VetRelief Forum

[psmalldvm]

I'm in Maine, and I'd really like to pick up some relief work while I'm in New England. Unfortunately, my California vet license isn't valid here.

I think a veterinarian should be able to work in ANY US state with a valid license from any US state (like driver licensing); perhaps with a Federal Veterinary License. I may be alone in this, but the present system seems to limit interstate commerce and restrains trade. I've heard that some MD relief services have their own licenses which give their doctors the ability to cover positions in other states. Also, we all took the "National Board Exam," which is accepted nationally as a qualifying examination.

I see a potential States' Rights issue here certainly, but does anyone else have any ideas? Perhaps it's already been litigated.

Paul Small, DVM

[Tassino]

Dr Paul,

It would be great to have a federal license in the US, but I'm affraid there are too many politic interests against this possibility. Each state has its own rules, for example Hawaii's quarantines! Some states require more tests after NBE for licensure, like New York and California.

I recommend that you search into Maine's requirements for vet licensing. The following web pages will provide some information.

Good luck and let us know when you are practicing in Maine.
Dr Tassino

http://www.maine.gov/pfr/olr/categories/cat42.htm#1

http://www.aavsb.org/DLR/DLRDetails.aspx?id=32

Regulatory Agencies

Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation
35 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Telephone: 207-624-8600
Fax: 207-624-8637
E-mail: Kelly.L.Mclaughlin@maine.gov

See Veterinarian Requirements
See Veterinary Technician Requirements
See Statutes and Rules (on Website)

Executive Officer: Geraldine Betts,Administrator
Phone: 207-624-8625
Fax: 207-624-8637

Disciplinary Information Contact: Linda Harris
Phone: 207-624-8600

License Verification Contact: Kelly McLaughlin
Phone: 207-624-8621