veterinary medical records review...3 • january 2010 indiana veterinary medical association...

Volume 42 • No. 1 • January 2010

•• AA PPuubblliiccaattiioonn ooff tthhee IInnddiiaannaa VVeetteerriinnaarryy MMeeddiiccaall AAssssoocciiaattiioonn ••

Provided by the law firm of Cantrell+Strenski+Mehringer,Indianapolis, IN

There have been many questions raised about therelease of veterinary records since the new law wentinto effect on July 1, 2008. Before passage of the newlaw, veterinary records were not provided theconfidentiality that our own medical records receive.Virtually anyone could access veterinary recordsregardless of their relationship to the animal. The newlaw offers a common sense approach and ensures accessto records is limited to only those persons with alegitimate interest in the animal. It is not intended tomake life more difficult for the veterinarian or theowner of the animal needing treatment.

The new law on confidentiality states at IndianaCode § 25-38.1-4-5.5(d) that unless authorized by theclient, “an animal’s veterinary medical record andmedical condition is confidential and may not be: (1)furnished to or (2) discussed with any person otherthan the client or other veterinarians involved in thecare or treatment of the animal.” This languageunambiguously permits a treating veterinarian toreceive medical records from other veterinarians thathave treated the animal without the consent of theowner, or to provide records to a veterinarian caringfor an animal previously treated by you. It is a clearexception to the consent provision; neither written nor verbal consent of the client is needed. The statutegoes on to allow nine other exceptions where theclient’s consent is not required. Most of these have to

do with compliance requests from governmentagencies or law enforcement.

The new statute defines client as “the owner, theowner’s agent, or other person who is responsiblefor an animal that is examined or treated by a veterinarian.” Ind. Code § 25-38.1-1-7.3. Thus, aslong as the veterinarian has a reasonable belief that the person seeking the information is doing so onbehalf of the owner, it may be provided. There is no requirement that this be in writing. This is asubjective rule that allows you to exercise yourjudgment based on the circumstances.

A boarding facility can obtain proof of

Continued on pg. 3

In This Issue of Your HHoooossiieerr VVeetteerriinnaarriiaann::President’s Message ..........................................................2

Names in the News .............................................................3

In Memorium........................................................................3

Foundation Reminder..........................................................3

BOAH Update......................................................................4

Q & A Glad You Asked ........................................................5

Classified Ads ......................................................................6

Veterinary Well Being Program ...........................................7

USDA Accreditation Program..............................................8

Legislative Update ...............................................................9

Auxiliary News ...................................................................12

Veterinary Medical Records Review

2 • January 2010

IInnddiiaannaa VVeetteerriinnaarryy MMeeddiiccaall AAssssoocciiaattiioonnIInnddiiaannaa VVeetteerriinnaarryy MMeeddiiccaall AAssssoocciiaattiioonn

Greetings membersof the IVMA,

I’m happy toreport that yourIndiana VeterinaryMedical Associationcontinues to be astrong, viable

body of veterinarians dedicated tothe advancement of veterinarymedicine in our state. As Iconclude my term as president, Iwelcome Dr. Steve Sunbury intothe president leadership role(pending your endorsement at theIVMA membership meeting, ofcourse!) and know that Stevebrings to the office a steady handand new ideas. And I’m lookingforward with optimism for thecontinued advancement of ourAssociation under the leadershipof Steve and the Board of Directors.

Dr. Bill Somerville, as chair of the IVMA’s LegislativeCommittee, has done a great jobof helping to identify issues oflegislative concern for our stateand to begin the process of takingaction on several items that willbe appearing before the Boardand the membership in thecoming months. My thanks toBill and his brain-trust in theLegislative Committee for helpingIndiana remain a leader amongVMA’s for pro-actively addressinglegislative issues. Pleaseparticipate with this Committeeby offering your ideas andproviding input on legislativeissues in your local area thatpotentially impact theveterinarians of this state.

I was very impressed with theideas and energy coming out ofthe last Large Animal Task Force

meeting. Dr. Marybeth Miskovic(Feutz) led the last meeting anddid a fine job of helping elicit andcollect ideas about how we, asIVMA, can work with Purdue,veterinary students, and thecommodity producers to bolsterthe number of veterinarianswilling to service the large animalhealth needs in the state whilemaking this service economicallyfeasible. The issues facing foodanimal production are varied anddaunting, but some great ideaswere generated on how we canbetter prepare future veterinariansto work in this sector and toaddress issues related to pressurefrom outside groups whopotentially could impact howproduction animal and largeanimal medicine operations arerun. I’m hopeful that we can turnthese ideas into tangible actionover the next year. My thanks toJohn Feutz, Marybeth, and themembers of the Task Force fortheir efforts. Nice job!

The IVMA Business TaskForce under Dr. Lori Thompson’sleadership is addressing multipleissues surrounding the conductionof veterinary business within thestate. Again, this group has begunto develop plans for providingIVMA members with businessresources and other tools that canassist business owners duringthese challenging economictimes. We’ll be looking for morecoming from this Task Force inthe coming year.

Many other groups within theIVMA are working on issuesranging from IVMA’s role at the State Fair to hosting theHeartland Veterinary Leadership

Pete Bill, DVM

President’s MessageIndiana Veterinary Medical Association

201 South Capitol Avenue, Suite 405Indianapolis, Indiana 46225

[email protected](317) 974-0888

(317) 974-0985 fax(800) 270-0747www.invma.org

Executive DirectorLisa A. Perius

The Hoosier Veterinarian is the official publication of the Indiana

Veterinary Medical Association and is published six times a year.

IVMA Board of Directors

PresidentDr. Pete Bill

President ElectDr. Steve Sunbury

Vice PresidentDr. Lori Thompson

Immediate Past PresidentDr. Tony Rumschlag

TreasurerDr. Ross ClaytonAVMA DelegateDr. John Schnarr

AVMA Alternate DelegateDr. Bill Humphrey

District IDr. Greg Keeker

District IIDr. Mimi Arighi

District IIIDr. Richard Brungardt

District IVDr. Paul Clemente

District VDr. Dan Quinlan

District VIMichael Mann, Purdue

District VIIDr. Gayland Jones

District VIIIDr. John Feutz

District IXDr. Paul Stahly

District XDr. Nathan Rich

District XIDr. Phil Borst

District XIIDr. James Hollis

District XIIIDr. Larry Stauffer

District XIVDr. Roger Beam

District XVDr. Amy Lanum

3 • January 2010


Conference in 2011. The IVMAalso implemented its VeterinaryWell-Being Program this year.Yes, the IVMA is indeed a viableand strong Association.

I stated in my first letter to youthat I believed as a captain of aship, my role was to watch for theshoals that immediately threatenthe ship, but to also keep an eyeon the horizon so we keep theship on a true bearing for ourfuture. That culture of dedicatedstewardship is well entrenched inthe leadership at IVMA and forthat reason I see the IVMA ascontinuing to be a national leaderin many aspects of organizedveterinary medicine.

My thanks to Lisa for herexcellent suggestions and veryappropriate direction (nudging,nagging, professional harassing)and to you, the membership, foryour participation and dedicationto veterinary medicine in all of itsprofessional modalities.

I remain at your service,Pete Bill

Medical Records Cont’d.

vaccinations without writtenconsent from the client if theboarding facility is owned by aveterinarian. That veterinarian is“involved in the care … of theanimal.” If the boarding facilityis not owned by a veterinarian,however, or the animal is notunder the care of a veterinarian atthe boarding facility, then writtenconsent from the client would berequired.

Ownership issues frequentlyarise as the result of divorce. Thekey point is that the veterinariancan treat any animal that theyreasonably believe has beenpresented by a “client.” They mayassume that the person bringing inthe animal for treatment has theauthority to do so unless theyhave reason to believe this is nottrue. The request by a person toeuthanize a reasonably healthyanimal is a circumstance wherefurther inquiry should be made toassure that the person has thelegal right to request such aservice.

In the case of the death of theknown owner of an animal, theveterinarian can provide servicesto relatives or others presentingthe animal as long as they havereason to believe that the person“is responsible” for care of theanimal. Nothing in the lawrequires the veterinarian to do in-depth research into theownership of the animal.

The law was written to ensurethat animals receive needed careand that veterinarians cancommunicate freely with each

other about the animal’s medicalhistory. The person presenting theanimal is authorizing the care.They are the “client.” Therefore,provide care unless you have areasonable belief that the care isnot authorized. Of course, goodchart notes are always goodpractice, and this is particularlytrue when any someone other thanthe owner is presenting the animalfor care.

As a final note, you do notneed to release the animal untilpayment is made by the individualwho authorized care.

Would you be interested in receiving The Hoosier Veterinarianelectronically rather than by mail? If so, please email [email protected].

The IVMA is reviewing ways to bestmanage its resources in a prudent

fashion. If you are interested, pleaselet us know. Thanks!

DOES THE IVMA HAVE YOUR CURRENT EMAIL?

The IVMA sends out monthly “IVMA Issues Updates” via email to

members to keep them apprised ofissues and events of interest and

importance. Please contact the IVMAoffice to ensure we have your current

email address. You can call (800)270-0747 or email at

[email protected]. Thank you!

Names In The NewsDr. Charles Heinze (KSU ’53),

IVMA Life Member, recently received

the Equine Practitioners Alumni Award

during the AAEP Annual Meeting in

Las Vegas.

In MemoriamDr. Elwood G. “Butch” Barker, Myrtle

Beach, SC; died November 10, 2009

Indiana Animal Health Foundation ReminderIn lieu of flowers – don’t forget you can

make a donation to the IAHF in honor of

a family member, friend, client, or pet!

A recognition card is sent to the

honored’s family! Send your donation

to the IAHF, 201 S. Capitol, Suite

405, Indianapolis, IN 46225.

For Information about the IVMA Veterinary

Well-Being Program call (317) 627-0290 or email us at

[email protected]. All contacts are confidential.

4 • January 2010

IInnddiiaannaa VVeetteerriinnaarryy MMeeddiiccaall AAssssoocciiaattiioonn

Board of Animal Health Update By Dr. Bret Marsh, State Veterinarian

As practitioners, you may startreceiving more calls about bats. Stateand federal wildlife officials areconcerned about the spread of white-nose syndrome (WNS) from states inthe Northeast. The affliction, about whichrelatively little is known, has movedthrough six species of bats in ninestates since its discovery in 2006. TheIndiana State Board of Animal Health(BOAH) is part of a working group toraise public awareness and prevent thespread of WNS.

White-nose syndrome, according tothe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,does not appear to have a bacterial,viral or parasitic cause. However,affected bats do have a white fungalinfection of the skin (Geomycesdestructans) in common. WNS isspreading through colonies rapidly,much like a pathogen.

Bat colonies affected by WNSexperience extremely high mortalityrates, as much as 95 percent.Individuals will die off duringhibernation. The bats have very low

body fat reserves. Often they willawaken to seek out non-existent foodduring their hibernation months. As a result, the bats will collapse fromlack of strength and die. Bats may also be observed struggling to fly or flopping on the ground, often(uncharacteristically) during the winter day-time hours.

Those odd behaviors may generatemore calls to veterinarians, animalcontrol and wildlife rehabilitators,asking for guidance. According to PhilBloom of the Indiana Department ofNatural Resources (DNR), citizensshould be told not to touch or attemptto rescue the bats. While WNS has noknown human health effects, the riskof rabies exposure can occur duringhandling. Pets may also be exposed, if they encounter sick bats sufferingfrom WNS.

The syndrome is not known to existin Indiana at this time. DNR took theproactive step last spring to close state-owned caves to visitors, because

human cave explorers are suspected tobe a major vector in the spread ofWNS. Wildlife experts believe peoplecarry the organism between caves onshoes and clothing that have not beenproperly cleaned and disinfected.Indiana caves will remain closed untilat least through April 2010.

Whether a bat is suspected ofhaving WNS or not, the officialIndiana protocol remains that batsinvolved in a human or pet exposureshould be submitted to the state rabieslaboratory for testing.

During 2009, rabies-positivelaboratory submissions totaled muchhigher than the average in recent years.By December, Indiana’s rabies lab had diagnosed the virus in 39 bats.Some 32 humans required post-exposure treatment. While rabies is100 percent preventable, the diseasecontinues to be an issue in Indiana.

For more information about white-nose syndrome, visit the DNR Web siteat: ww.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/5404.htm.

5 • January 2010


The IVMA has contracted with new legal counsel! The lawfirm of Cantrell+Strenski+Mehringer in Indianapolis has been retained to assist the IVMA and its members with legalquestions, scenarios, and information. Below are a fewquestions that have been asked by IVMA members over thelast few weeks. Answers are provided below. As always, though,consult your own legal counsel for specific legal advice.

Question 1: I am the practice owner of my veterinary clinic. Does every veterinarian that works for me have to have a CSR?

Question 2: I am a relief veterinarian.How should my CSR be registered in Indiana?

Veterinarians routinely deal with the use of controlledsubstances in their practice. To be in compliance with Indianalaw, with very limited exceptions, every veterinarian mustapply for and be granted a Controlled Substances Registrationby the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.

Indiana Code Section 35-48-3-3 primarily governs theregistration requirements for controlled substances. For thespecific questions posed above, IC 35-48-3-3(b) and (f) areimportant:

(b) Every person who dispenses or proposes to dispense anycontrolled substance within Indiana must have a registrationissued by the board in accordance with its rules. . . .

(f) A separate registration is required at each principal place of business or professional practice where the applicantmanufactures, distributes, or dispenses, or possesses controlled substances.

Thus, in response to Question No. 1, if a veterinarian owns hisor her own clinic, any veterinarian that intends to dispense oradminister a controlled substance at that practice location musthave a CSR. IC 35-48-3-3(b). The statute defines “dispense”as “to deliver a controlled substance to an ultimate user . . . by or pursuant to the lawful order of a practitioner andincludes the prescribing, administering, packaging, labeling, orcompounding necessary to prepare the substance for thatdelivery.” Ind. Code 35-48-1-12. The CSR under subsection(b) expires when the dispenser’s license as a practitionerexpires. “Practitioner” includes a veterinarian. Ind. Code 35-48-1-24.

There are limited exemptions in the statutes and administrativecode for persons who are not required to obtain a CSR (e.g.,agents of employees of the veterinarian). However, the

governing statute provides that if a person is actually engagedin such activities (manufacture, distribution, dispensation,administration), he or she is required to obtain a CSR. For themajority of persons that will read the IVMA’s newsletter forguidance, the safest bet for veterinarian clinic owners whohave veterinarians who administer controlled substances is torequire that each have a valid CSR on file.

The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency providesadditional guidance regarding how to obtain a CSR. Per theinstructions for completing the CSR application, applicantsmust have an active Indiana veterinary license before they canobtain an Indiana CSR. Veterinarians must hold one CSR inorder to prescribe, administer & dispense controlledsubstances in the State of Indiana. An additional, separateregistration is required for each practice address at which aveterinarian practitioner physically possesses controlledsubstances to administer or dispense. A separate registration is NOT required for each place where a veterinarian merelyprescribes controlled substances. One valid CSR is sufficientfor a veterinarian to prescribe controlled substancesthroughout the State. Thus, for a relief veterinarian, one CSR is sufficient to prescribe, administer, or dispensecontrolled substances.

However, all applicants, which would include reliefveterinarians and those veterinarians that assist with housecalls or at humane shelters, must use an Indiana practiceaddress (which must be a street address, not a post office box)when applying for a CSR. The CSR can only be mailed to theaddress submitted on the application. Because the CSR isissued for a particular purpose at a specified location,veterinarians must notify the Indiana Professional LicensingAgency in writing of any change of address.

Currently, the fee to apply for a CSR is $60 and the one-page application can be obtained online atwww.in.gov/pla/2442.htm or by contacting the IndianaProfessional Licensing Agency, Attention: Indiana Board ofVeterinary Medical Examiners. Once a CSR application issubmitted, the licensing board will review it for approval. If a veterinarian answers a positive response to any of thequestions regarding past disciplinary or legal action, theapplication must be reviewed by the Controlled SubstancesAdvisory Committee before a permit will be issued.

A person who is in violation of the CSR requirements may besubject to penalties, including criminal prosecution for a ClassD felony.

Q and A – Glad You Asked That!


6 • January 2010

Classified Ads

To submit a classified ad to be included in theHoosier Veterinarian, please fax, E-mail,or mail your ad to the IVMA office by thedeadline date to be included in the nextissue of the newsletter. Ads are $55 each. A bill will be sent to you after the ad is run.

VETERINARIANS WANTEDTired of working emergencies and longhours seeing clients? Have a desire tomake a real difference in the lives ofanimals? Humane Ohio’s spay/neuterclinic in Toledo is seeking 1 full-time and 1part-time veterinarian to join ourexpanding medical team, in providingquality, high volume spay/neuter. Be partof a progressive organization workingtoward reducing homeless pets in 6counties. Great hours, competitive salaryand benefits. Contact Aimee 419-874-9584 or [email protected]: Aimee, 419-874-9584

ANIMAL PRACTICE FOR SALESolo small animal practice for sale nearFort Wayne. Newly remodeled clinic, allnew equipment including new digital x-ray.Practice high quality compassionateveterinary medicine in your own practice.

Own it all, for only $530,000. Call metoday to arrange an appointment to seethis outstanding practice, before it getsaway! Dr. Fred Zydeck at 248-891-3934 or e-mail: [email protected]: Dr. Fred Zydeck, 248-891-3934

Equipment for SaleWe have gone digital and you benefit!• 1-Automatic X-ray processor Kodak RPX-OMAT, Used; $1095 • 1-Automatic Xray processor Konica OX-70 (table top),Used; $895 • 1-dark room safe light, $40• 2-dark room film safes, $85/each • 2-double, view boxes, $65/each • Assortment of high-speed Kodak cassettes: 14 x 17 - $75/each; 13 x 15 - $70/each; 8 x 10 - $60/each; 5 x 7 - $50/eachContact: Dr. Rod Duncan, 317-291-3932

VETERINARIANS WANTEDBe rewarded for your talent anddedication! Lead & Associate veterinarianpositions available in our full-servicehospital in Hobart, Evansville, andPlainfield. Modern equipment, in-houselab, great client base, comprehensive

benefits and compensation package Visitour website at www.banfield.net. ContactChris Brown at 503-922-5283 [email protected]. Contact: Chris Brown, 503-922-5283

PART TIME VETERINARIAN WANTEDA small animal practice in SouthwestIndiana is seeking a part time veterinaryassociate. We currently have four full andthree part time staff members whichincludes a technician and a veterinarian.You may contact us at 812-254-7535 ore-mail at [email protected]: Dr. Jon Clark, 812-254-7535

ASSOCIATE VETERINARIAN WANTEDFull-time associate needed for qualitysmall animal practice near Indianapolis.Reasonable hours, no emergency calls,experienced staff. Competitive salary andbenefits package with potential for futurebuy-in. Send resume or call: Dr. WesHildebrandt, PO Box 526, New Palestine,IN, 46163; 317-861-4423 Contact: Dr. Wes Hildebrandt, 317-861-4423

7 • January 2010


Veterinary assistance programs are effective andhave saved the lives and careers of many veterinarians.They have assisted many veterinarians in receivingsafe treatment. They have assisted families to have ahealthier member. Lastly, the profession has benefitedas a whole to have an option to address impairmentby a professional colleague. The IVMA VeterinaryWell-Being Program is based on a national model ofassistance of impaired health care professionalswhich research indicates have success rates of 70-80%for those participating in such programs. There are 3primary components of the Well-Being Program:

InterventionThe intervention process can begin in many ways. Aveterinarian concerned about their substance abusecan confidentially contact the Veterinary Well-BeingProgram and seek guidance and the assistance of theprogram staff. Participation in the program is voluntary.

Indiana code requires veterinarians to reportknowledge of a colleague who might be practicing inan impaired fashion. Impairment would imply thecolleague is practicing in a manner that negativelyimpacts reasonable skill and safety for the patient byreason of alcoholism or drug dependency. Aveterinarian may meet this requirement through aconfidential report to the Well-Being Program. Office staff may be concerned about the veterinarianpracticing in an impaired fashion and make aconfidential report to the Well-Being program.

The Veterinary Board may have received acomplaint about a veterinarian practicing in animpaired fashion and recommend the veterinariancontact the Well-Being Program.

With reasonable evidence of potential impairment,a meeting is held with the veterinarian and a formalassessment is requested by a source approved by theWell-Being Program. A statewide and out of statenetwork of assessors has been identified.

Assessment/ Treatment ReferralOnce the intervention and assessment are

completed, a determination will be made regardingimpairment due to substance abuse or dependence. Arecommendation will be made in the best interest of

the veterinarian. If impairment is present, theveterinarian will be encouraged to formally enroll inthe Well-Being program. They will agree to enroll inan approved intensive treatment program with themajority of referrals made to impaired healthcareprofessionals programs. They will agree to complywith all treatment requirements.

Monitoring/ Advocacy ServicesA component of the Veterinary Well-Being Program

that research supports as key to the positive outcomesof professional monitoring programs is the accountabilitydesigned into the monitoring services. The monitoringcontract is typically in effect for up to 5 years forthose evaluated as being alcohol or drug dependent.The program will monitor the person’s efforts inrecovery and include attendance at support groups,random urine drug screen testing or other types oftesting to confirm abstinence, ongoing counselingattendance and participation, medication complianceas appropriate, communication with treating therapistsand physicians, regular meetings with peer mentor,and other components as deemed appropriate basedon the individual’s needs. This aggressive monitoringmay assist the veterinarian in critical times should alapse occur and return them to sobriety.

Advocacy has been a critical element to protectingthe career of the veterinarian who is now in recovery.The Veterinary Well-Being staff will advocate for theveterinarian in a variety of settings. They may attendVeterinary License Board hearings and assist incompliance issues. They may consult with office staff on behalf of the veterinarian and support thesuccessful return to work and maintenance ofpractice. They may assist with colleagues in grouppractices and address the concerns of a veterinarianin recovery.

Recovery is possible and Well-Being Programs areproven to be successful. We look forward to assistingpersons in need of our services. Confidential contactwith our program can be made by calling 317-627-0290.You may email us at [email protected].

George Brenner, LCSW, LMFT, ICAC ICandace Backer, LCSW, MAC

Indiana Veterinary Medical Association: Veterinary Well-Being Program

8 • January 2010


USDA Revises Veterinary Accreditation ProgramWASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2009

The U.S. Department ofAgriculture’s Animal and PlantHealth Inspection Service(APHIS) has revised its NationalVeterinary Accreditation Program(NVAP). The changes willstrengthen animal healthsafeguarding activities andincrease the training and skills ofaccredited veterinarians in diseaseprevention and preparedness foranimal health emergencies.

“The NVAP program leveragesnon-government-employedveterinarians’ medical expertise,as well as their relationships in thecommunities and industries theyserve, to help USDA moreeffectively provide regulatedanimal health services,” said JohnClifford, APHIS veterinaryservices deputy administrator.“The revisions to this importantprogram will help better protectU.S. animal health in the face ofcurrent complexities in business,trade and travel.”

The new program creates twoaccreditation categories based onthe species on which accreditedduties will be performed in placeof a former single category. Itincludes requirements forsupplemental online training toensure accredited veterinariansreceive the latest informationnecessary to support APHIS’animal health safeguardingefforts.

The revisions also call for

accreditation to be renewed everythree years where previouslyaccreditation did not requirerenewal. The renewal requirementensures that accreditedveterinarians will have the mostup-to-date information on foreignanimal and zoonotic diseases andthe risks associated with them.The NVAP also will offerprogram certifications that willallow veterinarians to participatein program-specific APHISactivities.

Another important changeunder the new regulations is thatveterinarians accredited beforeFeb. 1, 2010, must apply tocontinue their accreditation in therevised program. If they do notapply, their accreditation willexpire. APHIS will announce thischange in a variety of veterinarypublications, state and nationalmeetings and through veterinarylist serves.

The regulation has receivedsupport from the major animalhealth organizations such as theAmerican Veterinary MedicalAssociation, the United StatesAnimal Health Association andthe Association of AmericanVeterinary Medical Colleges. TheUnited States depends extensivelyon accredited veterinarians tocarry out many of its animalhealth programs and services –including animal inspections,testing and certifications.Accredited veterinarians serve as

the first line of defense inensuring the health of the Nation’slivestock. Businesses thattransport and export animals alsorely on the expertise of accreditedveterinarians to help ensure thatexported animals will notintroduce diseases into otherstates or countries.

The NVAP is a voluntaryprogram. Participation is notmandated by the federalgovernment, however, more than80 percent of all U.S.veterinarians, or about 71,000, areaccredited. Accreditedveterinarians who participate inthe NVAP must work according tothe federal standards foraccredited veterinarians. TheNVAP does not regulate generalveterinary practice, but rather theperformance of specificaccredited duties; veterinarianswho are not accredited may stillprovide general veterinary care toany animal.

Being part of the NVAP allowsprivate sector veterinarians tooffer additional services to theirclients such as certifying animaland herd health. Small animalpractitioners can use theiraccreditation to certify companionanimals for domestic andinternational movement. Information about theaccreditation program can befound on the NVAP Web site athttp://www.aphis.usda.gov/nvap/.

9 • January 2010


The 2010 session of the IndianaGeneral Assembly met for Organi-zation Day on November 17, 2009.They are scheduled to reconveneon January 6, 2010. This will be ashort session that must end no laterthan March 14. Typically verylittle action occurs betweenOrganization Day and January.This is shaping up to be anatypical year.

In December the House Waysand Means Committee met andconsidered the resolution to place property tax caps in theConstitution as well as 2 otherbills, one dealing with theassessment of farm land and theother dealing with the ability ofthe State to contract with outsidevendors. The Senate also did notwait to begin their work; theypassed the property tax resolutionas well. They also acted on oneother bill delaying the implementationof the unemployment insurancefix passed in the 2009 session.

These bills will be eligible forfurther consideration when thelegislature returns.

The major issue of the sessionwill be the property tax caps. Ifthe resolution passes calling for aConstitutional amendment, thequestion will be on the ballot inthe General Election in Novemberof 2010. The issue is gainingadditional controversy as somegroups are urging the legislaturenot to pass the caps. They includemany local units of government aswell as others. In the 2009 session,the Democrats who control theHouse were unwilling to pass theresolution, citing the need to seethe impact of the caps that arealready in the Indiana Code. In thissession we believe the resolutionwill pass easily. Another issue thatwill dominate the discussion thissession will be the revenuesituation. The most recentprojections show state revenues tobe down significantly. The

Governor has announced significantcuts to all areas of government.Many agencies have been asked tocut as much as 20% from theirbudgets. Out of state travel hasbeen limited and there is a hiringfreeze on new state employees.State employees are required topay for their own business cards.On Tuesday, the Governor’s officeannounced that $300 million mustbe cut from the K-12 budget. TheK-12 budget was to be the lastthing to get cut, signaling howsevere the problem is.

With the above issuesdominating the session, the IVMAwill embark on a very limitedproactive legislative agenda. Wewill be asking the Legislature tocreate an effective way to regulateor prosecute those who practiceveterinary medicine without alicense. Details are still beingworked out as this article is beingwritten.

IVMA Legislative Update By Lou Belch, The Corydon Group

10 • January 2010

CCllaassssiiffiieedd AAddss

Why Should You Belong IVMA“The IVMA is the voice of the veterinary profession in

Indiana and the source of important information.”

• Growing Through Education – the IVMA providesquality, renowned speakers at continuing educationmeetings in Indiana. Your membership allows you toregister at reduced fees.

• Promoting the Veterinary Profession - the IVMApromotes the profession to the public and otherinterested constituencies on your behalf.

• Protecting Your Interests – the IVMA speaks forveterinary medicine in Indiana at the Indiana GeneralAssembly, with regulatory agencies, the veterinaryschool and the public.

• Informing You – the IVMA keeps you informed through its newsletter, web page, and email updates so that you have the most current information regarding the profession in Indiana.

• Asking for Assistance – the IVMA professional staff is a constant resource of information for you - all just a phone call or email away.

11 • January 2010


Printed on Recycled Paper

PRSRT. STD.

U. S. Postage

PAID

Noblesville, IN

Permit No. 127

THE HOOSIER VETERINARIAN

Published Bi-Monthly by

Indiana Veterinary Medical Association201 S. Capitol Avenue, Suite 405

Indianapolis, Indiana 46225

AAuuxxiilliiaarryy NNeewwss

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! It ishard to believe the year “2010” ishere already. It seems like onlyyesterday that we were concernedabout what Y2K was going tobring us. Where have all the yearsgone? I guess we could ask thatsame question about our Auxiliary.The IVMA Auxiliary was establishedin 1945. Mrs. O.B. Curry was thefirst president of the Auxiliary.Over the years, we have donatedtextbooks to the Purdue library,held pet fairs, given awards to 4-H students, awarded scholarshipsto veterinary students, participatedin silent auctions, represented ourstate at AVMA meetings and thelist goes on and on, thanks to thehundreds of hours donated bymembers in an effort to supportveterinary medicine. Since it wasfounded over sixty years ago, theIVMA Auxiliary has indeedaccomplished much.

Unfortunately, membership inour Auxiliary has dwindled overthe past decade. We have sixgracious people who havecontinued to serve on the Boardfor years. They have given of theirtime year after year, with no onewilling to step up and take theirplace. So, the Auxiliary Board hasgiven our situation a great deal ofthought and consideration recently.Times have changed, people havechanged, and the veterinaryprofession has changed.

Therefore, it is time for theAuxiliary to make a change. TheIVMA Auxiliary has such a richtradition and history that theBoard would like to see the nameof our organization carried onwell into the future. We arelooking at the possibility at

placed into the endowment. Duesor contributions made to theAuxiliary in the future can still beused to provide scholarships toveterinary students.

I am looking forward to seeingall of you at the annual meeting inFebruary. Please make everyattempt to attend and enjoy all ofthe wonderful activities associatedwith the 126th Annual IVMAMeeting. Sadly, this may be ourlast opportunity to officiallygather as members of the IVMAAuxiliary. Please come and enjoythe delicious brunch and thecompany of other members of theAuxiliary.

As always,Debby Hildebrandt

President, IVMA Auxiliary

accomplishing that task by usingour funds to establish anendowment with the IndianaAnimal Health Foundation(IAHF). The Foundation wouldmanage the endowment anddistribute grants or scholarshipsfrom it in the name of the IVMAAuxiliary.

Representatives of the IndianaAnimal Health Foundation willspeak to us at our annual meetingabout creating an endowment andother ways we can support theirorganization. This is a veryimportant meeting. Please bringyour ideas and opinions with youso we can look at all the optionsand make a decision about ourfuture. We also ask that youplease pay your dues and considermaking an extra contribution sowe can boost the monies to be

veterinary medical records review...3 • january 2010 indiana veterinary medical association...

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