Bill > AB516

This bill amends the California Business and Professions Code to expand the scope of practice for registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) and veterinary assistants. Specifically, the bill authorizes these professionals to perform animal health care services not otherwise prohibited by law under a veterinarian's supervision, with a particular focus on animals in public or private shelters, humane societies, and animal welfare organizations. The bill allows RVTs to perform dental care procedures, including tooth extractions, under veterinary supervision. It also establishes that veterinarians can create detailed protocols for these professionals to follow in shelter settings, which may include guidelines for animal intake assessment, treatment of common medical conditions, disease control, pain management, communication requirements, and euthanasia criteria. Additionally, the bill enables registered veterinary technicians to apply for federal registration to directly purchase euthanasia drugs and to act as agents of supervising veterinarians in establishing veterinarian-client-patient relationships for administering preventive vaccines or medications. This legislation aims to provide more flexibility and clear guidelines for veterinary support staff in providing animal healthcare services, particularly in shelter environments.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB516