LEGISLATION AND LAWS

excerpts from The California Veterinary Practice Act relating to the practice of veterinary medicine and animal health technology

Animal Health Care Definitions: Veterinarian R.V.T. Unregistered Assistant Junior or Senior Student* Freshman or Sophomore Student* (* students of a recognized veterinary college)

Definitions (continued): Supervisor Direct Supervision Indirect Supervision Animal Hospital Setting

Duties of a Supervising Veterinarian 1.Responsible for determining the competency of the RVT or unregistered assistant. 2.Makes all decisions regarding diagnosis, treatment, management, and future disposition of the animal patient. 3.Examines the animal patient prior to delegating any animal health care task to an RVT or unregistered assistant.

Animal Hospital Health Care Tasks for R.V.T. May perform the following procedures under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian: Anesthesia induction by inhalation or intravenous injection Application of casts and splints Dental extractions Suturing of existing skin incisions

Authorized Acts for R.V.T.s R.V.T.s may perform animal health care tasks on animals impounded by a state, county, or city agency: –under direct order or –written order or –telephone order of a California licensed veterinarian

Animal Hospital Health Care Tasks for Unregistered Assistants

Prohibited Acts for Registered Veterinary Technicians and Unregistered Assistants 1. Surgery. 2.Diagnosis and prognosis of animal diseases. 3. Prescribing of drugs, medicine and appliances.

Emergency Powers Under conditions of an emergency, a registered veterinary technician may render lifesaving aid and treatment.

Emergency Animal Care 1.Application of tourniquets or pressure bandages to control hemorrhage 2.Administration of drugs to prevent or control shock only after direct communication (telephone) with a licensed veterinarian. If direct communication is not possible, RVT may administer drugs in accordance with written instructions established by the employing veterinarian

Emergency Animal Care 4.Administer oxygen 5.Establish open airways including intubation but excluding surgery 6.External cardiac resuscitation (CPR) 7.Application of splints or bandages 8.Supportive treatment in heat prostration cases

Operation of Radiographic Equipment

Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship Prescribing, dispensing, or furnishing a dangerous drug without establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship constitutes unprofessional conduct