1. (a) A veterinarian or veterinary technician shall obtain the number of continuing education contact hours required by 12 AAC 68.220 in a continuing education program sponsored by

   1. (1) the American Veterinary Medical Association;
   2. (2) allied veterinary medical associations and veterinary specialty boards recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association;
   3. (3) a state or local veterinary association;
   4. (4) an accredited veterinary school;
   5. (5) other formal, organized professional associations approved by the board;
   6. (6) courses approved by the board;
   7. (7) the American Association of Veterinary State Boards Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE Program);
   8. (8) the United States Department of Agriculture;
   9. (9) Departments of Fish and Game or an equivalent governmental agency in another state; or
   10. (10) the division within the Department of Health that oversees public health or an equivalent governmental agency in another state.
2. (b) Not less than two-thirds of the total continuing education contact hours required under this chapter must be in medical programs.

3. (c) For the purposes of this section, medical programs include

   1. (1) medical and surgical topics that are evidence-based, including the science of diagnosis, treatment, prevention of disease, and conditions relating directly to patients;
   2. (2) topics in veterinary science that are not specifically clinical in nature but consider the comprehensive range of the practice of veterinary medicine or the practice of a veterinary technician or technologist, including topics related to One Health and public veterinary practice, epidemiology, food safety, public health, animal welfare, antimicrobial stewardship, and in-service training for publicly employed veterinary medical professionals;
   3. (3) medical and surgical subject matter that is case-based, anecdotal, or undergoing scientific investigation; and
   4. (4) programs discussing topics considered integrative, alternative, or complementary, if designed for an audience of veterinary professionals.
4. (d) Not more than one-third of the total continuing education contact hours required under this chapter may be in non-medical topics.

5. (e) For the purposes of this section, non-medical topics may include

   1. (1) practice management;
   2. (2) regulatory compliance;
   3. (3) jurisprudence;
   4. (4) medical records;
   5. (5) software management;
   6. (6) the art of veterinary practice;
   7. (7) communication;
   8. (8) veterinary ethics; and

   9. (9) subjects that improve the licensee's professional wellness including

      1. (A) diversity, equity, and inclusion principles; and
      2. (B) mental health, depression, compassion fatigue, burnout, or suicidal ideation.

(Eff. 4/22/83, Register 86; am 12/27/90, Register 116; am 10/21/92, Register 124; am 5/9/98, Register 146; am 4/9/2005, Register 174; am 8/10/2012, Register 203; am 7/1/2022, Register 242)