Federal Regulation of the Practice of Veterinary Medicine

Abstract

Two key Federal agencies have recently implemented policies restricting the freedom of veterinarians to practice medicine. These steps have been taken in an attempt to protect the food supply from hazards associated with residues from unorthodox use of chemicals. Enforcements have been seen by practitioners as intrusions into the rights of veterinarians to practice and into the rights of states to regulate veterinary practice. Much of the enforcement activity is intended to require record keeping and documentation of chemical use so as to permit Federal investigators to promptly determine whether a practitioner is in compliance with applicable regulations and policies.