HOUSE 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 Passed House:
February 10, 2010
Title: An act relating to veterinary technician licenses.
Brief Description: Concerning veterinary technician licenses.
Sponsors: Representative Haigh.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Agriculture & Natural Resources: 1/14/10, 1/21/10 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/10/10, 96-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Blake, Chair; Ormsby, Vice Chair; Chandler, Ranking Minority Member; Smith, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Jacks, Kretz, Liias, McCoy, Nelson, Pearson, Rolfes and Van De Wege.
Staff: Leslie Ryan-Connelly (786-7166).
Background:
Veterinary technicians are licensed by the Veterinary Board of Governors (Board) to administer health care to animals. A veterinary technician may work in a private clinic, zoo, or laboratory, and generally supports a veterinarian in providing services. Medical services performed by a veterinary technician include physical examinations, dental procedures, assisting in surgery, and administering immunizations and other drugs.
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 is required to successfully complete the examination before he or she may receive a veterinary technician license.
Starting July 1, 2015, the option to complete five years of experience in place of completing a post-high school education program in animal care is no longer an option for obtaining a veterinary technician license. 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.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed except section 2, relating to removing on-the-job experience, which takes effect July 1, 2015.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The changes made to the veterinary technician license requirements are required by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards. The Veterinary Board of Governors (Board) no longer recognizes on-the-job experience as a path to becoming a veterinary technician. The Board will no longer allow people to take the veterinarian technician exam if they have not completed the an educational program. The profession is becoming more technical in nature.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Greg Hanon, Washington State Veterinary Medical Association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.