Sec. 15.14.01.17. Direct Supervision Guidelines

A. In this regulation, the following terms have the meanings indicated:

(1) "Registered veterinary technician" means an individual currently registered with the Board as a veterinary technician;

(2) "Responsible direct supervision" means competent, immediate, and active supervision;

(3) "Technician" means a nurse, attendant, technician, intern, or other employee of a licensed and registered veterinarian who is not a registered veterinary technician.

B. A veterinarian giving responsible direct supervision to the work of a technician or registered veterinary technician shall be:

(1) In the immediate vicinity of where the work is being performed; and

(2) Actively engaged in supervising this work throughout the entire period it is being performed, including:

(a) Providing clear and specific directions on what work is to be done,

(b) Being cognizant of how the assigned work is being performed, and

(c) Being immediately available to provide advice when the assigned work is being performed.

C. A veterinarian may not permit a technician to perform the following procedures on an animal while the animal is under that veterinarian's care:

(1) Anesthesia induction by inhalation or intravenous injection;

(2) Anesthesia induction by intramuscular injection;

(3) Application of casts and splints;

(4) Dental extractions; and

(5) Suturing of existing surgical skin incisions.

D. A veterinarian may permit a registered veterinary technician to perform the procedures referenced in §C of this regulation if, when these procedures are being performed:

(1) The individual is under the responsible direct supervision of the veterinarian; and

(2) For the procedure referenced in §C(1) of this regulation only, the veterinarian also is able to maintain direct visual contact of the technician's performance of this procedure.

E. A veterinarian may permit a technician to render auxiliary or supporting assistance or administer medication if, when rendering the assistance or administering medication, the employee is under the responsible direct supervision of the veterinarian.

F. In the case of an anesthetized animal, a veterinarian may permit a technician to monitor the animal's condition and provide other supporting assistance, including the animal's maintenance, once the animal is stabilized.