An amendment to subsection B of section 172 to replace the restriction on insertion of IV catheters by unlicensed assistants with a restriction on placement of jugular catheters, and an amendment to subsection C to allow delegation of peripheral intravenous catheters under immediate supervision of a veterinarian.

The petition will be published in the Register of Regulations on May 15, 2017 and posted on Townhall with a request for comment until June 8, 2017.  The Board will consider all comment at its meeting on June 13, 2017.

The Board appreciated the rationale for allowing unlicensed assistants to insert intravenous catheters but ultimately decided to deny the petition based on its responsibility to protect public health and safety. Concerns were expressed about a lack of standardized training and measure of competency for unlicensed assistants. Members also noted that the restriction on placement of catheters is not a new regulation, but has been in effect for a number of years.  Finally, there was some question about whether the performance of such a procedure constitutes the practice of veterinary medicine, which cannot be delegated to an unlicensed person.