What action must a veterinarian take if they fail to submit renewal materials by February 1st of every odd-numbered year?

If a veterinarian fails to submit their renewal materials by February 1st of every odd-numbered year, they must immediately stop practicing until they comply with the renewal requirements. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of veterinary practice and ensuring that all practitioners are properly licensed and in good standing. Continuing to practice without a valid license can lead to legal repercussions and undermine the regulatory framework that protects animal health and public welfare.

While there may be consequences associated with late submissions, such as fees or notifications to the board, the cornerstone of ethical practice is that the veterinarian must refrain from providing services until their licensing status is fully addressed. This policy is in place to ensure that only those who are currently certified and compliant with the state’s regulations are allowed to practice veterinary medicine.