AVMA Legislative Fly-in
Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 11:52AM 
Photo Credit: Scott Nolen, AVMA Senior News Reporter
The Annual AVMA Legislative Fly In is a unique opportunity for veterinary students to learn about the legislative process and how the organization lobbies on behalf of veterinarians. At the program, participants are grouped according to their state and meet with their Senators and Representatives to discuss pending legislation that could impact the veterinary profession. During this year’s program, we discussed the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA) and the Fairness to Pet Owners Act (FTPOA).
The HEA regulates student loans, sets interest rates, and provides post graduate repayment options for all graduate programs. In 2015, the average veterinary debt load for new graduates was over $140,000. We lobbied on behalf of the AVMA for the abolishment of loan origination fees, a decrease in overall interest rates, and the ability to refinance whenever a lower rate is available (similar to home mortgages). The AVMA hopes that if these changes are made during the reauthorization process it would alleviate some of the financial burden of student debt.
The FTPOA, if passed, would impose a federal mandate requiring veterinarians to write prescriptions for companion animals, whether a client requests one or not. This would frequently result in an owner handing the same prescription back to the prescribing veterinarian to have it filled. The AVMA opposes this act because it has long supported a client’s right to request a written prescription and notes that this would cause an undue administrative burden on veterinary staff.
The Fly In was a wonderful experience that allowed us to learn about the political process and the importance of being active within our professional organization. We encourage students to apply for this program in the future and stay involved by following the AVMA’s Congressional Advocacy Network.
AVMA-CAN Government Action Center http://avmacan.avma.org
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/avmacan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avmacan
We would like to thank the AVMA, RUSVM SCAVMA, and the Dean’s Hills Scholarship for funding ourexperience. If anyone has questions or would like to learn more about the pending legislation, pleasefeel free to reach out to us.
Jenny Askin & Adam Sebag
jenniferaskin@students.rossu.edu
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine - Class of 2018
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