Veterinary Practice Regulations 2022

CrestWestern Australia

Veterinary Practice Act 2021

Veterinary Practice Regulations 2022

Western Australia

Veterinary Practice Regulations 2022

Contents

Part 1 — Preliminary

1. Citation 1

2. Commencement 1

3. Terms used 1

3A. Personal supervision 4

3B. Direct supervision 5

3C. General supervision 6

4. Acts of veterinary medicine (Act s. 3) 7

5. Specialties (Act s. 3) 7

Part 2 — Veterinarians and veterinary nurses

Division 1 — General

6. Duration of registration (Act s. 19) 8

Division 2 — Veterinarians

6A. Prescribing, supplying or administering scheduled drugs 8

6B. Restrictions on prescription, supply and administration of scheduled drugs 10

Division 3 — Veterinary nurses

Subdivision 1 — General

7. Acts of veterinary medicine veterinary nurses are authorised to carry out 11

Subdivision 2 — Recognition of advanced veterinary nurses

7A. Application for recognition 11

7B. Board’s powers in relation to application 12

7C. Grant or refusal of recognition 12

7D. Duration of recognition 13

7E. Cancellation or suspension of recognition 14

7F. Information to be recorded on register (Act s. 53(2)(g)) 14

Part 3 — Veterinary premises

8. Duration of registration (Act s. 43) 16

9. Functions of veterinary supervisor 16

10. Veterinary supervisor unable to carry out functions for 4 weeks or more 16

Part 4 — Authorised persons

Division 1 — Persons authorised by Board to carry out acts of veterinary medicine

11. Application for authorisation 17

12. Application for renewal of authorisation 17

13. Board’s powers in relation to application 18

14. Grant of authorisation 18

15. Renewal of authorisation 19

16. Duration of authorisation 20

17. Conditions generally 20

18. Modification or removal of conditions 21

19. Cancellation or suspension of authorisation 21

20. List of authorised persons 22

Division 2 — Classes of persons authorised to carry out certain acts of veterinary medicine

Subdivision 1 — Veterinary students

20A. Courses of study not at Australian universities 23

21. Acts of veterinary medicine veterinary students are authorised to carry out 23

22. Acts of veterinary medicine by overseas veterinary students 25

Subdivision 2 — Veterinary nurse students

23. Acts of veterinary medicine veterinary nurse students are authorised to carry out 25

Subdivision 3 — Provisions relating to veterinary students and veterinary nurse students

24. Approved supervision 26

24A. Approval of veterinarians to provide supervision to students 27

24B. Records of approvals and consents must be kept 28

25. Board may request evidence relating to course of study 28

Subdivision 4 — Cattle spaying technicians

25A. Cattle spaying technician’s authorisation to carry out certain acts of veterinary medicine 29

25B. Conditions of authorisation 29

25C. Investigation into suspected contravention 30

25D. Orders following contravention 30

25E. Application for variation or revocation of order 32

25F. Variation or revocation of order 32

Part 4A — Veterinary practice businesses excluded from application of Act s. 60(1)

25G. When veterinary practice businesses may be carried on at premises other than veterinary premises (Act s. 60(2)) 35

Part 4B — Complaints and discipline

Division 1 — General

25H. Unprofessional conduct (Act s. 78) 36

25I. Professional misconduct (Act s. 79) 38

Division 2 — Continuing professional development

25J. CPD activities 39

25K. CPD requirements 40

Part 5 — Election of Board members

26. Returning officers 42

27. Returning officer to fix period for nominating candidates and election date 42

28. Nominations and voting may be conducted by post or electronic means 42

29. Nominations 42

30. Candidate elected if only 1 candidate 43

31. Voting 43

32. Counting of votes 44

Part 6 — Miscellaneous

32A. Clinical records 45

32B. Board may request copy of clinical record 48

32C. Veterinarian may request copy of clinical record 49

33. Fees 50

33A. False or misleading information 50

Part 7 — Transitional matters

34. Fees for renewal of registration for persons taken to hold registration under s. 203 or 207 of Act 51

35. Board may refund fees paid under Veterinary Surgeons Regulations 1979 r. 34(c) 51

36. Modification of s. 43 of Act in relation to certain premises 52

Schedule 1 — Acts that are acts of veterinary medicine

Schedule 2 — Acts that are not acts of veterinary medicine

Schedule 3 — Specialties

Schedule 4 — Acts of veterinary medicine: veterinary nurses and veterinary nurse students

Schedule 6 — Acts of veterinary medicine: authorisations

Schedule 7 — Fees

Notes

Compilation table 73

Defined terms

Veterinary Practice Act 2021

Veterinary Practice Regulations 2022

Part 1 — Preliminary

1. Citation

	These regulations are the *Veterinary Practice Regulations 2022*.

2. Commencement

These regulations come into operation on the day on which the Veterinary Practice Act 2021 section 197 comes into operation.

3. Terms used

In these regulations —

advanced veterinary nurse means a veterinary nurse who is recognised by the Board under Part 2 Division 3 Subdivision 2 as an advanced veterinary nurse;

animal product has the meaning given in the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 section 6;

approved direct supervision has the meaning given in regulation 24(1);

approved personal supervision has the meaning given in regulation 24(2);

buffalo means an animal of the genus Bubalus;

castrate, in relation to an animal, means —

(a) remove the descended testes of the animal; or

(b) disrupt the function of the descended testes of the animal;

cattle —

(a) means animals of the genus Bos; and

(b) includes any hybrids of that genus;

cattle spaying technician means a person who has successfully completed a unit, provided by a registered training organisation, that includes training in spaying cattle using the Willis dropped‑ovary technique;

conditional authorisation order has the meaning given in regulation 25D(2)(a);

dehorn, in relation to an animal —

(a) means remove all or part of the horn of the animal; but

(b) does not include removing part of the horn of an animal comprising only keratinised epidermis with no blood supply;

direct supervision has the meaning given in regulation 3B(1);

disbud, in relation to an animal, means, before a horn bud attaches to the animal’s skull, destroy or remove the horn‑producing tissue or otherwise prevent the development of the horn;

election means —

(a) an election of a WA veterinarian for the purposes of section 152(4)(b) of the Act; or

(b) an election of a veterinary nurse for the purposes of section 152(4)(c) of the Act;

election date, for an election, means the date fixed under regulation 27(b) as the date on which the election is to be held;

eligible elector means —

(a) in the case of an election of a WA veterinarian for the purposes of section 152(4)(b) of the Act — a WA veterinarian; or

(b) in the case of an election of a veterinary nurse for the purposes of section 152(4)(c) of the Act — a veterinary nurse;

general supervision has the meaning given in regulation 3C(1);

general veterinary nurse means a veterinary nurse who is not an advanced veterinary nurse;

mules, in relation to a sheep, means remove wool‑bearing skin from the breech or tail of the sheep;

pastoral region means the whole of the State other than —

(a) the South‑west Division of the State as described in the Land Administration Act 1997 Schedule 1; and

(b) the local government districts of Esperance and Ravensthorpe;

permanent identification device means a microchip or other similar identification device that is —

(a) capable of being permanently implanted in an animal; and

(b) is designed to record information in a way that can be electronically retrieved;

person in charge, of an animal, means —

(a) an owner of the animal; or

(b) a person who has responsibility for the custody, care and control of the animal;

personal supervision has the meaning given in regulation 3A;

poison has the meaning given in the Medicines and Poisons Act 2014 section 3;

practitioner means a veterinarian or a veterinary nurse;

prescribe, in relation to a scheduled drug or a poison, has the meaning given in the Medicines and Poisons Act 2014 section 7(1);

prohibition order has the meaning given in regulation 25D(2)(b);

registered training organisation has the meaning given in the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 (Commonwealth) section 3;

returning officer, in relation to an election, means the person appointed under regulation 26 to be the returning officer for the purposes of conducting the election;

scheduled drug means a Schedule 4 poison or a Schedule 8 poison as those terms are defined in the Medicines and Poisons Act 2014 section 3;

stock has the meaning given in the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 section 6;

supply, in relation to a scheduled drug or a poison, has the meaning given in the Medicines and Poisons Act 2014 section 8;

veterinary nurse student means a person who is a student undertaking a course in veterinary nursing provided by a registered training organisation;

veterinary student means a person who is a student undertaking —

(a) a course in veterinary medicine at an Australian university; or

(b) a course approved by the Board under regulation 20A(1).

[Regulation 3 amended: SL 2025/92 r. 4.]

3A. Personal supervision

A person (a supervised person) carries out an act of veterinary medicine under personal supervision if —

(a) before the supervised person carries out the act, a veterinarian instructs the supervised person in relation to the act; and

(b) the veterinarian directs the supervised person to carry out the act; and

(c) while the supervised person carries out the act, the veterinarian —

(i) is present; and

(ii) oversees and evaluates the carrying out of the act; and

(iii) if required, provides further instruction, guidance or assistance to the supervised person in relation to the act;

and

(d) the supervised person carries out the act in accordance with the veterinarian’s instructions and guidance.

[Regulation 3A inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 5.]

3B. Direct supervision

(1) A person (a supervised person) carries out an act of veterinary medicine under direct supervision if —

(a) before the supervised person carries out the act, a veterinarian instructs the supervised person in relation to the act; and

(b) the veterinarian directs the supervised person to carry out the act; and

(c) while the supervised person carries out the act, the veterinarian —

(i) remains on the premises where the act is carried out; and

(ii) provides appropriate oversight and evaluation of the carrying out of the act; and

(iii) if required, provides further instruction, guidance or assistance to the supervised person in relation to the act;

and

(d) the supervised person carries out the act in accordance with the veterinarian’s instructions and guidance.

(2) A requirement to carry out an act of veterinary medicine under direct supervision is satisfied if the act is carried out under personal supervision.

[Regulation 3B inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 5.]

3C. General supervision

(1) A person (a supervised person) carries out an act of veterinary medicine under general supervision if —

(a) before the supervised person carries out the act, a veterinarian instructs the supervised person in relation to the act; and

(b) the veterinarian directs the supervised person to carry out the act; and

(c) while the supervised person carries out the act, the veterinarian —

(i) is present in the State and is available to be consulted in relation to the carrying out of the act; and

(ii) if consulted, provides any further instruction or guidance to the supervised person that is required in relation to the act;

and

(d) the supervised person carries out the act in accordance with the veterinarian’s instructions and guidance.

(2) A requirement to carry out an act of veterinary medicine under general supervision is satisfied if the act is carried out under —

(a) personal supervision; or

(b) direct supervision.

[Regulation 3C inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 5.]

4. Acts of veterinary medicine (Act s. 3)

(1) Subject to subregulation (2), for the purposes of paragraph (a)(v) of the definition of veterinary medicine in section 3 of the Act, each of the acts specified in Schedules 1, 4 and 6 is an act of veterinary medicine.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (b) of the definition of veterinary medicine in section 3 of the Act, each of the acts specified in Schedule 2 is not an act of veterinary medicine.

[Regulation 4 amended: SL 2025/92 r. 6.]

5. Specialties (Act s. 3)

For the purposes of the definition of specialty in section 3 of the Act, each branch of veterinary medicine specified in Schedule 3 is accredited as a specialty.

Part 2 — Veterinarians and veterinary nurses

Division 1 — General

[Heading inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 7.]

6. Duration of registration (Act s. 19)

For the purposes of section 19(a) of the Act, the prescribed period is the period beginning on the day on which the registration is granted or renewed and ending on 30 June immediately following that day.

Division 2 — Veterinarians

[Heading inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 8.]

6A. Prescribing, supplying or administering scheduled drugs

(1) A veterinarian must not prescribe, supply or administer a scheduled drug for or to an animal except as permitted under this Division.

(2) A veterinarian may prescribe, supply or administer a scheduled drug for or to an animal if the veterinarian physically examined the animal not more than 7 days before the day on which the veterinarian prescribes, supplies or administers the drug.

(3) A veterinarian may prescribe, supply or administer a scheduled drug for or to an animal that is part of a group of animals kept at the same premises if —

(a) the veterinarian inspected the premises and assessed the general health of the group of animals kept there not more than 12 months before the day on which the veterinarian prescribes, supplies or administers the drug; or

(b) the veterinarian —

(i) physically examined 1 or more other animals in the group not more than 7 days before the day on which the veterinarian prescribes, supplies or administers the drug; and

(ii) has reasonable grounds to believe that an examination of the animal is not practicable; and

(iii) has reasonable grounds to believe that an examination of the animal is not necessary in order to establish that it is appropriate to prescribe, supply or administer the drug;

or

(c) the veterinarian —

(i) has reasonable knowledge of the premises and conditions under which the group of animals are currently kept; and

(ii) discussed the health of the group of animals with the person in charge of the group not more than 7 days before the day on which the veterinarian prescribes, supplies or administers the drug; and

(iii) has reasonable grounds to believe that an examination of the animal is not practicable; and

(iv) has reasonable grounds to believe that an examination of the animal is not necessary in order to establish that it is appropriate to prescribe, supply or administer the drug.

(4) A veterinarian may prescribe, supply or administer a scheduled drug for or to an animal if —

(a) the veterinarian, another veterinarian working in the same veterinary practice business or a veterinary specialist prescribed, supplied or administered the drug for or to the animal under subregulation (2) or (3) not more than 12 months before the day on which the veterinarian prescribes, supplies or administers the drug; and

(b) the veterinarian discussed the health of the animal with the person in charge of the animal not more than 7 days before the day on which the veterinarian prescribes, supplies or administers the drug; and

(c) the veterinarian has reasonable grounds to believe that an examination of the animal is not necessary in order to establish that it is appropriate to prescribe, supply or administer the drug.

(5) A veterinarian may prescribe, supply or administer a scheduled drug for or to an animal if —

(a) another veterinarian working in the same veterinary practice business or a veterinary specialist (the first veterinarian) prescribed, supplied or administered the drug for or to the animal under subregulation (2) or (3) not more than 12 months before the day on which the veterinarian prescribes, supplies or administers the drug; and

(b) when prescribing, supplying or administering the drug, the first veterinarian made a clinical record to the effect that further treatment of the animal with the drug would or might be indicated.

[Regulation 6A inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 8.]

6B. Restrictions on prescription, supply and administration of scheduled drugs

(1) A veterinarian must not prescribe or supply a scheduled drug for an animal unless the veterinarian is satisfied that the person in charge of the animal is competent, and has the equipment and facilities necessary, to handle, store, transport and administer the drug safely and effectively.

(2) A veterinarian prescribing, supplying or administering a scheduled drug for or to an animal under this Division must not prescribe, supply or administer more of the drug than is reasonably required to treat the animal.

[Regulation 6B inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 8.]

Division 3 — Veterinary nurses

[Heading inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 8.]

Subdivision 1 — General

[Heading inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 8.]

7. Acts of veterinary medicine veterinary nurses are authorised to carry out

A veterinary nurse is authorised to carry out an act of veterinary medicine specified in column 2 of Schedule 4 if —

(a) the veterinary nurse is of a class specified opposite the act in column 3 of Schedule 4; and

(b) the act is carried out under the level of supervision specified opposite that class of veterinary nurse in column 4 of Schedule 4.

[Regulation 7 inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 8.]

Subdivision 2 — Recognition of advanced veterinary nurses

[Heading inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 8.]

7A. Application for recognition

(1) A veterinary nurse, or an applicant for registration as a veterinary nurse, may apply to the Board for recognition as an advanced veterinary nurse.

(2) The application must —

(a) be made in writing in the form approved by the Board; and

(b) be accompanied by evidence that the applicant is suitable under regulation 7C(1) for recognition; and

(c) be accompanied by the application fee specified in Schedule 7 item 11.

[Regulation 7A inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 8.]

7B. Board’s powers in relation to application

(1) The Board may, by written notice given to an applicant under regulation 7A(1), require the applicant to do 1 or more of the following —

(a) give the Board, within a period specified in the notice, any further information relevant to the application that the Board requires;

(b) verify by statutory declaration any information given to the Board;

(c) give the Board, within a period specified in the notice, the applicant’s written consent to seek, from another person or body specified by the Board, information relevant to the application;

(d) attend before the Board, at a place and time specified in the notice, for the purpose of satisfying the Board as to any matter relevant to the application.

(2) A notice under subregulation (1) must state that the Board may refuse to recognise the applicant as an advanced veterinary nurse if the applicant does not comply with a requirement stated in the notice.

[Regulation 7B inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 8.]

7C. Grant or refusal of recognition

(1) The Board, on an application under regulation 7A(1), may recognise an applicant as an advanced veterinary nurse if the Board is satisfied that the applicant has sufficient qualifications or experience to carry out the functions of an advanced veterinary nurse under these regulations.

(2) The Board may refuse to recognise an applicant as an advanced veterinary nurse if the applicant does not comply with a requirement under regulation 7B(1).

(3) Subregulation (2) does not limit the grounds on which the Board can refuse to recognise an applicant as an advanced veterinary nurse.

(4) The Board must give the applicant written notice of its decision as soon as practicable after making the decision.

(5) If the decision is to refuse to recognise the applicant as an advanced veterinary nurse, the notice must contain the reasons for the decision.

(6) If the Board refuses an application under regulation 7A(1), the Board must refund the application fee that accompanied it.

[Regulation 7C inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 8.]

7D. Duration of recognition

Recognition of a veterinary nurse as an advanced veterinary nurse under this Subdivision —

(a) comes into effect on the day on which the recognition is granted; and

(b) subject to regulation 7E, has effect while the veterinary nurse’s registration as a veterinary nurse has effect.

Note for this regulation:

See section 30(3) of the Act for the effect if a veterinary nurse’s registration is suspended.

[Regulation 7D inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 8.]

7E. Cancellation or suspension of recognition

(1) The Board may, if it considers there are reasonable grounds for doing so, cancel or suspend a veterinary nurse’s recognition as an advanced veterinary nurse under this Subdivision.

(2) The Board must cancel a person’s recognition under this Subdivision as soon as possible after the Board becomes aware that any information provided to the Board in, or in connection with, the person’s application for recognition was false or misleading in a material particular.

(3) The Board must cancel a person’s recognition under this Subdivision at the written request of the person.

(4) The Board must give a person written notice of a decision under this regulation to cancel or suspend the person’s recognition as soon as practicable after making the decision.

(5) A decision under this regulation to cancel or suspend a person’s recognition takes effect on the later of the following —

(a) the day on which notice of the decision is given to the person under subregulation (4);

(b) the day (if any) specified in the notice.

(6) The Board may, by written notice given to a person whose recognition under this Subdivision is suspended, revoke the suspension of the recognition if the Board is satisfied that the grounds for suspension of the recognition no longer exist.

(7) If a recognition under this Subdivision is suspended, the recognition is of no effect during the period of suspension.

[Regulation 7E inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 8.]

7F. Information to be recorded on register (Act s. 53(2)(g))

For the purposes of section 53(2)(g) of the Act, the following information must be recorded in the register —

(a) whether the person is an advanced veterinary nurse;

(b) if the person is an advanced veterinary nurse — the date of the commencement of the person’s recognition;

(c) if the person’s recognition as an advanced veterinary nurse is cancelled or suspended under regulation 7E — the date of cancellation or suspension.

[Regulation 7F inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 8.]

Part 3 — Veterinary premises

8. Duration of registration (Act s. 43)

For the purposes of section 43(a) of the Act, the prescribed period is the period beginning on the day on which the registration is granted or renewed and ending on 30 June immediately following that day.

9. Functions of veterinary supervisor

The functions of a veterinary supervisor for veterinary premises are as follows —

(a) to take reasonable steps to ensure that the management and control of the veterinary premises complies with the Act;

(b) to facilitate inspections of the veterinary premises under or for the purposes of the Act;

(c) to provide, or facilitate the provision of, information relating to the veterinary premises, or staff of the veterinary premises, requested by the Board under or for the purposes of the Act, including for the investigation of a complaint.

10. Veterinary supervisor unable to carry out functions for 4 weeks or more

If a veterinary supervisor for veterinary premises is unable to carry out the veterinary supervisor’s functions under regulation 9 for a continuous period of 4 weeks or more, the practice owner for the veterinary premises must appoint another veterinary supervisor for the veterinary premises.

Penalty: a fine of $2 000.

[Regulation 10 amended: SL 2025/92 r. 9.]

Part 4 — Authorised persons

Division 1 — Persons authorised by Board to carry out acts of veterinary medicine

11. Application for authorisation

(1) A person may apply to the Board for authorisation to carry out 1 or more of the acts of veterinary medicine specified in Schedule 6.

(2) The application must —

(a) be made in writing in the form approved by the Board; and

(b) specify each act of veterinary medicine that the person is applying for authorisation to carry out; and

[(ba) deleted]

(c) be accompanied by any evidence of the person’s skills, qualifications, experience or training that the Board may require; and

(d) be accompanied by the application fee specified in Schedule 7 item 14.

[Regulation 11 amended: SL 2025/92 r. 10; SL 2025/205 r. 4.]

12. Application for renewal of authorisation

(1) A person may apply to the Board for the renewal of an authorisation granted under this Division.

(2) The application must —

(a) be made in writing in the form approved by the Board; and

(b) be made before the day on which the authorisation to which it relates expires; and

(c) specify the authorisation to which it relates; and

(d) be accompanied by the application fee specified in Schedule 7 item 15.

[Regulation 12 amended: SL 2025/92 r. 11.]

13. Board’s powers in relation to application

(1) The Board may, by written notice given to an applicant under regulation 11(1) or 12(1), require the applicant to do 1 or more of the following —

(a) give the Board, within a period specified in the notice, any further information relevant to the application that the Board requires;

(b) verify by statutory declaration any information given to the Board;

(c) give the Board, within a period specified in the notice, the applicant’s written consent to seek, from another person or body specified by the Board, information relevant to the application;

(d) attend before the Board, at a place and time specified in the notice, for the purpose of satisfying the Board as to any matter relevant to the application.

(2) A notice under subregulation (1) must state that the Board may refuse to grant or renew authorisation under this Division if the applicant does not comply with a requirement stated in the notice.

[Regulation 13 amended: SL 2025/92 r. 12.]

14. Grant of authorisation

(1) The Board, on an application under regulation 11(1), may grant authorisation to carry out 1 or more of the acts of veterinary medicine specified in Schedule 6 if the Board is satisfied that the applicant is competent to carry out the relevant act or acts of veterinary medicine.

(1A) The Board may refuse to grant authorisation if the applicant does not comply with a requirement under regulation 13(1).

(1B) Subregulation (1A) does not limit the grounds on which the Board can refuse to grant authorisation.

(2) An authorisation under this Division must —

(a) be in writing; and

(b) specify each act of veterinary medicine the person is authorised to carry out under the authorisation; and

(ba) specify the nature and extent of the supervision to which the authorised person is to be subject when carrying out each act of veterinary medicine that is authorised; and

(c) specify the conditions (if any) to which the authorisation is subject under regulation 17(1).

[(3) deleted]

(4) If the Board refuses an application under regulation 11(1), the Board must refund the application fee that accompanied it.

[Regulation 14 amended: SL 2025/92 r. 13; SL 2025/205 r. 5.]

15. Renewal of authorisation

(1) The Board, on an application under regulation 12(1), may renew the applicant’s authorisation under this Division to carry out 1 or more acts of veterinary medicine if the Board is satisfied that the applicant —

(a) continues to be competent to carry out the relevant act or acts of veterinary medicine; and

(b) is complying with the conditions (if any) to which the authorisation is subject.

(1A) The Board may refuse to renew the applicant’s authorisation if the applicant does not comply with a requirement under regulation 13(1).

(1B) Subregulation (1A) does not limit the grounds on which the Board can refuse to renew an applicant’s authorisation.

(2) If a person applies under regulation 12(1), but the Board does not give the person notice of its decision on the application on or before the day on which the person’s authorisation expires, the person’s authorisation is taken to continue in force from that day until the day on which the Board gives the person notice of its decision.

(3) If the Board refuses an application under regulation 12(1), the Board must refund the application fee that accompanied it.

[Regulation 15 amended: SL 2025/92 r. 14.]

16. Duration of authorisation

An authorisation under this Division —

(a) comes into effect on the day on which it is granted or renewed; and

(b) subject to regulation 19, has effect for the period, not exceeding 12 months, specified in the authorisation.

17. Conditions generally

(1) An authorisation under this Division is subject to any condition that is imposed by the Board under subregulation (2).

(2) The Board may, if it considers there are reasonable grounds for doing so, impose conditions on a person’s authorisation under this Division —

(a) when granting or renewing the authorisation; or

(b) during the currency of the authorisation.

(3) Without limiting subregulation (2), an example of a condition that can be imposed on a person’s authorisation is a condition about the circumstances under which an act of veterinary medicine must be carried out.

(4) If the Board decides under subregulation (2) to impose a condition on a person’s authorisation during the currency of the authorisation, the Board must give written notice of the decision to the person.

(5) A decision under subregulation (2) to impose a condition on a person’s authorisation during the currency of the authorisation takes effect on the later of the following —

(a) the day on which notice of the decision is given to the person under subregulation (4);

(b) the day (if any) specified in the notice.

[Regulation 17 amended: SL 2025/92 r. 15.]

18. Modification or removal of conditions

(1) The Board may, if it considers there are reasonable grounds for doing so, modify or remove a condition imposed on a person’s authorisation under this Division.

(2) If the Board decides under subregulation (1) to modify or remove a condition on a person’s authorisation, the Board must give written notice of the decision to the person.

(3) A decision under subregulation (1) to modify or remove a condition on a person’s authorisation takes effect on the later of the following —

(a) the day on which notice of the decision is given to the person under subregulation (2);

(b) the day (if any) specified in the notice.

19. Cancellation or suspension of authorisation

(1) The Board may, if it considers there are reasonable grounds for doing so, cancel or suspend a person’s authorisation under this Division.

(2) The Board must cancel a person’s authorisation under this Division as soon as possible after the Board becomes aware that any information provided to the Board in, or in connection with, the person’s application for authorisation was false or misleading in a material particular.

(3) The Board must cancel a person’s authorisation under this Division at the written request of the person.

(4) The Board must give a person written notice of a decision under this regulation to cancel or suspend the person’s authorisation as soon as practicable after making the decision.

(5) A decision under this regulation to cancel or suspend a person’s authorisation takes effect on the later of the following —

(a) the day on which notice of the decision is given to the person under subregulation (4);

(b) the day (if any) specified in the notice.

(6) The Board may, by written notice given to a person whose authorisation under this Division is suspended, revoke the suspension of the authorisation if the Board is satisfied that the grounds for suspension of the authorisation no longer exist.

(7) If an authorisation under this Division is suspended, the authorisation is of no effect during the period of suspension.

20. List of authorised persons

(1) The Board must prepare and maintain a list of the persons who hold an authorisation under this Division.

(2) The list must, for each person, specify the conditions (if any) to which the person’s authorisation is subject under regulation 17(1).

(3) The Board must ensure that the list is available for inspection, free of charge, by members of the public —

(a) at the office of the Board or another place approved by the Board; or

(b) on a website maintained by the Board.

Division 2 — Classes of persons authorised to carry out certain acts of veterinary medicine

Subdivision 1 — Veterinary students

20A. Courses of study not at Australian universities

(1) The Board may approve a course for the purposes of paragraph (b) of the definition of veterinary student in regulation 3 if the course —

(a) is provided by a tertiary institution other than an Australian university; and

(b) leads to a veterinary qualification recognised by the Board for general registration.

(2) The Board must ensure that a list of courses approved under subregulation (1) is publicly available on a website maintained by the Board.

[Regulation 20A inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 16.]

21. Acts of veterinary medicine veterinary students are authorised to carry out

(1) Subject to subregulation (1A) and to regulation 22, a veterinary student is authorised to carry out an act of veterinary medicine in circumstances where —

(a) carrying out the act of veterinary medicine is required as part of the veterinary student’s course of study; and

(b) the act of veterinary medicine is carried out —

(i) in the case of an act of veterinary medicine specified in subregulation (2) — under approved direct supervision; or

(ii) in any other case — under approved personal supervision;

and

(c) any of the following persons has given permission for the act to be carried out by a veterinary student —

(i) an owner of the animal;

(ii) a person in charge of the animal, other than the supervising veterinarian;

(iii) if the animal is in the custody, care and control of the supervising veterinarian — a person who was a person in charge of the animal immediately before the veterinarian accepted custody, care and control of the animal;

and

(d) if permission is given subject to any condition, the condition is complied with.

[(e) deleted]

(1A) A veterinary student is not authorised to carry out the following acts of veterinary medicine —

(a) certification of the disease status, including freedom from disease, of an animal or animal product;

(b) certification of the pregnancy status of an animal;

(c) certification of the sterilisation status of an animal.

(2) For the purposes of subregulation (1)(b)(i), the acts of veterinary medicine are the following —

[(a), (b) deleted]

(c) administering, monitoring and managing intravenous fluid therapy and transfusions;

(d) providing to the owner of an animal that is under the care of a veterinarian —

(i) advice as to the treatment of the animal; and

(ii) information as to the clinical progress of the animal.

[(3) deleted]

[Regulation 21 amended: SL 2025/92 r. 17.]

22. Acts of veterinary medicine by overseas veterinary students

(1) This regulation applies to a veterinary student undertaking a course approved under regulation 20A that is provided by a tertiary institution other than an Australian institution (an overseas veterinary student).

(2) An overseas veterinary student is not authorised to carry out an act of veterinary medicine in the State unless the student has notified the Board, in the approved form, of —

(a) the student’s intention to carry out acts of veterinary medicine in the State; and

(b) the arrangements made to provide the approved personal supervision required by regulation 21(1)(b).

[Regulation 22 inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 18.]

Subdivision 2 — Veterinary nurse students

23. Acts of veterinary medicine veterinary nurse students are authorised to carry out

A veterinary nurse student is authorised to carry out an act of veterinary medicine specified in column 2 of Schedule 4 in relation to an animal if —

(a) carrying out the act of veterinary medicine is required as part of the veterinary nurse student’s course of study; and

(b) the class of veterinary nurse student is specified opposite the act of veterinary medicine in column 3 of Schedule 4; and

(c) the act of veterinary medicine is carried out under the level of supervision specified opposite the class of veterinary nurse student in column 4 of Schedule 4; and

(d) any of the following persons has given permission for the act to be carried out by a veterinary nurse student —

(i) an owner of the animal;

(ii) a person in charge of the animal, other than the supervising veterinarian;

(iii) if the animal is in the custody, care and control of the supervising veterinarian — a person who was a person in charge of the animal immediately before the veterinarian accepted custody, care and control of the animal;

and

(e) if permission is given subject to any condition, the condition is complied with.

[Regulation 23 inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 19.]

Subdivision 3 — Provisions relating to veterinary students and veterinary nurse students

[Heading inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 21.]

24. Approved supervision

(1) A veterinary student or veterinary nurse student carries out an act of veterinary medicine under approved direct supervision if the student carries out the act under the direct supervision of a veterinarian who —

(a) is approved under regulation 24A(1) to provide supervision to the student in relation to the act; or

(b) is working in a veterinary premises, the veterinary supervisor of which is approved under regulation 24A(1) to provide supervision to the student in relation to the act.

(2) A veterinary student or veterinary nurse student carries out an act of veterinary medicine under approved personal supervision if the student carries out the act under the personal supervision of a veterinarian who —

(a) is approved under regulation 24A(1) to provide supervision to the student in relation to the act; or

(b) is working in a veterinary premises, the veterinary supervisor of which is approved under regulation 24A(1) to provide supervision to the student in relation to the act.

[Regulation 24 inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 22.]

24A. Approval of veterinarians to provide supervision to students

(1) For the purposes of regulation 24, a registered training organisation, university or other tertiary institution may approve a veterinarian to provide supervision to a veterinary student or veterinary nurse student in relation to an act of veterinary medicine if —

(a) the student is enrolled in the organisation, university or institution; and

(b) the organisation, university or institution receives the veterinarian’s consent to providing supervision to the student; and

(c) the organisation, university or institution considers that the veterinarian is suitable to provide supervision to the student in relation to the act.

(2) The approval —

(a) must be in writing; and

(b) may be given generally or subject to any condition specified in the approval; and

(c) remains in force for the period (if any) specified in the approval or until it is revoked by the organisation, university or institution.

[Regulation 24A inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 22.]

24B. Records of approvals and consents must be kept

(1) A registered training organisation, university or other tertiary institution must keep a record of an approval given under regulation 24A(1) for not less than 7 years after the approval ceases to be in force.

Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $2 000.

(2) A registered training organisation, university or other tertiary institution must keep a record of a consent received under regulation 24A(1)(b) for not less than 7 years after the approval to which the consent relates ceases to be in force.

Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $2 000.

(3) A registered training organisation, university or other tertiary institution must make a record kept under subregulation (1) or (2) available for inspection on request by the Board.

Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $2 000.

[Regulation 24B inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 22.]

25. Board may request evidence relating to course of study

(1) This regulation applies if a person who is a veterinary student or a veterinary nurse student carries out an act of veterinary medicine.

(2) The Board may, by written notice given to the person, require the person to give to the Board, within the period specified in the notice, evidence that the person is required to carry out the act of veterinary medicine as a part of the person’s course of study.

(3) A person who fails to comply with a notice given to the person under subregulation (2) commits an offence.

Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $2 000.

[Regulation 25 amended: SL 2025/92 r. 23.]

Subdivision 4 — Cattle spaying technicians

[Heading inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 24.]

25A. Cattle spaying technician’s authorisation to carry out certain acts of veterinary medicine

(1) A cattle spaying technician is authorised to carry out the following acts of veterinary medicine —

(a) spaying of cattle using the Willis dropped‑ovary technique, if performed in the pastoral region;

(b) certification of the sterilisation status of a cow that the technician has spayed.

(2) However, a cattle spaying technician is not authorised to carry out an act under subregulation (1) if a prohibition order is in effect in relation to the technician.

[Regulation 25A inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 24.]

25B. Conditions of authorisation

A cattle spaying technician’s authorisation is subject to the following conditions —

(a) a condition that the technician must not do, or omit to do, anything in connection with an act of veterinary medicine referred to in regulation 25A in a manner, or to an extent, that falls short of the standard of competence, diligence and safety that a member of the public is entitled to expect of a reasonably competent cattle spaying technician;

(b) a condition that is imposed under a conditional authorisation order.

[Regulation 25B inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 24.]

25C. Investigation into suspected contravention

(1) This regulation applies if the Board has cause to believe that a cattle spaying technician may have contravened a condition referred to in regulation 25B.

(2) The Board may investigate and deal with the suspected contravention whether or not the technician is also the subject of proposed or current criminal or civil proceedings relating to the same subject matter as the suspected contravention.

(3) The Board must give notice of the investigation to the technician —

(a) setting out the nature of the suspected contravention; and

(b) inviting the technician to make, within a reasonable period specified in the notice, a submission to the Board in relation to the suspected contravention.

[Regulation 25C inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 24.]

25D. Orders following contravention

(1) This regulation applies if the Board is satisfied that —

(a) a cattle spaying technician has contravened a condition referred to in regulation 25B; and

(b) it is appropriate to make a conditional authorisation order or prohibition order in relation to the technician.

(2) The Board may make —

(a) an order (a conditional authorisation order) imposing 1 or more specified conditions on the technician’s authorisation; or

(b) an order (a prohibition order) prohibiting the technician from carrying out an act of veterinary medicine referred to in regulation 25A.

(3) Before making a conditional authorisation order or prohibition order, the Board must —

(a) invite the technician to make, within a reasonable period specified by the Board, a submission to the Board about the proposed order; and

(b) consider any submission that the technician makes.

(4) If the Board makes a conditional authorisation order or prohibition order, the Board may specify in the order —

(a) the period for which the order has effect; and

(b) requirements that the technician must comply with before the Board will revoke the order under regulation 25F.

(5) Without limiting subregulation (2)(a) or (4)(b), the following are examples of conditions or requirements that may be specified —

(a) a condition or requirement that the technician must complete a specified course of relevant education;

(b) a condition or requirement that the technician must work under specified supervision.

(6) If the Board decides to make, or decides not to make, a conditional authorisation order or prohibition order, the Board must, as soon as practicable after making the decision, give the technician a written notice setting out —

(a) the decision; and

(b) if the decision is to make an order —

(i) the reasons for the decision; and

(ii) the order.

(7) A conditional authorisation order or prohibition order —

(a) takes effect on the later of the following —

(i) the day on which the order is given to the technician under subregulation (6)(b)(ii);

(ii) the day (if any) specified in the order;

and

(b) continues until the earlier of the following —

(i) the last day of the period (if any) specified in the order;

(ii) the order is revoked under regulation 25F.

[Regulation 25D inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 24.]

25E. Application for variation or revocation of order

(1) A cattle spaying technician in relation to whom a conditional authorisation order or prohibition order is in effect may apply to the Board for the order to be varied or revoked under regulation 25F.

(2) The application must —

(a) be made in writing in the form approved by the Board; and

(b) if the Board has specified requirements in the order under regulation 25D(4)(b) — be accompanied by evidence that the technician has complied with those requirements.

[Regulation 25E inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 24.]

25F. Variation or revocation of order

(1) The Board, in relation to a prohibition order or conditional authorisation order —

(a) must vary the order if the Board is satisfied that it is appropriate to reduce the restrictions contained in the order; and

(b) must revoke the order if the Board is satisfied that —

(i) the order is no longer required; or

(ii) if the Board has specified requirements in the order under regulation 25D(4)(b) — the technician has complied with those requirements;

and

(c) may vary or revoke the order if the Board is satisfied that it is appropriate to do so.

(2) The Board may make a variation or revocation under subregulation (1) —

(a) on an application under regulation 25E; or

(b) on its own initiative.

(3) The Board must give written notice to a cattle spaying technician if the Board proposes to make a variation or revocation under subregulation (1) —

(a) on an application under regulation 25E that is not in accordance with the application; or

(b) on its own initiative.

(4) The notice under subregulation (3) must —

(a) set out the proposed variation or revocation; and

(b) invite the technician to make, within a reasonable period specified in the notice, a submission to the Board about the proposed variation or revocation.

(5) The Board must have regard to any submission made in accordance with the notice under subregulation (3) in deciding whether to make the proposed variation or revocation.

(6) The Board must, as soon as practicable after making a variation or revocation under subregulation (1), give the technician a written notice setting out —

(a) the variation or revocation; and

(b) the reasons for the variation or revocation, if —

(i) the variation or revocation is made on an application under regulation 25E, and is not in accordance with the application; or

(ii) the variation or revocation is made on the Board’s own initiative;

and

(c) in the case of a variation, the order as varied.

(7) A variation or revocation under subregulation (1) takes effect on the later of the following —

(a) the day on which notice is given to the technician under subregulation (6);

(b) the day (if any) specified in the notice.

[Regulation 25F inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 24.]

Part 4A — Veterinary practice businesses excluded from application of Act s. 60(1)

[Heading inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 25.]

25G. When veterinary practice businesses may be carried on at premises other than veterinary premises (Act s. 60(2))

For the purposes of section 60(2) of the Act, a veterinary practice business is excluded from the application of section 60(1) of the Act if the business, or the part of the business that is not carried on at or from veterinary premises —

(a) relates only to the operation of an abattoir approved under the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority Act 1976 section 17, and is carried on at or from the abattoir; or

(b) consists only of the provision of veterinary pathology services.

[Regulation 25G inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 25.]

Part 4B — Complaints and discipline

[Heading inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 25.]

Division 1 — General

[Heading inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 25.]

25H. Unprofessional conduct (Act s. 78)

(1) For the purposes of section 78(b) of the Act, the following are unprofessional conduct —

(a) conduct in connection with the practice of veterinary medicine that does, or is likely to do, any of the following —

(i) cause unnecessary harm to an animal;

(ii) adversely affect the health or safety of any person;

(iii) damage the international reputation of Australia in relation to animal exports, animal products, animal welfare or sporting events;

(b) improper or unethical conduct in connection with the practice of veterinary medicine;

(c) a failure by a veterinarian to adequately supervise a person carrying out an act of veterinary medicine if —

(i) the person is required under the Act to be supervised by a veterinarian when carrying out the act; and

(ii) the veterinarian consents to supervising the person in relation to the act;

(d) publishing an advertisement in connection with the practice of veterinary medicine that —

(i) is offensive; or

(ii) is likely to be prejudicial to, or diminish confidence in, the practice of veterinary medicine;

(e) conduct set out in subregulation (2);

(f) conduct set out in subregulation (3).

(2) For the purposes of subregulation (1)(e), a practitioner engages in unprofessional conduct if the practitioner —

(a) fails to prevent the publication of an advertisement in connection with a veterinary practice business that —

(i) is offensive; or

(ii) is likely to be prejudicial to, or diminish confidence in, the practice of veterinary medicine;

and

(b) is either —

(i) if the veterinary practice business has a practice owner who is a practitioner — the practice owner; or

(ii) otherwise — the veterinary supervisor for the veterinary premises at or from which the veterinary practice business is carried on.

(3) For the purposes of subregulation (1)(f), a practitioner engages in unprofessional conduct if —

(a) the practitioner accepts responsibility for the custody, care and control of an animal admitted to veterinary premises for the purpose of an act of veterinary medicine; and

(b) the practitioner does not ensure that a person in charge of the animal immediately before it is admitted is aware of, and consents to, the possibility that it may be left unattended or unmonitored for a period as a result of which it may suffer unnecessary harm; and

(c) while the animal is at the veterinary premises it is left unattended or unmonitored and suffers unnecessary harm as a result.

[Regulation 25H inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 25.]

25I. Professional misconduct (Act s. 79)

(1) For the purposes of section 79(c) of the Act, the following are professional misconduct —

(a) assaulting, resisting, obstructing, hindering, threatening or insulting the Board or a person referred to in section 160(1) of the Act, when the Board or the person is carrying out a function under the Act;

(b) signing or giving a certificate, notice, report or other similar document, in connection with the practice of veterinary medicine, that the practitioner knows is false or misleading in a material particular;

(c) publishing an advertisement in connection with the practice of veterinary medicine that the practitioner knows is false or misleading in a material particular;

(d) conduct set out in subregulation (3);

(e) failing to comply with a requirement under regulation 25K.

(2) Despite subregulation (1)(b), giving a document that the practitioner knows is false or misleading is not professional misconduct if —

(a) the document is given in compliance with a direction under section 94(1)(a)(ii) or 115(2)(a) of the Act and the practitioner indicates —

(i) that the document is false or misleading; and

(ii) to the extent the practitioner can, how the document is false or misleading;

or

(b) the document is given under section 196 of the Act.

(3) For the purposes of subregulation (1)(d), a practitioner engages in professional misconduct if the practitioner —

(a) fails to prevent the publication of an advertisement in connection with a veterinary practice business that the practitioner knows is false or misleading in a material particular; and

(b) is either —

(i) if the veterinary practice business has a practice owner who is a practitioner — the practice owner; or

(ii) otherwise — the veterinary supervisor for the veterinary premises at or from which the veterinary practice business is carried on.

[Regulation 25I inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 25.]

Division 2 — Continuing professional development

[Heading inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 25.]

25J. CPD activities

(1) In this Division —

CPD activity means an activity that —

(a) has significant intellectual or practical content; and

(b) deals primarily with matters relating to the practice of veterinary medicine; and

(c) extends the practitioner’s knowledge and skills in areas that are relevant to the practitioner’s practice needs or professional development; and

(d) is consistent with any applicable guidelines published under subregulation (2).

(2) The Board may from time to time publish guidelines on a website maintained by the Board concerning the nature, form and content of learning activities that it considers to be appropriate as CPD activities.

[Regulation 25J inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 25.]

25K. CPD requirements

(1) During each period for which a practitioner’s registration has effect under section 19 of the Act, the practitioner must complete at least —

(a) in the case of a veterinarian — 20 hours of CPD activities; and

(b) in the case of a veterinary nurse — 10 hours of CPD activities.

(2) A practitioner must —

(a) make a written record of each CPD activity the practitioner completes, including the following —

(i) the date of the activity;

(ii) the duration of the activity;

(iii) the nature of the activity and any name or title of the activity;

(iv) the field of veterinary practice to which the activity relates;

(v) details of the skills, knowledge or competencies enhanced by the activity;

(vi) a copy of any certificate or other document issued to the practitioner showing attendance at or completion of the activity;

and

(b) maintain each record for at least 3 years after completion of the CPD activity to which it relates; and

(c) if requested by the Board, give a copy of the record to the Board.

(3) The Board may vary the requirements set out in subregulation (1) or (2) in relation to a practitioner or a class of practitioners, or exempt a practitioner or a class of practitioners from the requirements set out in subregulation (1) or (2), by —

(a) publishing a notice setting out the variation or exemption, and the practitioner or class of practitioners affected, on a website maintained by the Board; or

(b) giving notice in writing, setting out the variation or exemption, to each practitioner affected.

[Regulation 25K inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 25.]

Part 5 — Election of Board members

26. Returning officers

The Board may appoint a person to be the returning officer for the purposes of conducting an election.

27. Returning officer to fix period for nominating candidates and election date

The returning officer must fix —

(a) the date of the commencement, and the date of the close, of the period for nominating candidates for an election; and

(b) the date on which an election is to be held (which must not be more than 3 months after the commencement of the period for nominating candidates for the election).

28. Nominations and voting may be conducted by post or electronic means

(1) The nomination of candidates for an election may be conducted by post or electronic means, or both, as the returning officer decides.

(2) Voting in an election may be conducted by postal ballot or electronic means, or both, as the returning officer decides.

(3) The returning officer may determine the manner and form in which a nomination may be made, and a vote may be cast, in an election.

29. Nominations

(1) The returning officer must give each eligible elector written notice calling for nominations of candidates for an election.

(2) The notice must specify —

(a) the manner and form in which a nomination may be made; and

(b) the date of the commencement, and the date of the close, of the period for nominating candidates for the election.

(3) An eligible elector may, in the manner and form specified in the notice and within the nomination period specified in the notice, nominate as a candidate in the election but cannot nominate another person as a candidate.

(4) The returning officer must reject a nomination if it is not —

(a) made in the manner and form specified in the notice; and

(b) received by the returning officer before the close of the period specified in the notice.

30. Candidate elected if only 1 candidate

If there is only 1 candidate in an election, the candidate is elected and the election need not be held.

31. Voting

(1) If there is more than 1 candidate in an election, the returning officer must give written notice to each eligible elector in accordance with subregulation (2).

(2) The notice must —

(a) contain the names of the candidates; and

(b) specify the manner and form in which a vote may be cast; and

(c) specify the election date for the election and the time on that day after which the returning officer must not accept votes; and

(d) if a vote may be cast by post, be accompanied by a ballot paper that —

(i) is in a form determined by the returning officer; and

(ii) contains the names of the candidates listed in the order determined by the returning officer.

(3) An eligible elector must not cast more than 1 vote in an election.

Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $2 000.

(4) The returning officer must reject a vote if it is not —

(a) cast in the manner and form specified in the notice; or

(b) received by the returning officer on or before the election date, and before the time on that day, specified in the notice.

32. Counting of votes

(1) As soon as practicable after voting in an election has finished, the returning officer must arrange for the votes to be counted and ascertain the result of the election.

(2) The candidate who receives the most votes is elected.

(3) If 2 or more candidates receive an equal number of votes and they are the only candidates, or the only non‑defeated candidates —

(a) the returning officer must draw lots to determine which of the candidates is elected; and

(b) the candidate who is successful on lots being drawn is elected.

Part 6 — Miscellaneous

32A. Clinical records

(1) A veterinarian must —

(a) make a clinical record in accordance with subregulation (4) if the veterinarian —

(i) carries out an act of veterinary medicine; or

(ii) supervises a veterinary student or veterinary nurse student who is carrying out an act of veterinary medicine;

and

(b) either —

(i) if the act is carried out as part of a veterinary practice business and the veterinarian is not a practice owner of the business — give the record to a practice owner of the business; or

(ii) otherwise — keep the record for the period of 7 years beginning on the day on which the record is made.

Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.

(2) A veterinary nurse must —

(a) make a clinical record in accordance with subregulation (4) if the veterinary nurse carries out an act of veterinary medicine; and

(b) either —

(i) if the act is carried out as part of a veterinary practice business and the veterinary nurse is not a practice owner of the business — give the record to a practice owner of the business; or

(ii) otherwise — keep the record for the period of 7 years beginning on the day on which the record is made.

Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.

(3) An authorised person, other than a veterinary student or a veterinary nurse student, must —

(a) make a clinical record in accordance with subregulation (4) if the person carries out an act of veterinary medicine; and

(b) either —

(i) if the act is carried out as part of a veterinary practice business and the authorised person is not a practice owner of the business — give the record to a practice owner of the business; or

(ii) otherwise — keep the record for the period of 7 years beginning on the day on which the record is made.

Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.

(4) The clinical record must —

(a) be made at the time, or as soon as practicable after, the person carries out the act of veterinary medicine; and

(b) be in writing and be legible; and

(c) contain the following details in relation to the act —

(i) the name and title of the person who carries out the act;

(ii) if the act is carried out under supervision — the name and title of the person providing the supervision;

(iii) the name and address of the person in charge of the animal;

(iv) the species, breed and sex of the animal;

(v) the age and weight of the animal, or, if not known, the estimated age and weight;

(vi) sufficient details to identify the animal, including any microchip number or other identifying particulars;

(vii) the relevant clinical history of, and any other relevant details about, the animal;

(viii) if the act is carried out under a treatment plan — details of the plan;

(ix) the day on which the act is carried out;

(x) the day on which the record is made;

and

(d) contain any other details relevant to the act, including the following, if applicable —

(i) the details and results of any examinations and procedures carried out on the animal;

(ii) the details and results of any imaging, or diagnostic or laboratory tests, carried out on the animal;

(iii) any provisional, differential or definitive diagnosis;

(iv) the name, dosage, route of administration, duration of treatment prescribed, quantity and strength of any poison prescribed, supplied or administered, and the name and title of the person who prescribed, supplied or administered the poison.

(5) A person who alters a clinical record must —

(a) clearly identify the alteration on the record; and

(b) state the person’s name and title, and the day on which the alteration is made, on the record.

Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.

(6) A practice owner to whom a clinical record is given under subregulation (1)(b)(i), (2)(b)(i) or (3)(b)(i) must ensure that the clinical record is kept for the period of 7 years beginning on the day on which the record is made.

Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.

(7) A person does not commit an offence under subregulation (1), (2), (3) or (6) if —

(a) another person complies with the requirements of the provision in relation to the act of veterinary medicine; or

(b) otherwise — the person has an honest and reasonable belief that another person has complied with the requirements of the provision in relation to the act of veterinary medicine.

[Regulation 32A inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 26.]

32B. Board may request copy of clinical record

(1) The Board may, by written notice, require a person keeping a clinical record under regulation 32A to give a copy of the record to the Board within the period specified in the notice.

(2) A notice under subregulation (1) must state that failure to comply with the notice may be an offence under subregulation (3).

(3) A person who fails to comply with a notice given to the person under subregulation (1) commits an offence unless the person has a reasonable excuse for failing to comply with the notice.

Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $10 000.

(4) For the purposes of subregulation (3), it is not a reasonable excuse for a person not to comply with a notice under subregulation (1) on the ground that to do so might incriminate the person or render the person liable to a penalty.

(5) However, the fact that a copy of a record was produced by a person in compliance with a notice given to the person under subregulation (1) is not admissible in evidence against the person in any proceedings other than —

(a) disciplinary proceedings taken by a regulatory authority under the Act or a corresponding law; or

(b) proceedings for an offence under regulation 33A.

[Regulation 32B inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 26.]

32C. Veterinarian may request copy of clinical record

(1) A veterinarian may, by written notice, request a person keeping a clinical record relating to an animal under regulation 32A to give a copy of the record to the veterinarian if —

(a) the veterinarian is carrying out an act of veterinary medicine in relation to the animal; and

(b) any of the following persons consents to the giving of the copy —

(i) an owner of the animal;

(ii) a person in charge of the animal, other than the veterinarian;

(iii) if the animal is in the custody, care and control of the veterinarian — a person who was a person in charge of the animal immediately before the veterinarian accepted custody, care and control of the animal.

(2) A notice under subregulation (1) must state that failure to comply with the notice may be an offence under subregulation (4).

(3) A person who, in response to a notice under subregulation (1), gives to the veterinarian a summary of the requested clinical record that includes all information in the record that is necessary to enable the requesting veterinarian to treat and care for the animal is taken to have complied with the request.

(4) A person who fails to comply with a request under subregulation (1) commits an offence unless the person has a reasonable excuse for failing to comply with the notice.

Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $5 000.

(5) For the purposes of subregulation (4), it is not a reasonable excuse for a person not to comply with a notice under subregulation (1) on the ground that to do so might incriminate the person or render the person liable to a penalty.

(6) However, the fact that a copy of a record or a summary of a record was produced by a person in compliance with a notice given to the person under subregulation (1) is not admissible in evidence against the person in any proceedings other than —

(a) disciplinary proceedings taken by a regulatory authority under the Act or a corresponding law; or

(b) proceedings for an offence under regulation 33A.

[Regulation 32C inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 26.]

33. Fees

(1) The fees specified in Schedule 7 are the fees payable in respect of the matters set out in that Schedule.

(2) The Board may, on a case by case basis, refund, reduce or waive, in whole or in part, a fee specified in Schedule 7 if the Board considers it appropriate to do so.

33A. False or misleading information

A person commits an offence if the person provides information to the Board under these regulations that the person knows is false or misleading in a material particular.

Penalty: a fine of $10 000.

[Regulation 33A inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 27.]

Part 7 — Transitional matters

34. Fees for renewal of registration for persons taken to hold registration under s. 203 or 207 of Act

(1) This regulation applies to a person who, on the day on which this regulation comes into operation, is taken under section 203 or 207 of the Act to hold registration.

(2) Despite regulation 33(1), the following fee is the fee payable in respect of an application by the person under section 6(1) of the Act for the renewal of registration for a period ending on 30 June 2023 —

(a) in the case of general registration as a WA veterinarian — a registration fee of $232.50;

(b) in the case of specialist registration as a WA veterinarian in a particular specialty — a registration fee of $45.50;

(c) in the case of honorary registration as a WA veterinarian — a registration fee of $28.50;

(d) in the case of registration as a veterinary nurse — a registration fee of $37.00.

(3) The Board may, on a case by case basis, refund, reduce or waive, in whole or in part, a fee specified in this regulation if the Board considers it appropriate to do so.

35. Board may refund fees paid under Veterinary Surgeons Regulations 1979 r. 34(c)

(1) This regulation applies to an application that, under section 209(3) of the Act, is taken to be an application for registration of premises under section 35(1) of the Act or renewal of registration of premises under section 36(1) of the Act.

(2) The Board may, on a case by case basis, refund in whole or in part, the fee paid in respect of the application under the Veterinary Surgeons Regulations 1979 regulation 34(c) if the Board considers it appropriate to do so.

36. Modification of s. 43 of Act in relation to certain premises

(1) Section 43 of the Act applies as if amended as set out in this regulation in a case where premises are taken, under section 206(1) of the Act, to be registered as veterinary premises.

(2) In section 43:

(a) delete “(other than interim registration) has effect for the shorter of the following —” and insert:

has effect for the period specified in the certificate of registration for the premises issued under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1960.

(b) delete paragraphs (a) and (b).

Schedule 1 — Acts that are acts of veterinary medicine

[r. 4(1)]

[Heading inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 28.]

[Schedule 1 inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 28.]

Schedule 2 — Acts that are not acts of veterinary medicine

[r. 4(2)]

[Heading inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 28.]

[Schedule 2 inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 28.]

Schedule 3 — Specialties

[r. 5]

[Heading inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 28.]

[Schedule 3 inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 28.]

Schedule 4 — Acts of veterinary medicine: veterinary nurses and veterinary nurse students

[r. 4(1), 7 and 23(1)]

[Heading inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 28.]

[Schedule 4 inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 28.]

[Schedule 5 deleted: SL 2025/92 r. 29.]

Schedule 6 — Acts of veterinary medicine: authorisations

[r. 4(1), 11(1) and 14(1)]

[Heading inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 30.]

[Schedule 6 inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 30; amended: SL 2025/205 r. 6.]

Schedule 7 — Fees

[r. 7A(2), 11(2), 12(2) and 33]

[Heading inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 31.]

[Schedule 7 inserted: SL 2025/92 r. 31.]

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Notes

This is a compilation of the Veterinary Practice Regulations 2022 and includes amendments made by other written laws. For provisions that have come into operation see the compilation table.

Compilation table

Defined terms

[This is a list of terms defined and the provisions where they are defined. The list is not part of the law.]

Defined term Provision(s)

advanced veterinary nurse 3

animal product 3

approved direct supervision 3, 24(1)

approved personal supervision 3, 24(2)

buffalo 2

castrate 3

cattle 3

cattle spaying technician 3

conditional authorisation order 3, 25D(2)

CPD activity 25J(1)

dehorn 3

direct supervision 3, 3B(1)

disbud 3

election 3

election date 3

eligible elector 3

first veterinarian 6A(5)

general supervision 3, 3C(1)

general veterinary nurse 3

mules 3

overseas veterinary student 22(1)

pastoral region 3

permanent identification device 3

personal supervision 3, 3A

person in charge 3

poison 3

practitioner 3

prescribe 3

prohibition order 3, 25D(2)

registered training organisation 3

returning officer 2

scheduled drug 3

specialty 5

stock 3

supervised person 3A, 3B(1), 3C(1)

supply 3

veterinary nurse student 3

veterinary student 3

© State of Western Australia 2025.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence (CC BY 4.0). To view relevant information and for a link to a copy of the licence, visit www.legislation.wa.gov.au.

Attribute work as: © State of Western Australia 2025.

By Authority: ROGER JACOBS, Acting Government Printer