WSR 26-15-060 (26-15)

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

(Veterinary Board of Governors)

[Filed July 14, 2026, 8:54 a.m.]

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 25-21-093.

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Eligibility for examination as a veterinary technician; qualifications for on-the-job experience for out-of-state applicants.

The veterinary board of governors (board) is proposing amendments to WAC 246-935-060 regarding direct experience in the veterinary technician's scope of practice for out-of-state applicants. The board is proposing that out-of-state applicants applying under the requirements of WAC 246-935-060 must have 6,000 hours of experience in no more than five years as a credentialed animal health or veterinary technician.

Hearing Location(s): On September 11, 2026, at 9:05 a.m., at the Department of Health, 111 Israel Road S.E., Room 153, Tumwater, WA 98501; or virtually via Teams at https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23814281044120?p=BsUqM0Sj5F0okad9LF, Meeting ID 238 142 810 441 20, Passcode Rw3RC3hL; or phone 564-999-2000, Toll-free 833-322-1218, Phone Conference ID 173 473 462#.

Date of Intended Adoption: September 11, 2026.

Submit Written Comments to: Poppy Budrow, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, email veterinary@doh.wa.gov, web https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/policyreview/, beginning the date and time of this filing, by September 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Poppy Budrow, phone 564-669-0026, TTY 711, email poppy.budrow@doh.wa.gov, web veterinary@doh.wa.gov, by August 28, 2026.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The current requirement in WAC 246-935-060(4) allows an unlicensed person to work for 36 months under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, obtain licensure in another state, and then apply for a Washington state veterinary technician license with little to no experience in the veterinary technician scope of practice.

The purpose of the proposed amendments is to ensure the safe practice of animal care by a veterinary technician by requiring out-of-state applicants to have an extended period of time obtaining direct experience in the veterinary technician scope of practice before being allowed to be licensed in Washington state and perform health care tasks under indirect supervision. The proposed rule requires an out-of-state applicant to be credentialed as an animal health or veterinary technician in one or more states while completing the 6,000 hours of work experience in five years or less.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: It has come to the board's attention that there are veterinary businesses in Washington state encouraging their unregistered staff who have been employed for 36 months, yet have no experience in the veterinary technician scope of practice, to take advantage of this licensing loophole.

To ensure animal patient safety, the proposed amendments are the least burdensome approach to maintaining a pathway for out-of-state veterinary technician applicants applying under the requirements of WAC 246-935-060(4) to qualify for a Washington state license, while ensuring that they have direct experience in the veterinary technician scope of practice before making clinical decisions when treating animals. Without this amendment, applicants may obtain a Washington license without any demonstrated experience performing veterinary technician duties, creating measurable risk to animal patient safety.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.92.030.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 18.92.030 and 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, Implementation, and Enforcement: Poppy Budrow, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, 564-669-0026.

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

A cost-benefit analysis is required under RCW 34.05.328. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Poppy Budrow, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone 564-669-0026, TTY 711, email poppy.budrow@doh.wa.gov.

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(4).

Explanation of exemptions: Although many licensees may practice within small businesses, the proposed rules regulate only individual professional standards and do not impose requirements on business operations, staffing, equipment, or reporting.

Scope of exemption for rule proposal:

Veterinary Board of Governors

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 24-09-036, filed 4/11/24, effective 5/12/24)

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.

(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 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 ((36 months of full-time experience))6,000 hours worked in five years or less as a credentialed veterinary technician in another state 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.