Having been an LVT for over 30 years, I have seen some wonderful advancements in my profession.  This, however, is not one of them.  We are on the brink of a nation wide name change which will help the public understand how valuable the role of an LVT is.  This change is a definite step backwards.  While I understand that some veterinary practices do not have an LVT, this is not a reason to change this rule.  If they have an assistant that they value highly enough to train to place IV catheters, then they should support that person to take on line classes and earn their degree and get their license.  As others have said, this is indeed a slippery slope.  Change this rule and what is next?  Having seen and scrubbed in on hundreds of TPLOs, I'm sure with a little extra training I could do them too.  But is that a good idea?  I think not.  Even though many veterinarians appear to be for this change, and the board is of course primarily veterinarians, I beg you to think long and hard before you make this change and undermine all that the Licensed Veterinary Technician has trained for and fought for over the years.  If nothing else, this change will come with a great deal of resentment.