifies the Department in writing on the prescribed form can place his or her license or certification on an inactive status and will be exempt from payment of the renewal fee and compliance with the continuing education requirements until s/he notifies the Department in writing of his or her intention to resume active status.  Any veterinarian or certified veterinary technician requesting restoration from inactive status is required to complete the continuing education requirements for a single license or certificate renewal period, pursuant to rule, and pay the current renewal fee to restore his or her license or certification.  Any licensee whose license is in inactive, expired, or suspended status shall not practice veterinary medicine and surgery in this State.

Pursuant to 225 ILCS 115/13, the Department may license as a veterinarian or certified veterinary technician, without examination, but upon payment of the required fee, an applicant who has a license or certificate in good standing to practice in another jurisdiction. However, the requirements for licensure of veterinarians and certified veterinary technicians in the jurisdiction in which the applicant was licensed must have been, at the date of licensure, substantially equivalent to the requirements in force in this State on that date.  Applicants have 3 years from the date of application to complete the application process. If the process has not been completed in 3 years, the application shall be denied, the fee forfeited and the applicant must reapply and meet the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.

Pursuant to 225 ILCS 115/15, a veterinarian or certified veterinary technician whose license or certificate has expired may reinstate his or her license or certificate at any time within 5 years after the expiration thereof, by making a renewal application and by paying the required fee and submitting proof of the required continuing education. However, any veterinarian or certified veterinary technician whose license or certificate expired while he or she was (1) on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States or called into service or training by the State militia or (2) in training or education under the supervision of the United States preliminary to induction into the military service, may have his license or certificate renewed, reinstated, or restored without paying any lapsed renewal fees if within 2 years after termination of the service, training, or education the veterinarian furnishes the Department with satisfactory evidence of service, training, or education and it has been terminated under honorable conditions.

Disciplinary actions

Pursuant to 225 ILCS 115/25, the Department may refuse to issue or renew, or may revoke, suspend, place on probation, reprimand, or take other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action as the Department may deem appropriate, including imposing fines not to exceed $10,000 for each violation and the assessment of costs as provided for in Section 25.3 of this Act, with regard to any license or certificate for any one or combination of the following:

A. Material misstatement in furnishing information to the Department.
B. Violations of this Act, or of the rules adopted pursuant to this Act.
C. Conviction by plea of guilty or nolo contendere,finding of guilt, jury verdict, or entry of judgment or by sentencing of any crime, including, but not limited to, convictions, preceding sentences of supervision, conditional discharge, or first offender probation, under the laws of any jurisdiction of the United States that is (i) a felony or (ii) a misdemeanor, an essential element of which is dishonesty, or that is directly related to the practice of the profession.
D. Fraud or any misrepresentation in applying for or procuring a license under this Act or in connection with applying for renewal of a license under this Act.
E. Professional incompetence.
F. Gross malpractice.
G. Aiding or assisting another person in violating any provision of this Act or rules.
H. Failing, within 60 days, to provide information in response to a written request made by the Department.
I. Engaging in dishonorable, unethical, or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public.
J. Habitual or excessive use or abuse of drugs defined in law as controlled substances, alcohol, or any other substance that results in the inability to practice with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety.
K. Discipline by another state, unit of government, government agency, District of Columbia, territory, or foreign nation, if at least one of the grounds for the discipline is the same or substantially equivalent to those set forth herein.
L. Charging for professional services not rendered,including filing false statements for the collection of fees for which services are not rendered.
M. A finding by the Board that the licensee or certificate holder, after having his license or certificate placed on probationary status, has violated the terms of probation.
N. Willfully making or filing false records or reports in his practice, including but not limited to false records filed with State agencies or departments.
O. Physical illness, including but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process, or loss of motor skill which results in the inability to practice under this Act with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety.
P. Solicitation of professional services other than permitted advertising.
Q. Allowing one’s license under this Act to be used by an unlicensed person in violation of this Act.
R. Conviction of or cash compromise of a charge or violation of the Harrison Act or the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, regulating narcotics.
S. Fraud or dishonesty in applying, treating, or reporting on tuberculin or other biological tests.
T. Failing to report, as required by law, or making false report of any contagious or infectious diseases.
U. Fraudulent use or misuse of any health certificate, shipping certificate, brand inspection certificate, or other blank forms used in practice that might lead to the dissemination of disease or the transportation of diseased animals dead or alive; or dilatory methods, willful neglect, or misrepresentation in the inspection of milk, meat, poultry, and the by-products thereof.
V. Conviction on a charge of cruelty to animals.
W. Failure to keep one’s premises and all equipment therein in a clean and sanitary condition.
X. Failure to provide satisfactory proof of having participated in approved continuing education programs.
Y. Mental illness or disability that results in the inability to practice under this Act with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety.
Z. Conviction by any court of competent jurisdiction, either within or outside this State, of any violation of any law governing the practice of veterinary medicine, if the Department determines, after investigation, that the person has not been sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the public trust.
AA. Promotion of the sale of drugs, devices, appliances, or goods provided for a patient in any manner to exploit the client for financial gain of the veterinarian.
BB. Gross, willful, or continued overcharging for professional services.
CC. Practicing under a false or, except as provided by law, an assumed name.
DD. Violating state or federal laws or regulations relating to controlled substances or legend drugs.
EE. Cheating on or attempting to subvert the licensing examination administered under this Act.
FF. Using, prescribing, or selling a prescription drug or the extra-label use of a prescription drug by any means in the absence of a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship.
GG. Failing to report a case of suspected aggravated cruelty, torture, or animal fighting pursuant to Section 3.07 or 4.01 of the Humane Care for Animals Act or Section 26-5 or 48-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012.

Pursuant to 225 ILCS 115/25, the determination by a circuit court that a licensee or certificate holder is subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission as provided in the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code operates as an automatic suspension. The suspension will end only upon a finding by a court that the patient is no longer subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission and issues an order so finding and discharging the patient. In any case where a license is suspended under this provision, the licensee shall file a petition for restoration and shall include evidence acceptable to the Department that the licensee can resume practice in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards of his or her profession.

225 ILCS 115/25 provides that all proceedings to suspend, revoke, place on probationary status, or take any other disciplinary action as the Department may deem proper, with regard to a license or certificate on any of the foregoing grounds, must be commenced within 5 years after receipt by the Department of a complaint alleging the commission of or notice of the conviction order for any of the acts described in this Section.

Pursuant to 225 ILCS 115/25, the Department may refuse to issue or may suspend without hearing, as provided for in the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure, the license of any person who fails to file a return, to pay the tax, penalty, or interest shown in a filed return, or to pay any final assessment of tax, penalty, or interest as required by any tax Act administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue, until such time as the requirements of any such tax Act are satisfied in accordance with subsection (g) of Section 2105-15 of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.

225 ILCS 115/25 provides that if the Board finds an individual unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in this Section, the Board must require the individual to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by a physician or clinical psychologist approved by the Board, as a condition, term, or restriction for continued, reinstated, or renewed licensure to practice.  In lieu of care, counseling, or treatment, the Board may recommend that the Department file a complaint to immediately suspend or revoke the license of the individual or otherwise discipline the licensee.

225 ILCS 115/25 provides that any individual whose license was granted, continued, reinstated, or renewed subject to conditions, terms, or restrictions, as provided for in this Section, or any individual who was disciplined or placed on supervision pursuant to this Section must be referred to the Director for a determination as to whether the person shall have his or her license suspended immediately, pending a hearing by the Board.

Pursuant to 225 ILCS 115/25.1, if any person violates a provision of this Act, the Secretary may, in the name of the People of the State of Illinois, through the Attorney General of the State of Illinois or the State’s Attorney of the county in which the violation is alleged to have occurred, petition, for an order enjoining such violation or for an order enforcing compliance with this Act. Upon the filing of a verified petition in such court, the court may issue a temporary restraining order, without notice or bond, and may preliminarily and permanently enjoin such violation, and if it is established that such person has violated or is violating the injunction, the court may punish the offender for contempt of court. Proceedings under this Section shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, all other remedies and penalties provided by this Act.

Pursuant to 225 ILCS 115/25.11, at any time after successful completion of a term of indefinite probation, suspension, or revocation of a license, the Department may restore the license, unless, after an investigation and a hearing, the Secretary determines that restoration is not in the public interest or that the licensee has not been sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the public trust. No person or entity whose license, certificate, or authority has been revoked as authorized in this Act may apply for restoration of that license, certification, or authority until such time as provided for in the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.

Pursuant to 225 ILCS 115/25.12, upon the revocation or suspension of any license or certificate, the licensee or certificate holder shall immediately surrender the license, certificate, or licenses to the Department and if the licensee or certificate holder fails to do so, the Department shall have the right to seize the license or certificate.

Pursuant to 225 ILCS 115/25.13, the Secretary may summarily suspend the license of a licensee without a hearing, simultaneously with the institution of proceedings for a hearing provided for in Section 25.2 of this Act, if the Secretary finds that the evidence indicates that a licensee’s continuation in practice would constitute an imminent danger to the public. In the event that the Secretary summarily suspends the license without a hearing, a hearing shall be commenced within 30 days after such suspension has occurred and shall be concluded as expeditiously as possible.

Criminal fines, Monies or Property and Penalties

Pursuant to 225 ILCS 115/25.16, any person who is found to have violated any provision of this Act is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense. On conviction of a second or subsequent offense, the violator shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony. All criminal fines, monies, or other property collected or received by the Department under this Section or any other State or federal statute, including, but not limited to, property forfeited to the Department under Section 505 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act or Section 85 of the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, shall be deposited into the Professional Regulation Evidence Fund.

Pursuant to 225 ILCS 115/25.18, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, any person who violates Section 5 of this Act [225 ILCS 115/5] or any other provision of this Act must forfeit and pay a civil penalty to the Department in an amount not to exceed $ 5,000 for each offense as determined by the Department.  The civil penalty is assessed by the Department in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 25.3 through Section 25.10 and Section 25.14 [225 ILCS 115/25.3 through 225 ILCS 115/25.10 and 225 ILCS 115/25.14].  The Department has the authority and power to investigate any and all unlicensed activity.   The civil penalty must be paid within 60 days after the effective date of the order imposing the civil penalty.  The order must constitute a judgment and may be filed and execution had thereon in the same manner as any judgment from any court of record.  All monies collected under this Section must be deposited into the Professional Regulation Evidence Fund.


Inside Illinois Laws on Regulation and Licensing of Veterenarians