Government Affairs

 

CVMA provides information to veterinarians to help them stay current with relevant government affairs issues. At appropriate times and for specific matters, CVMA sends out “Calls to Action.” For Government advocacy, two keys are the timing of and the numbers that respond to “Calls to Action”.

 
 
 
Certificates of Veterinary Inspection
Illinois is transitioning to electronic certificates of veterinary inspection (ECVIs). As of July 1, 2026, paper CVIs will no longer be supplied or accepted. More.

 

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) PSLF encourages borrowers to enter and remain in the public/nonprofit sector for at least 10 years by promising to forgive their remaining federal student loan debt at that time. More.

 

Combat illegal xylazine while protecting veterinary access

Xylazine is an FDA-approved animal sedative critical to facilitating the safe handling and treatment of many animal species, including cattle, horses, dogs, deer, elk, rats, mice, wildlife, and zoo animals. Increasingly, illicit xylazine is showing up in street drugs as traffickers have begun mixing xylazine with fentanyl and other narcotics with grave human health and safety consequences. More.

View a sample letter to send to legislators here.

Pharmaceuticals/Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP)

Illinois introduced IL H.B. 4243, which would define “retail pharmacy” and create additional requirements for those that receive 150 or more prescription drug orders during their operating hours. More.

 

Reminder for the new year:  Veterinary programs funded via HR5371

HR 5371 provides $203.4 billion in total funding for the USDA and Food and Drug Administration in the full-year appropriations bill, which covers discretionary and mandatory spending. More.

 

AVMA | News – Senate passes bill to end government shutdown, veterinary programs funded 

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history ended November 12 with President Donald Trump’s signature on a short-term appropriations bill (HR 5371) following a 43-day standoff between the two parties. More.

 

 

 
Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004 
The state of Illinois has a Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004 which governs the practice of veterinary medicine to ensure public and animal safety and welfare.   It defines the qualifications and licensing requirements for veterinarians and veterinary technicians, sets standards for professional conduct, and prohibits unlicensed individuals from practicing veterinary medicine. The law also governs the veterinarian-client-patient relationship and provides mechanisms for disciplinary action against those who violate the rules.  See the full statute.