HB 567 Summary

• Requires the State Veterinary Medical Licensing Board to conduct random, unannounced inspections of at least 20% of all licensees' places of business annually, with each location inspected at least once every five years; licensees pay a $200 inspection fee.

• Establishes procedures for investigating written complaints about veterinarians, including mandatory in-person meetings with complainants by authorized agents and requires the board to dismiss complaints without probable cause and notify complainants of the decision.

• Authorizes the board to hire "authorized agents" (current or former licensed veterinarians or registered veterinary technicians) to conduct investigations and inspections, with the board setting pay scales for these positions.

• Creates a new income tax deduction for licensed veterinarians who provide free veterinary services, allowing deduction of up to $2,500 per year (adjusted every five years for inflation) or the fair market value of hours provided, whichever is less.

• Adds definitions to the Veterinarians Law including "authorized agent" and establishes board duties to maintain inspection records, set inspection standards, and establish complaint dismissal criteria.