Temporary Continuance of Veterinary Practice Upon Death of Owner

PURPOSE: This rule establishes a way for an individually owned veterinary practice to be continued when the owner dies. (1) Upon the demise of the licensed owner of an individually owned veterinary practice, an unlicensed spouse or the executor, administrator, trustee or personal representative of the licensee’s estate may continue to own and maintain the practice for a period of one (1) year in order to convey or liquidate the practice, provided that the services of a Missouri licensed veterinarian shall be engaged to be the veterinarian in charge. (2) The unlicensed owner shall provide the Veterinary Medical Board with written notice of the veterinarian in charge in accordance with 20 CSR 2270-5.011(6). The thirty (30)- day time period may be extended upon written petition to the board. (3) The veterinarian in charge shall also write to the board indicating his/her willingness to assume the position. (4) If, for any reason, the veterinarian in charge is terminated, both the owner and the veterinarian in charge shall immediately inform the board in writing and a new veterinarian in charge shall be immediately engaged and registered with the board. (5) The one (1)-year period of conveyance or liquidation may be extended following written petition to the board. (6) Nothing in this rule shall be construed to authorize the unlicensed practice of veterinary medicine as defined in section 340.216, RSMo. AUTHORITY: sections 340.210 and 340.264, RSMo 2000.* This rule originally filed as 4 CSR 270-5.041. Original rule filed March 10, 1995, effective Sept. 30, 1995. Moved to 20 CSR 2270-5.041, effective Aug. 28, 2006. Amended: Filed Oct. 30, 2007, effective April 30, 2008. Amended: Filed June 27, 2008, effective Dec. 30, 2008. *Original authority: 340.210, RSMo 1992, amended 1993, 1995, 1999 and 340.264, RSMo 1992, amended 1999.