§ 63-12-112 — License requirement - Qualifications of applicants

(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 shall be considered to have violated this chapter. (2) (A) When the board receives a completed application for initial licensure from an applicant, then the board shall, within sixty (60) days from the date the board receives the completed application: (i) Render a decision on the application; or (ii) Inform the applicant of the need to appear before the board. (B) As used in this subdivision (a)(2), "completed application" means an application that satisfies all statutory and board rule requirements. (b) The board may admit to examination any applicant who submits satisfactory evidence that the applicant: (1) Is a graduate of a school or college of veterinary medicine approved by the board; (2) Is in good physical and mental health; (3) Is of good moral character; (4) Is a citizen of the United States or Canada or legally entitled to live within the United States; (5) Subscribes to and will uphold the principles incorporated in the Constitution of the United States; and (6) Has paid the required fee. (c) Any person holding a license to practice veterinary medicine in this state that is valid on September 1, 1967, is considered to be licensed to practice veterinary medicine under this chapter and is subject to all the provisions thereof.

Legislative History

Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 426, s 9, eff. 5/11/2023. Acts 1967, ch. 80, §§ 12, 35; T.C.A., § 63-1212; Acts 1982, ch. 611, § 1; 1983, ch. 57, § 6.