2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26100749D

SENATE BILL NO. 331

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 13, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 54.1-3805.01, relating to Board of Veterinary Medicine; temporary licenses for certain applicants.

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Patron—Roem

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Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

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

§ 54.1-3805.01. Temporary licenses for certain applicants; supervision required.

A. The Board may issue a temporary license to an applicant who (i) has received passing scores on the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination; (ii) has completed, at a minimum, all requirements to receive certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) of the American Veterinary Medical Association except for the clinical proficiency examination; and (iii) is legally eligible for employment in the United States. Such applicant must have accepted an offer of employment from a veterinarian approved by the Board.

B. Holders of temporary licenses may practice only under the direct supervision of an approved veterinarian and may not receive a controlled substances registration certificate.

C. Temporary licenses granted pursuant to this section shall be valid for two years from the date of issuance or until such license holder obtains ECFVG certification and receives a license from the Board to practice veterinary medicine. A temporary license holder who does not pass a clinical proficiency examination may apply to renew his temporary license provided that (i) such license holder may not renew or reinstate such temporary license more than one time, nor may he apply for a second conditional license, and (ii) such license holder intends to retake a clinical proficiency examination.

D. The Board shall maintain a record of all temporary licenses issued pursuant to this section.

E. The Board may promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section, including regulations addressing termination of and fees for temporary licenses.