Section 63-12-137 - Veterinary practice to be owned by veterinarian - Exemptions(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 in this state.(b) No person, corporation or other similar organization, public or private, for-profit or not-for-profit, other than a veterinarian duly licensed in this state, shall own or operate a veterinary facility within this state, except as follows:(1) Any person, corporation or other similar organization, public or private, for-profit or not-for-profit, shall apply for and receive a premises permit before the commencement of operations at the veterinary facility; and(2) The owner of the veterinary facility shall not restrict or interfere with medically appropriate veterinary diagnostic or treatment decisions by the licensed veterinarians employed at the veterinary facility.(c) The following are exempt from this section:(1) A veterinarian employed by a person, corporation or other similar organization, public or private, for-profit or not-for-profit, to treat such employer's animals;(2) A veterinarian employed by an official agency of the federal or state government or any subdivision thereof; and(3) A veterinarian employed by any licensed research facility.Acts 1983, ch. 57, § 19; 1996, ch. 771, § 3; 1996, ch. 773, § 5.