Section 321.190 - License required to practice veterinary medicine or veterinary technology(1) The practice of veterinary medicine and the practice of veterinary technology in the Commonwealth are subject to enforcement by the board. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine or the practice of veterinary technology in the Commonwealth through any means unless licensed under the applicable provisions of this chapter, except as provided in KRS 321.200 and 321.443.(2)(a) A person shall not use the designation "veterinarian," "licensed veterinarian," or any other designation indicating licensure status, including abbreviations, or hold that person out as a veterinarian unless licensed for that profession. (b) A person shall not use the designation "veterinary technician," "licensed veterinary technician," or any other designation indicating licensure status, including abbreviations, or hold that person out as a veterinary technician unless licensed for that profession.(3) The practice of veterinary medicine by telephonic, videoconference, telehealth, or other means shall constitute the practice of veterinary medicine subject to licensure and enforcement by the board.(4) A veterinarian shall utilize the services of a licensed veterinary technician or veterinary assistant in accordance with this chapter and the administrative regulations promulgated under the authority of this chapter. Unauthorized utilization of any person's services in violation of this chapter shall be considered as aiding and abetting any unlicensed person to practice veterinary medicine as described in KRS 321.351.(5) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent members of other professions from performing functions for which they are credentialed by the board and that is within their defined scope of practice. However, these persons shall not hold themselves out or refer to themselves by any title or description stating or implying that they are licensed or otherwise entitled to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine or the practice of veterinary technology.(6) Except as authorized by KRS 321.200, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to permit any person who is not a veterinarian to perform any of the following activities relating to animals: (7) A supervising veterinarian is individually and separately responsible and liable for the performance of the acts delegated to and the omissions of the licensed veterinary technician, veterinary assistant, special permittee, intern, preceptor, resident, or any other individual working under the veterinarian's supervision. Nothing in this section shall be construed to relieve licensed veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, special permittees, interns, preceptors, residents, or any other individuals working under supervision of any responsibility or liability for any of their own acts or omissions.(8) Unless exempted by KRS 321.200, persons engaging in the practice of veterinary medicine or the practice of veterinary technology without a credential from the board shall be subject to enforcement and discipline by the board as established in KRS 321.352 and 321.990.Amended by 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 95,§ 12, eff. 6/28/2023.Amended by 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 116,§ 4, eff. 7/14/2016.Effective:7/14/1992
Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 299, sec. 15, effective7/14/1992. -- Created 1948 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 15.