SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — The California Veterinary Medical Board has issued a new rule, spelling out continuing education requirements for veterinary technicians.

Registered veterinary technicians in California must now complete 20 hours of CE in the two years prior to applying for renewal of their state license. The new rule places a four-hour limit on self-study programs.

The veterinary board also adopted a new rule requiring all veterinarian and veterinary technicians to submit fingerprints to the Department of Justice for a criminal offender record information search. All veterinary licensees must now disclose any disciplinary actions before renewal, and criminal history information must be reported to the board within 30 days.