What's Being Discussed

Continuing education flexibility: The board will discuss whether courses approved by other states' veterinary boards can count toward Hawaii's continuing education requirements.
Microchip rules for vets: The board will address questions about what veterinarians are required to do regarding microchipping pets — including what happens when an owner refuses, and how euthanasia consent works when a microchip is registered to a different person.
Streamlined license applications: The board will consider accepting transcripts through a national veterinary licensing transfer system called VAULT.
Telehealth by vet technicians: The board will discuss whether a registered veterinary technician can provide teleadvice or teletriage services when a vet-client-patient relationship already exists.
Telemedicine standards: Continued discussion on requirements for establishing a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) in telemedicine settings.
Disciplinary matter: The board will review a settlement agreement involving Dr. Candice M. Denham related to her veterinary license.
New licenses: The board will ratify recently issued licenses for over 30 new veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

Decisions Expected

Possible vote on accepting out-of-state continuing education courses
Possible guidance issued on microchipping and telehealth scope-of-practice questions
Possible approval of the VAULT transcript system for license applicants
Selection of board representatives to attend a national veterinary conference in Rhode Island
Final action on the Dr. Denham disciplinary settlement

Who Should Pay Attention

Licensed veterinarians in Hawaii, especially those using telemedicine or advising clients on microchipping
Registered veterinary technicians interested in providing telehealth services
Veterinary license applicants who may benefit from the new transcript transfer system
Pet owners curious about microchipping laws and veterinarian obligations