(A) A person may not practice veterinary medicine without a license issued in accordance with this chapter, except as provided in subsection (B). A person who uses in connection with his name the words or letters "D.V.M.", "V.M.D.", "Doctor of Veterinary Medicine", "Veterinary Medical Doctor", or other letters, words, or insignia indicating or implying that one is engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine or who in any other way, orally or in writing or in print or by sign directly or by implication, represents oneself as engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine without being licensed by the board is subject to the penalties provided for in this chapter.

(B)(1) During an emergency or natural disaster, a veterinarian or veterinary technician who is not licensed in accordance with this chapter, but is licensed and in good standing in another jurisdiction, may obtain an emergency limited license to practice veterinary medicine related to the response efforts in locations in this State if:

Terms Used In South Carolina Code 40-69-30

  • Board: means the South Carolina State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. See South Carolina Code 40-69-20
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • License: means any permit, approval, registration, or certificate issued by the board. See South Carolina Code 40-69-20
  • Practice of veterinary medicine: means to:

    (a) diagnose, prescribe, or administer a drug, medicine, biologic, appliance, or application or treatment of whatever nature for the cure, prevention, or relief of a wound, fracture, or bodily injury or disease of an animal;

    (b) perform a surgical operation, including cosmetic surgery, upon an animal;

    (c) perform a manual procedure for the diagnosis or treatment for sterility or infertility of an animal, including embryo transplants;

    (d) offer, undertake, represent, or hold oneself out as being qualified to diagnose, treat, operate, or prescribe for an animal disease, pain, injury, deformity, or physical condition;

    (e) use words, letters, or titles in such connection or under such circumstances as to induce the belief that the person using them is engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine. See South Carolina Code 40-69-20
  • Veterinarian: means a person who has received a doctor's degree or equivalent in veterinary medicine. See South Carolina Code 40-69-20
  • Veterinary medicine: includes veterinary surgery, obstetrics, dentistry, and all other branches or specialties of veterinary medicine. See South Carolina Code 40-69-20

(a) an official declaration of a state of emergency has been made by the Governor of this State or his delegated state official; and

(b) an official invitation has been extended to the veterinarian or veterinary technician for a specified time by the Governor during emergencies.

(2) An applicant for an emergency limited license must submit documentation as may be acceptable to the board under the circumstances to demonstrate eligibility for the limited license, including documentation of an existing license in good standing.

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