Download Michigan Veterinary Medical Association

Mandatory Continuing Medical Education (CME) for
Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians
Veterinary continuing medical education (CME) is a licensure requirement in
every state except Michigan.
The Michigan Veterinary Medical Association and our 2,200+ members ask for your support of
HB 4408 and HB 4999 in enacting mandatory continuing medical education (CME) in Michigan.
It will bring to our state a proven program to advance the knowledge and standards of practice
for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
Why Mandatory CME for Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians?
1. Michigan is the only state without a mechanism to keep the veterinary profession
current and informed. In recent polls, over 80% of all veterinarians and veterinary
technicians support a mandatory program.
2. It’s not just Rabies! Michigan now recognizes over 75 diseases that can be
transmitted from animals to humans. Examples include Brucellosis, Tuberculosis,
Rabies, Swine & Avian Influenza, West Nile Virus, Leptospirosis and Lyme disease are
some of the most familiar.
3. Veterinarians are often the first line of defense for public health and the food
supply. Many of today’s threats and challenges regarding potential bioterrorism and
newly emerging infectious disease neither existed, nor were taught when many current
veterinarians attended or graduated from veterinary school.
4. Requiring CME will adopt a proven national model at minimal cost with maximum
immediate impact. It will also be an important statement to the public that Michigan is
serious about protecting animal and human health. Veterinary practices are diverse with
specific needs.
5. Mandatory CME will enhance every aspect of veterinary medicine. CME will bring
together the Board of Veterinary Medicine, LARA, MVMA and the Michigan State
University College of Veterinary Medicine in developing programs to enhance every
aspect of veterinary medicine.
6. The public consistently rates veterinary medicine as one of the most respected
and trusted professions.
Michigan veterinarians and veterinary technicians respectfully request your support of
HB 4408 and HB 4999 to adopting mandatory continuing medical education in our state.