THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1194
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to veterinary medicine.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Act 13, Session Laws of Hawaii 2010, authorized the board of veterinary examiners to revoke or suspend the license, or fine a licensee for violation of the recognized principles of medical ethics adopted by the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association.  Prior to the passage of Act 13, the statutes regulating ethical practice for veterinarians were silent as to an accepted code of conduct.

     The legislature further finds that while the provisions of Act 13 will provide clarity and certainty in enforcement and will remove ambiguity as to the appropriate ethical standards for veterinarians, current law is not sufficient to deter misconduct by unlicensed individuals.

     The purpose of this Act is to make violations of the practice of veterinary medicine without a license a class C felony.

     SECTION 2.  Section 471-15, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§471-15[]]  Criminal penalties.  Any person convicted of violating section 471-2 shall have committed a [misdemeanor and be subject to a fine not to exceed $500 or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.] class C felony.

     Additionally, all tools, implements, appliances, medicine, and drugs used in the practice of veterinary medicine by any person convicted of practicing veterinary medicine without a license shall be declared forfeited to the State by the court and turned over to the board for disposition as it may choose to make."

     SECTION 3.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 4.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Veterinary Medicine; License; Penalties

Description:

Makes violations of the practice of veterinary medicine without a license a class C felony.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.