I feel this provision would severely restrict our ability to provide necessary surgical services as licensed techs are in short supply and hard to find.  Many assistants are well trained and have been at their jobs for years.  While we as the veterinarian are ultimately responsible for the patient, having an assistant to monitor allows us to concentrate more on the surgery while still being present should any anesthetic problems arise.  Whil monitoring equipment is helpful and important those machines malfunction more often than attending assistants.  I believe we provide better service to our clients and patients when we can have trained assistants helping us with anesthesia and patient care before during and after surgery/anesthesia.