Indiana is poised to welcome any qualified veterinarians, especially large animal vets, willing to relocate their practice to the Hoosier State.
The House gave final approval Tuesday to House Enrolled Act 56 that eliminates a requirement that an out-of-state veterinarian be licensed in their home state for at least five years to qualify for a reciprocal Indiana veterinarian license.
Under the plan, the Board of Veterinary Medicine would instead simply assess whether the out-of-state veterinarian has the education and training needed to practice in Indiana, similar to most other non-resident health care professionals.
"Every year, we hear about the shortage of large animal veterinarians in Indiana. This bill is a small step that could have a huge impact," said state Rep. Beau Baird, R-Greencastle, the sponsor.
State Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell, agreed. He said the legislation is especially important for producers near Indiana's borders.
"I'm on the Illinois line and I've been in livestock all my life. It's hard to get veterinarians. We used Illinois people who'd come over for years. This is going to make them legal now when they come over and we call for them. So it's a good bill. We need the help," Niemeyer said.
The measure was approved 94-1 by the House after passing the Senate 49-0 in January.
It next goes to Republican Gov. Mike Braun to be signed into law.
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