For Immediate Release
March 27, 2015
Contact: Karlene Belyea
517-347-4710
MVMA urges Michigan Legislature to Mandate
Continuing Education for Veterinarians
Lansing, Mich. – The Michigan Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) today urged the state legislature to pass
legislation requiring continuing education for veterinarians practicing veterinary medicine in Michigan.
“Mandatory continuing education is proven to advance the knowledge and standards of veterinarians and
veterinary technicians and we are the only state in the country without it,” said Karlene Belyea, chief executive
officer of the MVMA.
House Bill 4408, introduced Thursday by State Representative Kathy Crawford, R-Novi, would require veterinarians
practicing in Michigan to complete at least 30 hours of continuing education courses or programs approved by the
Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine every two years. Licensed veterinary technicians would be required to
complete 10 hours of continuing education.
The MVMA, the Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary
Medicine and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will work together to develop the
programs that will assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians in meeting these requirements.
Belyea said 80 percent of the MVMA’s membership supports mandatory continuing education and that the
association will move forward in support of this legislation.
“Veterinarians are often the first line of defense for public health and the food supply,” she said. “Many of today’s
challenges didn’t exist when many current veterinarians attended or graduated from veterinary school. This is an
important step in demonstrating the commitment Michigan practitioners have to protecting animal and human
health”
The Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, founded in 1883, is comprised of more than 2,200 veterinarians. It
provides continuing education for veterinarians and related professionals, monitors state legislation and
regulations, and promotes veterinary medicine through a multifaceted public education program. Each year the
association provides more than 200 hours of educational programs for veterinarians, veterinary technicians and
support staff.
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