The American Association of Veterinary State Boards has created a template that states can use as a resource in considering changes to their rules and regulations regarding veterinary technicians.
The Model Ordinance – Scope of Application for Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Technologists, published last December contains a definition of what a supervising veterinarian is and what tasks a veterinary technician can perform under different levels of supervision.
“The AAVSB Practice Act Model already defines regulatory terms,” said Cathy Kirkpatrick, Chair of the AAVSB Regulatory Policy Task Force, in a press release. “What this new model regulation provides is the desired distinction between what permissible animal health care tasks approved veterinary technicians or nurses and veterinary technicians are allowed to perform within each level of veterinary supervision – direct, direct and indirect.”
Ed Carlson, president of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America and a certified veterinary technician, said the association fully supports the Model Ordinance.
“NAVTA was proud to be part of the working group that helped update the regulations, which we believe will help provide clarity and direction for the profession,” said Carlson. “While we know and understand that state adoption of the Model Regulations is entirely voluntary, current veterinary technician credentials and licensing systems, which vary from state to state, have created confusion among both veterinary consumers and within the veterinary profession . This clear definition of a scope is a good step in clearing this confusion. “
The following are some examples of the definitions and tasks listed in the Model Ordinance:
- Immediate monitoring means that the attending veterinarian is within hearing and sight of the patient and the person treating the patient. In this scenario, veterinary technicians can perform tasks such as assisting a veterinarian with surgery or placing tubing.
- Direct monitoring means that the attending veterinarian is close to the patient’s treatment site. Under this supervision, veterinary technicians can perform tasks such as general anesthesia and sedation, ear irrigation with pressure, suturing, and euthanasia.
- Indirect monitoring means that the attending veterinarian is not on site but has given written or verbal instructions on how to treat the patient. When this happens, veterinary technicians can perform tasks such as diagnostic imaging, clinical laboratory testing, and administering treatments.
The model regulations including the complete list of tasks are available in PDF format.
Although the AAVSB member bodies make their own regulatory decisions based on their state laws, these guidelines are intended to aid in the development of new rules and regulations.