DSPS already has a rule for a Professional Assistance Procedure to be used in conjunction with discipline imposed by professional boards attached to that agency. In this instance, the VEB shall develop the rule described above, as required in s. 89.03 (3), Stats. 4. Detailed explanation of statutory authority for the rule (including the statutory citation and language):
The VEB has specific authority to adopt these rules s. 89.03 (3), Stats. Additionally, the VEB has specific authority to promulgate an emergency rule, related to a veterinary professional assistance program in Section 9102 of 2017 Wisconsin Act 59. 5. Estimate of amount of time that state employees will spend developing the rule and of other resources necessary to develop the rule:
This emergency rule, in conjunction with the permanent rule also being developed, will take approximately 20 hours of staff time to develop.
6. List with description of all entities that may be affected by the proposed rule:
The rule will affect any Wisconsin-licensed veterinarian or Wisconsin-certified veterinary technician, who may seek assistance or be identified as needing assistance in the disciplinary process, for alcohol or other drug or mental health impairments.
7. Summary and preliminary comparison with any existing or proposed federal regulation that is intended to address the activities to be regulated by the proposed rule:
There are no federal regulations for veterinary professional assistance programs.
8. Anticipated economic impact of implementing the rule (note if the rule is likely to have a significant economic impact on small businesses):
The Department expects the proposed emergency rule to have no negative economic impact on Wisconsin’s licensed veterinarians or certified veterinary technicians. Instead, this rule will benefit Wisconsin veterinary professionals, allowing them to seek early assistance for alcohol or other drug or mental health impairments.
Contact Person: Cheryl Daniels, Board Attorney
Wisconsin Veterinary Examining Board
2811 Agriculture Drive, P.O. Box 8911
Madison, WI 53708-8911
Telephone: (608) 224-5026
