Section 485.9 - Applicants for license to practice veterinary medicine; qualifications(a) Any person wishing to practice veterinary medicine in this State shall obtain a license from the board and maintain registration. Unless such person shall have obtained such a license it shall be unlawful for him or her to practice veterinary medicine as defined herein and if he or she shall so practice he or she shall be deemed to have violated the provisions of this act.(b) The board may license to practice veterinary medicine any applicant who pays the appropriate fee and submits satisfactory evidence that he or she: (1) Is eighteen years of age or over.(2) Is a graduate from an approved school or college of veterinary medicine or in lieu thereof certification acceptable to the board as equivalent to proof of graduation from an approved school or college of veterinary medicine.(3) Has passed a license examination required by the board.(4) Has not been convicted of a felonious act prohibited by the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No. 64), known as "The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act," or convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance in a court of law of the United States or any other state, territory or country unless: (i) at least ten years have elapsed from the date of conviction, (ii) the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates to the board that he or she has made significant progress in personal rehabilitation since the conviction such that licensure of the applicant should not be expected to create a substantial risk of harm to the health and safety of patients or the public or a substantial risk of further criminal violations, and (iii) the applicant otherwise satisfies the qualifications contained in or authorized by this act. As used in this section the term "convicted" includes a judgment, an admission of guilt or a plea of nolo contendere. An applicant's statement on the application declaring the absence of a conviction shall be deemed satisfactory evidence of the absence of a conviction, unless the board has some evidence to the contrary.(c) A license may be renewed biennially for a period of two years upon payment of the biennial fee, provided that the licensee satisfies the other requirements of this act.(d) Any licensee of this Commonwealth who is also licensed to practice veterinary medicine in any other state, territory or country shall report this information to the board on the biennial registration application. Any disciplinary action taken in other states, territories or countries shall be reported to the board on the biennial registration application or within ninety days of final disposition, whichever is sooner. Multiple licensure shall be noted on the licensee's record by the board, and such state, territory or country shall be notified by the board of any disciplinary actions taken against said licensee in this Commonwealth.1974, Dec. 27, P.L. 995, No. 326, §9. Amended 1986 , May 9, P.L. 166, No. 54, § 1, imd. effective.