Section 17-101-316 - Livestock embryo transfer or transplant and livestock pregnancy determination(a) Until July 1, 2019, the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission is prohibited from investigating or prosecuting under a commission rule or policy an individual technician who engages in both:(1) Livestock embryo transfer or transplant; and(2) Livestock pregnancy determination.(b) Before engaging in livestock embryo transfer or transplant and livestock pregnancy determination in the state, an individual technician shall obtain a certification from the commission.(c)(1) An applicant for certification shall submit the following information to the commission with an application and application fee of one thousand dollars ($1,000): (A)(i) One (1) letter from a licensed veterinarian who has witnessed the applicant's ability to perform livestock embryo transfer or transplant and livestock pregnancy determination on at least three (3) occasions within six (6) consecutive months.(ii) The letter described in subdivision (c)(1)(A)(i) of this section shall include the dates that the veterinarian spent with the applicant and an endorsement certifying that the applicant is proficient in the following areas: (a) Basic knowledge, skills, and abilities required to proficiently extract, grade, freeze, thaw, and transfer livestock embryos; and(b) The ability to properly use ultrasound equipment in determining pregnancy status with at least ninety percent (90%) accuracy beginning at sixty (60) days of pregnancy and with at least ninety percent (90%) accuracy when identifying trimester;(B) A record of successfully completing a qualified course taught by a livestock reproduction specialist on both livestock embryo transfer and livestock pregnancy determination;(C) Proof that the applicant has at least fifty percent (50%) financial interest in livestock management equipment, including without limitation ultrasound equipment, microscope, embryo freezer, and other required transfer tools; and(D) Proof of membership in either the International Embryo Technology Society or the American Embryo Transfer Association.(2) The commission shall approve or deny certification within thirty (30) days of receiving an application.(d)(1) A certification under this section expires after two (2) years.(2) An individual technician shall submit a renewal application and renewal application fee of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) to the commission along with a record of completion of a continuing education course on bovine reproduction within the United States or Canada.(3) The commission shall approve or deny recertification within thirty (30) days of receiving a renewal application.(e) An embryo transfer technician may only administer to livestock prescription drugs that have been prescribed by a licensed veterinarian who has a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship.Amended by Act 2023, No. 691,§ 173, eff. 7/1/2023.Added by Act 2017, No. 1074,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.