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The Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine announces that Governor Tim Walz has signed HF 3718, a comprehensive modernization of Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 156. This legislation represents the most significant update to Minnesota’s veterinary regulatory framework in decades. The new provisions take effect July 1, 2026.
HF 3718 strengthens statutory clarity, aligns Minnesota with national standards, and reflects the structure and realities of contemporary veterinary practice. The bill also establishes a new licensing system for veterinary technicians, who will now become licensed professionals in the state.
Key provisions of HF 3718 include:
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Definitions
Expanded definitions reflect modern veterinary practice and include terms such as client, consent, emergency stabilization, telemedicine, teletriage, physical rehabilitation, veterinary specialist, and veterinary technologist. The definition of “animal” is broadened to include all nonhuman organisms.
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Board Composition
The Board expands from seven to nine members, adding:
• one licensed veterinary technician
• one additional veterinarian or technician
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Licensing Modernization
HF 3718 updates credentialing requirements for both veterinarians and veterinary technicians, including alignment with NAVLE, ECFVG, and PAVE pathways.
The legislation also removes affidavit requirements for most applicants, streamlining the licensing process.
Affidavits remain required only for veterinary technicians applying through the Temporary Alternative Pathway (TAP) under the on‑the‑job‑training route. These applicants must continue submitting five affidavits (two from veterinarians and three from unrelated adults). Credentialed CVTs in good standing are exempt from this requirement.
The bill clarifies reciprocity and reinstatement processes and establishes statutory obligations for veterinary technicians, including CE, recordkeeping, humane care, and pharmaceutical handling.
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Scope of Practice
Updates include behavioral and dental care, reproductive procedures, and complementary/integrative therapies. Telemedicine is formally authorized, with a VCPR required except in emergency stabilization or teletriage situations.
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Delegation to Veterinary Technicians and Unlicensed Personnel
The legislation clarifies delegation and remote supervision standards, expands permissible livestock‑management tasks, and establishes disciplinary grounds specific to licensed veterinary technicians.
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Drug and Prescription Regulation
HF 3718 updates drug‑related definitions and processes to align with federal standards, including new provisions for labeling, Veterinary Feed Directives, extra‑label use, and the establishment of a veterinary drug donation program.
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Repealers
Outdated provisions are consolidated or repealed for clarity and consistency.
The Board extends its appreciation to the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) and the Minnesota Association of Veterinary Technicians (MAVT) for their leadership, collaboration, and advocacy - particularly in supporting the establishment of Licensed Veterinary Technicians in Minnesota.
The MVMA will host a Hot Topic webinar reviewing these legislative changes on June 18 from 12:00–1:00 p.m. Registration link: http://bit.ly/4w1BpOp
The Board’s role is to administer and enforce the laws governing veterinary medicine in Minnesota. As required by law, the Board cannot provide legal advice or interpret any legislation for individuals or organizations. Those seeking legal guidance should consult a licensed attorney. Administrative updates and implementation information will be shared as they become available.
For general inquiries, please contact the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine at vet.med@state.mn.us.
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