To amend section 172 to allow an unlicensed veterinary assistant to place an intravenous catheter

The petition will be published on November 23, 2020 in the Register of Regulations and also posted on the Virginia Regulatory Townhall at www.townhall.virginia.gov to receive public comment ending December 23, 2020.

Following receipt of all comments on the petition to amend regulations, the Board will decide whether to make any changes to the regulatory language. This matter will be on the Board’s agenda for its first meeting after the comment period, which is scheduled for March 11, 2021. The petitioner will be informed of its decision after that meeting.

The petition was published on November 23, 2020 in the Register of Regulations and also posted on the Virginia Regulatory Townhall at www.townhall.virginia.gov to receive public comment ending December 23, 2020. There were 359 comments posted on the Townhall.

The Board reviewed the comments in support and in opposition to the petition. While board members are aware of the shortage of veterinary technicians, it did not agree that the role of an unlicensed assistant should be expanded to include placement of intravenous catheters. Board members expressed concerns about safety of their patients and reiterated that invasive procedures require education and training in anatomical structures and managing complications. In the interest of patient care and practitioner accountability, the Board voted unanimously to not initiate rulemaking.