The term of service for several AVMA committees has been reduced from six to three years, with a one-time reappointment, under a new policy approved by the Executive Board.

The six-year appointments were identified as impediments to attracting young volunteers, according to the Governance Performance Review Committee, which recommended the changes. Also, the reduced term offers a "graceful exit" for members who no longer wish to serve on a committee.

The policy commences with new appointees to current and future committees, except for Strategic Planning Committee; Veterinary Leadership Conference Planning Committee; AVMA/National Association of Veterinary Technicians in American Executive Board Liaison Committee; AVMA/American Society of Veterinary Medical Association Executives Joint Committee; AVMA/Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges Joint Committee; Convention Management and Program Committee; Animal Agriculture Liaison Committee; American Board of Veterinary Specialties; Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates; and Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities.

These exceptions to the three-year term reflect the special circumstances and logistics involved in those entities. The GPRC had also recommended an AVMA Bylaws change limiting council terms to three years, with a second consecutive term without the need for reelection. The board, however, disapproved the proposal.

In addition, the board approved a recommendation from AVMA President Bonnie V. Beaver directing staff to draft a policy addressing a person's removal from an AVMA entity because of conflicts of interest, ineffectiveness, or other reasons.