States change CE requirements during pandemic

Many states have changed their continuing education requirements during the pandemic, as event cancellations lead to fewer opportunities for doctors to meet those requirements.

The American Veterinary Medical Association is tracking state updates online. The American Association of Veterinary State Boards is doing the same.

The AVMA reports that as of mid-April, at least 20 states had made short-term changes to their continuing education requirements, and about 18 had updated their telehealth guidelines. Additionally, 18 AAVSB jurisdictions had changed their business practices, including being closed to walk-ins.

Idaho, for example, has said licensees who have continuing education due for this year will only be required to submit 10 credit hours, all of which can be done online. Veterinarians in Idaho usually need 20 credits for renewal.

Because stay-at-home orders have led to remote work, some veterinary licenses may be delayed. In some locations, temporary exceptions are being made. In Minnesota, for example, getting fingerprints for a criminal background check is difficult, so licenses in Minnesota will be issued temporarily after searching a date of birth and name, one official said.

Still, recent graduates may have trouble taking their licensing exams as some testing centers close.