I completely agree that the term "specialist" needs to be defined, but I disagree with the proposed wording that states:  ["Specialist" means a veterinarian who has completed the requirements to become a diplomate of a specialty organization recognized by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties of the American Veterinary Medical Association, or any other organization approved by the board.].  Per comments made by Jeff Stallings and Danielle Russ, the definition should state that the specialist is board-certified as a diplomate of a specialty organization.  There are a number of residency-trained, but not board-certified individuals ("Practice limited to internal medicine" is an example) practicing at specialty private and corporate practices.  Animal owners are charged the same fees by these practices for the services of the non-board-certified "specialists" as the board-certified specialists, and are unaware of the distinction.