VIRGINIA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION // SUMMER 2022
TOWN &COUNTRY CALL
MENTOR PROGRAM - 07 VA VETERINARY AWARD NOMINTATIONS - 09 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - 12 SALES TAX EXEMPTION FAQS - 16
TOWN & COUNTRY CALL O F F I C I A L
P U B L I C A T I O N
Virginia Veterinary Medical Association 3801 Westerre Parkway, Suite D | Henrico, VA 23233 (P) 804-346-2611 (F) 804-346-2655 (E) info@vvma.org (W) www.vvma.org
vvma staff Robin Schmitz Executive Director
submission deadline
Victoria Staples
The deadline for receipt of copy to be included in the next issue of Town & Country Call is:
Greg Hollis
September 2, 2022
Talya George Associate Director
Association Coordinator Media & Association Coordinator
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OFFICERS Martin Betts, DVM President
Lauren Maxey, DVM President-Elect
Nathaniel Burke, DVM Vice President
Brian Neumann, DVM Secretary-Treasurer
Terry Swecker, DVM Immediate Past President
DIRECTORS
Rebecca Beamer, DVM Southwest VA
MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM & WORK-LIFE SERVICES
Abbegail Bingaman, DVM
The VVMA has partnered with McLaughlin Young and offers a wonderful benefit for VVMA members. The Member Assistance Program & Work-Life Services are available to VVMA members and their immediate family.
Laura Chretien, DVM
Reasons to use the MAP include: financial planning, marital difficulties, parenting, stress, depression, work-related concerns, alcohol and drug use/abuse, grief and loss, or preventative.
FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL ASSISTANCE is available 24/7/365 at 800-633-3353
No matter what problems you are dealing with, The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline wants to help you find a reason to keep living. By calling, you’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7. Your call is confidential and free.
Fredericksburg
Courtney Conroy, DVM At-Large
Edward Fallin, DVM Central
Sherri Gard, DVM VAEP
Bom Harris, DVM
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
Northern VA
VAFAP
STUDENTS 1-540-231-6557
If you are concerned about yourself or any Virginia Tech student being (or becoming) suicidal, please call the Cook Counseling Center . This number can be used during regular office hours or after-hours to speak with a counselor.
Publication of materials in this newsletter does not imply endorsement by the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association.
Christopher Hussion, DVM Loudoun
OPEN POSITION Roanoke Valley
Joseph May, DVM Southside VMA
Stuart Morse, DVM Prince William
Rachael Nuzzo, DVM Shenandoah
Ashley Powell, DVM Coastal
Peggy Rucker, DVM Appalachian
Cheryl Simpson-Freeman, DVM Piedmont
Samuel Tate, DVM VASART Bret VanLear, DVM Blue Ridge
Cassie Wagner, DVM At-Large
Garrett Wood, DVM Jefferson
Jennifer Kelleher Student Representative
AVMA REPRESENTATIVES Erin Casey, DVM Delegate
Dianna Thornton, DVM Alternate Delegate
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE MARTY BETTS, DVM Dear Colleagues, I hope this update finds all you well and not too busy. The VVMA continues to work towards efforts that will improve your lives and professional wellbeing in a number of ways. I attended the Spring 2022 commencement ceremonies at the VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine and was honored to represent the VVMA in welcoming a great class of new graduates. I applaud the college for the diversity and inclusion efforts they have made and have every expectation that our profession will continue to improve in this regard. Several years ago, we contracted with the McLaughlin Young Group to offer an assistance program to all of our members. This is a broad ranging program that includes emotional and mental health services in addition to counseling for a number of personal and work-related issues. Financial counseling and legal services are also available. We have now expanded the program so that VVMA members can extend this service to their colleagues by offering an assistance program for their staff members for a very reasonable fee. My partners and I recently made this available to our staff. Please see Page 6 for additional information. Our Mentor Program continues to offer support, encouragement, and valuable information to all of the students who choose to participate. The 2022 Mentor Program kicks off on Thursday evening, October 20th, with a mentor dinner from 5:30 to 8:00pm at the veterinary teaching hospital. We will then meet with the participating students Friday morning from 9:00am until noon. The veterinary college is organizing the Connect 2022 Program that will be held through Saturday, October 22nd. If you are interested in attending either or both of these events, please visit the VVMA website for registration and further information. Our annual conference will be held at the Hotel Roanoke from February 16-18, 2023. This meeting will offer two full days of in-person, quality continuing education. It is a great way to connect with your colleagues, and reconnect with old friends in the veterinary profession. The venue is fantastic and, as always, wonderful food will be provided. This is a great way to fulfill your annual continuing education requirement, and I hope to see you there. The 2023 Virginia Veterinary Awards will also be presented on Friday, February 17 at the VVC in Roanoke. Please take this opportunity to thank and honor your colleagues by nominating them for one of these awards. You will find instructions and a link to nominate colleagues on Page 9. Have a great summer; we look forward to seeing all of you soon! Martin Betts, DVM
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Congratulations to the VMCVM Class of 2022! We wish you well in your professional endeavors, and eagerly look forward to your career successes. Welcome to the profession!
S A V E
T H E
D A T E !
Virginia Veterinary Conference FEBRUARY 16-18, 2023 HOTEL ROANOKE & CONFERENCE CENTER
The 2023 VVC will be hosted at the grandiose Hotel Roanoke, February 16-18, 2023, and will feature superb speakers and a chance to connect with Virginia's finest veterinary professionals! Tracks include: Small Animal I Small Animal II Equine Food Animal Technician Public Practice (Friday only)
have you considered offering an assistance program at your practice?
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We are all aware of the extraordinary responsibility the practice of veterinary medicine entails and VVMA wants to emphasize the importance of utilizing our member assistance program (MAP); this MAP is in place to help our members with personal, financial, and/or work-life issues that they may face. We are excited to share an opportunity that will extend assistance program services to other veterinary team and staff members. VVMA will continue sponsoring MAP services for our members but NOW practices may sign up and offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to their staff-- technicians, assistants, kennel staff, office staff, etc. and receive the same discounted, group pricing that VVMA is offered. Current pricing offers ALL of these services for $0.90/person/month. Once we hit a group total of 1,999+, the pricing is lowered to $0.67/person/month. VVMA currently pays for 1100+ members so we’re not too far off! We ask that you please share this with management in your practice so that more individuals in the veterinary field have a chance to navigate whatever challenges may arise in their personal or professional lives. Again, if enough veterinary practices take part in this program, your monthly pricing will decrease. If your practice is interested in offering this program, Gregg Hunter at McLaughlin Young, ghunter@mygroup.com, can assist you in setting up your practice account. Gregg may also be reached at 704-285-7944. As a reminder, the covered member AND their immediate, household family members have access to: • professional counseling • expert tax services • financial advice • discounted legal services/representation • promotional savings center • alcohol and drug abuse therapy • martial/family difficulties • and much more! While the stigma once associated with mental health has faded, some individuals still face obstacles in seeking help that they are entitled to. Let’s look out for each other and make these services readily available to our friends and colleagues. If you have questions about the assistance program, do not hesitate to contact the VVMA office at 804-346-2611 or email info@vvma.org
Member Assistance Program
support is only a few clicks away! www.vvma.org/assistance-program
online resources:
Visit www.mygroup.com Click "My Portal Login" Click on "Work-Life" Username: vvma1894 Password: guest
24/7/365 phone support:
800-633-3353 FREE & confidential
Mentor Day October 20-21, 2022 in conjunction with
Join the fun! VVMA's Mentor Day and VMCVM's annual Connect + 2022 will take place October 20-22 in Hokie Town, Blacksburg, VA! Mentor Day activities will take place on Thursday, October 20 from 5:30-8 p.m. and continue on Friday, October 21 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., with a lunch from 12-1 p.m.
CLICK HERE TO BECOME A MENTOR!
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2023 Virginia Veterinary Awards Each year, the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the profession of veterinary medicine. Selected recipients will be recognized at the Virginia Veterinary Awards Ceremony on Friday, February 17 in Roanoke, VA.
Please submit before DECEMBER 1, 2022
TO SUBMIT AN ONLINE NOMINATION, VISIT WWW.VVMA.ORG/VAVETAWARDS
Paul F. Landis Veterinarian of the Year (In memory of Dr. Paul Landis who served as VVMA President, 1965-1966 and AVMA President, 1982-1983.)
This is the highest VVMA award, recognizing a member of the association who has contributed to
Recent Graduate Leadership Award Nominee must be a recent graduate and a member of the VVMA. Nominees should have made contributions to the profession through service to the association, such as service on a committee.
the advancement of veterinary medicine. Veterinarians who have exerted outstanding leadership in the building of a strong local and/or state association and who have contributed significantly to veterinary medicine in Virginia.
Veterinary Team Member of the Year This award was created to recognize and honor the
Distinguished Virginia Veterinarian Award Nominees should be individuals who, by their actions, bring recognition to veterinary medicine in
outstanding contributions and dedication by a nonveterinarian, staff member in the practice. The selected person goes above and beyond expectations in their role and has shown professional dedication to their work and/or has supported the practice’s mission through service contributions.
Virginia. Also, nominees should be outstanding community leaders. For example, an individual might be considered for outstanding work with the Special Olympics or other community projects.
Veterinary Service Award This award is designed to honor an individual who has been an excellent representative of the profession through active community involvement and/or veterinary service. This includes involvement
Commercial Representative Award This award is given to a representative from a company that provides outstanding service to Virginia veterinarians. Also, the representative should promote the profession through liaisons with the association, veterinarians, and the profession in general.
in veterinary and/or non-veterinary groups and associations.
Friend of the VVMA This award is given to a non-veterinarian who is being recognized for outstanding contributions to the profession of veterinary medicine in Virginia.
Animal Hero Award This award is presented to an animal that has performed an individual act of service or heroism, or in performing his or her daily duties, has provided such an outstanding service to humans that he would qualify as an Animal Hero.
SUBMIT A NOMINATION HERE!
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New guidelines for rabies pre-exposure vaccinations have been recently published and are available at https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7118a2.htm In brief, these guidelines recommend replacing the three dose series with two doses of rabies vaccinated space 1 week apart. In addition, these guidelines introduce new risk categories that inform how often a rabies titer should be checked (in accordance with the likelihood of unrecognized exposures) and changes the acceptable rabies antibody titer measurement to 0.5IU/mL or greater to align with the World Health Organization standard. Many practitioners who previously received the 3 dose series may be able to discontinue routine titer checks and need only receive booster doses of vaccine if they are assessed as exposed. However, if a veterinarian works in a diagnostic laboratory performing routine necropsies or collection of brainstem samples for rabies testing or routinely handles bats, then routine titer checks are still recommended. Veterinarians are encouraged to review these guidelines, which include a helpful, quick reference table at the end, and contact their local health department if they have questions. A directory of local health departments can be found at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/localhealth-districts/
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Legislative Update
by Katie Hellebush, VVMA Legislative Consultant Veterinary Sales Tax Exemption Effective July 1; Governor Will Sign New Two-Year Budget; Meaningful Solution Found for Envigo Cumberland Facility Summary Governor Glenn Youngkin announced this week that he will sign the new two-year budget, effective July 1, 2022, following the General Assembly’s return Friday, June 17 to vote up or down the amendments which he proposed. With this debate resolved VA Tax and other agencies may move forward to finalize their budgets in preparation for the new fiscal year starting July 1. Veterinary Sales Tax Exemption Effective July 1, VVMA’s top priority, extending the current sales and use tax exemption for human prescriptions to veterinarians, specifically on drugs that are administered or dispensed to patients within a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, places veterinary clinics on a level playing field with pharmacies that dispense that for humans. Current policy includes not only prescription medicines but prescription diets, as well. Note: this same tax treatment applies to all components of the retail sales and use tax, including: the 4.3% state tax imposed statewide the 1.0% local option tax imposed in all cities and counties the additional 1.0% local tax imposed in certain localities for school construction purposes the 0.7% regional tax imposed in Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Central Virginia for transportation purposes the 1.0% additional tax imposed in the City of Williamsburg and James City and York Counties If you haven’t already, veterinarians should make note to update your systems for billing and look for updated guidance from the Virginia Department of Taxation effective July 1, 2022. Our thanks to Delegate Don Scott, now Minority Leader of the House, and Senator Louise Lucas for ushering through HB 551 and SB 517.
Veterinary Sales Tax Exemption FAQs on Page 16!
VA Tax Resources https://www.tax.virginia.gov/sales-tax-exemptions https://www.tax.virginia.gov/legislative-summary-reports (effective July 1)
Dog and Cat Breeding – VVMA Letter to the Governor Re: Meaningful Solution VVMA is pleased that a meaningful solution has been found with regard to the Envigo Facility in Cumberland County, which had previously failed USDA inspections and, according to top officials, is slated to close. At the conclusion of the regulation 2022 General Session, VVMA sent a concise letter to Governor Glenn Youngkin, requesting his timely signature of a variety of pieces of legislation to ensure the welfare of all animals and encouraged the Governor to sign into law the legislation which passed to address the regulation of dog and cat breeders. These bills included: HB 1315 (Bell), SB 87 (Stanley), SB 88 (Stanley), SB 90 (Stanley) and SB 604 (Stanley). As the premier organization representing veterinarians, our VVMA priority continues to be supporting the welfare of all animals, beagles included, no matter the purpose for which they are raised. High quality research and top animal care standards are required for all Virginian professionals. As is current practice, USDA should hold accountable and identify breeders. As professionals, VVMA continues to support holding all breeders accountable. Going forward VVMA will continue to use our expertise to advise best practices and principles for animal welfare for humane biomedical research, etc. to ensure the welfare of all animals no matter the purpose for which they are raised.
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Click below to view; Classifieds and Advertising Information may be found at www.vvma.org/advertising
VETERINARIAN
classifieds
ADMINISTRATOR
classifieds
FOR SALE/LEASE
LVTS & ASSISTANTS
classifieds
classifieds
VVMA members may continue posting ads, free of charge. Classified ads are $145.00 per 200-word ad for non-members.
RELIEF VETERINARIANS Deann Ashby-Mitchell, DVM Licensed to practice in VA & WV; Available: Tue-Sat, regular working hours. 70 miles from Bluemont, VA. 9 yrs. of experience. USDA accredited, good productivity, huge believer in effective client communication, DEA licensed. 352-871-7776 | ashbyvet@gmail.com
Kim Danoff, DVM Available weekdays & weekends. 1999 UF Grad; Internship trained at Tufts. Dogs, cats, birds, and some exotics. Northern Virginia, Prince William, Loudoun, & Fauquier Counties. Current Virginia & DEA Licenses. 571-212-5024 | kimdanoff@gmail.com
Matthew W. Kelcourse, DVM Southeastern VA/Hampton Roads. 1992 Tufts Graduate. Experience in: general/preventive medicine & routine surgery and complicated soft tissue & orthopedic surgery, Virginia & DEA license. Mon – Sat: 6 to 9 hour shifts. Long-term (2-3 weeks): considered; based on availability & location 941-416-8992 | vvrs2020@yahoo.com
James D. Meister, DVM Available 7 days/week for short or long term in the Shenandoah Valley. Available for both small animal or equine work. Private practitioner for 25 years. NC State graduate. I hold Virginia, USDA and DEA licenses. 847-344-0069 | prairiedvm@aol.com
Tosha Starke, DVM 12 years in practice. Personable; Available Monday-Saturday in Northern VA; Current DEA license; Licensed in VA; Professional references available; www.allfourpawsvetrelief.com (540) 239-8714 | info@allfourpawsvetrelief.com
Katrina (Kitti) Tadema-Wielandt, DVM Waynesboro & 100 mile radius; Available for long and short term relief; 20+ years experience in small animal medicine including emergency (540) 943-5731 | 1987uivet@gmail.com
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Veterinary Sales Tax Exemption FAQs HB 551 and SB 517 exempt veterinarians from sales and use tax on the purchase of prescription medicines and drugs that are administered or dispensed to patients within a veterinarian-clientpatient relationship (VCPR). This legislation, brought forth by the VVMA, repeals provisions of current law that provide that a veterinarian dispensing or selling medicines or drugs on prescription shall be deemed to be the user or consumer of all such medicines and drugs.
Virginia governor signs VETERINARY SALE TAX EXEMPTION
effective July 1, 2022
What does this mean to your practice? This new law will mean more equity for veterinarians. It exempts veterinarians from paying and charging sales tax on schedule II-VI medications. Human pharmacies filling these same medications for pets, are already exempt. The Virginia Department of Taxation will add this to their list of sales tax exemptions once the legislation goes into effect July 1, 2022. When does this take effect? Beginning July 1, 2022 prescription medicines and drugs purchased by veterinarians and administered or dispensed to patients within a veterinarian-client-patient relationship as defined in § 54.1-330 will not be subject to sales tax. What is the difference between “use tax” and “retail sales tax”? “Use tax” is the tax currently paid to the vendor or distributor when you purchase prescription drugs or prescription pet food for administration or dispensing to patients. “Retail sales tax” is the tax you charge clients for retail or over-the-counter products, food or drugs that are not prescription. What drugs or food are considered prescription medications and therefore are exempt from use or retail sales tax? All schedule II-VI drugs (drugs that require a prescription by law (FDA)) are exempt from tax and this includes oral flea and tick medication. Similarly, prescription pet foods are currently treated as prescription medication by Virginia Department of Taxation. Since they require a prescription, they would also be exempt from tax. When do we charge clients “retail sales tax” for medications/drugs or food? Veterinarians are required to charge clients retail sales tax on all drugs/medications and non-prescription pet foods that can be purchased over-the-counter. For example, this includes nutraceuticals like joint supplements and probiotics as well as EPA regulated flea and tick medications like Frontline and Vectra. Currently Virginia TAX treats medicated shampoos as prescription even though they are not FDA regulated. The general rule of thumb is if you can buy it at Walmart or Amazon without a prescription then you need to charge retail sales tax. Advise your colleagues and clients of this change in law! Let your clients know of the savings they will receive when filling prescriptions with your practice.
Make sure your colleagues know of the magnificent work VVMA is doing day in and day out before the VA General Assembly, saving an estimated $7.6 million in 2022 for patients and their owners by extending this benefit to cover domestic animals – a fraction of the human medical prescription drug tax exemption of $494 million! Veterinarians should also make note to update their systems for billing and look for updated guidance from the Virginia Department of Taxation closer to the effective dates of July 1, 2022.
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e m M b A er Benefit M V V E E R F
VIRGINIA VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION // SUMMER 2022
TOWN &COUNTRY CALL