Veterinary Facility Inspections And Premises Permit

The costs of any inspection undertaken by the board shall be set by the board and paid, in advance, by the applicant in addition to the fee established by the board for the premises permit. (1) The board shall be authorized to employ such persons who may be required in its discretion to inspect premises under the jurisdiction of the board. The board shall establish a fee schedule for inspections required under this chapter. Applicants for a premises permit shall remit to the board an application fee which shall be equal to the license fee required of licensed veterinarians. Licensed veterinarians or applicants for licensure as a veterinarian shall not be required to submit an additional fee for a premises permit but shall be required to submit the required inspection fee if such licensed veterinarian or applicant also submits an application for a premises permit. (2) The board shall make inspections of veterinary premises once every two (2) years. Inspections shall be done by licensed veterinarian(s) representing the board. (3) Upon request by the inspector, all veterinarians and veterinary technicians working at the site shall provide for inspection evidence of having completed continuing education pursuant to Rule 1730-01-.12 and Rule 1730-03-.12. (4) For the purpose of these rules, the written records shall be “owned” by the facility. (5) Any facility, permanent or mobile, where a licensed veterinarian practices must have a premises permit issued by the board. Upon application and payment of fees as set by rule of the board, the board shall cause such facility to be inspected, with re-inspections as necessary. A premises permit shall be issued if the facility meets minimum standards including, but not limited to sanitary conditions, recordkeeping, physical plant and equipment, method of operation, services required, and surgical area. (6) Each application for a premises permit shall set forth the name of the licensed veterinarian who will be responsible for the management of the facility and the name and address of the owners of the establishment. (7) The premises permit may be revoked, suspended, or denied when the inspection reveals that the facility does not meet the standards set by rule or when the license/premises permit of the responsible veterinarian has been suspended or revoked. (8) Each person to whom a license or premises permit is issued shall keep such document conspicuously displayed in his office, place of business, or place of employment, whether a permanent or mobile veterinary facility or clinic, and shall, whenever required, exhibit said document to any member or authorized representative of the board, pursuant to T.C.A. § 63- 12-139. (9) The following are exempt from obtaining a premises permit: (a) A veterinary facility owned by a person, corporation or other similar organization, public or private, for-profit, or not-for-profit, to treat such employer’s animal(s); GENERAL RULES GOVERNING VETERINARY FACILITIES CHAPTER 1730-02 (b) A veterinary facility operated by an official agency of the federal or state government; and (c) A licensed research facility.