Questions answered on new legal, ethical and professional CE requirements

The GVMA office has received a number of calls regarding the new requirement for Georgia veterinarians to obtain continuing education (CE) in Georgia laws and rules, and legal, ethical and professional issues. We created this document to answer many of these questions.

What is LEAP CE?
LEAP (Legal, Ethical and Professional) CE is an education program created by the GVMA to help veterinarians meet new requirements from the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine.

How many hours of LEAP CE are required?
Veterinarians must have at least two hours of continuing education in Georgia laws and rules, and legal, ethical and professional issues each biennial licensure period (2009-2010). Veterinary technicians are required to have one hour per licensure period.

How do I know what CE is approved?
The simple answer is to attend the GVMA LEAP CE offerings. The GVMA has worked directly with the State Board to create approved CE for all GVMA LEAP programs. If you are uncertain whether the CE you obtained from non-GVMA events meets the requirements contact the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine at 478-207-2440.

Where can I get LEAP CE?
For 2009 LEAP CE will be offered at the GVMA Staff Bootcamp (Aug. 9) and the fall convention in Atlanta (Nov. 6-8), and in conjunction with the Georgia–Carolina VMA in Augusta in October.
The GVMA is also working on a 2010 LEAP CE schedule, and an online LEAP CE course. This online course will be available in 2010.
The GVMA also has resources to provide LEAP CE throughout the state. Contact the GVMA at 678-309-9800 if you would like to bring LEAP CE to your location.

How much does LEAP CE cost?
LEAP CE is free for all GVMA members, and free registration for LEAP CE only is available for members at any meeting where LEAP CE is offered. If attending non-LEAP CE, regular registration rates apply. Registration rates will also apply to non GVMA members.