Author: Windows User
Last saved by: patti thomas
Company: Oklahoma House of Reps

An Act

ENROLLED HOUSE
BILL NO. 3201	By:	Blackwell of the House

				and

		Fields of the Senate

An Act relating to sunset; amending 59 O.S. 2011, Section 698.3, as amended by Section 1, Chapter 60, O.S.L. 2012 (59 O.S. Supp. 2013, Section 698.3), which relates to the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners; re-creating the Board; and modifying 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, as amended by Section 1, Chapter 60, O.S.L. 2012 (59 O.S. Supp. 2013, 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, ~~2014~~ 2020, 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 21st day of May, 2014.

	
	Presiding Officer of the House
	of Representatives

Passed the Senate the 22nd day of May, 2014.

	
	Presiding Officer of the Senate

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Received by the Office of the Governor this ____________________ day of ___________________, 20_______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.
By: _________________________________
Approved by the Governor of the State of Oklahoma this _________ day of ___________________, 20_______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.

	_________________________________
	Governor of the State of Oklahoma

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
Received by the Office of the Secretary of State this __________ day of __________________, 20 _______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.
By: _________________________________

ENR. H. B. NO. 3201	Page