Tennessee strips Al from veterinary practice act

NASHVILLE, TENN. — Tennessee livestock producers now can perform artificial insemination (AI) without a veterinarian's OK.

The measure, signed into law last month by Gov. Phil Bredesen, opened the state's veterinary practice act and removed AI from the profession's scope. AI now is designated as an "accepted livestock management practice."

The law requires the state Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to refund fines and civil penalties imposed and collected during fiscal years 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 for the artificial insemination of livestock without a veterinary license. Board President Leland Davis contends no fines were issued strictly for AI, so "there's nothing to be refunded."

Supported by the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA), Executive Director Dee Ann Walker reports the move is in line with other states' laws. Still, Walker says the law marks producers' latest efforts to chip away at the scope of veterinary practice.

"Producers want to lower costs, and the first thing they cut is the veterinarian," she says.