21 NCAC 66 .0208             FACILITIES PROVIDING LIMITED VETERINARY SERVICES

(a)  If complete veterinary medical services are not offered in a mobile or satellite veterinary clinic, an emergency veterinary hospital, or a house‑call practice the public shall be so informed of the services which are not available by way of a posted notice, in plain view. The notice shall list all facilities in the area which offer the services not available in the facility. With respect to a mobile practice, including but not limited to a house-call or farm-call practice, members of the public who are or may become clients of the veterinary practice shall be informed in writing of the services which are not available at the mobile practice in a manner reasonably calculated to clearly communicate this information, at the first opportunity of inquiry or contact concerning delivery of veterinary services.

(b)  The minimum standards set in Rule .0207 for all veterinary premises apply equally to a facility covered by this Rule, except the standards that apply to services that are not available in the facility and of which the public is notified in the posted notice.

(c)  If emergency services are not available in the facility on a 24 hour basis, the veterinarians in charge of the facility shall have a written agreement with a local clinic or hospital for the provision of emergency services. The name and address of the local clinic or hospital offering emergency services under the agreement shall be posted. The facility must also comply with the minimum standards set forth in Rule .0207(b)(19) of this Section.

(d)  If either hospitalization or radiology services are not available in the facility, the veterinarians in charge of the facility shall have a written agreement with a local clinic or hospital for the provision of these services. The name and address of the local clinic or hospital offering hospitalization or radiology services under the agreement shall be posted.

(e)  No animal technician, veterinary student intern, employee or other assistant shall operate any facility covered by this Rule without the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian on the premises.

(f)  If for any reason the veterinarian who is the owner, as well as the veterinarian who is in charge of the facility, does not obtain a written agreement or agreements as required by this Rule, the veterinarian shall provide any or all of the services that would have been covered by the agreement or agreements.

(g)  Violation of this Rule shall be grounds for disciplinary action as provided in G.S. 90‑186 and 90‑187.8.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90‑185(6); 90‑186(2); 90‑186(3);

Eff. October 1, 1982;

Amended Eff. May 1, 1996; May 1, 1989;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.