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Board Certification & Membership

Board Certified Diplomate

As defined by Section IV, Section Ia of the ACVECC Constitution, a “veterinarian of high ethical and moral character who has paid Certification Fees and is certified as a specialist in the discipline of Emergency and Critical Care as set forth in the Bylaws of The College, including Maintenance of Credentials” may refer to themselves as a Board Certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care.

Per Article VII of the ACVECC Bylaws, “certificates and the rights, responsibilities, and privileges conferred therein, shall remain the property of The College.” The ACVECC may revoke one’s status as a Board Certified Diplomate for the following reasons:

  • The issuance of such a certificate or its receipt violated provisions of The College's Constitution or Bylaws.
  • The Diplomate fails to maintain acceptable standards of competence in the practice of veterinary emergency and critical care as defined by The College’s MOC or the Council of Regents.
  • A Diplomate is guilty of unethical conduct. Unethical conduct such as incompetence, fraud, or other misconduct that discredits The College will be investigated. Such charges must be made in writing to the Council of Regents. If investigation reveals evidence warranting action, the accused will be notified in writing and given full opportunity to respond in writing and through a hearing before the Council of Regents. Disciplinary action may be recommended by the Regents and can be executed following an affirmative vote by a majority of members of The College voting via electronic ballot.
  • A Diplomate fails to pay annual Certification Fees.

If the ACVECC Council of Regents repossesses an individuals certificate of Diplomate status, the individual may not legally refer to themselves as a Board Certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. Individuals who have their certificate of Diplomate status repossessed may request re-instatement of status as a Board Certified Diplomate by submitting a letter to the Council of Regents via the Office of the Executive Director outlining desire for re-instatement and steps taken to remediate causes of repossession. Re-instatement may require payment of outstanding fees at the discretion of the Council of Regents.

Member vs. Non-Member Diplomate

A Board Certified Diplomate who pays both the annual Certification Fee and the annual Membership Fee will also be known as a Member Diplomate. Being a Member Diplomate comes with several privileges, including the following opportunities:

  • Participate in voting activities held by the ACVECC
  • Serve as a member of an ACVECC committee
  • Serve as a mentor in an ACVECC residency training program
  • Serve as a supervisor of an ACVECC residency training program
  • Participate in message boards hosted by the ACVECC
  • Attend the Diplomate Reception at IVECCS
  • Access discounted rates for educational content housed on the ACVECC Learning Management System
  • Eventual eligibility for emeritus status

Diplomates acting as representatives of the ACVECC do so as a privilege granted by the Council of Regents. The Council of Regents may revoke any of these privileges at any time for failure to represent the best interest of The College. If investigation reveals evidence warranting action, the accused will be notified in writing and given full opportunity to respond in writing and through a hearing before the Council of Regents.

A Board Certified Diplomate who fails to pay the annual Membership Fee but is current with their Certification Fee will not lose status as a Board Certified Diplomate. Rather, they will be known as a Non-Member Diplomate, and they will lose all of the privileges conferred upon Member Diplomates. Reinstatement to Member Diplomate status is contingent on approval by the Council of Regents and payment of all past and current fees in full.