SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2470
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Agriculture & Rural Economic Development, February 22, 2010
Title: An act relating to veterinary technician licenses.
Brief Description: Concerning veterinary technician licenses.
Sponsors: Representative Haigh.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/10/10, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Agriculture & Rural Economic Development: 2/18/10, 2/22/10 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Hatfield, Chair; Schoesler, Ranking Minority Member; Becker, Haugen and Morton.
Staff: Bob Lee (786-7404)
Background: Veterinary technicians are licensed by the Veterinary Board of Governors (Board) to administer health care to animals. A licensed veterinarian retains professional and personal responsibility when using any services of a veterinary technician.
The Board issues a veterinary technician license to an individual who passes an examination administered by the Board and completes one of the following:
a Board approved post-high school education program, specializing in the care and treatment of animals; or
five years of experience with a licensed veterinarian, as acceptable by the Board.
The Board identifies in rule the requirements for meeting the five years of experience.
Summary of Bill: The Board may approve the use of an examination that is not administered by the Board to fulfill the veterinary technician examination requirement. An individual must successfully complete the examination before that individual may receive a veterinary technician license.
Persons who seek to qualify for a license by meeting the five year experience requirement option need to have completed their five year experience by July 1, 2015. After that, all licensed veterinary technicians will be required to complete a post-high school education program and an examination which is approved by the Board.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The American Association of State Veterinary Boards ceased to support the on-the-job training option for training veterinary technicians. This bill will discontinue the use of the on-the-job option for new technicians but allows those that are in the pipeline as of July 1, 2015, the ability to finish.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Greg Hanon, Washington State Veterinary Medical Association.