Providing for a rural veterinary practice innovation and revitalization fund and program to assist veterinary practices in certain counties, and making appropriations

GENERAL. This bill establishes a rural veterinary practice innovation and revitalization fund (fund) and rural veterinary practice innovation and revitalization program (program) administered by the department of agriculture and land stewardship (DALS) acting in consultation with the Iowa board of veterinary medicine (board). The purpose of the fund and program is to award financial assistance to eligible veterinary practices to expand and improve veterinary services provided to agricultural animals in counties with a population of 30,000 or less. Moneys awarded in financial assistance support the use of facilities, the acquisition of existing equipment, devices, tools, or instruments, and the incorporation of new methods and technologies, including computerized systems. DALS is required to adopt eligibility requirements. The veterinary practice must be located in this state, must not have been subject to any disciplinary action by the board, must only employ individuals legally authorized to work in this state, must not currently be in bankruptcy, and must employ less than individuals. APPROPRIATION. The bill appropriates $750,000 to the fund in support of the program. DALS cannot award financial assistance of more than $10,000 to any one eligible veterinary practice from the fund in any fiscal year.