A federal judge has dismissed an antitrust lawsuit filed by Lincoln Memorial University against the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which alleged that the AVMA uses its control over veterinary school accreditation to restrict the number of veterinarians and increase pet care costs. The dismissal, by U.S. District Judge Thomas Varlan, was based on the university’s failure to demonstrate a concrete injury from the AVMA’s accreditation rules.
Judge Varlan did not make a ruling on whether the AVMA’s practices violate antitrust laws. Instead, he dismissed the case without prejudice, allowing Lincoln Memorial to refile if a concrete injury arises in the future. The lawsuit was triggered by the AVMA placing Lincoln Memorial’s veterinary program on probation due to concerns about the program’s research standards.
Lincoln Memorial argued that the accreditation rules hinder the establishment and growth of veterinary schools, which results in fewer veterinarians and higher animal care costs. The AVMA, representing over 100,000 veterinarians and setting accreditation standards, denied these allegations, asserting that Lincoln Memorial was challenging an ongoing accreditation process.
The Justice Department had intervened, noting that accreditation standards could be scrutinized under antitrust laws if they unjustly limit new entrants into the profession. However, the court found that Lincoln Memorial’s claims were premature and reliant on uncertain future events.
The addition of a second veterinary program by Lincoln Memorial, which received provisional accreditation during the proceedings, further weakened the university’s argument about potential harm. As a result, the court did not address the core issue of whether the AVMA’s accreditation practices unlawfully restrict competition.
Lincoln Memorial expressed its willingness to pursue claims in the future if circumstances evolve. The AVMA welcomed the court’s recognition of the accreditation process as a venue for veterinary schools to present their cases. Meanwhile, Lincoln Memorial’s Tennessee program remains accredited despite being on probation.
