policy
The veterinary profession's role in addressing the opioid epidemic
AVMA strongly recommends that veterinarians, legislators, state veterinary medical boards, and state pharmacy boards work together to create practical…
JAVMA news
Veterinary lawmakers a rare breed
The personal and professional lives of veterinarians are affected by legislation and regulation every day, from when they write a prescription to when…
Stay informed about AVMA advocacy
Stay up-to-date on legislation and regulations affecting veterinary medicine, and know how you can have an impact.
JAVMA news
Veterinarians exempt from Red Flags Rule
Legislation removes federal requirement for practices to create programs to prevent identity theft
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Prescription mandates: new bill, same problems
For several consecutive congressional sessions, the AVMA has led the charge to defeat legislation that would require veterinarians to provide written…
JAVMA news
Lawmakers want to restrict use of word 'meat'
Legislation in at least 13 states would define meat to exclude plant and cell culture products.
JAVMA news
Broad exclusions leave husbandry undefined
Legislation introduced in Texas would define an undetermined amount of livestock care as "husbandry" outside the scope of veterinary medicine, and…
JAVMA news
FDA given more authority over recalls, records, imports
A law passed in early January gives federal regulators more authority over food production, including the ability to force recalls of foods that risk…
JAVMA news
Gains for animal health in farm bill
Recently passed federal legislation will improve national animal disease detection and response capabilities.
JAVMA news
Horse soring bill passes the House
Soring, the intentional injuring of a horse to exaggerate its gait as it performs in the show ring, has been an issue for the equine community for…
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Speaking up and making our voice heard
President’s Column: Dr. John de Jong Last month, I shared with you my commitment to advocate on behalf of the veterinary profession by engaging with…
JAVMA news
USDA exempts more exhibitors, owners from licensing
People who breed and sell only a few, nondangerous animals or who seldom exhibit such animals are exempt from federal licensing requirements.
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AVMA advances veterinary students’ needs in federal talks on higher education funding
Despite a lengthy legislative to-do list, Congress continues efforts to reauthorize the Higher Education Act, a wide-ranging bill that authorizes…
JAVMA news
Lowering hurdles of licenses
Government and veterinary leaders are trying to make it easier for professionals to keep working when they change states.
Advocating for veterinary small businesses
The AVMA supports a business environment that allows veterinarians to thrive in rewarding and financially sustainable careers. We advocate for…
JAVMA news
Lawsuit alleges lax welfare enforcement
Two organizations accuse the Department of Agriculture of failing to enforce animal welfare laws and helping dog breeders hide problems.
JAVMA news
AVMA addresses animal abuse, research cats and dogs, outdoor housing of pets
The AVMA Board of Directors, while meeting April 11-13, revised guidance for veterinarians on responding to animal abuse or neglect, approved a policy…
JAVMA news
Supreme Court hears arguments on downed swine
Meat industry and state government representatives argued before Supreme Court justices whether a California state law can
JAVMA news
Q&A: As partisan storms rage, congressman tacks toward the center
As a moderate Democrat in the House of Representatives, Rep. Kurt Schrader is a rarity in a Congress riven by partisan passions.
JAVMA news
AVMA health insurance returns
The AVMA and AVMA LIFE announced the return of an employer-based association health insurance program for AVMA members that will initially be…
JAVMA news
Judge allows bulk ingredients for compounding
The Food and Drug Administration doesn't have the authority to stop a Florida pharmacy from using bulk pharmaceutical ingredients to
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AVMA Board meets with USDA official
AVMA’s Board of Directors met with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs during last…
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Law improves veterinary access to FDA-approved drugs
Veterinarians received good news from Washington recently: lawmakers passed the Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2018 (H.R.…
JAVMA news
Customs, APHIS inspectors needed at ports to meet growing demand
Members of Congress are calling for hundreds more agriculture inspections at ports of entry.