I have worked as a veterinarian in the state of Virginia for almost 30 years.  It makes complete sense to amend the current regulation that states that among the veterinarian's support staff, only LVTs are allowed to place IV catheters.  This regulation has always been extremely difficult to comply with.  There are not enough LVTs in the state to assist all of the veterinarians in need.  That fact is unlikely to change anytime soon. For years, veterinarians have been forced to use trained non-licensed technicians to help with catheter placement. It is time that the regulation reflected the reality of the numbers. 

Currently, being an LVT is rarely a career track.  This causes many extremely skilled and motivated individuals to stop practicing medicine after only a few years, contributing to the shortage of quality LVTs.   Efforts on behalf of LVTs should be directed towards creating a system for advancement, career opportunity and fulfillment(perhaps similar to human nursing?), rather than incorrectly declaring only LVTs are capable of certain jobs.  Almost anyone can be trained to place an IV catheter, but it is critical that individuals who have a true vocation for veterinary nursing are encouraged to stay in the field.