Section 1500.55  Advertising

a)         Licensees may advertise in any medium or other form of public communication in a manner that is truthful and is not fraudulent, deceptive, inherently misleading or proven to be misleading in practice.  Advertising  shall contain all information necessary to make the communication not misleading and shall not contain any false or misleading statement or otherwise operate to deceive.  The form of communication shall be designed to communicate the information to the public in a direct, dignified and readily comprehensible manner.

b)         Information that may be contained in the advertising shall include:

1)         Licensee's name, address, office hours and telephone number;

2)         Schools attended;

3)         Announcement of the opening of, change of or return to practice;

4)         Announcement of additions to or deletions from professional staff;

5)         Licensee's hospital affiliations;

6)         Areas of specialization, including Board certification, professional society memberships and any limitations or concentration of practice;

7)         Credit arrangements and acceptance of credit cards;

8)         Foreign language ability;

9)         Usual and customary fees for routine professional services that must include statement that fees may be adjusted due to complications or unforeseen circumstances;

10)         Description of offices in which the licensee practices (e.g., kennel or laboratory facilities on the premises, convenience of parking); and

11)         Other information about the licensee, the licensee's practice, or the types of practice in which the licensee will accept employment, that a reasonable person might regard as relevant in determining whether to seek the licensee's services.

c)         If an advertisement is communicated to the public over television or radio, it shall be prerecorded and approved for broadcast by the licensee, and a recording of the actual transmission, including videotape, shall be retained by the licensee for a period of at least 5 years.

d)         Information that may be untruthful, fraudulent, deceptive, inherently misleading or has proven to be misleading in practice includes that which:

1)         Contains a misrepresentation of fact or omits a material fact required to prevent deception;

2)         Guarantees favorable results or creates false or unjustified expectations of favorable results;

3)         Takes advantage of the potential client's fears, anxieties, vanities or other emotions;

4)         Contains testimonials and/or exaggerations pertaining to the quality of veterinarian care;

5)         Describes as available products or services that are not permitted by the laws of this State and/or applicable federal laws; and

6)         Advertises professional services that the licensee is not licensed to render.

(Source:  Amended at 40 Ill. Reg. 2913, effective February 16, 2016)