§ 17-101-301 — Veterinarians - Application - Qualifications

(a) Any veterinarian or licensed veterinarian desiring a license to practice veterinary medicine in this state may make written application to the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission showing that he or she is: (1) At least twenty-one (21) years of age; and (2) A person of moral integrity and acceptable ethical standards. (b) The application for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Arkansas shall: (1) Be written; (2) Be signed by the applicant; (3) Be submitted to the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission at least thirty (30) days before the exam; (4) Be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee established by the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission; and (5) Include, but not be limited to, the information set forth below: (A) A current photograph of the applicant; (B) A certified transcript of the applicant's veterinary school records; (C) A copy of the applicant's diploma from an accredited veterinary school or an affidavit from the dean of an accredited veterinary school certifying the applicant's ability to graduate if he or she has not graduated at the time of application. However, a copy of the diploma must be submitted upon availability and before the exam date; (D) An Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates Certificate or an equivalent program approved by the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission, if applicable; and (E) (i) A National Board Exam score and Clinical Competency Test score or the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination score, or its future equivalent, reported through the Veterinary Information Verification Agency, or its future equivalent. (ii) The Clinical Competency Test is not required for a poultry specialty license. (c) (1) The Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission by rule may require that all applicants for licensure by examination complete a preceptorship program during their senior year under the supervision of a veterinarian licensed and in good standing in any state, territory, or district of the United States. (2) The supervising veterinarian shall submit an affidavit to the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission stating that the applicant has satisfactorily completed the preceptorship. (d) (1) If the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission finds that the applicant possesses the proper qualifications, the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission shall admit him or her to the next examination. (2) If an applicant is found unqualified to take the examination or to receive a license without examination, the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission shall immediately notify the applicant in writing of its findings and the grounds for same.

Legislative History

Amended by Act 2023, No. 691,§ 153, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by Act 2023, No. 691,§ 152, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by Act 2023, No. 691,§ 151, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by Act 2023, No. 691,§ 150, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1658, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 1975, No. 650, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 72-1136; Acts 1993, No. 1198, § 1; 1993 No. 1219, § 27; 2001, No. 1741, § 3.