Administrative Rules of Montana
Department 24 - LABOR AND INDUSTRY
Chapter 24.225 - BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
Subchapter 24.225.5 - Veterinarian Licensing
Rule 24.225.511 - CONTINUING EDUCATION

(1) Veterinarians and LVTs are required to obtain a total of 20 continuing education (CE) hours prior to renewal on November 1 of even-numbered years. The 20 hours must be obtained during the 24-month period prior to renewal in even-numbered years.

(2) Continuing education requirements will not apply until the licensees' first full year of licensure. Licensees licensed less than two years but more than one year are required to have ten CE hours prior to renewal.

(3) Licensees are responsible for selecting quality programs that focus on protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public and contribute to veterinarians' professional knowledge and competence. Acceptable CE activities:

(4) All licensees shall affirm an understanding of their recurring duty to comply with CE requirements as a part of annual license renewal.

(5) The board may randomly audit up to 50 percent of renewed licensees' CE hours.

(6) All CE must be documented to show proof of completion. The licensee is responsible for maintaining these records for one year following the renewal cycle reporting period and for making those records available upon board request. Documentation must include the following information:

(7) Licensees found to be in noncompliance with CE requirements may be subject to administrative suspension. Licensees may not apply CE hours used to complete delinquent CE requirements for the next education reporting period.

(8) Any CE hours required by disciplinary order do not apply toward the 20 hours that are required annually under this rule.

(9) A licensee may request a hardship exemption from CE requirements due to certified illness or undue hardship. Requests will be considered by the board.