Maryland veterinary board changes licensure rules

Annapolis, Md.

— Veterinary candidates who did not earn a degree from a veterinary program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education (COE), but who have passed the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE), will now be considered for state licensure in Maryland.

The Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (SBVME) adopted the change in anticipation of a 7 to 10 percent increase in veterinary licensure applicants and inquiries from individuals who have completed the PAVE program. Maryland is surrounded by states that accept PAVE for licensure consideration, and the number of people issued PAVE certificates increased 18 percent from 2009 to 2010, according to SBVME. As a result, SBVME says it anticipated the number of applications from PAVE candidates to increase over the next few years. Accepting applications from PAVE candidates would generate an estimated $3,150 to $4,725 in new revenue from application, registration and licensure fees. The move could also mean another $1,200 to $1,800 in controlled substance registration fees for the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Division of Drug Control.

SBVME says the new regulations will increase the pool of eligible candidates for hiring and offer Maryland residents seeking veterinary services a larger selection.