On April 21, 2008 AB 2427 (Eng) Professions and Vocations passed in the Assembly and was forwarded to the Senate. 

Sign up now for the Pacific Veterinary Conference! Four days of world-class continuing education, networking with colleagues, fun events, and a huge two-day Vet Expo. It’ll be classy, sassy & cool!

Recall of Fentanyl Patches:  Due to possible leakage that could affect patients and caregivers, Fentanyl patches with Actavis South Atlantic LLC and Abrika Pharmaceuticals Inc. on the packaging have been recalled.  Details:  FDA news release.

2008 Rabies Compendium now available!

The Veterinary Insurance Services Company (VISC) is the new broker of the CVMA Insurance Services Program.  This new member-owned company offers a broad range of affordable insurance services specially designed for California veterinary professionals and their families.  Be sure to sign a “Change of Broker letter” to remain with the CVMA program and appoint VISC as your new broker.  Visit the VISC website at www.visc-ins.com or call 888.762.3143 for more information.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2008-2009 Don Low/CVMA Practitioner Fellowship!

Dr. Tom Kendall, a past president of the CVMA, has been appointed to the California Veterinary Medical Board. Dr. Kendall, who is a small animal practitioner in Sacramento, was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on February 5. Read the Governor’s press release.

Recall Alert: Pre-filled syringes of Heparin Lock Flush Solution found contaminated.

Alert! New California Law Requires Employers to Notify Employees of Possible EITC Eligibility. Effective January 1, 2008, California employers who are required to provide unemployment insurance must notify all employees that they may be eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Clarification: Controlled Drugs & Employee Screening. Practitioners are required to restrict access to controlled drugs to employees who meet certain requirements. While this is not a new regulation, it has become more prominent with the passage of the CVMA-sponsored bill SB 969, which allows RVTs and unregistered assistants to administer drugs under indirect supervision.

VMB to Update Regulations on RVT Exam Eligibility
The California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) approved a proposal at its January meeting which updates language in regulations regarding eligibility requirements to apply to take the RVT exam.  It is expected to be implemented later this year.

The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine 2008 Senior Directory is now available.

Farm Animal Housing Initiative Qualifies for the November 2008 Ballot

West Hollywood Lawsuit: The State Supreme Court denied the CVMA’s petition for review. CVMA Press Release.

Join the Public Service VMA, the Food Animal VMA, the Lab Animal VMA, the Shelter Medicine VMA, or the UC Davis VMA and be represented in the CVMA House of Delegates!

There have been news reports linking microchips and cancer over the last few days.  The AVMA reports that more definitive data is needed before taking further action.  Read the AVMA statement.

NEW Featured Member Benefit: AVMA-Accredited RVT Distance Learning Programs with substantial discounts for employees of CVMA members.

CVMA Posters Set Covers New Federal Minimum Wage - All employers are required to post current state and federal minimum wage and certain labor law information in an area accessible to employees. California’s minimum wage increases to $8.00 an hour on January 1, 2008.

View the 2007 Rabies Compendium.

The CVMA has created a fun and easy mentoring presentation kit for veterinarians and RVTs, available on a CD. There are two PowerPoint presentations, one for elementary school students and the second for middle and high school students.

Important information on controlled substances:

• Scheduled Drug Logs
• Administration of Scheduled Drugs

Press Release -National Pet Week, May 4-10.

Canine influenza: See links for veterinarians to learn more about this emerging disease in dogs. Newly added: AVMA Backgrounder. Also, use this client handout when your clients ask about canine flu. See more topics in the Reference Library, When My Clients Ask About...area!