| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee | |
HB 1331
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.
Brief Description: Changing veterinary technician credentialing to licensure.
Sponsors: Representatives Haigh, Kretz, Wallace, Walsh, Cody, Strow, Hinkle, Pettigrew, Priest and Dunn.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/14/07
Staff: Meg Van Schoorl (786-7105).
Background:
A veterinary technician is a person who has (1) successfully completed an examination
administered by the state Veterinary Board of Governors and (2) either completed a post high
school course approved by the Board in the care and treatment of animals, or had five years of
practical experience acceptable to the board with a licensed veterinarian. Veterinary technicians
are registered under the Veterinary Medicine statutes. The Veterinary Board of Governors has
six members, five of whom are licensed veterinarians and one is a lay member. All are
appointed by the Governor.
The HB 1511, introduced during the 2005 legislative session, would have made several changes
in the training and credentialing of veterinary technicians, including removing the option of
obtaining registration based on five years experience. The Legislature requested that the
Department of Health conduct a "Sunrise Review" on HB 1511 in accordance with chapter
18.120 RCW, which states that a health care profession should be regulated only under certain
circumstances. If greater regulation is found necessary, the Legislature may consider five
categories, and should select the one that is least restrictive and most consistent with the public
interest: stricter civil actions and criminal prosecutions, inspection requirements, registration,
certification, and licensure. After undertaking the Sunset Review on HB 1511, the Department
of Health issued a report in January 2006 providing its recommendations.
Summary of Bill:
The state Veterinary Board of Governors (Board) must issue a veterinary technician license to a
person who has passed a Board-administered examination and has either (1) completed a
post-high school, Board-approved course in animal care and treatment, or (2) had five years of
practical experience, acceptable to the Board, with a licensed veterinarian.
The Board is given rule-making authority to identify experiential requirements for the
prospective technician following the 5 year option as well as the requirements for the supervising
veterinarian's attestation of completion of training and practical experience. The Board is
authorized to adopt rules including standards for performance and minimum continuing
education standards.
The Board is increased from six to seven members, one of whom shall be a licensed, employed
veterinary technician who is a state resident and U.S. citizen. This member will also be
appointed by the Governor but will not vote in Board decisions involving discipline of a
veterinarian involving standard of care.
Several existing statutory references to registration are amended to refer to licensing.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.