Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board Update

John Izzo attended the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board meeting on Wednesday, May 14, 2014.  A member of the public addressed the Board on Senate Bill 217, which would drastically change the way the Board conducts business.  Complainants would have to  meet face to face with the Board, and random unannounced inspections would be conducted on all places of veterinary businesses in Ohio at least once every five years.  Although the Bill calls for a $200 fee for the inspection, the proposed process and the personnel needed to be added (for the Board to comply with the Bill in regards to both inspections and face to face meetings) appears to be an unfunded mandate.  The Board reiterated it is attempting to improve its current practices, but the rules process takes time and it is limited as to what it can accomplish because of the costs associated with regulation.  The Board agrees that there is more regulation to be done and continues to work out how that can be accomplished.