Online News Vol. 1, Issue 3 |
Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine |
Update from the Director of the Professional Licensing Boards: This quarter we have continued to make improvements to the licensure process by implementing the first online applications. We currently have online applications available for 23 license types with plans to add more throughout the remainder of the year. There are many advantages to online applications, including ensured completion, decreased paper use, a higher degree of accuracy, and a faster application process. You can visit our website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb to see a complete list of online applications. Finally, during the third quarter we made significant progress in the outsourcing of the PLB Examination section. Outsourcing the exam function of PLB allows us to offer more testing locations for some license types, more testing opportunities and overall budget savings for the State of Georgia. More information will be available in the coming weeks as all outsourcing contracts are finalized. PLB is committed to continually seeking and implementing initiatives to enable us to provide you with the best service possible. We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in the very near future.
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The Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine consists of six members: five licensed and practicing veterinarians and one consumer member. Typically, the Board meets six times each year. Board meetings are open to the public, with the exception of executive session, in which confidential matters such as complaints, disciplinary items, and applications are discussed. The Board is responsible for the regulation of licensed veterinarians, veterinarian technicians and faculty veterinarians in Georgia. The Board reviews applications, administers examinations, licenses qualified applicants and regulates the practice of licensees throughout the state. The practice of veterinary medicine consists of the diagnosis, care and treatment of animal abnormalities or diseases. As a learned science, licensure is considered after meeting specific veterinary education and examination requirements. The Board regulates individual practitioners of veterinary medicine and requires each licensed veterinarian to maintain minimum standards of care, at the facility where he or she is employed, as set forth in the Board's rules. Minutes from the Board meetings can be found on the Board’s website: www.sos.ga.gov/plb/veterinary. |
Board Members: Hugh Hill, DVM, President |
Board Staff: Anita Martin
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2009 Meetings: October 7, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. The Board meets at the Professional Licensing Board office in Macon. |
Number of Active Licensees: Veterinarian: 3,157 |
Actions Taken by the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine August: The Board voted to approve 70 veterinarians, 14 veterinary faculty members and 4 veterinary technicians for licensure. The Board voted to post the following rule amendments: The Board recognized Board member Henry Bohn, DVM, the recent recipient of the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association’s J.T. Mercer Lifetime Achievement Award. |
License Renewals: Licenses expire as follows: It is illegal to practice as a veterinarian, veterinary technician or veterinary faculty member with an expired license. How do I renew my license? You may renew your license on the Professional Licensing Board website with a credit card. Click on the “License Renewal” icon and follow the instructions. You will be asked a series of questions including whether you have been convicted or received a board sanction since your last renewal, whether you have completed your continuing education requirements, and whether you are a U.S. citizen. Renewing your license via the website is the fastest way to renew your license. The Professional Licensing Boards do not mail paper renewals unless requested. A paper renewal form may be requested by the licensee by calling the Board office at 478-207-2440, or submitting a written request. Licensees may also call our automated system at 404-463-1100 and request a paper renewal form using their personal identification number included in their renewal notice. Disciplinary Issues: The board addresses these issues on a case-by-case basis and takes these matters very seriously applying sanctions to those who violate the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, Board rules, and policies. It is important that licensees review all laws, rules and policies that affect their profession. These may be found on the Board’s website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/veterinary. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine website. Grounds for denial, suspension, revocation of a license, or other disciplinary actions may be found at O.C.G.A. § 43-50-41 or at O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19, which can be found on the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine website. |
Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine Complaints Process Information: The Georgia General Assembly created the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine to regulate the licensing and practice of funeral services. The responsibility of administering the laws in O.C.G.A. § 43-50 is given to the Board, whose members are appointed by the Governor. The Board determines if applicants meet licensure requirements, promulgates rules, and considers complaints against licensees and allegations of unlicensed practice. The process for disposing of complaints is as follows: Complaint Form: Investigations: The Board gives serious consideration to all complaints. Further investigative action may be taken. Should you file a complaint, you may be contacted by a Board inspector or investigator for additional information. Investigative files are considered confidential for any purpose other than a hearing before the Board. However, the Board is authorized to release such records to another enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority. Notification Process: While the investigation is ongoing, the Board is unable to discuss the status of a complaint with anyone, including the complainant. When the Board has completed the case, the complainant will be notified in writing of the Board’s actions. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Board’s website. |
Frequently Asked Questions: A list of frequently asked questions may be found on the Board’s website. If you cannot find an answer to your question, you may contact the Board office at (478) 207-2440. |