Veterinary Practice Regulations Quiz

Unit 2 - Introduction to Animal Care

• Veterinarians need to handle people and animals
• Calmness and dealing with stressful situations are important qualities
• Recognize first veterinarians, from 2500 BCE, primarily worked on farm animal diseases
• 17th and 18th century animal plagues impacting food/transport and affecting European economy, encouraged governmental support for researching animal health
• Important recorded animal anatomy and disease studies for further vet medicine development

Lecture Notes for Vet Technicians

• Veterinary Technician careers are new, but have grown in popularity
• Specific training for veterinary technicians began in Lyon, France - 1761.
• Farm animals were initially the primary concern in training
• US veterinary schools appeared in 1850s in the US
• 2003: state-sponsored colleges and schools offered advanced degrees related to veterinary science to support vet research and livestock health
• 2019: veterinary research shows 62% are female as of then

AUMA

• Veterinarians must graduate from a college approved by AUMA
• Complete a 9-year college science degree and Veterinary board exams
• Each state has its own veterinary support staff training and licensing standards
• Technicians must graduate from AUMA-accredited colleges and pass national exams
• Colleges offer associate and bachelor's programs in veterinary technology

Other Healthcare Staff

• Other healthcare staff may not typically be licensed but can volunteer to be certified through specialized programs or training
• Veterinarians direct the veterinary technicians
• Most vet programs are two years or four years, requiring time spent working with veterinarians as part of training.
• General courses in science, English, math and anatomy/physiology, chemistry.
• Special skills include anesthesia, assisting during surgery, veterinary nursing, lab techniques and radiology, dentistry, etc.

Legal Aspects of Veterinary Practice

• Each state regulates veterinary practice through laws called the Veterinary Practice Act
• Veterinary medical boards are appointed by governors
• Board members oversee vet medicine in their state
• Boards regularly deal with complaints regarding veterinary professionals in the state.

State Veterinary Practice Acts

• Varying requirements for vets
• Vet. are required to graduate from an AUMA-accredited vet school and pass the NA VLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Examination)
• Veterinarians are the only ones authorized to diagnose and perform surgeries and prescribe medication to the animals
• Technicians work under direct supervision of a vet
• Some states require vets to complete a specific amount of continuing education each year

Veterinary Technician Education

• Veterinary Technology programs are accredited by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CUTEA)
• Different states use different terms for certified veterinary technicians, such as licensed, registered, or certified
• Technicians need to complete continuing education to maintain their credentials through local, regional, or national veterinary meetings.
• State laws often do not mention support staff, but some may prevent unqualified staff from performing tasks

Veterinary Practice Acts (continued)

• State laws regarding vet technicians are different, so the terms "vet technician," "vet technologist," and "vet assistant" may have different meanings in different states
• Technicians may be referred to as non-credentialed staff who support veterinarians in their practices.
• Technicians need to be familiar with state requirements for licensing or certification.
• Veterinary associations offer certifications, seminars and programs to help gain expertise
• Several programs exist in colleges and at state levels for training veterinary technicians

Government Agencies

• Veterinary hospitals are regulated by states and federal agencies
• These agencies have specific purposes
• Regulations exist to protect workers and the public from harmful diseases and other hazards.
• Some apply to all veterinary practices and some may be more specific to research facilities.
• DEA enforces the Controlled Substances Act, limiting the production, sale, and distribution of some addictive medications.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

• OSHA is part of the US Department of Labor ensuring workplace safety.
• OSHA enforces rules to protect workers and employers
• OSHA requires employers to take measures to reduce workplace risks and post safety notices
• Providing PPE is required
• Records are needed for occupational injuries and illnesses.
• Training for employees is also required

USDA (US Department of Agriculture)

• USDA oversees agencies like APHIS, and FSIS regulating veterinary practices.
• Animal welfare
• USDA inspects meat and poultry products making sure they are safe and properly labeled
• Manages livestock import and export
• Issues certificates for animal travel

Animal Welfare Act

• A set of federal laws guaranteeing proper care of laboratory animals
• Includes animal-handling procedures, and standards for animal care facilities
• The standards need to include the maintenance of a clean environment, proper animal temperatures and humidity, preventing injuries from objects and requiring activity and socializing with other animals.

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)

• EPA enforces regulations regarding veterinary practices, mainly to reduce contamination of the environment
• EPA regulates products, and rules regarding pesticides, and rodent control
• Rules from EPA do not apply to all veterinary practices

Animal Technicians, Caretakers and Assistants

• Laboratory animal technicians help with daily animal care under the supervision of veterinarians.
• They may also perform duties such as collecting blood samples and assisting in surgeries.
• Several specializations exist for technicians to pursue.
• The American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) provides certification.
• Training programs exist for Animal technicians and Care assistants.

Pet Animal Care/Jobs

• Pet care attendants work in pet stores as groomers, bathers, and socializing animals.
• Provide basic care and education to new pet owners
• There are companies specializing in pet food, pet supplies, etc. that may hire people with vet tech backgrounds

The Dog Trainer profession

• Dog trainers can own their business or work in a large veterinary facility
• Most trainers gain their knowledge from experience and additional training and practice with other trainers.
• Several seminars and training programs exists which can help qualify to work as professional dog trainers.

Animal Control and Shelters

• Animal control officers enforce animal licensing and leash laws.
• Investigating animal abuse and cruelty
• Training for Animal Control officers can be a few weeks to a few months
• Animal shelter aids maintain a clean environment, care for the animals, feed them, provide appropriate socialization, first aid, etc.
• Many animal shelters require people performing euthanasia to be certified in that process.

Zookeepers and Wildlife Rehabilitators

• These professionals care for and manage animals/wildlife in zoos, sanctuaries, or other wildlife accommodations
• They manage the feeding, cleaning, and care for the enclosures in which the animals live
• Communicate with researchers, collect samples, assist in surgeries, and maintain the animal's area
• Wildlife rehabilitators help injured or orphaned animals return to their natural environment.
• Qualifications usually involve a degree from a four-year university, such as in zoology, biology, etc.

Professionalism and Associations

• Professionalism involves conduct and qualities that mark a person as a professional
• Veterinary professionals should be compassionate and use sensitivity when communicating with clients
• Professional Associations of veterinary technicians in America can offer training, continuing education, trends, and job opportunities to their members.
• Organizations like the AUMA can help members stay aware of relevant laws.

Ethical Codes and Considerations

• Ethical codes define acceptable standards in professions
• Varying opinions and ethical issues may exist in certain situations, such as euthanizing healthy animals, or when client preferences differ from professional advice.
• Associations such as the AVM or organizations that help people become educated on professional ethics to remain in compliance with current ethics codes to give good service and client care.

Policy Statements

• Policy statements deal with changing trends and issues, whereas ethical codes deal with defining standards and acceptable actions
• Examples are, but not limited to euthanasia, animal welfare and animal rights concerns.
• Policy statements for veterinary medicine are based on shared opinions
• Ethical considerations and issues
• Veterinary practice may face complications or issues with various factors, including euthanasia, animal welfare considerations and economic factors

This quiz covers essential aspects of veterinary practice regulations, including licensing requirements, responsibilities of veterinary professionals, and standards of care for animals. Dive into topics related to the Veterinary Medical Board and the role of veterinary technicians. Test your knowledge on animal welfare milestones too!