ENROLLED HOUSE
BILL NO. 2217	By:	Faught of the House

			   and

		Aldridge of the Senate

An Act relating to sunset; amending 59 O.S. 2011, Section 698.3, which relates to the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners; re-creating the Board; and modifying the termination date.

SUBJECT:  State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:

SECTION 1.     AMENDATORY     59 O.S. 2011, Section 698.3, is amended to read as follows:

Section 698.3  A.  The State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners is hereby re‑created, to continue until July 1, 2012 2014, in accordance with the provisions of the Oklahoma Sunset Law, to regulate and enforce the practice of veterinary medicine in this state in accordance with the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act.

B.  1.  The duty of determining a person's initial and continuing qualification and fitness for the practice of veterinary medicine, of proceeding against the unlawful and unlicensed practice of veterinary medicine and of enforcing the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act is hereby delegated to the Board.  That duty shall be discharged in accordance with the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act and other applicable statutes.

2.	a.	It is necessary that the powers conferred on the Board by the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act be construed to protect the health, safety and welfare of the people of this state.

b.	No member of the Board, acting in that capacity or as a member of any Board committee, shall participate in the making of any decision or the taking of any action affecting such member’s own personal, professional or pecuniary interest, or that of a person related to the member within the third degree by consanguinity, marriage or adoption or of a business or professional associate.

c.	With advice of legal counsel, the Board shall adopt and annually review a conflict of interest policy to enforce the provisions of the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act.

C.  The practice of veterinary medicine is a privilege granted by the people of this state acting through their elected representatives.  It is not a natural right of individuals.  In the interest of the public, and to protect the public, it is necessary to provide laws and rules to govern the granting and subsequent use of the privilege to practice veterinary medicine.  The primary responsibility and obligation of the Board is to protect the public from the unprofessional, improper, incompetent and unlawful practice of veterinary medicine.

D.  The liability of any member or employee of the Board acting within the scope of Board duties or employment shall be governed by The Governmental Tort Claims Act.

Passed the House of Representatives the 28th day of February, 2012.

	
Presiding Officer of the House of
	Representatives

Passed the Senate the 10th day of April, 2012.

	
Presiding Officer of the Senate