Law No. LP121/2020 “On organization and exercise of the veterinary profession.”

This Law establishes and regulates the organizational conditions and forms of exercising the profession of veterinary medicine, as well as the establishment, organization and functioning of the College of Veterinary Medicine of the Republic of Moldova. The provisions of this Law do not apply to veterinarians appointed in a public position. The general principles regarding the exercise of the veterinary profession are: (a) the principle of legality – in the exercise of one’s professional activities the veterinarian must comply with the Constitution and other regulations issued by public authorities; (b) the principle of equality – in the exercise of professional activities veterinarians are equal in terms of the rights, obligations and guarantees provided for by this Law; (c) the principle of freedom – the exercise of professional the activities of a veterinarian cannot be limited; (d) the principle of autonomy – the veterinarian is autonomous in the choice and implementation of veterinary measures, establishment of tariffs for services provided; (e) the principle of maintaining professional secrecy – in the exercise of professional activity, a veterinarian is obliged to keep professional secrets that have relation to any aspect of its activities, except in cases specifically provided for by law; (f) the principle of “do no harm” – when carrying out his/her professional activities the veterinarian is obliged to prescribe treatment only if he/she is sure that the condition will improve the health of the animals and the prescribed treatment will not cause harm; and (g) the principle of prevention – when carrying out professional activities the veterinarian must take all measures to prevent the occurrence and spread of animal diseases. The activity of a veterinarian includes: (a) veterinary medicine regarding animal health and welfare; (b) safety of products of animal origin; (c) veterinary laboratory diagnosis; (d) supervision of animal feed sanitation; (e) identification, registration and traceability of animals; (f) prescribing, issuing, retailing, administering and applying veterinary drugs, rodenticides and disinfectants; (g) control of the harmlessness and impact on animals of veterinary medicines, cosmetic and hygienic products, disinfectants, accessories and other products intended for animals; and (i) fundamental and applied animal genetic research and activities. The profession of veterinarian can be exercised individually or through association. This Law contains VII Chapters divided into 50 Articles. Chapter I lays down general provisions. Chapter II regards veterinary profession. Chapter III regards College of veterinary doctors. Chapter IV regards continuous professional training. Chapter V regards income and expenses. Chapter VI establishes disciplinary responsibility of veterinary doctors. Chapter VII lays down final and transitional provisions.