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Tennessee Statutes, Title 63

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Tennessee/Statutes

← All Tennessee coverage

Title 63, Professions Of The Healing Arts

32 chapters · 1,093 sections in this title.

All chapters in Title 631,093 Ch 6, Medicine and Surgery130 Ch 1, Division of Health Related Boards124 Ch 10, Pharmacy73 Ch 11, Psychologists69 Ch 7, Nursing52 Ch 17, Licensure Act for Communication Diso…52 Ch 12, Tennessee Veterinary Practice Act47 Ch 13, Occupational and Physical Therapy Pr…42 Ch 3, Podiatrists41 Ch 19, Physician Assistants40 Ch 5, Dentists38 Ch 22, Professional Counselors, Marital and…33 Ch 27, Respiratory Care Practitioner Act32 Ch 8, Optometry Law30

47 sections·Filtered byTitle 63✕Ch 12✕

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-101 Short title
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This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Tennessee Veterinary Practice Act.”
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-102 Purpose of chapter
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It is hereby declared that the practice of veterinary medicine is a privilege that is granted by legislative authority in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare. To protect the public from being misled by incompetent, unscrupulous and unauthorized practitioners and…
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-103 Chapter definitions
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(1) As used in this chapter:(1) “Animal” means any animal other than man and includes fowl, birds, reptiles and fish, wild or domestic, living or dead;(2) “Board” means the board of veterinary medical examiners;(3) “Certified animal control agency” means a county or municipal ani…
Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-104 Creation of board — Appointment and removal of members
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(a) There is created the board of veterinary medical examiners, referred to as the “board” in this chapter. (b) The board shall be composed of:(1) Five (5) licensed doctors of veterinary medicine, who shall be graduates of an approved school of veterinary medicine and of good sta…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-105 Meetings of board — Officers — Rules and regulations — Quorum — Seal

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(a) The board shall meet annually at such time and place as may be agreed upon by a majority of the members, at which meeting it shall elect from its membership a president, vice president, and secretary. The board is authorized to create other officers and to adopt such rules an…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-106 Powers of board

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(1) The board is authorized to:(1) Adopt reasonable rules governing the practice of veterinary medicine as are necessary to enable it to carry out and make effective the purpose and intent of this chapter. Such rules shall be adopted pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedu…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-107 Meetings of board

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(a) The board shall meet at least once each year at such times and places as it may decide upon and remain in session sufficiently long to examine all who may make application at the appointed time for a license. (b) Four (4) members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-108 Compensation of members — Expenses of board

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(a) The members of the board shall receive as compensation for their services one hundred dollars ($100) per day for each day or portion thereof, each, while in actual service of the board, which, together with the necessary expenses of each meeting of the board, shall be paid ou…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-109 Funds of board — Disposition of surplus

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It is unlawful for the board or any member thereof, in any manner whatsoever or for any purpose, to charge or obligate the state for the payment of any money, and the board shall look alone to the revenue derived from the operation of this chapter for the compensation designated …

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-110 Records of board — Confidentiality

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(a) The board shall keep records of its proceedings in a book provided for that purpose, especially with relation to the issuance, denial, renewal, suspension and revocation of licenses to practice veterinary medicine. (b) (1) All licenses issued by the board shall be numbered an…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-111 Approval of veterinary schools

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(a) The board may approve schools and colleges of veterinary medicine which maintain standards of training and reputability sufficient to admit their graduates to the examinations given by the board. (b) In determining the standard of training and reputation of schools or college…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-112 License requirement — Qualifications of applicants

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(a) (1) Any person wishing to practice veterinary medicine in this state shall obtain a license from the board. It is unlawful for such person to practice veterinary medicine as defined in § 63-12-103 unless the person obtains a license; and if the person so practices, the person…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-113 Temporary licenses

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(1) The board may issue a temporary license to practice veterinary medicine, to be used only under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, upon payment of a fee as set by the board, to:(1) A veterinarian who meets all qualifications and requirements pursuant to this ch…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-114 Application for examination

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(a) (1) Any person desiring to take the state board written and oral examination shall make application in writing to the board on blanks provided for that purpose at least forty-five (45) days before the examination.(2) The application for the state board written and oral examin…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-115 Examinations

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(a) The examination of applicants for license to practice veterinary medicine shall be administered by designated board members, and will consist of the national board examination and the state board examination and will be conducted under uniform rules and regulations adopted by…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-116 Issuance of licenses

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(a) If the applicant for examination be found worthy and competent by the board, it shall issue to the applicant a certificate of license to practice veterinary medicine in this state. (b) Each licensee shall be entitled to exercise all the rights and privileges of a doctor of ve…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-117 Issuance of license without examination — Reciprocity

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(a) The board, in its discretion, may issue a license without a written examination to a qualified applicant who furnishes satisfactory proof that the applicant is a graduate of an approved veterinary college and meets all other standards adopted by the board in rules and regulat…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-118 Veterinary wellness committees

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(a) As used in this section, “veterinary wellness committee” or “committee” means any committee, board, commission, or other entity established by any state-wide veterinary medical association or local veterinary medical association for the purpose of providing immediate and cont…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-119 Penalty for unlicensed practice

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Any person who practices or attempts to practice veterinary medicine in this state and makes a charge for the practice without having complied with this chapter commits a Class B misdemeanor for each instance of such practice.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-120 Continuing education

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(a) Each license holder under this chapter, except as otherwise provided, shall be required to meet continuing educational requirements each year within the renewal period, which are approved by the board, such as those conducted or sponsored by the Tennessee Veterinary Medical A…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-121 Renewal of license — Disposition of fines and fees — Expenses — Retirement

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(a) All persons who are now or may hereafter be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in this state shall renew such license as follows:(1) Each year, the secretary-treasurer of the board shall mail an application for renewal of license to every person holding a valid current …

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-122 Reissuance of license after revocation or suspension

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(a) The board, by an affirmative vote of three (3), at any time after suspension or revocation of a license for good and sufficient cause, may reissue a license to the person affected, conferring upon the person all the rights and privileges pertaining to the practice of veterina…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-123 Issuance of duplicate license

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(a) The board may issue a duplicate license to replace one that has been lost or destroyed or where a name change is requested, for a fee as set by the board. (b) Each duplicate license shall have the word “Duplicate” typed or printed across its face.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-124 Denial, suspension or revocation of license — Investigation — Immunity of informants

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(a) The board, pursuant to the procedure prescribed in this section, has the power to deny, suspend or revoke any license or to otherwise discipline an applicant or licensee who is found guilty by the board of one (1) or more of the following:(1) Willful or repeated violation of …

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-125 Administrative procedures

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The Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, shall apply to all proceedings of the board and regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-126 Animal cruelty reporting — Immunity from civil or criminal liability

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(a) Notwithstanding § 63-12-124 or another provision of law to the contrary, a licensed veterinarian, while acting in a professional capacity and in a current veterinarian-client-patient relationship, having reasonable cause to believe that an animal has been subjected to animal …

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-128 Disciplinary orders against violators — Judicial review

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(a) The board has the authority to enter an order to discipline any person, corporation or other similar organization, public or private, for-profit or not-for-profit, who or which, after proper hearing, has been found guilty by the board of a violation of one (1) or more provisi…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-129 Enforcement

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(a) The enforcement of the laws and rules of the board regulating the practicing of veterinary medicine in this state is primarily vested in the board, who may have the following powers and duties:(1) To employ investigators, counsel and clerical assistance or any other necessary…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-130 Prosecution of violators

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(a) The state and county prosecuting attorneys shall prosecute all persons charged with the violation of any of this chapter or rules of the board. (b) The secretary-treasurer of the board, or other person employed or designated by the board, shall assist the prosecuting attorney…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-131 Fraudulent filing of license or diploma

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Any person filing or attempting to file as the person's own the diploma or license of another, a forged or fictitious license or diploma or certificate or forged affidavit or identification commits a Class E felony.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-132 Enjoining violations

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In addition to the penalties herein provided in this chapter, the board may institute legal proceedings to enjoin the violation of this chapter or rules of the board in any court of competent jurisdiction; and such court may grant a temporary or permanent injunction restraining t…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-133 Exemptions

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(a) This chapter shall not be construed as applying to:(1) Students in schools or colleges of veterinary medicine when in performance of duties or actions assigned by their instructors or when working under the immediate supervision of a licensed veterinarian;(2) Any lawfully qua…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-134 Lien for services

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(a) Every licensed veterinarian has a lien on each animal or pet treated, boarded or cared for by the veterinarian while in the veterinarian's custody and under contract with the owner of such animal or pet for payment of charges for treatment, board or care of such animal or pet…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-135 Licensed veterinary technicians — Unauthorized practice

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(a) The board shall examine and license veterinary technicians and has the same authority in the regulation, examination and qualification of licensed veterinary technicians as it has under this chapter for the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinarians. (b) Any licensed v…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-137 Veterinary practice to be owned by veterinarian — Exemptions

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(a) It is unlawful for any licensed veterinarian to practice veterinary medicine as an employee of any person other than a veterinarian duly licensed in this state or a veterinary facility operated at all times under the direct medical supervision of a veterinarian duly licensed …

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-138 Peer review committees — Immunity — Confidentiality of information

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(a) As used in this section, “peer review committee” or “committee” means any committee, board, commission or other entity constituted by any statewide veterinary medical association, or local veterinary medical association or local veterinary association for the purpose of recei…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-139 Premises permits

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(a) Any person who owns or operates any veterinary facility, including mobile clinics, or any other premises where a licensed veterinarian practices or where the practice of veterinary medicine occurs shall apply for and secure a premises permit from the board prior to the commen…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-140 Operation without permit prohibited — Penalty

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(a) It is an offense to knowingly operate a veterinary facility in this state without a premises permit. (b) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor and each violation constitutes a separate offense.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-141 Euthanasia of animals — Certificate — Fees — Penalty

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(a) The board of veterinary medical examiners, upon submission of a complete application and payment of a fee established by the board, shall issue to any animal control agency that it determines to be qualified a certificate authorizing the agency to apply to the federal drug en…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-142 Immunity for certain emergency treatment

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Any licensed veterinarian or ancillary veterinary personnel employed by and working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian who, in good faith, at such person's own initiative, renders emergency treatment to an ill or injured animal gratuitously and without making…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-143 Cost of prosecution

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The board shall promulgate rules governing the assessment of costs against a licensee or other person found by the board to have violated any provision of this chapter. The costs assessed by the board may include only those costs directly related to the prosecution of the charges…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-144 Certificate authorizing chemical capture of animals by certified animal chemical capture technicians — Protocol — Offense — Certification course

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(a) (1) The board of veterinary medical examiners, upon submission of a complete application and payment of a fee established by the board, shall issue to any governmental animal control agency that the board determines to be qualified and that has a valid premises permit issued …

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-145 Preemption of regulation of veterinarian medicine — Local regulation

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(a) The general assembly intends by this chapter, other provisions of the Tennessee Code Annotated and any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter and the Tennessee Code Annotated to occupy and preempt the entire field of legislation concerning the regulation o…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-201 Part definitions

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(1) As used in this part:(1) “Animal massage therapy” means the manipulation of the soft tissues of the animal body with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the animal. “Animal massage therapy” does not include the diagnosis, treatment, correction, …

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-202 Use of term “certified animal massage therapist” or “registered animal massage therapist” — Prohibitions

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(a) No person shall use the title “certified animal massage therapist” or “registered animal massage therapist” unless the person meets the requirements of this part. (b) This part shall not prohibit any person from rendering or offering to render animal massage therapy services;…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-203 Use of term “certified animal massage therapist” or “registered animal massage therapist” — Requirements

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(1) In order to use the term “certified animal massage therapist” or “registered animal massage therapist”, a person must:(1) Complete at least fifty (50) hours of training in anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, and pathologies in order to gain aptitude in preventing the delay o…

Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-204 Liability insurance requirement

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A person practicing animal massage therapy shall obtain liability insurance in the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for the benefit of any person who is damaged because of the negligence of the person in the performance of animal massage therapy services.