a Renewal Checklist

1. Renewal Form – Information correct and complete, signed  (all questions answered on page 2)

The Board’s main concern with respect to any procedure performed by someone on the animals of another, is whether that person has sufficient education and training not only to protect the animal and hence the owner and the public, but also to prevent adverse effects, and more important, the possible spread of illness and disease.  Such concern also applies to the “rendering of advice or recommendation” regarding the provision of rehabilitation and alternative therapies on animals which is also specifically included in the definition of the practice of veterinary medicine.

The application of rehabilitation and alternative therapies, including chiropractic treatment, physical therapy and massage, to an animal would involve treating, correcting, changing, relieving, or preventing animal disease, deformity, defect, injury, or other physical conditions which by its very nature defines the practice of veterinary medicine.  Furthermore, during the provision of rehabilitation and alternative therapies there is an on-going evaluation or diagnosis of the animal’s condition which may require further medical treatment. 

Another question which has arisen is whether or not the provision of rehabilitation and alternative therapies can lawfully be performed by an employee under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian pursuant to Rule 702.  Rule 702A2 provides, in pertinent part, the following:

Treatment is being performed on the order or prescription of

the licensed, supervising veterinarian, except that no unlicensed

person may perform...diagnosis....(Underscore added for emphasis.)

Furthermore, Rule 712, which specifically addresses alternative therapies provides, in pertinent part, that:

Alternative therapies including, but not limited to, ultrasonography,

magnetic field therapy, holistic medicine, chiropractic treatment,

acupuncture, and laser therapy shall be performed only by

a licensed veterinarian or under the direct supervision of a

licensed veterinarian, except that no unlicensed person may

perform ...diagnosis....(Underscore added for emphasis.)

Therefore, based upon the Section 1513(4)(a) of the LA Veterinary Practice Act, as well as the exception provision in Rules 702A2 and 712, it is the Board’s opinion that the provision of rehabilitation and alternative therapies are clearly included within the scope of practice of veterinary medicine which is regulated by the Board.  In addition, the provision of rehabilitation and alternative therapies on animals, including chiropractic treatment, physical therapy and massage, necessarily involve an on-going diagnosis or evaluation which prevents any unlicensed person from performing such procedure, even under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.

In other words, the provision of rehabilitation and alternative therapies, including chiropractic treatment, physical therapy and massage, to non-human animals by an individual not licensed by the Board to practice veterinary medicine would be a violation of the Louisiana Veterinary Practice Act and the Board’s Rules.

As an aside, the Board has recently addressed inquiries in which the concept of “consultant” was raised.  More specifically, the question presented was whether or not a health care professional, not licensed by the Board, may lawfully act as a consultant to a veterinarian licensed by the Board.  With regards to “consultant,” Section 1514(4) of the Practice Act also states that the law “should not be construed to prohibit a veterinarian regularly licensed in another state from consulting with a licensed veterinarian in this state.”

Therefore, a person may, if licensed in another state to practice veterinary medicine, consult with a veterinarian licensed in Louisiana with two provisos.  First, the veterinarian licensed in Louisiana must have established the veterinary-client-patient-relationship.  Second, even under this scenario, an out-of-state consulting veterinarian may not lawfully perform any “hands-on” services to the patient.  In summary, the “consultant” must be a licensed veterinarian and, if he is not licensed by the Board, but rather by a sister state, he cannot perform “hands-on” services to the patient.

Should you have any additional questions or comments regarding the content of this article, or the Board’s opinion on the topic it covers, please do not hesitate to contact the Board office.