Licensing board gains authority to prosecute

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine now can investigate and prosecute unlicensed veterinary medical practice.

The power comes with the passage of a new law and includes the authority to impose fines for violations of state veterinary regulations. The law is intended to aid professional licensing boards within the Division of Professional Licensure to better protect the public, according to the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA).

In addition to unlicensed practice, the law adds teeth to board judgments related to ethics and professional standards violations. Under the previous statute, board officials issued cease and desist letters for alleged cases of unlicensed practice, MVMA officials say.

For licensed practitioners, fines for professional misconduct range from $100 for initial violations to $2,500 for repeat offenses. Penalties also can include requirements for continuing education or additional training, MVMA officials add.

Ohio budget bill affects taxes for DVMs

COLUMBUS, OHIO — A commercial activities tax recently passed as an amendment to Ohio's $51.3-billion budget initiative promises to ease the tax burden for many veterinarians.

The commercial activities tax (CAT) is designed to replace Ohio's corporate franchise tax, offering a flat rate for small businesses earning less than $1 million a year. Depending on their corporate setup, veterinary practices within that tax bracket will pay a $75 flat rate that applies to the first $500,000 in gross receipts brought in during the second half of 2005. Next year, the CAT flat rate will be $150 for 12 months, says Jack Advent, executive director of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association. A .06-percent tax applies to all earnings above the $1 million threshold, he adds.

"Nobody's cheering yet because there's a phase-in period," Advent says. "There's not a one-size-fits-all answer to anyone's taxes, but this package is viewed a pro small business.."

At the same time, personal income taxes in the state are decreasing. Advent advises veterinarians seek a financial advisor or tax consultant to review potential benefits.

"This was truly a tax reform budget," he says. "Ohio's economy now focuses on service. All indicators point toward veterinarians in the state benefitting from this."