I support the petition to allow IV catheter placement by unlicensed individuals under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.  I support this for several reasons.  1.   IV catheter placement can be safely trained to unlicensed individuals by a licensed veterinarian or LVT.  2.  Other states, like North Carolina, do not have a similar regulation.    3.  In Virginia Human medicine requires a certification not a license to place IV catheters in certain careers like first responders.  4.   Due to the shortage of LVTs in the Common Wealth, many areas are unable to hire the number of LVTs to meet the current regulation.  This shortage of LVTs can significantly delay treatment time and compromise patient care.   5.  Allowing properly trained assistants to place IV catheters would free up time for licensed individuals (LVTs and DVMs) to do other important tasks that require their license and education. 

I also support the part of the regulation that limits the placement of jugular catheters to licensed individuals.  Jugular catheter placement requires very specific training to avoid very serious complications, especially in small animal medicine.