8/24/2017 2:08 pm
Date / Time filed with the Register of Regulations 		VA.R. Document Number: R____-______
Virginia Register Publication Information

Transmittal Sheet: Response to Petition for Rulemaking
Initial Agency Notice
X
Agency Decision
Promulgating Board: Board of Veterinary Medicine
Regulatory Coordinator: Elaine J. Yeatts

(804)367-4688

elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov
Agency Contact: Leslie L. Knachel

Executive Director

(804)367-4468

leslie.knachel@dhp.virginia.gov
Contact Address: Department of Health Professions

9960 Mayland Drive

Suite 300

Richmond, VA 23233
Chapter Affected:
18 vac 150 - 20: Regulations Governing the Practice of Veterinary Medicine
Statutory Authority: State: Chapter 38 of Title 54.1

Federal:
Date Petition Received 04/20/2017
Petitioner Rena Allen
 Petitioner's Request
An amendment to subsection B of section 172 to replace the restriction on insertion of IV catheters by unlicensed assistants with a restriction on placement of jugular catheters, and an amendment to subsection C to allow delegation of peripheral intravenous catheters under immediate supervision of a veterinarian.
 Agency Plan
The petition will be published in the Register of Regulations on May 15, 2017 and posted on Townhall with a request for comment until June 8, 2017.  The Board will consider all comment at its meeting on June 13, 2017.
Publication Date 05/15/2017  (comment period will also begin on this date)
Comment End Date 06/08/2017
 Agency Decision
Take no action
Agency Response Date 08/24/2017
 Agency Decision Text
The Board appreciated the rationale for allowing unlicensed assistants to insert intravenous catheters but ultimately decided to deny the petition based on its responsibility to protect public health and safety. Concerns were expressed about a lack of standardized training and measure of competency for unlicensed assistants. Members also noted that the restriction on placement of catheters is not a new regulation, but has been in effect for a number of years.  Finally, there was some question about whether the performance of such a procedure constitutes the practice of veterinary medicine, which cannot be delegated to an unlicensed person.