S.C. Code Regs. § § 120-6

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 11, November 22, 2024

Section 120-6 - Continuing Education Requirements; Waivers

A. Continuing Education Requirements. Failure to satisfy continuing education requirements for biennial renewal shall result in automatic revocation of license. Any licensee who continues practice of veterinary medicine after such revocation shall be in violation of this chapter and subject to applicable disciplinary action.

(1) As a pre-requisite for biennial renewal,

(a) the veterinarian must complete a minimum of thirty (30) hours of continuing education;

(b) the veterinary technician must complete a minimum of ten (10) hours of continuing education.

(2) Credit hours may be earned by completion of programs offered through the following sponsors:

(a) The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians (SCAV);

(b) The Registry of Approved Continuing Education of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (RACE);

(c) State association-sponsored Academies;

(d) AVMA recognized specialty boards; or

(e) such other programs as may be approved by the Board.

(3) Of the thirty (30) required hours,

(a) no more than eight (8) hours may be taken in practice management or practice building;

(b) the remaining twenty-two (22) hours must be in clinical medical courses;

(c) no more than fifteen (15) hours may be obtained through distance learning programs, of which no more than three (3) hours may be from journal programs and audio programs, respectively.

(4) Each veterinarian must maintain a record of attendance at the meetings qualifying for continuing education for a minimum of three (3) years immediately preceding renewal. The licensee must maintain documentation to include:

(a) name and license number of the participant;

(b) name of provider;

(c) name of program;

(d) hours completed;

(e) date of completion;

(f) authorized signature provided by sponsoring organization; and

(g) follow-up testing as part of the program.

B. Waiver of Continuing Education Requirements. The continuing education requirement is waived for the licensed practitioner for the first year of licensure.

C. Fee Waiver During Period of Temporary Medical Disability.

Upon written request, a licensed veterinarian may apply for a waiver of the license renewal fee and other requirements of no more than three (3) years due to a temporary medical disability which prevents the licensee from practicing veterinary medicine. Upon approval by the Board of this request, the licensee will be placed in an inactive status and the license held by the veterinarian will no longer be valid. The licensee may apply for license reactivation after the period of disability.

S.C. Code Regs. § 120-6

Added by State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 3, eff March 27, 2009.