New York outlines CE requirements for DVMs, technicians

ALBANY, N.Y. — Veterinarians in New York may soon be required to complete a minimum of 45 hours of continuing education (CE) every three years, according to a proposed amendment to the state's education regulations.

The amendment was introduced Oct. 19 and would require licensed veterinarians to complete 45 hours of CE for each three-year registration period, with no more than 22.5 hours of self-instructional work.

Veterinary technicians would face CE requirements with a minimum of 24 hours required during each three-year registration period. No more than 12 hours may be completed as self-instructional work.

For both veterinarians and veterinary technicians, at least two hours of required CE must focus on the use, misuse, documentation, safeguarding and prescribing of controlled substances. Additionally, veterinarians would not be permitted to claim CE credit for preparing or teaching CE courses to veterinary technicians.

Veterinarians or technicians who have not fulfilled the CE requirements may receive a conditional license for up to one year, provided they agree to complete the mandatory CE requirement, plus additional CE. A mandatory CE fee of $45 will be collected from both veterinarians and technicians, and organizations seeking to offer CE courses must submit an application and fee of $900 for a three-year period.