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