Hawaii State Board of Veterinary Medicine Updates

New temporary permits are now in effect!

The Hawaii Board of Veterinary Medicine has recently increased its bank of test questions, and has reduce the waiting period to retest following a failed attempt to pass the Hawaii state veterinary examination from 90 days to 60 days. While the HVMA had petitioned for a shorter (30 day) waiting period, we are grateful for this small improvement.

In upcoming legislative sessions, the HVMA will be looking into revising the veterinary practice law to allow temporary permittees to continue practicing veterinary medicine during this waiting period following a failed attempt to pass the State veterinary examination.

Currently, Hawaii Revised Statutes (“HRS”) section 471-8(c)(5), titled “Examinations; qualifications of applicants” states in relevant part:
“(c)(5) The temporary permit shall be valid until the results of the Hawaii state board examination taken by the permittee are known; provided, that failure of the Hawaii state board exam, the National Board Examination, or Clinical Competency Test shall immediately terminate the temporary permit;”

If you have suggestions or inquiries regarding licensure or regulation of veterinary medicine in Hawaii, please contact the Hawaii State Board of Veterinary Medicine at veterinary@dcca.hawaii.gov or (808) 586-2705.