In regards to the limitations requiring a student to be in their fourth year before they can participate in hands-on experiences, I believe that this part of the legislation needs to be eliminated. Regulations have been changed within the schools that severely limit our ability to practice on live patients - the very thing that we will be practicing on when we get out into the field. I believe that it should be left to the discretion of the practitioner under which the student is working to decide what the student is and is not allowed to do. The more experience that students can receive will benefit them in their career. In addition, I believe that it would be perfectly safe for students earlier in the curriculum to perform hands-on procedures because they are under the direct supervision of a veterinary who can step in if necessary.