10/23/2014 4:24 pm
Date / Time filed with the Register of Regulations 		VA.R. Document Number: R____-______
Virginia Register Publication Information

Transmittal Sheet: Response to Petition for Rulemaking
Initial Agency Notice
X
Agency Decision
Promulgating Board: Board of Veterinary Medicine
Regulatory Coordinator: Elaine J. Yeatts

(804)367-4688

elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov
Agency Contact: Elaine Yeatts

Agency Regulatory Coordinator

(804)367-4688

elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov
Contact Address: Department of Health Professions

9960 Mayland Drive

Henrico, VA 23233
Chapter Affected:
18 vac 150 - 20: Regulations Governing the Practice of Veterinary Medicine
Statutory Authority: State: Chapter 38 of Title 54.1

Federal:
Date Petition Received 04/24/2014
Petitioner Alysoun Ann Mahoney
 Petitioner's Request
To amend section 121, requirements for licensure of veterinary technicians, to require completion of training in animal behavior through a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist.
 Agency Plan
 The petition will be published on May 19, 2014 in the Register of Regulations and also posted on the Virginia Regulatory Townhall at www.townhall.virginia.gov to receive public comment ending June 18, 2014. Following receipt of all comments on the petition to amend regulations, the Board will decide whether to make any changes to the regulatory language.  This matter will be on the Board's agenda for its first meeting after the comment period, which is scheduled for October 22, 2014.
Publication Date 05/19/2014  (comment period will also begin on this date)
Comment End Date 06/18/2014
 Agency Decision
Take no action
Agency Response Date 10/23/2014
 Agency Decision Text
At its meeting yesterday, October 22, 2014, the Board considered all comments in favor of and in opposition to the request for amendment.  Its conclusion was that the veterinary technician programs have adequate training in animal behavior, and the additional requirement for a formal training through a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist would be burdensome.  The Board does not specify certain training or subject matter for licensure; it does require that educational programs be accredited.  While the topic of animal behavior is certainly important to the practice of veterinary technicians, the Board does not believe it is primary above all other subject matter and therefore necessary to be singled out as a requirement.  Therefore, the Board has denied the petition and will not initiate rule-making.