As a licensed veterinarian I believe that trained, licensed medical professionals is always best.  The reason I support allowing unlicensed assistants to place IV in some fashion is not because I think proper training isn't best but because of the current status of veterinary medicine in Virginia and the US.  Unfortunately we have a severe shortage of LVTs and though not as severe also a shortage DVMs/VMDs.  The Covid-19 pandemic has magnified this shortage.  My concern is availability of care.  The standard of veterinary care is rising and the demand for care is also rising.  With emergency clinics having 6-12 hour waits or even turning away patients, we are dealing with a crisis of providing care to pets in Virginia.  If placing a catheter is left only in the hands of DVMs or LVTs then patients may not receive basic supportive care in a timely manner because there are not enough licensed hands to place them at that time.  I have been a huge supporter of expanding what LVTs can do in practice.  We need more LVTs - need to pay them more AND give them the job satisfaction they deserve.  It is unfortunate this debate comes down to IV catheters when really we should be debating how we can expand the role of LVTs in practice so more of people want to go into the profession and less leave.  However, even if we stop the loss to day and fill more seats with more qualified students in LVT programs tomorrow, it is still 2 years before we see the fruits of that effort.  As veterinarians our job is to do no harm.  The job of the board of veterinary medicine is to protect the public (and our patients).  I am concerned that the demand placed on us to provide care while we face of  shortage of licensed individuals makes serving our patients very difficult.  I would encourage the board to consider a limited provision with an expiration date that allowed unlicensed assistants with approved training to place IV catheters under the direction and supervision of a licensed individual when a licensed individual is not available to place the catheter.    I know this topic is a hot issue but I know that everyone on both sides of this issue really have their patients at heart.