New Mexico State Board Study Questions

Define an animal

Any animal other than man

Which of the following does NOT fall under the meaning of animal shelter?

A. A county or municipal facility that provides shelter to animals on a regular basis, including a small animal impound facility 

B. A private humane society that temporarily houses stray, unwanted or injured animals through administrative or contractual arrangements with local government agency.

C. Does not include a municipal zoological park

C. Does not include a municipal zoological park

Which of the following does NOT fall under the meaning of animal shelter?

A. A county or municipal facility that provides shelter to animals on a regular basis, including a small animal impound facility 

B. A private humane society that temporarily houses stray, unwanted or injured animals through administrative or contractual arrangements with local government agency.

C. Does not include a municipal zoological park

A and B

Define euthanasia

Produce a human death of an animal by standards deemed acceptable by the board as set forth

What term matches the following definition: A facility that provides shelter to animals on a regular basis including a small animal impound facility, a human society, or public or private shelter facility that temporarily houses stray, unwanted or injured animals and that performs euthanasia.

Euthanasia facility

Define the practice of veterinary medicine

The diagnosis, treatment correct, change, relief or prevention of animal disease, deformity, defect, injury or other physical or mental condition, including the prescription or administration of any drug medicine, biological, apparatus, application, anesthetic or other therapeutic or diagnostic substance or technique and the use of any procedure for AI, testing for pregnancy, diagnosing and treating sterility or infertility or rendering advice with regard to any of these:

• The representation, directly or indirectly or indirectly, publically or privately, of any ability and willingness to do any mentioned above OR

• The use of any title, words, abbreviation, or letters in a manner or under circumstances that induce the belief that the person using them is qualified to act any mentioned above

Who is a person having a DVM or its equivalent from a veterinary school or a person who has received a medical education in veterinary medicine in a foreign country and has thereafter entered the US and fulfilled the requirements and standards set forth by AVMA and passed all examinations required by the board prior to being issued any license to practice veterinary medicine in this state.

Veterinarian

What is the definition of licensed veterinarian?

A person licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state of NM

Any veterinary college or any division of a university or college that is approved for accreditation by the AVMA

Veterinary school

What does the “board” refer to?

Board of veterinary medicine

Define a veterinary techician

A skilled person certified by the board as being qualitied by academic and practical training to provide veterinary services under the supervision and direction of the licensed veterinarian who is responsible for the performance of that tech.

What does a “committee” refer to in the context of veterinary technician?

Veterinary technician examining committee

What does sheltering committee mean?

Animal shelter committee

What is required for a valid veterinarian-client-patient-relationship?

1. The veterinarian has assumed responsibility for making medical judgements regarding the health of an animal being treated and the need for and the course of the animal’s medical treatment

2. The client has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian

3. The veterinarian is sufficiently acquainted with an animal being treated, whether through examination of the animal or timely visits of the animal’s habits for purposes of assessing the condition in which the animal is kept, to be capable of making a preliminary or general diagnosis of the medical condition the animal is being treated

4. The veterinarian is reasonably available for follow-up treatment

To establish a "valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship," what must the veterinarian explicitly assume responsibility for?

The veterinarian must assume responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animal being treated and the need for and course of the animal's medical treatment.

Is a VCPR established if the veterinarian has never seen the animal or visited its habitat?

No. The veterinarian must be "sufficiently acquainted" with the animal, either through examination of the animal or timely visits to the animal's habitat, to be capable of making a preliminary or general diagnosis.

What role does the client play in establishing a valid VCPR?

The client must have agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian.

Regarding after-care, what is required for a VCPR to be valid?

The veterinarian must be reasonably available for follow-up treatment.

How does the act define "direct supervision" regarding the physical location of the veterinarian?

"Direct supervision" means the veterinarian is available on the premises.

Does the "practice of veterinary medicine" include non-surgical procedures like artificial insemination or pregnancy testing?

Yes. The practice includes the use of any procedure for artificial insemination, testing for pregnancy, and diagnosing/treating sterility or infertility.

Does a person have to physically treat an animal to be considered "practicing veterinary medicine"?

No. The definition includes the representation (directly or indirectly) of an ability and willingness to do any act of veterinary medicine, or using titles/words that induce the belief that the person is qualified to do so.

According to the definitions, does "veterinary medicine" include dentistry?

Yes. "Veterinary medicine" means veterinary surgery, obstetrics, dentistry, and all other branches or specialties of veterinary medicine.

Under the act, does the term "animal shelter" include a municipal zoological park?

No. The definition of "animal shelter" specifically states it does not include a municipal zoological park.

What are the specific requirements for a "veterinary technician"?

A veterinary technician must be: A skilled person; Certified by the board; Qualified by academic and practical training; Providing services under the supervision and direction of a licensed veterinarian who is responsible for their performance.

Does the term "animal" in this act apply to humans?

No. "Animal" is defined as any animal "other than man".

What distinguishes a "euthanasia agency" from a standard animal shelter?

A "euthanasia agency" is a facility that provides shelter to animals on a regular basis (impound, humane society, etc.) and that performs euthanasia.

Who makes up the New Mexico Veterinary Board?

Seven members who are US citizens and residents of NM, all members shall be licensed to practice 5 years before their appointment

Who are the members of the Veterinary Board appointed by?

The Governor

____ members of the Veterinary Board should be veterinarians 

Five

___ board members shall represent the public and cannot be licensed as a vet or have significant finical interest in the occupation being regulated.

Two

Board members are appointed to staggers terms of ___ years each.

Four

No more than two board members should expire on _____ of each year

July 1st

All board members must hold office until their successors are what?

Appointed and qualified

Board members cannot serve more than ___ consecutive four-year terms

two

When is the only time a quorum is not needed for the veterinary board to conduct business?

The vote to suspend or revoke a license. Four board member votes are needed

Who elects the chairman and other positions of the veterinary board?

Members of the board

What can the board members recieve?

Per Diem and mileage as established in 10-8 NMSA 1978

What can board members not recieve?

No other compensation, perquiste, or allowance

How are reimbursement and other expenses involved in carrying out the Veterinary Practice Act paid/

From fees received pursuant to provisions of the VPA with the state treasurer

What happens if a board member fails to attend 3 consecutive meetings, special or regular?

They shall be removed as a member of the board

Do current or former members of the board bear liability of be subject to civil damages or criminal prosecutions for any action or omissions undertaken or performed withing the scope to the board’s duties?

No

Are communications, written or oral, by any person relating to the board confidential or public record based on the Inspection of Public Records Act (NMSA Chapter 14 Article 2)?

Confidential

Under what act does the board have to make the disciplinary action taken by a board pursant?

Section 61-14-13 NMSA 1978

Are persons or legal entities providing information to the boards subject to civil damages or criminal prosecutions?

No

What are the duties of the board?

• Examine and determine the qualifications and fitness of applicants for vet med in New Mexico and issue/renew/deny/suspend or revoke licenses

• Regulate AI or pregnancy diagnosis by establishing a standard of practice and issuing permits to persons found qualified

• Establish a schedule of license and permit fees based on the board’s financial requirements for the year.

• Conduct investigations necessary to determine violations of the Veterinary Practice Act and discipline persons found in violation

• Promulgate and enforce rules necessary to establish recognized standards for the practice of vet med and to carry out the provisions of the Veterinary Practice Act.

• Examine applicants for veterinary tech certification purposes.

• Regulate the operation of veterinary facilities including establishing requirements for operation of a veterinary facility in accordance with recognized standards of veterinary practice.

How often do vet tech examinations take place?

At least once a year

Define a veterinary facility

A building, mobile unit, vehicle, or other location where services included within the practice of veterinary medicine is provided 

What specific actions or activities constitute the legal definition of "the practice of veterinary medicine" according to this Act?

The practice of veterinary medicine typically includes diagnosing, treating, operating on, or prescribing for any animal disease, pain, injury, deformity, or physical condition. It also usually includes rendering advice or recommendations with regard to any of the above, and, in some cases, the representation of oneself as a practitioner.

How does the statute legally define a "veterinary technician," and what constraints or allowances (e.g., supervision requirements) are placed on their scope of practice?

A veterinary technician is generally defined as an individual who has graduated from an accredited program and is licensed/certified to perform duties under the direct, immediate, or indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Constraints usually limit them from performing surgery, diagnosing, or prescribing medication.

Summarize the statutory requirements for establishing a valid Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR). Why is this relationship legally important?

A VCPR typically requires the veterinarian to have assumed responsibility for the animal's care, to have sufficient knowledge of the animal (usually through a recent examination), and to be readily available for follow-up. It is legally important because it is the prerequisite for a veterinarian to legally diagnose, prescribe treatment, or dispense prescription drugs.

Define the key terms used in the Act for professional oversight, such as "direct supervision" or "immediate supervision," if they appear on this page.

• Immediate Supervision: The supervising veterinarian is in the direct visual and audible range of the individual being supervised.

• Direct Supervision: The supervising veterinarian is on the premises and is readily available to assist the individual being supervised.

• Indirect Supervision: The supervising veterinarian is not necessarily on the premises but has provided written or oral instructions and is available for consultation.

The legal definition of "the practice of veterinary medicine" most commonly includes all of the following EXCEPT:

A. Diagnosing a herd illness.

B. Performing a surgical procedure on a cat.

C. Selling pet food over-the-counter.

D. Prescribing antibiotics for an injured dog.

C. Selling pet food over-the-counter.

Which task is a veterinary technician legally prohibited from performing, even under direct supervision, in most Veterinary Practice Acts?

A. Placing an intravenous catheter.

B. Inducing anesthesia.

C. Taking radiographs.

D. Making the final diagnosis of a new patient.

D. Making the final diagnosis of a new patient.

Which of the following is a mandatory component for establishing a valid Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR)?

A. The client must pay for all services upfront.

B. The veterinarian must have recently examined the animal.

C. The client must sign a waiver of liability.

D. The animal must be seen at a permanent clinic location.

B. The veterinarian must have recently examined the animal.

What is the total number of members required to constitute the full Board, and what are the specified ratios (e.g., number of licensed veterinarians vs. public members)?

The Board typically consists of five to seven members. The ratio usually favors licensed veterinarians (e.g., four licensed veterinarians, one licensed veterinary technician, and one public member), ensuring professional expertise dominates, but public interest is represented.

Who is responsible for appointing the members of the Board?

Board members are usually appointed by the state's Governor.

What are the basic qualifications (e.g., years of practice, residency requirements) for a licensed veterinarian to be eligible to serve on the Board?

A licensed veterinarian must typically be a resident of the state and have actively practiced veterinary medicine within the state for a specified number of consecutive years immediately preceding their appointment (e.g., three to five years).

What is the length of a standard term for a Board member, and are there limits on how many consecutive terms a member may serve?

A standard term is usually defined as three or four years. Most acts impose a limit on service, such as not more than two consecutive full terms, to allow for rotation and new perspectives.

The composition of the State Board of Veterinary Medicine generally requires:

A. Equal numbers of veterinarians and public members.

B. Only licensed veterinarians.

C. A majority of licensed veterinarians, plus at least one public member.

D. The majority to be licensed veterinary technicians.

C. A majority of licensed veterinarians, plus at least one public member.

In most states, the authority to officially appoint individuals to the Board of Veterinary Medicine rests with:

A. The State Veterinary Medical Association.

B. The Secretary of State.

C. The Governor.

D. The Board's existing members.

C. The Governor.

To be eligible to serve on the Board, a licensed veterinarian must generally meet which requirement?

A. Be a graduate of the state's university veterinary program.

B. Not have practiced medicine for the past five years.

C. Be a specialist certified by a national board.

D. Be a resident of the state and have practiced in the state for a minimum number of years.

D. Be a resident of the state and have practiced in the state for a minimum number of years.

What specific authority does the Board have to promulgate or adopt rules and regulations, and what areas of practice do these rules cover (e.g., sanitation, facility standards)?

The Board has the power to adopt administrative rules to implement and enforce the Act. These rules typically cover areas like minimum standards for veterinary facilities, dispensing of drugs, record-keeping requirements, and professional conduct/ethics.

Describe the Board's specific responsibilities regarding the processing and administration of licenses (e.g., setting fees, approving applications, handling renewals).

The Board is responsible for examining applications, determining the qualifications of applicants, issuing licenses to those who qualify, setting all relevant licensing and renewal fees, and managing the periodic renewal process for all licensees.

What range of disciplinary actions is the Board authorized to take against a licensee (e.g., reprimand, suspension, revocation, imposing fines)?

The Board can take a range of disciplinary actions, typically including private or public reprimand, probation, license suspension (temporary loss of practice rights), license revocation (permanent loss of practice rights), and imposing administrative fines.

Does the Board have the power to establish and enforce mandatory continuing education (CE) requirements for licensed veterinarians and technicians, and if so, how does it approve CE programs?

Yes, the Board generally has the power to set the minimum number of CE hours required annually or biennially. The Board (or a committee it delegates) must also approve CE programs to ensure they are relevant and of sufficient quality (e.g., lectures, wet labs, distance learning).

The Board's authority to promulgate rules is primarily designed to:

A. Overrule legislative statutes passed by the state.

B. Implement and enforce the provisions of the Veterinary Practice Act.

C. Set the maximum salaries for licensed veterinarians.

D. Compete with national professional associations.

B. Implement and enforce the provisions of the Veterinary Practice Act.

When dealing with licenses, which action is a responsibility of the Board?

A. Submitting all license applications directly to the state's chief lawyer.

B. Determining the qualifications of applicants and managing all renewal fees.

C. Providing professional liability insurance for all licensees.

D. Lobbying the legislature for lower practice taxes.

B. Determining the qualifications of applicants and managing all renewal fees.

The most severe disciplinary action the Board can take against a licensee is typically:

A. Public reprimand.

B. Imposing a maximum fine of $10,000.

C. Temporary suspension of practice.

D. Revocation of the license.

D. Revocation of the license.

What occurs in the impaired-vet program?

• Serves a diversion program to which the board licenses in lieu of or in addition to other disciplinary action under terms set by the board

• Be a confidential source of treatment or referral for veterinarians, who, on a voluntary basis and without the knowledge of the board, desire to avail themselves of treatment for emotionally based or chemical-dependence impairments

What does the impaired veterinary do?

• Provide evaluations for veterinarians who request participation in the diversion program

• Review and designate treatment facilities and services to which vets in the diversion program may be referred

• Receive and review information concerning the status and progress of participants in the diversion program

• Publicize the diversion program in coordination with veterinary professional associations

• Prepare and provide reports at least annually to the board

What happens to veterinarians who fail to comply with impaired veterinary program? 

Termination from the program