California Veterinary Medical Board proposes significant fee structure changes

The Veterinary Medical Board's Multidisciplinary Advisory Committee convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss significant legislative proposals aimed at addressing financial challenges and updating fee structures for veterinary services in California. The meeting highlighted a potential legislative proposal that could save the board over $712,000 annually by restructuring fees associated with various veterinary licenses and services.

Key discussions centered on amending the Business and Professions Code (BPC) Section 4905, which governs the fees for veterinary licenses and premises registrations. The proposed changes include raising application fees for veterinarians and university veterinarians from a fixed fee of $350 to a statutory cap of $540. Additionally, the initial license fees would increase from $500 to $765, while biennial renewal fees would also rise to the same cap.

The proposal introduces a tiered fee structure based on the size of veterinary premises, categorizing them as small, medium, or large. This would result in initial registration fees ranging from $840 for small premises to $1,675 for large ones, with corresponding renewal fees also adjusted.

Further amendments would affect fees for Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) and Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permits (VACSPs), increasing their application and renewal fees to allow for future adjustments. The committee also discussed repealing outdated fees and provisions that no longer align with current practices, such as the delinquency fee and the fee for duplicate licenses, which are now unnecessary due to digital access.

The proposed changes aim to resolve a structural imbalance within the board's budget and ensure that fees reflect the actual costs of services provided. The committee emphasized the importance of these adjustments in maintaining the board's financial health and ability to serve the veterinary community effectively.

As the board moves forward with these proposals, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the legislative process to understand the implications for veterinary professionals and the broader public. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential revisions before the proposals are finalized and submitted for legislative approval.