Per KRS 321.201, the KBVE can issue a Special Permit only to applicants who are qualified to become a licensed veterinarian but are waiting on exam results. The Exam may be the NAVLE, or the final exam stage of the ECFVG or PAVE program. Additionally, the applicant must be working under the direct supervision of a veterinarian who is currently licensed and in good standing in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Applicants interested in a Special Permit may mark the appropriate box on either the Application for Licensure as a Veterinarian or on the Application for Special Permit, pay the Special Permit Fee, and include a letter from the supervising veterinarian in conformity with the template provided on the Forms and Applications page.
Be advised that the Board has placed the following restrictions on Special Permittee practice:
1. Disclosure. A special permit holder and the board-approved veterinarian manager shall disclose to a client the permit status of the special permit holder, noting they have not yet obtained a full veterinarian license. A client may opt out of appointments or services with a special permit holder.
2. Veterinarian-Client-Patient-Relationship (VCPR). A special permit holder may not establish a veterinarian-client-patient-relationship.
3. Prescriptions. A special permittee may not prescribe. The special permittee may identify and recommend appropriate prescriptions to the supervising veterinarian and then shall have the supervisor confirm and prescribe to the patient.
4. DEA Registration. A special permittee shall be prohibited from applying for or being awarded a DEA Registration for Controlled Substances.
5. USDA APHIS Accreditation. A special permittee shall be prohibited from applying for or being awarded a USDA APHIS Accreditation in any category.
Of note, the Special Permit expires seven (7) days following the notification of exam results. Practice as a special permittee must CEASE AND DESIST following this notification. Applicants who pass the exam should ensure exam results are immediately forwarded to the Board so licensure can proceed without delay.
If the applicant fails the exam and they desire to continue working under a special permit, the applicant must submit a new application for a new Special Permit. There is a limit of four (4) special permits available to any one applicant.
Contact Vet@ky.gov for more information.