I oppose the proposal to allow un-licensed personnel to place IV catheters. 

Complications to improper placement of IV catheters can include phlebitis, infection, Infiltration, and thrombus formation.  This proposal, if passed would allow an assistant, with unspecified training, to place an IVC in the absence of a licensed Vet or Technician.  The assistant may very well have been trained to place an IVC, but were they also trained to recognize the complications to an improperly placed IVC?  Two or more years of education and hands on wet labs cannot be replaced by showing an assistant how to place an IVC a few times and then letting them “have at it”.  (And let’s be serious here, we all know that happens on a regular basis already.)  Even the most seasoned DVM or LVT make errors, being able to identify and react to an improperly placed ICV is crucial to patient safety.  I agree that most well trained assistants can probably place an IVC in most patients.  I’m concerned about the few times everything doesn’t go right, what happens to those patients? 

Access to Veterinary Technology Programs has skyrocketed in recent years.  I believe that motivated assistants with desires to advance their skill set should be encouraged to pursue licensure, making them even more valuable to the practice and improving overall patient care.