I respect that the VVMA wants to help areas of Virginia that underserved  with Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs). From a cursor observation this appears to be a logical approach to the current challenge.

Then I start to think how does this serve the people and animals of Virginia.  Our charge as veterinarians is to provide the best care for our patients and to guide their owners.  Does this new proposal do that?  We have to honestly ask ourselves if that is the case. 

I have been licensed in other states since the mid 80’s and I am proud to say that Virginia has the highest standards of any state for the care of animals.  Do we want to see that standard lowered? 

Once we lower this standard, what else do we feel is appropriate to lower?  Perhaps since there are shortages of veterinarians in some Virginia counties we should allow non-veterinarians to perform currently licensed procedures?

Once this door has been opened do we allow non-licensed personal to do more invasive procedures? 

How do we regulate the certification of these non-licensed personal? Is this an individual hospital decision?

My feeling is that we need to step back and see the potential consequences of allowing the lowering of standards and how this affects our charge as the defender of animal health and protector of human health in the Commonwealth.