Veterinary Accreditation Changes Effective February 1

March 10, 2010 — Harry Snelson

The USDA is enacting sweeping changes of the veterinary accreditation program beginning February 1, 2010. The National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP) will require all accredited veterinarians to select between two categories of accreditation and will require continuing education prior to renewal. Although accreditation is a voluntary program, the United States depends extensively on accredited veterinarians to carry out many of its animal health programs and services--including animal inspections, testing, and certifications. Accredited veterinarians serve as the first line of defense in ensuring the health of the Nation's livestock.

If you were accredited prior to February 1, 2010 you must complete VS Form 1-36A checking box 3 and selecting the category of accreditation desired. This completed application must be returned to USDA prior to August 2, 2010 to avoid expiration of existing accreditation. Following approval of the application, USDA will issue an Elect to Participate Letter establishing a renewal date and assigning a National Accreditation Number. This National Accreditation Number will replace any federal or state accreditation numbers previously assigned. This number will be utilized on all official documents requiring an accreditation number.

The new program institutes a number of significant changes that will impact every future or currently accredited veterinarian. A list of these changes can be found on the USDA website (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/nvap/). Following are few of the key changes:

1. All accredited veterinarians must elect to participate by completing VS Form 1-36A and submitting the application to USDA prior to August 2, 2010. VS Form 1-36A and instructions for completing and submitting the form are available on the NVAP website (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/nvap/).
2. Accredited veterinarians will be assigned a random National Accreditation Number to be used on all official documents requiring an accreditation number.
3. You must select one of two accreditation categories
   1. Category I animals: All animals except: food and fiber species, horses, birds, farm-raised aquatic animals, all other livestock species, and zoo animals that can transmit exotic animal diseases to livestock
   2. Category II animals: All animals
4. Your accreditation must be renewed every 3 years following completion of three or six units of continuing education as described below.
5. Supplemental training requirements -- You must complete the APHIS-approved supplemental training that is required for your accreditation category: three units of supplemental training per renewal period for Category I veterinarians, and six units for Category II veterinarians. Online training is available at no charge. Other training options are available at minimal cost.
6. Following accreditation in one state, you may apply for authorization to perform accredited duties in each additional state in which you are licensed or legally able to practice.
7. Initial accreditation requirements after July 1, 2011 will include successful completion of APHIS-approved training in addition to all other activities outlined above.

Remember, if you are currently accredited and wish to continue to perform accredited duties, such as issuing Certificates of Veterinary Inspection, you must submit a completed VS Form 1-36A to USDA prior to August 2, 2011 or your accreditation will expire.

Links to all pertinent information is available in the Hot Topics section on the AASV homepage.

Harry Snelson is the Director of Communications for the AASV