I am writing in support of the proposed changes to the regulations. Prior to obtaining my DVM, I worked as one of the "talented, highly-trained assistants" in a practice in Virginia. After completing my veterinary training, I understand that using an unlicensed individual to perform tasks that should be peformed by an LVT placed our patients at risk. I was a conscientious, reliable assitant, but I did not have the proper training and licensing to perform those tasks or troubleshoot any problems that arose. I would suggest that practices currently utilitizing talented assistants to perform these duties should consider supporting those assistants in obtaining their license through an accredited veterinary technology program. Our practice has one assistant enrolled in the part time program at NVCC, and we consider this to be an investment in the future of our practice.