Spay/Neuter License Plate Update

Spay/Neuter Flyer Packet (PDF)

 

In a victory for veterinary medicine, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation to ensure statewide uniformity of standards for medical professionals. California SB 762 provides that boards and bureaus overseen by the state Department of Consumer Affairs have the ultimate authority over medical scope of practice issues, and cities and counties will not be able to adopt ordinances to ban medical procedures. The court decision upholding the West Hollywood ban on cat declawing was a major impetus for the new law, which was strongly supported by the California VMA. SB 762 takes effect on January 1, 2010, and ordinances adopted before that date are grand-fathered in. Recently, the San Francisco Commission of Animal Control and Welfare, which advises the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, voted in favor of a citywide ban on cat declawing for nontherapeutic reasons. (To Read More)
 

Federal Update from AVMA:
Veterinary Services Investment ACT (HR 3519)

I am very pleased to announce that the Veterinary Services Investment Act was introduced in the House of Representatives.  The LAC reviewed this proposed legislation last Fall (at the time it was called the Veterinary Medicine Workforce Improvement Act) and recommended “Active Pursuit of Passage” to the Executive Board, who approved the recommendation at their November 2008 meeting.

HR 3519 will authorize a competitive grant program to relieve veterinary shortages and support veterinary services.  I’ve attached our issue brief FYI -the bill has not been posted on Thomas yet, but when it is, you can find it at thomas.loc.gov.  (To Read More)

Matters of Law - Unfair Competition In
Veterinary Practice

Jeffrey L. Roth, JD

As discussed in this Matters of Law column previously, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has indicated that the "Red Flag Rules” regarding prevention
of identity theft apply to veterinary practices.  However, that is not the only potential issue that a practicing veterinarian may encounter with that agency.

 

Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA) prohibits "unfair or deceptive acts or practices,” which include combinations, conspiracies, or other anti-competitive conduct in the marketplace between competitors. Such activity could also violate other antitrust laws, including the Sherman Act. Penalties for violations are severe.  Depending on what law is violated, both civil and criminal penalties may apply to violations, including treble damages on the civil side, and jail time on the criminal side. (To Read More)