SB104 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Zeb Little

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

T.D. “Ted” LittleArthur OrrTom Butler

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Veterinary medicine, definitions, licensure and regulation further provided for, prohibited acts, authorized tasks for veterinary technicians and unlicensed assistants revised, Secs. 34-29-61, 34-29-76, 34-29-77, 34-29-94 am'd.

Summary

SB104 updates Alabama's veterinary laws by revising key definitions, tightening licensing rules, and expanding what veterinary technicians and unlicensed assistants may do under supervision.

What This Bill Does

It updates definitions for terms like Accredited School of Veterinary Medicine, VCPR, and supervision levels, and clarifies standards for veterinary facilities. It expands what licensed veterinary technicians can perform under direct or indirect supervision and creates a framework for certain tasks by unlicensed assistants under supervision, including lifesaving actions in emergencies. It requires licensure to practice in Alabama (including telemedicine with a VCPR), sets licensing exams (AVMA-based) and renewal/continued education requirements, and establishes enforcement and penalties; it also outlines different types of veterinary facilities and rules for public notices about service limitations.

Who It Affects

• Licensed veterinarians in Alabama, who must supervise technicians, comply with licensure rules, and face disciplinary measures for violations.
• Licensed veterinary technicians, who may perform listed tasks under supervision, must obtain and renew licenses, and display their license publicly.
• Unlicensed assistants, who may perform limited tasks under indirect or immediate supervision and are subject to supervision rules and penalties for unlicensed practice.
• Veterinary students, preceptees, and interns, who are exempt from licensure while working under supervision to complete education or training requirements.
• Veterinary facilities (hospitals, clinics, satellite clinics, emergency clinics, mobile units, large-animal clinics), which must meet facility standards, provide public notices about service limitations, and ensure on-call supervision by a licensed veterinarian.
• Out-of-state or foreign graduates seeking Alabama licensure, who may pursue AVMA-based pathways and state-specific licensure requirements.
• The public and animal owners, who must have a veterinarian-client-patient relationship for telemedicine and will see licensed professionals under clarified supervision rules.
• The Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, which administers licensure, supervision standards, and disciplinary actions.

Key Provisions

• Redefinition of key terms (Accredited School of Veterinary Medicine, Animal, Applicant, Board, VCPR, Direct/Indirect/Immediate Supervision, Licensed Veterinarian/Technician, and Practice of Veterinary Medicine) to set new baselines for practice.
• Strengthened prohibitions and enforcement (no practicing without a license, no use of another's license, no false license information, no employing unlicensed persons, and penalties for felony or moral turpitude convictions).
• Telemedicine rule requiring in-state licensure and establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship for remote veterinary services.
• Comprehensive licensure framework for veterinary technicians (minimum age, character, education, transcripts, photo, and exam requirements; annual license renewal; continuing education requirements).
• Authorized task framework for veterinary technicians and unlicensed assistants (lists of tasks under indirect/direct supervision for licensed technicians; specific tasks for unlicensed assistants under indirect or immediate supervision; emergency lifesaving actions under defined conditions).
• Veterinary facilities framework (definitions and classifications for hospitals/clinics, specialty centers, central hospitals, satellite/outpatient/mobile clinics, large-animal mobile clinics, and emergency clinics), plus requirements for public notices on service limitations and on-call supervision for satellite/mobile operations.
• Enforcement and discipline provisions (license revocation/suspension for violations, misdemeanor for unlicensed practice, display of license, and appeals process).
• Exemptions and provisional pathways (allowances for students, interns, and certain agencies; temporary permits; and pathways for AVMA-accredited and non-accredited graduates).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Veterinary Medical Examiners, State Board of