To amend section 121, requirements for licensure of veterinary technicians, to require completion of training in animal behavior through a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist.

 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.

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.