[Ponds-Koi] State Law Violations By Koi Health Advisors
In a message dated 6/18/2008 6:18:27 A.M. Central Daylight Time, pijoehawley@yahoo.com writes:
I read with interest that AKCA Koi Health Advisor Program is administered to students in state laws where they may not be able to do much of anything that might be deemed in fact illegal. Yet, the program asks the students to report to the program what the state laws are. Is this reporting back like a test question where the AKCA knows the answer or rather a means of program indemnity? Knowing all the current state laws relative to the Veterinarian Practice Act might be difficult at best considering the ongoing efforts of the American Veterinarian Medical Association, WAVMA, WAS and others in working with state and federal staff bureaucrats in the rule making process. I like the KHA program, but it would seem the AKCA should be more of a lobbying group itself as in fact the vets are lobbying to take away the allowance of anyone including KHAs to compete with them.
Personally I’ve wanted to become involved in the KHA program, but time just hasn’t allowed me to give it the time necessary. But in preparation for that involvement I’ve read much of the required materials necessary to join the program. It is very clearly noted that ANYONE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A KHA MUST BE FAMILIAR WITH THE LAWS OF THEIR STATE. The AKCA CANNOT monitor these laws as each state legislates their own. Imagine the legal staffing it would take to keep up with each state’s laws about advising and/or treating animals? The KHA program exists for those that wish to help fellow hobbyist. It is not meant to de-throne vets. In fact it would take each of us some real searching to find a vet locally that will even look at our fish let alone treat one. In our state if they tried to legislate anything remotely restricting farmers from treating their own livestock there would be such an uproar you wouldn’t be able to hear over the screams. This is the legislation that we operate under here in Minnesota. We can treat our own animals, but not anyone else’s. But we can advise regarding water quality, suggest over the counter medications to treat fish, etc. This is not unlike telling a friend to take an aspirin for a headache. That certainly is not practicing medicine without a license. Now I have heard reports (not documented) of “some” KHAs that have, on their own, gone outside the bounds and the mission of the program. If this is true and can be documented, then these persons should have their certification withdrawn as they are jeopardizing the program and acting without the blessing of the AKCA. Sue
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