Session: State Capitol, Room 514 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Forwarded from FBX: 451-5501 Juneau Phone: (907) 465-3709 Fax: (907) 465-4714 Personal Web Site: www.garywilken.com Interim: 1851 Fox Ave. Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: (907) 451-5501 Fax: (907) 456-4714

Sponsor Statement for SB 321
Revision of Veterinary Statutes

"An Act relating to the Board of Veterinary Examiners and the practice of veterinary medicine."

Senate Bill 321 is the product of considerable discussion and preparation to update the statutes relating to the practice of veterinary medicine. The Board of Veterinary Examiners has reviewed the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) model veterinary practice act and has used it as a guide for revising the State's statutes.

The purpose of changing the statutes that regulate the practice of veterinary medicine is to create a statute which reflects a national perspective and one that was developed professionally by an association which shares the Board's public protection mission. Guided by this mission, the proposed statute changes reflect the most current thinking on professional regulation in veterinary medicine.

Revising the veterinary practice statutes will facilitate standardization of terminology and regulation among states. Such developments are advantageous by clarifying the role of veterinary medical regulatory boards while creating valid and accurate expectations for veterinary medical services. The proposed revisions would also facilitate mobility of veterinarians from jurisdiction to jurisdiction through the licensing process, providing the public with greater access to qualified veterinarians to perform important services.

With the availability of electronic medical advice and the advances made in the field of veterinary medicine, the Board of Veterinary Examiners needs to have a concise and thorough statute to insure the citizens of Alaska have qualified professionals accessible for their veterinary needs.

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