2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26101713D

HOUSE BILL NO. 1287

Offered January 14, 2026

A BILL to amend and reenact § 54.1-3802 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 54.1-3805.01, relating to Board of Veterinary Medicine; applications for licensure or renewal; indication of interest to serve as veterinarian of record included on application.

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Patron—Cohen

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Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 54.1-3802 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 54.1-3805.01 as follows:

§ 54.1-3802. Board of Veterinary Medicine; appointment; officers; etc.

A. As used in this chapter, "Board" means the Board of Veterinary Medicine.

B. The Board of Veterinary Medicine shall consist of seven members as follows: five licensed veterinarians, one licensed veterinary technician and one citizen member. The terms of the members of the Board shall be for four years.

The Board shall annually elect a president, vice-president and secretary.

The Board shall meet at least once annually at such times and places as it may prescribe. Special meetings may be held upon the call of the president and any three members. Four members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.

§ 54.1-3805.01. Veterinarian of record checkbox on license application or renewal form.

A. For the purposes of this section, "veterinarian of record" means a veterinarian who enters into a relationship with a shelter or other animal welfare organization to provide guidance, oversight, and care of animals in custody of the shelter or other animal welfare organization. Veterinarians of record may provide such services in person or in a remote capacity and may provide appropriate oversight of drug use at the shelter or other animal welfare organization, including establishment of treatment protocols, training of personnel, review of treatment records, and monitoring of use of drugs for animal care.

B. The Board shall amend its applications for licensure and renewal of licensure as a veterinarian to include a method for applicants to indicate that they are willing to serve as a veterinarian of record. The Board shall maintain a list of applicants who indicate that they are interested in serving as a veterinarian of record on their application. Such list shall include, at minimum, the names and contact information of applicants who indicate that they are interested in serving as a veterinarian of record.

C. The Board shall permit representatives of shelters or other animal welfare organizations to access the list maintained pursuant to subsection B through its website.