LAW OF UKRAINE On Professional Activity of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Self-governing Body

LAW OF UKRAINE

On Professional Activity of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Self-governing Body

This Law defines the legal and organizational principles of the Self-governing Body.

CHAPTER I. General Provisions

Article 1. Definition of Basic Terms

Doctor of veterinary medicine is the natural person who has a full higher veterinary education (masters, specialists degrees), speaks the state language in accordance with the level determined by the Law of Ukraine “On Ensuring the Functioning of the Ukrainian Language as the State”, passed a qualification exam, received a license for practicing the professional activity. National Qualification and Disciplinary Commission Doctors of Veterinary Medicine is the collegial body that considers cases not resolved by the first instance (Regional Qualification and Disciplinary Commissions) and cases related to the management structures of the Regional Councils, the National Council. National Council is the highest elected structural unit of the National Self-governing Body, which manages the activities of the National Self-governing Body in the period between the Regional Congresses of doctors of veterinary medicine throughout Ukraine, whose members are responsible for making decisions on ensuring the health and well-being of animals, quality food products of animal origin, procedures of international certification and norms of the Land Code on the territory of Ukraine. The National Council unites all Regional Councils. National Сounsellor on Professional Responsibility – is the second instance that considers complaints about the activity or inaction of the doctor and violation of the right of the doctor of veterinary medicine related to his or her professional activity and evaluation of ethical behaviour. It considers all cases of the authorities in the Regional Councils. Regional Qualification and Disciplinary Commission Doctors of Veterinary Medicine is a collegial body that considers cases submitted by the Regional Сounsellor. Regional Council is the highest elected structural unit of the Regional Self-governing Body, which manages the activities of the Regional Self-governing Body in the period between the Regional Congresses of doctors of veterinary medicine in one or several united regions. Regional Сounsellor on Professional Responsibility – reviews complaints about the activity or inaction of the doctor and violation of the right of the doctor of veterinary medicine related to his or her professional activity and evaluation of ethical behavior, and submits them for consideration to qualification and disciplinary commissions. Register of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine of the Self-governing Body is a register in which all doctors of veterinary medicine of the Self-governing Body who have a unique number and the right to carry out professional activities are entered. Self-governing Body is a legal entity under public law that organizes its activities on the principles of self-government. It is created for an indefinite period and cannot be reorganized, which is entrusted with the responsibilities of regulating the professional activity of doctors of veterinary medicine.

Article 2. Legal Basis of Activity of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine in Ukraine

1. The legal basis for the activity of doctors of veterinary medicine in Ukraine is the Constitution of Ukraine, this Law, Law of Ukraine “On Veterinary Medicine”, Law of Ukraine “On State Control over Compliance with the Legislation on Food Products, Feed, Animal By-products, Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare”, Law of Ukraine “On By-products of Animal Origin, not intended for Human Consumption”, other laws of Ukraine and normative legal acts issued in accordance with them.
2. If the international treaty of Ukraine, the binding consent of which has been given by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, establishes other norms than those stipulated by this Law, the norms of the international treaty of Ukraine should be applied.

Article 3. Principles and Basics of Professional Activity of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine

1. Professional activity of the doctor of veterinary medicine is carried out on the principles of democracy, independence, competence, incorruptibility, objectivity, collegiality, corporatism.
2. The doctor of veterinary medicine carries out professional activities throughout the territory of Ukraine and beyond, unless otherwise stipulated by an international treaty, the binding consent of which has been granted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, or by the legislation of a foreign state.
3. The doctor of veterinary medicine can carry out professional activities individually or in institutions of veterinary medicine.
4. The doctor of veterinary medicine from a foreign country carries out professional activities on the territory of Ukraine in accordance with this Law, unless otherwise provided by an international treaty, the binding consent of which has been granted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
5. In case that a person with the Ukrainian citizenship acquires the profession of the doctor of veterinary medicine outside of Ukraine, the diploma of such a person is the subject to verification in Ukraine in accordance with the procedure determined by the Self-governing Body functioning in accordance with this Law.
6. The task of the professional activity of the doctor of veterinary medicine is the protection of animal health, veterinary protection of public health and the environment, which includes: 1) research on the state of health of animals; 2) diagnosis, prevention and elimination of animal diseases; 3) treatment of animals and performing surgical manipulations; 4) issuance of conclusions, veterinary passports and veterinary certificates; 5) research on the state of health of animals for slaughter, meat and other products of animal origin; 6) implementation of activities related to veterinary supervision of animal trade and sanitary and veterinary conditions of places where animals are kept and products of animal origin are processed; 7) examination and evaluation of the veterinary quality of food and medicated feeds, conditions of their production and distribution; 8) the usage of veterinary medicines prescribed only by the doctor of veterinary medicine; 9) issuing prescriptions, including electronic prescriptions for medicinal products, with the exception of veterinary medicinal products, for animals’ usage; 10) compliance with and implementation of decisions of the Self-governing Body adopted within its competence; 11) providing the conditions for exercising the right to appeal by every doctor of veterinary medicine in accordance with the procedure established by law for the decisions of the Self-governing Body.
7. The doctor of veterinary medicine can perform professional activities only upon obtaining the permit from the independent Self-governing Body established in accordance with the requirements of this Law.
8. The doctor of veterinary medicine is obliged to carry out professional activities with special diligence, based on the principles of ethics and veterinary deontology.

Article 4. State Regulation of the Professional Activity of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

1. State regulation provides general requirements for higher veterinary education, controls and compliance monitoring with the legislation in the field of veterinary medicine.
2. State regulation should not lead to the intervention of the state and officials in the professional activity of the doctor of veterinary medicine.
3. State authorities are obliged to agree with the Self-governing Body on draft regulatory acts, protocols for the provision of veterinary care, veterinary education and other documents related to issues of organization and professional activity of doctors of veterinary medicine.
4. State authorities reimburse the services provided by the doctor of veterinary medicine for his or her needs.

CHAPTER II

Acquisition of the Right to Carry out the Professional Activity of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Article 5. The right to Carry out Professional Activities

1. The right to professional activity is obtained by the doctor of veterinary medicine through the Regional Council.
2. The Regional Council grants a license for an application from the doctor of veterinary medicine to engage in professional activities to a person who: 1) is a citizen of Ukraine or a citizen of another state; has: 2) a diploma of higher education of the doctor of veterinary medicine, issued by a Ukrainian higher educational institution, or a diploma or other document confirming the qualification of the doctor of veterinary medicine, which meets the minimum quality requirements established in the provisions of the European Union on the recognition of professional qualifications, issued by the competent authorities of the state, other than Ukraine. 3) a diploma of the doctor of veterinary medicine, issued by the competent authorities of another state, other than the EU member state, if this diploma confirms the qualification of the doctor of veterinary medicine that meets the minimum requirements for the quality of education established in the provisions of the European Union relating to the recognition of professional qualifications, and was recognized as an equivalent document in Ukraine; 4) is a capable person in accordance with legal requirements; 5) fit in terms of health to carry out professional activities; 6) demonstrates impeccable ethical behavior; 7) not deprived of civil rights according to a court decision; applies to foreign citizens: 8) the license issued by the competent authorities of the state and has the right to practice on the territory of this state as the doctor of veterinary medicine, who has not been suspended from professional activity or deprived of an activity license; 9) proceedings on deprivation or suspension of the right to engage in professional activity are not opened; 10) confirmation that he or she has spoken and written Ukrainian to the extent necessary for the professional activity of the doctor of veterinary medicine.

Article 6. The Procedure for Obtaining the License for the Professional Activity of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

1. To obtain a license for professional activity, a veterinarian applies to the Regional Council of the Self-governing Body operating in the region where the applicant intends to carry out professional activity, with a written application in the approved form and submits the following documents: 1) diploma of higher education, specialty “Veterinary Medicine”; 2) health certificate; 3) a certificate of no criminal record.
2. On the basis of the submitted documents specified in Part 1 of this article of the Law, the Regional Council of the Self-governing Body issues a license for the professional activity of the doctor of veterinary medicine.

CHAPTER III

Tasks and Principles of Activity of the Self-governing Body

Article 7. Structure of the Self-governing Body.

1. The Self-governing Body is a democratic independent Self-governing Body of doctors of veterinary medicine.
2. The Self-governing Body is independent in the performance of its tasks and shall be subject to the provisions of this Law and other legislation of Ukraine.
3. The organizational units of the Self-governing Body with legal rights are the National and Regional self-governing bodies.
4. The location of the Self-governing Body is the city of Lviv.
5. Regional self-governing bodies operate in each or several united regions. The territory of regional self-governing bodies and their residences are determined by the National Self-governing Body, taking into account the territorial structure of Ukraine.

Article 8. Powers of the National Self-governing Body.

1. The national Self-governing Body adopts decisions that are mandatory for doctors of veterinary medicine to perform their professional activities throughout the territory of Ukraine.
2. Resolutions of the National Self-governing Body are adopted by a simple majority of votes, with the presence of at least half of the body’s members.
3. The national Self-governing Body and the state veterinary service closely cooperate and are responsible for solving tasks, procedures, notification systems, documentation, etc.
4. The national Self-governing Body has the right to use a seal.

Article 9. Tasks of the National Self-governing Body

1. Carrying out guardianship, supervision and control over the proper and conscientious implementation of professional activities.
2. Establishing and ensuring compliance with the rules of ethics and veterinary deontology regarding professional activity and its prestige.
3. Representation and protection of the profession of the doctor of veterinary medicine.
4. Integration of the veterinary environment.
5. Making professional decisions regarding the state of animal health, veterinary protection of public health and the environment, state policy in this matter.
6. Cooperation with scientific societies, universities and research units inside the country and abroad.
7. Organization of activities of the mutual aid center and other forms of material assistance to veterinarians and their families.
8. Management of assets and economic activities of the National and Regional self-governing bodies.
9. Performance of other tasks defined by separate legal acts.
10. The tasks specified in Article 9, paragraph 1, are performed by the Self-governing Body by: 1) granting, deprivation, suspension and certification of the loss of the right to professional activity; 2) maintaining the register of members of the Self-governing Body; 3) maintaining the registration of veterinary medicine institutions; 4) conducting negotiations on working conditions and wages; 5) execution of legal actions regarding the making a decision on the incapacity of the doctor of veterinary medicine; 6) cooperation in matters of professional specialization; 7) provision of opinions on draft laws and other legal acts related to animal health protection, veterinary protection of public health, environmental protection and the implementation of the professional activity of the doctor of veterinary medicine or an application for their issuance; 8) maintaining and providing conclusions on issues related to the educational training of doctors of veterinary medicine and support staff; 9) organization of research on public health protection and implementation of professional activities; 10) activities of the qualification and disciplinary commission in the field of professional responsibility of the doctor of veterinary medicine and arbitration proceedings; 11) activities to protect individual and collective interests of members of the Self-governing Body; 12) cooperation with state authorities and local self-government bodies, professional self-government bodies, trade unions and public organizations in matters of prevention and veterinary treatment, improvement of sanitary conditions for keeping animals; 13) control of food products of animal origin, fight against infectious and parasitic diseases of animals, zoonoses; 14) dissemination and promotion of modern scientific achievements in veterinary science among doctors of veterinary medicine and assistance in improving professional qualifications; 15) participation in competitive commissions for management positions and support for candidates for other positions that require the qualification of the doctor of veterinary medicine.

Article 10. Terms of Authority of the Self-governing Body

1. The term of office of Self-governing Body structures is four years until new elections.
2. The same function in the structures of the Self-governing Body may be performed for no longer than two terms in a row.
3. Elections to the structures of the Self-governing Body are held by secret ballot with an unlimited number of candidates.
4. A valid right to vote gives the right to vote to all members of the Self-governing Body, with the exception of doctors of veterinary medicine suspended from professional activity.
5. Doctors of veterinary medicine who have been practicing continuously for at least seven years and have not been brought to administrative and criminal liability may be members of qualification and disciplinary commissions.

Article 11. Termination of the Term of Members of the Self-governing Body Office

1. The term of office of a member of a Self-governing Body expires as a result of: 1) death; 2) refusal of the mandate; 3) removal from the register of members of the Self-governing Body; 4) dismissal by the body that made the choice; 5) loss of the Ukrainian citizenship; 6) punishment according to the final decision of the qualification and disciplinary commission; 7) deprivation of civil rights or prohibition of professional activity.

CHAPTER IV

Rights and Obligations of Members of the Self-governing Body

Article 12. Rights of Members of the Self-governing Body

1. The doctor of veterinary medicine, who has the right to carry out professional activity, must register with the Regional Self-governing Body before starting the activity.
2. The doctor of veterinary medicine provides the Regional Council with the data to be entered in the register specified in Paragraph 1 of Article 6 of this Law, and reports any changes to the data within 30 days from the date of the change.
3. The registered doctor of veterinary medicine should meet the following requirements: 1) has the right to carry out professional activities; 2) intend to work under the jurisdiction of the Regional Self-governing Body;
4. The doctor of veterinary medicine who meets the requirements set in Part 3 of this Article of this Law, but who does not practice, may be entered in the Register of members of the Self-governing Body.
5. When carrying out professional activities on the territory of two or more Regional Councils, the doctor of veterinary medicine chooses at his or her own discretion which Council to register with. If the veterinarian is the head of the veterinary medicine institution, he or she is registered with the Council in which territory he or she is the head of this institution.
6. Members of the Self-governing Body have the right to: 1) elect and be elected to the governing structures of the Self-governing Body; 2) receive assistance from the Self-governing Body in improving professional qualifications and ensuring appropriate conditions for carrying out professional activities; 3) protection and legal assistance; 4) use the services of Self-governing Body funds and mutual aid in various forms.

Article 13. The Right to Remove the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Register of the Self-governing Body

1. The Regional Council removes a veterinary medicine doctor from the register of the Self-governing Body in the following cases: 1) loss of the right to engage in professional activity in the cases specified in Article 11 of this Law; 2) deprivation of the right to carry out professional activity by decision of the court of Ukraine or the qualification and disciplinary commission of doctors of veterinary medicine; 3) deprivation of the right to carry out professional activities in the cases provided for in clauses 6, 7 of Article 27 of this Law; 4) change of place of activity to another Regional Self-governing Body; 5) failure to pay the membership fee for a period exceeding 1 year; 6) death.

Article 14. Duties of Members of the Self-governing Body

1. Members of the Self-governing Body are obliged to: 1) comply with the provisions of this law and other normative acts related to the professional activity of the doctor of veterinary medicine, as well as normative legal acts of the country’s authorities and self-government; 2) adhere to the principles of ethics and veterinary deontology; 3) regularly pay membership fees.

Article 15. Performance of Certain Functions in the Self-governing Body

1. At the request of the Regional or National Council, the employer is obliged to dismiss the employee for the period associated with the performance of certain functions in the Council, or the performance of certain activities for the needs of the Self-governing Body.
2. The Self-governing Body determines the rules and procedure for reimbursement of travel expenses and other justified expenses incurred by members of the Self-governing Body in connection with the performance of activities for the needs of the Self-governing Body.
3. The employer can not terminate the employment contract with the doctor of veterinary medicine who works in the management structures of the Self-governing Body at the time of performing this activity without the consent of the Regional or National Councils.
4. National Council and Regional Councils provide information to interested doctors of veterinary medicine about Ukrainian veterinary legislation, decisions and resolutions of the Self-governing Body regulating the principles of ethics and veterinary deontology, the possibility of learning the Ukrainian language.

CHAPTER V

National Self-governing Body

Article 16. Management Structures of the National Self-governing Body

1. National Congress of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine.
2. National Council of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine.
3. National Audit Commission.
4. National Qualification and Disciplinary Commission.
5. National Сounsellor on Professional Responsibility.

Article 17. National Congress

1. The highest governing structure of the National Self-governing Body is the National Congress of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine.
2. Delegates elected by Regional Congresses of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and members of the bodies of the previous National Congress, who are not delegates, but have the right to an advisory vote, participate in the National Congress of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine.
3. The National Congress of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine is convened by the National Council of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine every four years.
4. The out of turn National Congress of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine is convened by the National Council of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine: 1) at the request of the National Audit Commission; 2) on one’s own initiative; 3) at the request of at least 1/5 of the Regional Councils of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine.
5. National Congress of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine: 1) adopts the rules of ethics and veterinary deontology; 2) adopts the program of activities of local self-government bodies; 3) reviews and approves the reports of the bodies of the National Council of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine; 4) adopts the regulation of the governing structures of the Self-governing Body; 5) determines the number of members of the governing structures of the Self-governing Body, deputies of the National Сounsellor on Professional Responsibility, and the number of members of the National Qualification and Disciplinary Commission; 6) elects the Chairman and members of the National Council of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine, the National Audit Commission, the National Qualification and Disciplinary Commission, the National Сounsellor on Professional Responsibility and his or her deputies; 7) determines the amount of financing of the National Council through the Regional Councils.

Article 18. Structure and Activity of the National Council of the Self-governing Body

1. National Council of the Self-governing Body of doctors of veterinary medicine includes: 1) Chairman of the National Council of the Self-governing Body; 2) Members elected by the National Congress of the Self-governing Body; 3) Heads of the Regional Councils of the Self-governing Body.
2. The National Council of the Self-governing Body of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine elects the Presidium from among its members.
3. The National Council of the Self-governing Body of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine manages the activities of self-governing bodies in the period between the National Congresses of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine.
4. The National Council determines the method and procedure of conducting the exam, the amount of payment for conducting this exam.
5. The National Council of the Self-governing Body provides the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine with annual information on self-government activities.
6. The Minister of Education and Science, after agreement with the National Council of the Self-governing Body, determines by regulation the degree of knowledge of the Ukrainian language (spoken and written) necessary for the professional activity of the doctor of veterinary medicine.
7. The head of the National Audit Commission, the head of the National Qualification and Disciplinary Commission and the National Сounsellor on Professional Responsibility have the right to participate in the meetings of the National Council and its Presidium.

Article 19. National Audit Commission

National Audit Commission: 1) controls the financial and economic activities of the National Self-governing Body; 2) implementation of resolutions of the National Congress; 3) supervises the activities of the Regional Audit Commissions; 4) submits a proposal for approval of the report of the National Council of the Self-governing Body.

Article 20. National Qualification and Disciplinary Commission

1. Develops a strategy for the professional activity of the doctor of veterinary medicine, compliance with the requirements of the Code of Ethics and professional deontology.
2. Considers issues related to the professional responsibility of the doctor of veterinary medicine.
3. Informs the National Council of the Self-governing Body about the state of affairs.
4. The Qualification and Disciplinary Commission consists of doctors of veterinary medicine who have not been brought to criminal and disciplinary professional responsibility and have at least 7 years of work experience.

Article 21. National Сounsellor on Professional Responsibility

1. Conducts proceedings on issues of professional responsibility.
2. Supervises the activities of the Regional Сounsellors on Professional Responsibility.
3. Submits periodic information on the state of affairs to the National Council.

CHAPTER VI Regional Self-governing Body Article 22. Management structures of the Regional Self-governing Body

1. The Regional Self-governing Body consists of doctors of veterinary medicine entered in the register of its members.
2. The governing structures of the Regional Self-governing Body are: 1) Regional Congress of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine. 2) Regional Council of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine. 3) Regional Audit Commission of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine. 4) Regional Qualification and Disciplinary Commission. 5) Сounsellor on Professional Responsibility.

Article 23. Regional Congress of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine

1. The highest authority of the Regional Self-governing Body is the Regional Congress of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine.
2. The Congress of the Regional Self-governing Body takes place every year, and the reporting and election session – every four years, on the dates determined by the Regional Council.
3. The out of turn Regional Congress is convened by the Regional Council: 1) on one’s own initiative; 2) at the request of the National Council; 3) at the request of the Regional Audit Commission; 4) at the request of at least 1/5 of the members of the Regional Self-governing Body.
4. The out of term Regional Congress shall be convened within one month from the date of receipt of the demand for its convening.
5. The out of term Regional Congress discusses the issues for which it was called.
6. Powers of the Regional Congress: 1) makes decisions on issues that belong to the sphere of activity of the Self-governing Body; 2) determines the principles of financial management and adoption of the budget of the Self-governing Body; 3) reviews and approves the reports of the Regional Council, the Regional Audit Commission, the Regional Qualification and Disciplinary Commission and the Сounsellor on Professional Responsibility; 4) determines the organization of the management structures of the Self-governing Body and the order of their work; 5) determines the number of members of the governing structures of the Self-governing Body and Сounsellor’s deputies; 6) elects the President and members of the Regional Council, members of the Regional Audit Commission, members of the Regional Qualification and Disciplinary Commission and the Regional Сounsellor on Professional Responsibility, his or her deputies; 7) elects delegates to the National Congress; 8) determines the amount of the membership fee.

Article 24. Regional Council of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine

1. The Regional Council elects the Presidium from among its members.
2. The Presidium consists of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and members elected by the Regional Council.
3. The Presidium of the Regional Council acts on behalf of the Council on issues determined in its decision.
4. The Regional Council supervises the activities of the Self-governing Body in the period between the Regional Congresses of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine.
5. The Regional Council and Presidium meetings are attended by: 1) Chairman of the Regional Audit Commission; 2) Chairman of the Regional Qualification and Disciplinary Commission; 3) Regional Сounsellor on Professional Responsibility.

Article 25. Procedure for decision-making by the Regional Council

1. The Regional Council of the Self-governing Body have make a decision to grant a license to practice the professional activity of a veterinarian or refuse to grant a license no later than 2 months from the date of submission of the application together with all the documents or information specified in the Law.
2. The Regional Council of the Self-governing Body confirms the receipt of a written application of the prescribed format within 10 days from the date of its receipt, and in case of detection of formal deficiencies, they are required to be filled in within the specified period.
3. If the Regional Council of the Self-governing Body has information about disciplinary or criminal proceedings that are being considered or finally completed, or any other circumstances that may affect the professional activity of the doctor of veterinary medicine, report them to the competent authority of another state of which the veterinarian is a citizen, or from which it originates, and, if appropriate, to request verification of that information and to take any action after that information has been reported.
4. Proceedings in the cases specified in Paragraph 3 of this Article of the Law are confidential and are carried out in accordance with the principles set in the regulations on personal data protection.
5. In case of justified doubts regarding the authenticity of the diploma or documents issued by the competent authorities of the EU member states and other states, the Regional Council of the Self-governing Body asks these authorities to confirm the authenticity of the diploma or other documents confirming the qualification for the professional activity of the doctor of veterinary medicine, and also to confirm that the doctor of veterinary medicine who intends to carry out professional activities on the territory of Ukraine has received a qualification to carry out such a profession, which meets the minimum training requirements defined in the normative acts of Ukraine regarding the recognition of professional qualifications.
6. In case of justified doubts, the Regional Council of the Self-governing Body may apply to the competent authorities of the EU member states and another state for confirmation that a veterinarian who intends to practice this profession on the territory of Ukraine is not subject to suspension or prohibition of the right to practice this profession.

Article 26. Powers of the Regional Council

1. The Regional Council of the Self-governing Body may grant the doctor of veterinary medicine, who is not a citizen of the EU member state, a permit for the professional activity of the doctor of veterinary medicine for an indefinite period or for a certain period.
2. The right to engage in professional activities for a limited period, granted to the person specified in paragraph 1, for the purpose of completing postgraduate training or obtaining a scientific degree, covers only the period of study with the indication of the place of study.
3. The person specified in Paragraph 1 can obtain a license for the professional activity specified in Paragraphs 1 and 2 if he or she has completed a master’s degree in veterinary medicine in Ukrainian or if he or she has demonstrated the knowledge of the Ukrainian language necessary for the professional activity doctor of veterinary medicine, confirmed by an exam in the Ukrainian language.
4. The license for professional activity specified in Paragraph 1 and 2 is granted by the Regional Council of the Self-governing Body, in accordance with the intended place of professional activity.
5. Payment for the exam specified in Paragraph 3 is made by the applicant, and these receipts constitute the income of the Regional Council of the Self-governing Body.

Article 27. Competencies of the Regional Council

The Regional Council is the competent body for transferring to the competent body of another state, at its request, information:

1. About disciplinary proceedings or completed criminal proceedings and other circumstances that may affect the professional activity of the doctor of veterinary medicine, and to report any actions that were taken after the transfer of this information.
2. Certifies that the doctor of veterinary medicine has a diploma of higher professional education.
3. Documents certifying that the doctor of veterinary medicine: 1) has the right to carry out professional activity, and this right has not been suspended or this right has been deprived; 2) has not been punished by a veterinary court and is not the subject of proceedings for deprivation or suspension of the right to exercise professional activity; 3) other documents/certificates required by the competent authorities of other states, except Ukraine.
4. The Regional Council can oblige the doctor of veterinary medicine performing professional activities, due to the identified insufficient professional training in a specific field, to pass additional training or training to eliminate the identified deficiencies under fear or risk of losing the right to perform professional activities. This article applies to the doctor of veterinary medicine who has not been practicing professionally for more than five years.
5. The Regional Council establishes the program and rules of professional development to supplement knowledge in the field of veterinary medicine.
6. The Regional Council can deprive the right to carry out the professional activity of the doctor of veterinary medicine on a permanent basis or temporarily suspend for the period of incapacity of the doctor of veterinary medicine who is incapacitated due to the state of health, as determined by the decision of the medical commission.
7. Based on the results of the investigation, the Regional Council may suspend the right to carry out professional activities if it poses a threat to the health of people or animals, if the doctor of veterinary medicine specified in Paragraph 6 of this Article refuses to pass an examination by a medical commission.
8. Proceedings in the cases specified in Paragraphs 6 and 7 of this Article are confidential.
9. The Regional Council may revoke the right to exercise the professional activity of the doctor of veterinary medicine in the following cases: 1) the loss of the citizenship of Ukraine or the citizenship of another state by the doctor of veterinary medicine, if he or she did not receive the citizenship of another state at the same time; 2) total or partial incapacity of the doctor of veterinary medicine; 3) loss of civil rights by the doctor of veterinary medicine; 4) refusal of the doctor of veterinary medicine from the right to carry out professional activity; 5) failure to pay the membership fee for a period exceeding 1 year; 6) expiration of the time for which it was provided.

Article 28. Regional Revision Commission of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine

1. The Regional Audit Commission controls the financial and economic activities of the Regional Self-governing Body.

Article 29. Regional Qualification and Disciplinary Commission

1. Regional Qualification and Disciplinary Commission considers the issue of professional responsibility of doctors of veterinary medicine and conducts arbitration.

Article 30. Regional Сounsellor on Professional Responsibility

1. The Regional Сounsellor on Professional Responsibility conducts proceedings on the professional liability of doctors of veterinary medicine (first instance).

CHAPTER VII Professional Responsibility Article 31. General Conditions of Professional Responsibility

1. Members of the Self-governing Body are subject to professional responsibility in the Qualification and Disciplinary Commissions for behaviour that contradicts the principles of ethics and veterinary deontology, and for violating the provisions on the implementation of professional activities.
2. The procedure for prosecution, types of liability, sanctions, and the procedure for appealing decisions are regulated by the current legislation on administrative and criminal offenses, the norms of separate by-laws, and the provisions of the Self-governing Body.
3. Cases regarding professional responsibility for behaviour that contradicts the principles of ethics and veterinary deontology and for violation of provisions on the implementation of professional activity are considered by the Regional and National Qualification and Disciplinary Commissions of the Self-governing Body.
4. Regional Qualification and Disciplinary Commissions are qualification and disciplinary commissions of the first instance. That is, cases are initially considered by the Regional Qualification and Disciplinary Commission. If they do not satisfy the interests of the defendant and the plaintiff, the case is referred to the second instance – the National Qualification and Disciplinary Commission.

Article 32. Proceedings in the Case of Professional Responsibility

1. Proceedings in the case of professional responsibility for the same act are incomplete, regardless of criminal or disciplinary proceedings opened in an institution in which such proceedings are provided for by special provisions.
2. The qualification and disciplinary commission may suspend the case until the end of criminal or disciplinary proceedings.

Article 33. Bringing to Professional Responsibility

1. Members of Qualification and Disciplinary Commissions are independent in making decisions, subject only to laws, rules of ethics, veterinary deontology.
2. The case of bringing to professional responsibility cannot be initiated if three years have passed since the act was committed.
3. If the act contains signs of a crime, the limitation of professional responsibility does not come until it is proven in the court.
4. The statute of limitations is interrupted by any activity of the Сounsellor on Professional Responsibility.
5. Responsibility for the commission of the crime is terminated, in accordance with the current regulations, if five years have passed since its commission.
6. National Council of the Self-governing Body maintains a register of doctors of veterinary medicine who have been prosecuted in accordance with this Law.
7. Removal from the register of a convicted doctor of the veterinary medicine is carried out in the case of: 1) three years have passed since the day the judgment on punishment in the form of a warning or reprimand entered into force; 2) five years have passed since the termination of the right to exercise professional activity; 3) fifteen years have passed since the date of entry into legal force of the judgment on punishment in the form of deprivation of the right to engage in professional activity. And if the doctor of veterinary medicine will not be punished during this time or a case of bringing him or her to professional responsibility has not been initiated against him or her.

Article 34. Resolution of Disputes

1. The Regional Qualification and Disciplinary Commission, with the written consent of the parties, may consider as an arbitration court, disputes between doctors of veterinary medicine, between the doctor of veterinary medicine and other personnel of the veterinary institution, between the doctor of veterinary medicine and other people or institutions, if these disputes relate to the implementation of professional activities of the doctor of veterinary medicine.
2. Peaceful resolution of disputes – mediation, can be applied to judicial settlement of disputes.
3. In the cases specified in Paragraphs 1 and 2, the Qualification and Disciplinary Commission should apply the provisions of the current legislation.
4. The Self-governing Body organizes, at the request of a member of the Self-governing Body, defense during the consideration of the court case.
5. During the consideration of cases in Qualification and Disciplinary Commissions, the management structures of the Self-governing Body adhere to medical confidentiality.
6. Civil responsibility insurance of the doctor of veterinary medicine is mandatory. The minimum amount of the insurance premium is established by the Self-governing Body.

CHAPTER VIII Final and Transitional Provisions

1. This Law will enter into force on the day of its official publication and will enter into force 2 weeks after the day of its official publication, with the exception of the norms regulating the professional self-governance of doctors of veterinary medicine of Ukraine and its powers, which will enter into force after the state registration of the Self-governing Body.
2. Self-governing Body is created by holding a Constituent Congress.
3. Responsibilities related to the organization and holding of the Constituent Congress are put to the Organizational Council.
4. No later than 14 days from the date of entry into force of this Law, the National and Regional Organizational Committees of the Self-governing Body will be established. Constituent Regional Congresses are held no later than 30 days later.
5. Doctors of veterinary medicine, who carry out professional activities in the definite region, take part in the Constituent Regional Congress.
6. The effect of this Law is valid in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Doctors of veterinary medicine from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine are automatically included in the Self-governing Body. The membership of these persons is approved at the first Constituent Congress of the Self-governing Body through open voting.
7. Constituent Regional Congresses are considered valid if at least 10% of the region’s doctors of veterinary medicine took part in them. Constituent Regional Congresses elect delegates to the Constituent National Congress according to the principle of 1 delegate from every one hundred veterinarians of the region.
8. The organizing committees notify the participants of the Regional Constituent Congress by mail and/or e-mail, publish announcements about the holding of the Regional Constituent Congress on the official websites of the state authorities.
9. Registration of the Self-governing Body is carried out in accordance with the Law of Ukraine “On State Registration of Legal Entities and Individual Entrepreneurs”.
10. Until the legislation is brought into line with the Law of Ukraine “On Professional Activities of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine”, laws and other normative legal acts in the field of veterinary medicine will be applied to the extent that they do not contradict this Law.
11. Doctors of veterinary medicine who, on the date of entry into force of this Law, were authorized to carry out professional activities on the basis of previously valid normative acts, are automatically included in the register of members of the Regional Self-governing Body, on the territory where they carry out their professional activities.

Processed by: Zbigniew Wroblewski, Andrii Klietsov, Alla Vinyarska, Nataliiа Klietsova,