Download LEGISLATION AND LAWS

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