Louisiana governor extends licensure allowance

BATON ROUGE, LA. - 9/26/05 - Out-of-state veterinarians seeking to help displaced animals can practice medicine in Louisiana until Oct. 25 without an in-state license.

Gov. Kathleen Blanco extended the deregulation order one month, which allows veterinarians in good standing to practice in Louisiana provided their license is verified in another state, they show photo identification and properly register with the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine (LBVM).

Approximately 45 DVMs have taken advantage of the relaxed regulation to assist in devastated areas around New Orleans, LBVM officials say. Veterinarian must be engaged in a legitimate relief effort during the emergency period, the order states.

Out-of-state veterinarians can submit copies of their licenses and photograph identification to the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine office via e-mail at lbvm@eatel.net, call (225) 342-2176 or fax (225) 342-2142. To obtain registration application forms, visit www.lsbvm.org and click on the Hurricane Katrina link.