Veterinary medicine: California Veterinary Medical Board.

Assembly Member Berman's comprehensive veterinary medicine reform package extends the California Veterinary Medical Board's authority through 2030 while expanding its membership and oversight capabilities. The legislation adds a second registered veterinary technician to the board and requires at least one veterinarian member to specialize in equine or livestock care.

The bill strengthens registration requirements for veterinary technicians and assistants by mandating fingerprint-based criminal background checks and disclosure of licenses held in other jurisdictions. It also expands qualification pathways for veterinary technicians to include graduation from board-recognized veterinary colleges. New record-keeping provisions require veterinarians to provide clients with animal health records upon request and maintain payment records for three years.

The measure establishes mandatory continuing education for both veterinarians and veterinary technicians - 36 hours and 20 hours respectively per two-year renewal period. Acceptable continuing education sources include courses from accredited institutions, professional associations, and government agencies. The board gains authority to audit continuing education compliance and can deny renewal for non-compliance.

The legislation revises the board's inspection program by eliminating the annual 20% inspection quota in favor of timely, risk-based oversight that may be announced or unannounced. It also enhances disciplinary options by authorizing fines up to $10,000 for unlicensed practice and expanding enforcement authority over veterinary assistant controlled substance permit holders. A new tiered fee structure for veterinary premises registration bases fees on the number of full-time equivalent veterinarians providing services.