DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

(Veterinary Board of Governors)

[Filed October 18, 2023, 7:42 a.m.]

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 23-07-007.

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Apprenticeship programs for veterinary technicians. The veterinary board of governors (board) is proposing to amend WAC 246-935-060 to clarify that a registered apprenticeship program is an approved post-secondary educational pathway to qualify for licensure exams as a veterinary technician.

Hearing Location(s): On December 4, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., at the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), 7273 Linderson Way S.W., Room S121, Tumwater, WA 98501; or virtual https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/ap/t-59584e83/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.microsoft.com%2Fl%2Fmeetup-join%2F19%253ameeting_MTUzYzFjNzUtMzI1OC00OGYxLWEzYTctNjI3NjFjNGUzNTIy%2540thread.v2%2F0%3Fcontext%3D%257b%2522Tid%2522%253a%252211d0e217-264e-400a-8ba0-57dcc127d72d%2522%252c%2522Oid%2522%253a%2522b0a413cc-861e-438f-ad33-52df6d9a4283%2522%257d&data=05%7C01%7CPoppy.Budrow%40doh.wa.gov%7C1dbe793d1c9e41c6133908db897c2b46%7C11d0e217264e400a8ba057dcc127d72d%7C0%7C0%7C638254938611041371%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=BeIN%2BYeh2B7I6nHhyHJCdDEoD9yPDxlfSdzgWB3ukIM%3D&reserved=0. The public hearing will be hybrid. Participants can attend in person at the physical location or virtually.

Date of Intended Adoption: December 4, 2023.

Submit Written Comments to: Poppy Budrow, Program Manager, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, email https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/policyreview, www.doh.wa.gov, by November 27, 2023.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Poppy Budrow, program manager, phone 564-669-0026, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 711, email Poppy.Budrow@doh.wa.gov, by November 27, 2023.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposal adds a registered apprenticeship program to the list of approved post-secondary educational programs an applicant may complete as part of the requirement to take the exam for licensure as a veterinary technician. This clarifies for applicants the availability of a method already allowed in this rule.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: From June 2020 through May 2022, the board worked extensively on the development of the apprenticeship program with Cascade Veterinary Clinic (CVC), SkillSource/North Central Workforce Development Board (SkillSource), and a wide variety of interested parties. Ultimately, the board expressed its support of the program and to the Washington state apprenticeship and training council (WSATC), which is the regulatory authority for approving apprenticeship programs in Washington state. At WSATC's October 2022 meeting, WSATC approved the program.

The board may currently approve the apprenticeship programs according to WAC 246-935-060(1). However, the board is proposing the amendment to make it clear that a state registered apprenticeship is an approved method for an applicant to become eligible for the veterinary technician national exam and licensure.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.92.030 and 18.92.128.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 18.92.128.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Name of Proponent: Veterinary board of governors, governmental.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Jennifer Santiago, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, 360-236-2985; Implementation and Enforcement: Melissa Green, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, 360-236-2905.

A school district fiscal impact statement is not required under RCW 28A.305.135.

A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The proposed rule amendment clarifies existing rule language without changing effect of rule and is exempt under RCW 34.05.328 (5)(b)(iv).

This rule proposal, or portions of the proposal, is exempt from requirements of the Regulatory Fairness Act because the proposal:

Is exempt under RCW 19.85.025(3) as the rules only correct typographical errors, make address or name changes, or clarify language of a rule without changing its effect.

Is exempt under RCW 19.85.025(4).

Explanation of exemptions: The proposed rule amendments clarify that a state registered apprenticeship is an approved method for an applicant to become eligible for the veterinary technician national exam and licensure.

Scope of exemption for rule proposal:

Dordor Vang, DVM, Chairperson

Veterinary Board of Governors

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 15-14-008, filed 6/18/15, effective 7/19/15)

WAC 246-935-060Eligibility for examination as veterinary technician.

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria to be eligible for the examination.

(1) Completion of an approved postsecondary educational program for animal or veterinary technology.

(a) Completion of a program for animal or veterinary technology approved by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The board approves all institutions accredited by, and in good standing with, the AVMA.

(b) Completion of a program for animal or veterinary technology approved by the Animal Health Technologist/Veterinary Technician Program Accreditation Committee (AHT/VTPAC) of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). The board approves all institutions accredited by, and in good standing with, the CVMA.

(c) Completion of a Washington state apprenticeship program registered in accordance with chapters 296-05 WAC and 49.04 RCW.

(d) Other institutions applying for board approval must meet the accreditation standards of the CVTEA. It is the responsibility of the institution to apply for approval and of a student to ascertain whether or not a school has been approved by the board.

(((d)))(e) The examination may be taken no sooner than six months before graduation from the approved course of instruction.

(2) Graduation from a two-year curriculum in animal health or veterinary technology which is not accredited by the CVTEA or AHT/VTPAC plus a minimum of ((thirty-six))36 months of full-time experience under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian(s) who must attest to the completion of that experience.

(3) Award of a D.V.M. or V.M.D. degree or equivalent from an American Veterinary Medical Association accredited or listed college of veterinary medicine.

(4) Registration, certification, or licensure as an animal health or veterinary technician in one or more states and ((thirty-six))36 months of full-time experience under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian(s).

(5) Completion of a course in veterinary technician education as a member of the United States military and completion of a tour of active duty as a veterinary technician or specialist.