3/12/2021 9:58 am
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: Leslie L. Knachel

Executive Director

(804)597-4130

leslie.knachel@dhp.virginia.gov
Contact Address: Department of Health Professions

9960 Mayland Drive

Suite 300

Richmond, 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 10/26/2020
Petitioner Gideon Daniel
 Petitioner's Request
To amend section 172 to allow an unlicensed veterinary assistant to place an intravenous catheter
 Agency Plan
The petition will be published on November 23, 2020 in the Register of Regulations and also posted on the Virginia Regulatory Townhall at www.townhall.virginia.gov to receive public comment ending December 23, 2020. 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 March 11, 2021. The petitioner will be informed of its decision after that meeting.  
Publication Date 11/23/2020  (comment period will also begin on this date)
Comment End Date 12/23/2020
 Agency Decision
Take no action
Agency Response Date 03/12/2021
 Agency Decision Text
The petition was published on November 23, 2020 in the Register of Regulations and also posted on the Virginia Regulatory Townhall at www.townhall.virginia.gov to receive public comment ending December 23, 2020. There were 359 comments posted on the Townhall. The Board reviewed the comments in support and in opposition to the petition. While board members are aware of the shortage of veterinary technicians, it did not agree that the role of an unlicensed assistant should be expanded to include placement of intravenous catheters. Board members expressed concerns about safety of their patients and reiterated that invasive procedures require education and training in anatomical structures and managing complications. In the interest of patient care and practitioner accountability, the Board voted unanimously to not initiate rulemaking.