Bill to increase access to veterinarians signed into law

A bill authored by State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) to expand the pool of veterinarians and veterinary technicians in Indiana was signed into law by the governor yesterday.

Senate Enrolled Act 56 helps address the veterinary shortage in Indiana by giving out-of-state veterinarians and veterinary technicians the opportunity to care for animals in Indiana.

SEA 56 allows the Board of Veterinary Medicine to issue licenses without requiring an examination for applicants who have out-of-state licenses. This law will bring veterinarians and veterinary technicians under the same rules that apply for other types of health care professionals.

"This bill being signed into law is a big step in addressing the veterinary shortage that is currently affecting our state," Leising said. "SEA 56 gives our farmers more options when their animals need veterinary care by allowing out-of-state vets to come to our state to practice. I am pleased to see this important piece of legislation become law, and I thank everyone who worked with me to get this done."

The governor also signed three other bills Leising authored into law. Senate Enrolled Act 55 creates backup soybean and pork marketing development programs, Senate Enrolled Act 230 requires soil and water conservation district boards to appoint individuals to fill supervisory rolls if three or more vacancies occur, and Senate Enrolled Act 249 adopts existing animal feed and pet food administrative rules into law.