Iowa legislation hopes to redefine veterinary technicians, assistants
The Iowa Senate is considering a bill that would define the occupation of veterinary assistant and create two other classes of veterinary employees.
DES MOINES — The Iowa Senate is considering a bill that would define the occupation of veterinary assistant and create two other classes of veterinary employees.
Senate Bill 2303 seeks to rename "veterinary assistant" to "certified veterinary assistant." The legislation would define a certified veterinary assistant as one who has completed a veterinary assistant program approved by the state veterinary board or has completed two years of on-the-job training under the direction of a licensed veterinarian, has passed a state examination and performs services associated with the practice of veterinary medicine other than diagnosis, prescription and surgery under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
The legislation also adds two other classes of veterinary employees—certified veterinary technician and noncredential veterinary assistant.
A certified veterinary technician is defined as a person who is a graduate of an accredited veterinary technology program or currently registered in the state as a veterinary technician. A noncredentialed veterinary assistant is a person employed by a licensed veterinarian who does not qualify as a certified veterinary technician or a certified veterinary assistant.
The bill was introduced Feb. 28 and is under consideration by state Senate committees.
