43-50-31. Application for license; qualifications; recordation of license.

Any person desiring a license to practice veterinary medicine in this state shall make application to the board. The application shall include evidence, satisfactory to the board, that:#

1. (1)

   The applicant has attained the age of 18;#

2. (2)

   The applicant is of good moral character;#

3. (3)

   1. (A)

      The applicant:#

      1. (i)

         Is a graduate of an accredited college or a school of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education or possesses an ECFVG or PAVE certificate or substantial equivalent; and#

      2. (ii)

         Has passed a board approved examination; provided, however, that the board may provide by rule or regulation for a waiver of any part of such examination for veterinarians who are licensed as such by another state and who are in good standing therewith; or#

   2. (B)

      The applicant:#

      1. (i)

         Is a graduate of a foreign college or school of veterinary medicine and has submitted a transcript certifying completion of his or her education in veterinary medicine. In support of such certification of completion, such graduate may submit:#

         1. (I)

            An ECFVG certificate or its substantial equivalent;#

         2. (II)

            A PAVE certificate or its substantial equivalent; or#

         3. (III)

            Any other document as authorized by the board; and#

      2. (ii)

         Has completed a residency program or similar training duration program of two or more years and has received board certification from a veterinary medicine specialty organization recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Board of Veterinary Specialties, or other American Veterinary Medical Association board approved organization; provided, however, that such applicant upon licensure shall only be authorized to practice veterinary medicine in the area of his or her certified veterinary medicine specialty; and provided, further, that any other practice of veterinary medicine shall be deemed a violation of subsection (a) of Code Section 43-50-30 and subsection (a) of Code Section 43-50-45; and#

4. (4)

   The applicant meets such other qualifications or provides such other information as the board may require by rule.#

The application shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount established by the board.#

The division director shall record the new licenses and issue such licenses to the new licensees.#

If an applicant is found not qualified for licensure, the board shall notify the applicant in writing of such finding and the grounds therefor. Such applicant may request a hearing before the board on the questions of his or her qualifications.#