Code of Maryland Regulations (Last Updated: April 6, 2021) |
Title 15. Maryland Department of Agriculture |
Subtitle 14. BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICAL EXAMINERS |
Chapter 15.14.13. Qualifications for Examination and Registration of a Veterinary Technician |
Sec. 15.14.13.13. Duties and Restrictions on Registered Veterinary Technicians
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A. A registered veterinary technician may not:
(1) Diagnose;
(2) Offer prognosis;
(3) Prescribe:
(a) Drugs;
(b) Medication;
(c) Appliances;
(4) Perform surgery; or
(5) Initiate treatment without prior instruction by a veterinarian.
B. A registered veterinary technician may perform the following procedures under the responsible direct supervision of a veterinarian:
(1) Inducing anesthesia by intramuscular injection;
(2) Applying casts and splints;
(3) Simple dental extractions of loose teeth that do not involve flaps or tooth sectioning;
(4) Suturing of existing surgical skin or gingival incisions; and
(5) Accessing a small working stock of Schedule II drugs under separate lock.
C. A registered veterinary technician may perform anesthetic induction by inhalation or intravenous injection if the veterinarian is able to maintain direct visual supervision of the technicians performance.
D. A registered veterinary technician may administer medication and render other auxiliary or supporting assistance not referenced in §B of this regulation under the responsible direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
E. Emergency Conditions.
(1) Under emergency conditions only, the following activities may be performed by a registered veterinary technician before a veterinarians initial examination of an animal:
(a) Provide supportive care and first aid; and
(b) Follow written protocols for specific conditions, as established by the veterinarian.
(2) If a veterinarian is not available to perform an initial examination of an animal that is presented as an emergency, a registered veterinary technician shall notify the animals owner of the:
(a) Veterinarians unavailability;
(b) Estimated time of arrival of the veterinarian; and
(c) Estimated distance to another veterinary hospital.
F. If employed at a veterinary hospital, a veterinary technician shall display at that facility the registration that the Board issued to the veterinary technician.