This entire petition, and idea, it a step backwards for our profession and the idea goes beyond just the IV catheter issue. Having licensees in practice is about bringing veterinary medicine to a higher standard of care than the “well it’s worked of us all these years” mentality that veterinary medicine seems to have.

Licensed technicians have been through a program that teaches standards of care set by the AVMA. It requires school, a certification exam, and requires follow through with continuing education yearly. It teaches us why we do things, not just how. It makes sure that we practice proper aseptic technique, that we know the risks associated with every procedure we do, that we understand how to troubleshoot and problem solve. We know that if done improperly or without proper care you can cause sepsis, air emboli, thrombophlebitis, bleeding, etc.

If approved this ruling will be a foot in the door for other procedures and skills that should be left to credentialed personnel. Once they put in that IV catheter, how easy is it for a DVM to allow them to push drugs, intubate and proceed with dentistry or surgery. Yes, it’s not supposed to be happening, but we all know it does. Do you think clients know that the doctors aren’t the ones placing their pet’s catheters or cleaning their teeth, or monitoring their patient under anesthesia? Do they want the same standard of care for their animals and for themselves?

In the end, I feel this comes down to the one thing that seems to plague veterinary medicine and that’s the desire of managing doctors and practice managers to cut corners and cut costs. Why hire an LVT when you can have your assistant put in your IV catheters so you don’t have to pay that licensed technician. Just forget the fact that that technician brings a huge value to your practice, an advanced set of skills and knowledge, and the desire and drive to learn. To want to be more and do more.

I am passionate about my profession, I am passionate about my license and fellow licensed technicians and yes, this is a hugely sensitive subject. However, my job is to advocate for my patients and I want them to have the best care possible.