Leising: Veterinary Bill Passes Out of Committee

The bill would expand the pool of veterinarians and veterinary technicians in Indiana.

INDIANAPOLIS - A bill authored by Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) to expand the pool of veterinarians and veterinary technicians in Indiana passed out of the Senate Committee on Agriculture today.

Senate Bill 56 would help address the veterinary shortage in Indiana by giving out-of-state veterinary professionals the opportunity to care for animals in Indiana.

The bill would allow the Board of Veterinary Medicine to issue licenses without requiring an examination for applicants who have licenses and experience working in other states. This law brings veterinarians under the same rules that apply for other types of health care professionals.

"Our state is facing a serious veterinary shortage especially for large animals," Leising said. "This bill would encourage out-of-state veterinarians to work in Indiana and give farmers more options on where to take their livestock for veterinary care, so their animals receive the attention they need. I look forward to working with my fellow legislators on this bill as it moves through the rest of the legislative process."

The bill now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.