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House File 670 - ReprintedA Bill ForAn Act 1providing for veterinary medicine, including the
2care of animals under the supervision of a licensed
3veterinarian, providing penalties, and including effective
4date provisions.
5BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:
1 Section 1. Section 169.3, subsection 3, Code 2023, is
2amended to read as follows:
33. a. “Animal” means any nonhuman primate, dog, cat,
4rabbit, rodent, fish, reptile, and livestock as defined in
5section 717.1, or other vertebrate or nonvertebrate life forms
6 form, living or dead, except domestic poultry.
7b. “Livestock” includes a group of livestock such as a herd
8or flock.
9 Sec. 2. Section 169.3, Code 2023, is amended by adding the
10following new subsection:
11 NEW SUBSECTION. 3A. a. “Animal massage” means a method
12of treating the body of an animal for relaxation or hygienic
13purposes through techniques, with or without the aid of a
14massage device, that include rubbing, stroking, or kneading the
15body of the animal.
16b. “Animal massage” does not include acupuncture,
17chiropractic care, diagnosis, diagnostic treatment,
18prescription, or surgery.
19 Sec. 3. Section 169.3, subsection 10, Code 2023, is amended
20to read as follows:
2110. a. “Practice of veterinary medicine” means any of the
22following:
23a. (1) To diagnose, treat, correct, change, relieve or
24prevent, for a fee, any animal disease, deformity, defect,
25injury or other physical or mental conditions or cosmetic
26surgery; including the prescription or administration of any
27drug, medicine, biologic, apparatus, application, anesthetic,
28or other therapeutic or diagnostic substance or technique, for
29a fee; or to evaluate or correct sterility or infertility, for
30a fee; or to render, advise or recommend with regard to any of
31the above for a fee.
32b. (2) To represent, directly or indirectly, publicly or
33privately, an ability or willingness to do an act described in
34paragraph “a” subparagraph (1).
35c. (3) To use any title, words, abbreviation, or letters in
-1-1a manner or under circumstances which induce the belief that
2the person using them is qualified to do any act described in
3paragraph “a” subparagraph (1).
4(4) The performance or use of complementary, alternative,
5or integrative therapies including veterinary acupuncture,
6acutherapy, acupressure, manipulative therapy based on
7techniques practiced in osteopathy and chiropractic medicine,
8or other similar therapies as specified by rule adopted by the
9board.
10b. “Practice of veterinary medicine” does not include
11providing authorized veterinary medical services to an animal
12patient by veterinary auxiliary personnel when performing
13a delegated task under the supervision of a supervising
14veterinarian as provided in subchapter II.
15 Sec. 4. Section 169.3, subsection 12, Code 2023, is amended
16by striking the subsection.
17 Sec. 5. Section 169.4, unnumbered paragraph 1, Code 2023,
18is amended to read as follows:
19A person may shall not practice veterinary medicine in the
20state who is not a licensed veterinarian or the holder of a
21valid temporary permit issued by the board. This chapter shall
22not be construed to prohibit any of the following:
23 Sec. 6. Section 169.4, subsections 2, 9, and 10, Code 2023,
24are amended to read as follows:
252. A person who is a veterinary student in an accredited
26or approved college of veterinary medicine from performing
27duties or actions assigned by instructors an instructor of the
28college, or working acting under the direct supervision of a
29licensed supervising veterinarian as provided in subchapter II.
30The board shall issue to any a veterinary medicine student who
31attends an accredited veterinary medicine college or school
32and who has been certified as being competent by an instructor
33of such college or school to perform veterinary duties under
34the direction of an instructor of veterinary medicine or under
35the direct supervision of a licensed supervising veterinarian,
-2-1a certificate authorizing the veterinary medicine student to
2perform such functions.
39. Any veterinary assistant employed by a licensed
4veterinarian from performing duties other than diagnosis,
5prescription, or surgery auxiliary personnel when performing
6delegated tasks under the direct supervision of such a
7supervising veterinarian which assistant has been issued a
8certificate by the board subject to section 169.20 as provided
9in subchapter II.
1010. A graduate of a foreign college of veterinary medicine,
11 who has or is in the process of obtaining an ECFVG certificate
12for, when performing duties or actions delegated tasks
13 under the direction or supervision of a licensed supervising
14 veterinarian as provided in subchapter II.
15 Sec. 7. Section 169.4, Code 2023, is amended by adding the
16following new subsection:
17 NEW SUBSECTION. 16. A person performing animal massage.
18 Sec. 8. Section 169.5, subsection 7, paragraph i, Code 2023,
19is amended to read as follows:
20i. Adopt, amend, or repeal rules relating to the
21qualifications, standards of conduct for, the supervision
22of tasks delegated to veterinary auxiliary personnel by a
23licensed veterinarian, and disciplinary action of veterinary
24auxiliary personnel for whom the board has issued a certificate
25or permit. The rules may provide for the testing of, and
26revocation or suspension of certificates issued to veterinary
27assistants individuals who apply to be issued a certificate of
28registration as a veterinary technician, apply to be issued
29a renewal of a certificate of registration, or apply to be
30reissued a certificate of registration; and the suspension
31or revocation of a certificate of registration. However, a
32certificate shall not be suspended or revoked by less than a
33two-thirds vote of the entire board in a proceeding conducted
34in compliance with section 17A.12.
35 Sec. 9. Section 169.5, subsection 7, Code 2023, is amended
-3-1by adding the following new paragraph:
2 NEW PARAGRAPH. k. Adopt, amend, or repeal rules requiring
3a veterinarian to have a valid veterinarian-client-patient
4relationship, except in the case of an emergency, before
5practicing veterinary medicine on an animal, including by
6acting as a supervising veterinarian.
7 Sec. 10. NEW SECTION. 169.31 Subchapter definitions.
8As used in this subchapter:
91. “Accredited or approved veterinary technology program”
10means a program in veterinary technology that is accredited by
11the American veterinary medical association and an accrediting
12agency that has been approved by the United States department
13of education or its successor.
142. “Direct supervision” means supervision by a supervising
15veterinarian that occurs when the supervising veterinarian is
16readily available and on the premises where an animal patient
17is being provided authorized veterinary medical services by
18veterinary auxiliary personnel.
193. “Immediate supervision” means supervision by a
20supervising veterinarian that occurs when the supervising
21veterinarian is in the immediate area, and within audible and
22visual range, of an animal patient and veterinary auxiliary
23personnel providing the animal patient with authorized
24veterinary medical services.
254. “Indirect supervision” means supervision by a supervising
26veterinarian, other than direct supervision or immediate
27supervision, that occurs when all of the following apply:
28a. The supervising veterinarian has given written protocols
29or real-time oral instructions to veterinary auxiliary
30personnel for the treatment of an animal patient for which a
31veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists.
32b. The supervising veterinarian is readily available by
33telephone or other means of immediate communication with the
34veterinary auxiliary personnel providing the animal patient
35with authorized veterinary medical services.
-4- 15. “Registered veterinary technician” means an individual
2who has graduated from an accredited or approved veterinary
3technology program and who has been issued a valid certificate
4of registration by the board pursuant to section 169.34.
56. “Supervising veterinarian” means a licensed veterinarian
6who assumes responsibility for supervising veterinary auxiliary
7personnel providing authorized veterinary medical services
8to an animal patient under immediate supervision, direct
9supervision, or indirect supervision.
107. a. “Veterinary assistant” means an individual employed
11to work in veterinary practice who performs tasks under the
12supervision of a supervising veterinarian.
13b. “Veterinary assistant” does not include a person who is a
14licensed veterinarian or a registered veterinary technician,
15veterinary student, veterinary technician student, or graduate
16from a foreign college of veterinary medicine who is not a
17licensed veterinarian or the holder of a valid temporary permit
18issued by the board.
198. “Veterinary auxiliary personnel” means a veterinary
20assistant, registered veterinary technician, veterinary
21student, veterinary technician student, or graduate of a
22foreign college of veterinary medicine who is not a licensed
23veterinarian or the holder of a valid temporary permit issued
24by the board.
259. “Veterinary student” means an individual currently
26admitted to and in good academic standing with an accredited or
27approved college of veterinary medicine.
2810. “Veterinary technician student” means an individual
29currently admitted to and in good academic standing with an
30accredited or approved veterinary technology program.
31 Sec. 11. NEW SECTION. 169.32 Supervising veterinarian.
321. A licensed veterinarian may provide veterinary medical
33services to an animal patient by acting as a supervising
34veterinarian as provided in this subchapter and rules adopted
35by the board.
-5- 12. A supervising veterinarian shall determine the
2supervision required for tasks delegated to veterinary
3auxiliary personnel within the limits provided in this
4subchapter and rules adopted by the board. The decision
5must be based on factors such as the veterinary auxiliary
6personnel’s training, experience, and skill. The supervising
7veterinarian is responsible for providing the required
8supervision and delegating tasks to veterinary auxiliary
9personnel. The supervising veterinarian shall not delegate
10veterinary medical services of diagnosis, prescription, or
11surgery to any veterinary assistant, veterinary technician
12student, or registered veterinary technician.
133. The board shall adopt rules providing for when a licensed
14veterinarian must exercise immediate supervision, direct
15supervision, or indirect supervision for each category of
16auxiliary veterinary personnel providing authorized veterinary
17medical services to an animal patient. Nothing in this
18subchapter or the rules adopted by the board shall prohibit the
19supervising veterinarian from providing more supervision than
20required when the veterinary auxiliary personnel’s training,
21experience, and skill indicate more supervision is necessary.
22 Sec. 12. NEW SECTION. 169.33 Veterinary auxiliary personnel
23— employment.
241. a. A licensed veterinarian may employ any number of
25veterinary auxiliary personnel who may be delegated tasks
26associated with providing authorized veterinary medical
27services to an animal patient within the limits provided in
28this subchapter and rules adopted by the board pursuant to this
29subchapter.
30b. A person may employ any number of veterinary auxiliary
31personnel to provide authorized veterinary medical services
32to animals that are owned or cared for by the person if a
33supervising veterinarian who practices at the same place of
34business as the veterinary auxiliary personnel supervises the
35veterinary auxiliary personnel within the limits provided in
-6-1this subchapter and rules adopted by the board pursuant to this
2subchapter.
32. Veterinary auxiliary personnel shall only receive
4compensation for authorized veterinary medical services from
5their employer as provided in this section except for those
6services provided in accordance with section 169.4.
7 Sec. 13. NEW SECTION. 169.34 Registered veterinary
8technician — certificate of registration.
91. The board shall issue a certificate of registration to an
10individual if all of the following apply:
11a. The individual has graduated from an accredited or
12approved veterinary technology program.
13b. The individual has received a passing score on a national
14veterinary technician examination approved by the board.
15c. The individual has submitted a complete application to
16the board that is approved by the board.
17(1) The application must be in a form prescribed by the
18board.
19(2) To be complete, the application must include all of the
20following:
21(a) Information and material required by the board.
22(b) A registration fee in an amount established by the
23board.
24d. The individual meets other criteria or qualifications
25as specified by rule adopted by the board, including but not
26limited to a state veterinary technician examination.
27e. The board may grant a waiver from any qualification for a
28certificate of registration to an individual who was in active
29duty military service or the individual’s spouse in accordance
30with section 272C.4, or to an individual who was previously
31a veterinary medical student and who substantially meets the
32qualifications to receive a certificate of registration.
332. The board may issue an endorsed certificate of
34registration to an individual if the individual holds a valid
35registration, certificate, license, or other authorization
-7-1issued by a jurisdiction recognized by the board, and all of
2the following apply:
3a. The individual meets the educational, experience, or
4testing requirements as specified by the board in rule.
5b. The individual is not subject to an investigation or
6disciplinary action which may result or has resulted in the
7suspension or the revocation of a registration, certificate,
8license, or other authorization issued by a jurisdiction
9recognized by the board.
10c. The individual has submitted a complete application to
11the board that is approved by the board.
12(1) The application must be in a form prescribed by the
13board.
14(2) To be complete, the application must include all of the
15following:
16(a) Information and material required by the board.
17(b) A registration fee in an amount established by the
18board.
19d. The individual meets other criteria, standard, or
20qualification as specified by rule adopted by the board.
21e. The board may grant a waiver from any qualification for
22an endorsed certificate of registration to an individual who
23was in active duty military service or the individual’s spouse
24in accordance with section 272C.4, or to an individual who was
25previously a veterinary medical student who substantially meets
26the qualifications to receive a certificate of registration.
273. a. All certificates of registration shall be issued
28and expire according to a registration period based on a
29triennium cycle beginning and ending on dates established by
30the board. However, a new certificate of registration issued
31during a registration period shall be for the balance of that
32registration period.
33b. To renew a certificate of registration, a registered
34veterinary technician must apply to the board for approval.
35The application must show that the registered veterinary
-8-1technician has completed all continuing education credit hours
2during the preceding registration period as required by the
3board. The board shall determine the number of continuing
4education credit hours required and the type of continuing
5hours awarded credit. The certificate of registration expires
6after the individual has been provided a notice and opportunity
7for a hearing by the board under chapter 17A. An individual
8whose certificate of registration has expired is no longer
9credentialed as provided in section 169.35.
10c. The board shall reissue a certificate of registration to
11an individual whose certificate of registration has expired.
12To be reissued a certificate of registration, the individual
13must apply to the board for approval. The application
14must show that the individual has completed the same number
15of continuing education credit hours required to renew a
16certificate of registration during the prior three years.
17d. A certificate of registration for a registered veterinary
18technician that was issued prior to July 1, 2024, remains valid
19and does not expire.
20e. The board shall adopt all rules required to administer
21and enforce this subsection.
224. A registered veterinary technician is subject to
23investigation and disciplinary action taken by the board to
24suspend or revoke a certificate or registration pursuant
25to section 272C.3. However, the board shall utilize the
26procedures set forth in section 169.14. A certificate of
27registration shall not be suspended or revoked by less than a
28two-thirds vote of the entire board in a proceeding conducted
29in compliance with section 17A.12.
30 Sec. 14. NEW SECTION. 169.35 Registered veterinary
31technician — credentials.
321. A person shall not use any recognized title,
33abbreviation, or sign to indicate that such person is a
34registered veterinary technician unless that person is an
35individual who has been issued a certificate of registration
-9-1pursuant to section 169.34.
22. A person who violates subsection 1 commits a simple
3misdemeanor.
4 Sec. 15. NEW SECTION. 169.36 Registered veterinary
5technician — scope of authority.
61. A registered veterinary technician shall only perform
7tasks associated with providing authorized veterinary medical
8services to an animal patient under the supervision of a
9supervising veterinarian according to this section and rules
10adopted by the board under this subchapter.
112. A supervising veterinarian shall decide the specific
12tasks delegated to a registered veterinary technician and
13provide the required supervision pursuant to section 169.32 and
14the rules adopted by the board.
153. A veterinary technician shall not do any of the
16following:
17a. Perform equine floating teeth services. However, a
18registered veterinary technician may perform such services
19after submitting to the board all of the following:
20(1) Proof of current certification from the international
21association of equine dentistry or other professional equine
22dentistry association as determined by the board.
23(2) A written statement signed by a supervising
24veterinarian experienced in large animal medicine that the
25applicant will be under the direct supervision or indirect
26supervision of the supervising veterinarian when treating
27floating equine teeth.
28b. Gingival resection.
29 Sec. 16. NEW SECTION. 169.37 Veterinary assistant — scope
30of authority.
311. A veterinary assistant shall only perform tasks
32associated with providing authorized veterinary medical
33services to an animal patient under the direct supervision of
34a supervising veterinarian according to rules adopted by the
35board under this subchapter.
-10- 12. A supervising veterinarian shall decide the specific
2tasks delegated to a veterinary assistant and provide the
3required supervision pursuant to section 169.32 and rules
4adopted by the board.
5 Sec. 17. NEW SECTION. 169.38 Veterinary technician student
6— scope of authority.
71. A veterinary technician student shall only perform
8tasks associated with providing authorized veterinary medical
9services to an animal patient under the supervision of a
10supervising veterinarian according to rules adopted by the
11board under this subchapter.
122. A supervising veterinarian shall decide the specific
13tasks delegated to a veterinary technician student and provide
14the required supervision pursuant to section 169.32 and rules
15adopted by the board.
16 Sec. 18. NEW SECTION. 169.39 Veterinary student — scope
17of authority.
181. A veterinary student shall only perform tasks associated
19with providing authorized veterinary medical services to
20an animal patient under the supervision determined by the
21supervising veterinarian.
222. A supervising veterinarian shall decide the specific
23tasks delegated to a veterinary student and provide the
24required supervision pursuant to section 169.32 and the rules
25adopted by the board.
26 Sec. 19. NEW SECTION. 169.40 Graduate from foreign college
27of veterinary medicine — scope of authority.
281. A graduate from a foreign college of veterinary medicine
29shall only perform tasks associated with providing authorized
30veterinary medical services to an animal patient under the
31supervision determined by the supervising veterinarian.
322. A supervising veterinarian shall decide the specific
33tasks delegated to a graduate from a foreign college of
34veterinary medicine who is not a licensed veterinarian or
35temporary permit holder and provide the required supervision
-11-1pursuant to section 169.32 and the rules adopted by the board.
2 Sec. 20. Section 714.8, Code 2023, is amended by adding the
3following new subsection:
4 NEW SUBSECTION. 22. Practicing veterinary medicine without
5a valid license or temporary permit issued by the board of
6veterinary medicine pursuant to chapter 169, as described in
7section 169.19.
8 Sec. 21. REPEAL. Section 169.20, Code 2023, is repealed.
9 Sec. 22. CODE EDITOR DIRECTIVES. The Code editor shall do
10all of the following:
111. Create a new subchapter in chapter 169 that includes
12sections 169.1 through 169.30.
132. Create a new subchapter in chapter 169 that includes
14sections 169.31 through 169.40, as enacted in this Act.
153. Correct internal references in the Code and in any
16enacted legislation as necessary due to the enactment of this
17Act.
18 Sec. 23. ADMINISTRATIVE RULES. The board of veterinary
19medicine shall submit a notice of intended action to the
20administrative rules coordinator and the Iowa administrative
21code editor pursuant to section 17A.4, subsection 1, paragraph
22“a”, not later than January 1, 2024, for the adoption of rules
23required to implement this Act.
24 Sec. 24. EFFECTIVE DATE.
251. Except as provided in subsection 2, this Act takes effect
26July 1, 2024.
272. The section of this Act requiring the board of veterinary
28medicine to submit a notice of intended action for the adoption
29of rules, being deemed of immediate importance, takes effect
30upon enactment.
da/ns/md
2care of animals under the supervision of a licensed
3veterinarian, providing penalties, and including effective
4date provisions.
5BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:
1 Section 1. Section 169.3, subsection 3, Code 2023, is
2amended to read as follows:
33. a. “Animal” means any nonhuman primate, dog, cat,
4rabbit, rodent, fish, reptile, and livestock as defined in
5section 717.1, or other vertebrate or nonvertebrate life forms
6 form, living or dead, except domestic poultry.
7b. “Livestock” includes a group of livestock such as a herd
8or flock.
9 Sec. 2. Section 169.3, Code 2023, is amended by adding the
10following new subsection:
11 NEW SUBSECTION. 3A. a. “Animal massage” means a method
12of treating the body of an animal for relaxation or hygienic
13purposes through techniques, with or without the aid of a
14massage device, that include rubbing, stroking, or kneading the
15body of the animal.
16b. “Animal massage” does not include acupuncture,
17chiropractic care, diagnosis, diagnostic treatment,
18prescription, or surgery.
19 Sec. 3. Section 169.3, subsection 10, Code 2023, is amended
20to read as follows:
2110. a. “Practice of veterinary medicine” means any of the
22following:
23a. (1) To diagnose, treat, correct, change, relieve or
24prevent, for a fee, any animal disease, deformity, defect,
25injury or other physical or mental conditions or cosmetic
26surgery; including the prescription or administration of any
27drug, medicine, biologic, apparatus, application, anesthetic,
28or other therapeutic or diagnostic substance or technique, for
29a fee; or to evaluate or correct sterility or infertility, for
30a fee; or to render, advise or recommend with regard to any of
31the above for a fee.
32b. (2) To represent, directly or indirectly, publicly or
33privately, an ability or willingness to do an act described in
34paragraph “a” subparagraph (1).
35c. (3) To use any title, words, abbreviation, or letters in
-1-1a manner or under circumstances which induce the belief that
2the person using them is qualified to do any act described in
3paragraph “a” subparagraph (1).
4(4) The performance or use of complementary, alternative,
5or integrative therapies including veterinary acupuncture,
6acutherapy, acupressure, manipulative therapy based on
7techniques practiced in osteopathy and chiropractic medicine,
8or other similar therapies as specified by rule adopted by the
9board.
10b. “Practice of veterinary medicine” does not include
11providing authorized veterinary medical services to an animal
12patient by veterinary auxiliary personnel when performing
13a delegated task under the supervision of a supervising
14veterinarian as provided in subchapter II.
15 Sec. 4. Section 169.3, subsection 12, Code 2023, is amended
16by striking the subsection.
17 Sec. 5. Section 169.4, unnumbered paragraph 1, Code 2023,
18is amended to read as follows:
19A person may shall not practice veterinary medicine in the
20state who is not a licensed veterinarian or the holder of a
21valid temporary permit issued by the board. This chapter shall
22not be construed to prohibit any of the following:
23 Sec. 6. Section 169.4, subsections 2, 9, and 10, Code 2023,
24are amended to read as follows:
252. A person who is a veterinary student in an accredited
26or approved college of veterinary medicine from performing
27duties or actions assigned by instructors an instructor of the
28college, or working acting under the direct supervision of a
29licensed supervising veterinarian as provided in subchapter II.
30The board shall issue to any a veterinary medicine student who
31attends an accredited veterinary medicine college or school
32and who has been certified as being competent by an instructor
33of such college or school to perform veterinary duties under
34the direction of an instructor of veterinary medicine or under
35the direct supervision of a licensed supervising veterinarian,
-2-1a certificate authorizing the veterinary medicine student to
2perform such functions.
39. Any veterinary assistant employed by a licensed
4veterinarian from performing duties other than diagnosis,
5prescription, or surgery auxiliary personnel when performing
6delegated tasks under the direct supervision of such a
7supervising veterinarian which assistant has been issued a
8certificate by the board subject to section 169.20 as provided
9in subchapter II.
1010. A graduate of a foreign college of veterinary medicine,
11 who has or is in the process of obtaining an ECFVG certificate
12for, when performing duties or actions delegated tasks
13 under the direction or supervision of a licensed supervising
14 veterinarian as provided in subchapter II.
15 Sec. 7. Section 169.4, Code 2023, is amended by adding the
16following new subsection:
17 NEW SUBSECTION. 16. A person performing animal massage.
18 Sec. 8. Section 169.5, subsection 7, paragraph i, Code 2023,
19is amended to read as follows:
20i. Adopt, amend, or repeal rules relating to the
21qualifications, standards of conduct for, the supervision
22of tasks delegated to veterinary auxiliary personnel by a
23licensed veterinarian, and disciplinary action of veterinary
24auxiliary personnel for whom the board has issued a certificate
25or permit. The rules may provide for the testing of, and
26revocation or suspension of certificates issued to veterinary
27assistants individuals who apply to be issued a certificate of
28registration as a veterinary technician, apply to be issued
29a renewal of a certificate of registration, or apply to be
30reissued a certificate of registration; and the suspension
31or revocation of a certificate of registration. However, a
32certificate shall not be suspended or revoked by less than a
33two-thirds vote of the entire board in a proceeding conducted
34in compliance with section 17A.12.
35 Sec. 9. Section 169.5, subsection 7, Code 2023, is amended
-3-1by adding the following new paragraph:
2 NEW PARAGRAPH. k. Adopt, amend, or repeal rules requiring
3a veterinarian to have a valid veterinarian-client-patient
4relationship, except in the case of an emergency, before
5practicing veterinary medicine on an animal, including by
6acting as a supervising veterinarian.
7 Sec. 10. NEW SECTION. 169.31 Subchapter definitions.
8As used in this subchapter:
91. “Accredited or approved veterinary technology program”
10means a program in veterinary technology that is accredited by
11the American veterinary medical association and an accrediting
12agency that has been approved by the United States department
13of education or its successor.
142. “Direct supervision” means supervision by a supervising
15veterinarian that occurs when the supervising veterinarian is
16readily available and on the premises where an animal patient
17is being provided authorized veterinary medical services by
18veterinary auxiliary personnel.
193. “Immediate supervision” means supervision by a
20supervising veterinarian that occurs when the supervising
21veterinarian is in the immediate area, and within audible and
22visual range, of an animal patient and veterinary auxiliary
23personnel providing the animal patient with authorized
24veterinary medical services.
254. “Indirect supervision” means supervision by a supervising
26veterinarian, other than direct supervision or immediate
27supervision, that occurs when all of the following apply:
28a. The supervising veterinarian has given written protocols
29or real-time oral instructions to veterinary auxiliary
30personnel for the treatment of an animal patient for which a
31veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists.
32b. The supervising veterinarian is readily available by
33telephone or other means of immediate communication with the
34veterinary auxiliary personnel providing the animal patient
35with authorized veterinary medical services.
-4- 15. “Registered veterinary technician” means an individual
2who has graduated from an accredited or approved veterinary
3technology program and who has been issued a valid certificate
4of registration by the board pursuant to section 169.34.
56. “Supervising veterinarian” means a licensed veterinarian
6who assumes responsibility for supervising veterinary auxiliary
7personnel providing authorized veterinary medical services
8to an animal patient under immediate supervision, direct
9supervision, or indirect supervision.
107. a. “Veterinary assistant” means an individual employed
11to work in veterinary practice who performs tasks under the
12supervision of a supervising veterinarian.
13b. “Veterinary assistant” does not include a person who is a
14licensed veterinarian or a registered veterinary technician,
15veterinary student, veterinary technician student, or graduate
16from a foreign college of veterinary medicine who is not a
17licensed veterinarian or the holder of a valid temporary permit
18issued by the board.
198. “Veterinary auxiliary personnel” means a veterinary
20assistant, registered veterinary technician, veterinary
21student, veterinary technician student, or graduate of a
22foreign college of veterinary medicine who is not a licensed
23veterinarian or the holder of a valid temporary permit issued
24by the board.
259. “Veterinary student” means an individual currently
26admitted to and in good academic standing with an accredited or
27approved college of veterinary medicine.
2810. “Veterinary technician student” means an individual
29currently admitted to and in good academic standing with an
30accredited or approved veterinary technology program.
31 Sec. 11. NEW SECTION. 169.32 Supervising veterinarian.
321. A licensed veterinarian may provide veterinary medical
33services to an animal patient by acting as a supervising
34veterinarian as provided in this subchapter and rules adopted
35by the board.
-5- 12. A supervising veterinarian shall determine the
2supervision required for tasks delegated to veterinary
3auxiliary personnel within the limits provided in this
4subchapter and rules adopted by the board. The decision
5must be based on factors such as the veterinary auxiliary
6personnel’s training, experience, and skill. The supervising
7veterinarian is responsible for providing the required
8supervision and delegating tasks to veterinary auxiliary
9personnel. The supervising veterinarian shall not delegate
10veterinary medical services of diagnosis, prescription, or
11surgery to any veterinary assistant, veterinary technician
12student, or registered veterinary technician.
133. The board shall adopt rules providing for when a licensed
14veterinarian must exercise immediate supervision, direct
15supervision, or indirect supervision for each category of
16auxiliary veterinary personnel providing authorized veterinary
17medical services to an animal patient. Nothing in this
18subchapter or the rules adopted by the board shall prohibit the
19supervising veterinarian from providing more supervision than
20required when the veterinary auxiliary personnel’s training,
21experience, and skill indicate more supervision is necessary.
22 Sec. 12. NEW SECTION. 169.33 Veterinary auxiliary personnel
23— employment.
241. a. A licensed veterinarian may employ any number of
25veterinary auxiliary personnel who may be delegated tasks
26associated with providing authorized veterinary medical
27services to an animal patient within the limits provided in
28this subchapter and rules adopted by the board pursuant to this
29subchapter.
30b. A person may employ any number of veterinary auxiliary
31personnel to provide authorized veterinary medical services
32to animals that are owned or cared for by the person if a
33supervising veterinarian who practices at the same place of
34business as the veterinary auxiliary personnel supervises the
35veterinary auxiliary personnel within the limits provided in
-6-1this subchapter and rules adopted by the board pursuant to this
2subchapter.
32. Veterinary auxiliary personnel shall only receive
4compensation for authorized veterinary medical services from
5their employer as provided in this section except for those
6services provided in accordance with section 169.4.
7 Sec. 13. NEW SECTION. 169.34 Registered veterinary
8technician — certificate of registration.
91. The board shall issue a certificate of registration to an
10individual if all of the following apply:
11a. The individual has graduated from an accredited or
12approved veterinary technology program.
13b. The individual has received a passing score on a national
14veterinary technician examination approved by the board.
15c. The individual has submitted a complete application to
16the board that is approved by the board.
17(1) The application must be in a form prescribed by the
18board.
19(2) To be complete, the application must include all of the
20following:
21(a) Information and material required by the board.
22(b) A registration fee in an amount established by the
23board.
24d. The individual meets other criteria or qualifications
25as specified by rule adopted by the board, including but not
26limited to a state veterinary technician examination.
27e. The board may grant a waiver from any qualification for a
28certificate of registration to an individual who was in active
29duty military service or the individual’s spouse in accordance
30with section 272C.4, or to an individual who was previously
31a veterinary medical student and who substantially meets the
32qualifications to receive a certificate of registration.
332. The board may issue an endorsed certificate of
34registration to an individual if the individual holds a valid
35registration, certificate, license, or other authorization
-7-1issued by a jurisdiction recognized by the board, and all of
2the following apply:
3a. The individual meets the educational, experience, or
4testing requirements as specified by the board in rule.
5b. The individual is not subject to an investigation or
6disciplinary action which may result or has resulted in the
7suspension or the revocation of a registration, certificate,
8license, or other authorization issued by a jurisdiction
9recognized by the board.
10c. The individual has submitted a complete application to
11the board that is approved by the board.
12(1) The application must be in a form prescribed by the
13board.
14(2) To be complete, the application must include all of the
15following:
16(a) Information and material required by the board.
17(b) A registration fee in an amount established by the
18board.
19d. The individual meets other criteria, standard, or
20qualification as specified by rule adopted by the board.
21e. The board may grant a waiver from any qualification for
22an endorsed certificate of registration to an individual who
23was in active duty military service or the individual’s spouse
24in accordance with section 272C.4, or to an individual who was
25previously a veterinary medical student who substantially meets
26the qualifications to receive a certificate of registration.
273. a. All certificates of registration shall be issued
28and expire according to a registration period based on a
29triennium cycle beginning and ending on dates established by
30the board. However, a new certificate of registration issued
31during a registration period shall be for the balance of that
32registration period.
33b. To renew a certificate of registration, a registered
34veterinary technician must apply to the board for approval.
35The application must show that the registered veterinary
-8-1technician has completed all continuing education credit hours
2during the preceding registration period as required by the
3board. The board shall determine the number of continuing
4education credit hours required and the type of continuing
5hours awarded credit. The certificate of registration expires
6after the individual has been provided a notice and opportunity
7for a hearing by the board under chapter 17A. An individual
8whose certificate of registration has expired is no longer
9credentialed as provided in section 169.35.
10c. The board shall reissue a certificate of registration to
11an individual whose certificate of registration has expired.
12To be reissued a certificate of registration, the individual
13must apply to the board for approval. The application
14must show that the individual has completed the same number
15of continuing education credit hours required to renew a
16certificate of registration during the prior three years.
17d. A certificate of registration for a registered veterinary
18technician that was issued prior to July 1, 2024, remains valid
19and does not expire.
20e. The board shall adopt all rules required to administer
21and enforce this subsection.
224. A registered veterinary technician is subject to
23investigation and disciplinary action taken by the board to
24suspend or revoke a certificate or registration pursuant
25to section 272C.3. However, the board shall utilize the
26procedures set forth in section 169.14. A certificate of
27registration shall not be suspended or revoked by less than a
28two-thirds vote of the entire board in a proceeding conducted
29in compliance with section 17A.12.
30 Sec. 14. NEW SECTION. 169.35 Registered veterinary
31technician — credentials.
321. A person shall not use any recognized title,
33abbreviation, or sign to indicate that such person is a
34registered veterinary technician unless that person is an
35individual who has been issued a certificate of registration
-9-1pursuant to section 169.34.
22. A person who violates subsection 1 commits a simple
3misdemeanor.
4 Sec. 15. NEW SECTION. 169.36 Registered veterinary
5technician — scope of authority.
61. A registered veterinary technician shall only perform
7tasks associated with providing authorized veterinary medical
8services to an animal patient under the supervision of a
9supervising veterinarian according to this section and rules
10adopted by the board under this subchapter.
112. A supervising veterinarian shall decide the specific
12tasks delegated to a registered veterinary technician and
13provide the required supervision pursuant to section 169.32 and
14the rules adopted by the board.
153. A veterinary technician shall not do any of the
16following:
17a. Perform equine floating teeth services. However, a
18registered veterinary technician may perform such services
19after submitting to the board all of the following:
20(1) Proof of current certification from the international
21association of equine dentistry or other professional equine
22dentistry association as determined by the board.
23(2) A written statement signed by a supervising
24veterinarian experienced in large animal medicine that the
25applicant will be under the direct supervision or indirect
26supervision of the supervising veterinarian when treating
27floating equine teeth.
28b. Gingival resection.
29 Sec. 16. NEW SECTION. 169.37 Veterinary assistant — scope
30of authority.
311. A veterinary assistant shall only perform tasks
32associated with providing authorized veterinary medical
33services to an animal patient under the direct supervision of
34a supervising veterinarian according to rules adopted by the
35board under this subchapter.
-10- 12. A supervising veterinarian shall decide the specific
2tasks delegated to a veterinary assistant and provide the
3required supervision pursuant to section 169.32 and rules
4adopted by the board.
5 Sec. 17. NEW SECTION. 169.38 Veterinary technician student
6— scope of authority.
71. A veterinary technician student shall only perform
8tasks associated with providing authorized veterinary medical
9services to an animal patient under the supervision of a
10supervising veterinarian according to rules adopted by the
11board under this subchapter.
122. A supervising veterinarian shall decide the specific
13tasks delegated to a veterinary technician student and provide
14the required supervision pursuant to section 169.32 and rules
15adopted by the board.
16 Sec. 18. NEW SECTION. 169.39 Veterinary student — scope
17of authority.
181. A veterinary student shall only perform tasks associated
19with providing authorized veterinary medical services to
20an animal patient under the supervision determined by the
21supervising veterinarian.
222. A supervising veterinarian shall decide the specific
23tasks delegated to a veterinary student and provide the
24required supervision pursuant to section 169.32 and the rules
25adopted by the board.
26 Sec. 19. NEW SECTION. 169.40 Graduate from foreign college
27of veterinary medicine — scope of authority.
281. A graduate from a foreign college of veterinary medicine
29shall only perform tasks associated with providing authorized
30veterinary medical services to an animal patient under the
31supervision determined by the supervising veterinarian.
322. A supervising veterinarian shall decide the specific
33tasks delegated to a graduate from a foreign college of
34veterinary medicine who is not a licensed veterinarian or
35temporary permit holder and provide the required supervision
-11-1pursuant to section 169.32 and the rules adopted by the board.
2 Sec. 20. Section 714.8, Code 2023, is amended by adding the
3following new subsection:
4 NEW SUBSECTION. 22. Practicing veterinary medicine without
5a valid license or temporary permit issued by the board of
6veterinary medicine pursuant to chapter 169, as described in
7section 169.19.
8 Sec. 21. REPEAL. Section 169.20, Code 2023, is repealed.
9 Sec. 22. CODE EDITOR DIRECTIVES. The Code editor shall do
10all of the following:
111. Create a new subchapter in chapter 169 that includes
12sections 169.1 through 169.30.
132. Create a new subchapter in chapter 169 that includes
14sections 169.31 through 169.40, as enacted in this Act.
153. Correct internal references in the Code and in any
16enacted legislation as necessary due to the enactment of this
17Act.
18 Sec. 23. ADMINISTRATIVE RULES. The board of veterinary
19medicine shall submit a notice of intended action to the
20administrative rules coordinator and the Iowa administrative
21code editor pursuant to section 17A.4, subsection 1, paragraph
22“a”, not later than January 1, 2024, for the adoption of rules
23required to implement this Act.
24 Sec. 24. EFFECTIVE DATE.
251. Except as provided in subsection 2, this Act takes effect
26July 1, 2024.
272. The section of this Act requiring the board of veterinary
28medicine to submit a notice of intended action for the adoption
29of rules, being deemed of immediate importance, takes effect
30upon enactment.
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