MD
Maryland House Bill HB1097

Maryland 2024 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB1097 Compare Versions

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1- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 487
21
3-– 1 –
4-Chapter 487
5-(House Bill 1097)
62
7-AN ACT concerning
3+EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MAT TER ADDED TO EXISTIN G LAW.
4+ [Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
5+ Underlining indicates amendments to bill.
6+ Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by
7+amendment.
8+ Italics indicate opposite chamber/conference committee amendments.
9+ *hb1097*
810
9-State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners – Veterinary Technicians and
10-Veterinary Assistants
11+HOUSE BILL 1097
12+M4 (4lr1340)
13+ENROLLED BILL
14+— Environment and Transportation/Education, Energy, and the Environment —
15+Introduced by Delegate Guyton Delegates Guyton, Allen, Boyce, Foley, Healey,
16+Lehman, J. Long, T. Morgan, and Ruth
1117
12-FOR the purpose of authorizing a veterinary assistant to perform certain tasks under the
13-immediate or direct supervision of a veterinary practitioner or veterinary technician;
14-authorizing a veterinary technician to perform certain procedures, including certain
15-emergency procedures and euthanasia, under certain circumstances; requiring the
16-State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to develop by regulation a certain
17-alternative pathway for employed veterinary assistants to become veterinary
18-technicians; and generally relating to the State Board of Veterinary Medical
19-Examiners and veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants.
18+Read and Examined by Proofreaders:
2019
21-BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
22- Article – Agriculture
23-Section 2–301(a), (b), and (i)
24- Annotated Code of Maryland
25- (2016 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
20+_______________________________________________
21+Proofreader.
22+_______________________________________________
23+Proofreader.
2624
27-BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
28- Article – Agriculture
29-Section 2–301(c), (g), and (j)
30- Annotated Code of Maryland
31- (2016 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
25+Sealed with the Great Seal and presented to the Governor, for his approval this
3226
33-BY adding to
34- Article – Agriculture
35-Section 2–301(c–1), (c–2), and (h–1) and 2–309.1
36- Annotated Code of Maryland
37- (2016 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
27+_______ day of _______________ at ________________________ o’clock, ________M.
3828
39- SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
40-That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
29+______________________________________________
30+Speaker.
4131
42-Article – Agriculture
32+CHAPTER ______
4333
44-2–301.
34+AN ACT concerning 1
4535
46- (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
36+State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners – Veterinary Technicians and 2
37+Veterinary Assistants 3
4738
48- (b) “Board” means the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
49- Ch. 487 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
39+FOR the purpose of authorizing a veterinary assistant to perform certain tasks under the 4
40+immediate or direct supervision of a veterinary practitioner or veterinary technician; 5
41+authorizing a veterinary technician to perform certain procedures, including certain 6
42+emergency procedures and euthanasia, under certain circumstances; requiring the 7
43+State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to develop by regulation a certain 8
44+alternative pathway for employed veterinary assistants to become veterinary 9
45+technicians; and generally relating to the State Board of Veterinary Medical 10
46+Examiners and veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants. 11
5047
51-– 2 –
52- (c) “Direct supervision” means that [a] THE SUPERVISING veterinarian WHO IS
53-licensed and registered in the State [is in the immediate vicinity where veterinary medicine
54-is being performed and is actively engaged in the supervision of the practice of veterinary
55-medicine]:
48+BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 12
49+ Article – Agriculture 13 2 HOUSE BILL 1097
5650
57- (1) IS ON THE PREMISES OF THE ANIMAL TREATMENT FACILITY;
5851
59- (2) IS AVAILABLE ON AN IM MEDIATE BASIS; AND
52+Section 2–301(a), (b), and (i) 1
53+ Annotated Code of Maryland 2
54+ (2016 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 3
6055
61- (3) HAS GIVEN WRITTEN OR ORAL INSTRUCTIONS FO R TREATMENT
62-OF THE ANIMAL PATIEN TS INVOLVED.
56+BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 4
57+ Article – Agriculture 5
58+Section 2–301(c), (g), and (j) 6
59+ Annotated Code of Maryland 7
60+ (2016 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 8
6361
64- (C–1) “IMMEDIATE SUPERVISION ” MEANS THE SUPERVISIN G VETERINARIAN
65-WHO IS LICENSED AND REGISTERED IN THE STATE IS IN THE IMMEDIATE ARE A AND
66-WITHIN AUDIBLE AND V ISUAL RANGE OF THE A NIMAL PATIENT AND TH E PERSON
67-TREATING THE PATIENT .
62+BY adding to 9
63+ Article – Agriculture 10
64+Section 2–301(c–1), (c–2), and (h–1) and 2–309.1 11
65+ Annotated Code of Maryland 12
66+ (2016 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 13
6867
69- (C–2) “INDIRECT SUPERVISION ” MEANS THE SUPERVISIN G VETERINARIAN
70-WHO IS LICENSED AND REGISTERED IN THE STATE:
68+ SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 14
69+That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 15
7170
72- (1) IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE IN THE SAME FACILITY OR IN CLOSE
73-PROXIMITY TO THE IND IVIDUAL BEING SUPERV ISED; AND
71+Article – Agriculture 16
7472
75- (2) (I) HAS GIVEN WRITTEN OR ORAL INSTRUCTIONS FO R
76-TREATMENT OF THE ANI MAL PATIENTS PATIENT INVOLVED;
73+2–301. 17
7774
78- (II) IS AVAILABLE TO PROVI DE SUPERVISION BY EL ECTRONIC
79-OR TELEPHONIC MEANS ; AND
75+ (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. 18
8076
81- (III) HAS ARRANGED FOR TELE PHONIC CONSULTATION WITH A
82-LICENSED VETERINARIA N, IF NECESSARY.
77+ (b) “Board” means the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. 19
8378
84- (g) [The term “practice] “PRACTICE of veterinary medicine” does not include or
85-apply to:
79+ (c) “Direct supervision” means that [a] THE SUPERVISING veterinarian WHO IS 20
80+licensed and registered in the State [is in the immediate vicinity where veterinary medicine 21
81+is being performed and is actively engaged in the supervision of the practice of veterinary 22
82+medicine]: 23
8683
87- (1) Any person practicing veterinary medicine in the performance of civil
88-or military official duties in the service of the United States or of the State;
84+ (1) IS ON THE PREMISES OF THE ANIMAL TREATMENT FACILITY; 24
8985
90- (2) Experimentation and scientific research of biological chemists or
91-technicians engaged in the study and development of methods and techniques, directly or
92-indirectly related or applicable to the problems of the practice of veterinary medicine;
93- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 487
86+ (2) IS AVAILABLE ON AN IM MEDIATE BASIS; AND 25
9487
95-– 3 –
96- (3) A person who advises with respect to or performs acts which the Board,
97-by rule or regulation, has prescribed as accepted management practices in connection with
98-livestock production;
88+ (3) HAS GIVEN WRITTEN OR ORAL INSTRUCTIONS FO R TREATMENT 26
89+OF THE ANIMAL PATIENTS INVO LVED. 27
9990
100- (4) A physician licensed to practice medicine in the State or to his assistant
101-while engaged in educational research;
91+ (C–1) “IMMEDIATE SUPERVISION ” MEANS THE SUPERVISIN G VETERINARIAN 28
92+WHO IS LICENSED AND REGISTERED IN THE STATE IS IN THE IMMED IATE AREA AND 29
93+WITHIN AUDIBLE AND V ISUAL RANGE OF THE A NIMAL PATIENT AND TH E PERSON 30
94+TREATING THE PATIENT . 31
10295
103- (5) A person administering to the ills and injuries of his own animals if
104-they otherwise comply with all laws, rules and regulations relative to the use of medicines
105-and biologics;
96+ (C–2) “INDIRECT SUPERVISION ” MEANS THE SUPERVISIN G VETERINARIAN 32
97+WHO IS LICENSED AND REGISTERED IN THE STATE: 33 HOUSE BILL 1097 3
10698
107- (6) A farrier or a person actively engaged in the art or profession of
108-horseshoeing as long as his actions are limited to the art of horseshoeing or trimming and
109-maintaining horse hooves;
11099
111- (7) Any nurse, attendant, technician, intern, or other employee of a
112-licensed and registered veterinarian when administering medication or rendering auxiliary
113-or supporting assistance under the responsible direct supervision of a licensed and
114-registered veterinarian;
115100
116- (8) A person who floats (files) equine teeth or removes caps;
101+ (1) IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE IN THE SAME FACILITY OR IN CLOSE 1
102+PROXIMITY TO THE IND IVIDUAL BEING SUPERV ISED; AND 2
117103
118- (9) A person who scales or cleans animal teeth;
104+ (2) (I) HAS GIVEN WRITTEN OR ORAL INSTRUCTIONS FO R 3
105+TREATMENT OF THE ANI MAL PATIENTS PATIENT INVOLVED; 4
119106
120- (10) A [registered] veterinary technician when performing a procedure
121-[under the responsible direct supervision of a veterinary practitioner as provided by
122-regulations adopted by the Board] IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–309.1 OF THIS SUBTITLE ;
107+ (II) IS AVAILABLE TO PROVI DE SUPERVISION BY EL ECTRONIC 5
108+OR TELEPHONIC MEANS ; AND 6
123109
124- (11) A person practicing acupuncture in accordance with the principles of
125-oriental medical theories if the person:
110+ (III) HAS ARRANGED FOR TELE PHONIC CONSULTATION WITH A 7
111+LICENSED VETERINARIA N, IF NECESSARY. 8
126112
127- (i) Is licensed under Title 1A of the Health Occupations Article;
113+ (g) [The term “practice] “PRACTICE of veterinary medicine” does not include or 9
114+apply to: 10
128115
129- (ii) Is certified as an animal acupuncturist by the Board of
130-Acupuncture;
116+ (1) Any person practicing veterinary medicine in the performance of civil 11
117+or military official duties in the service of the United States or of the State; 12
131118
132- (iii) Practices only acupuncture, acupressure, and moxibustion;
119+ (2) Experimentation and scientific research of biological chemists or 13
120+technicians engaged in the study and development of methods and techniques, directly or 14
121+indirectly related or applicable to the problems of the practice of veterinary medicine; 15
133122
134- (iv) Cooperates and consults with a veterinary practitioner by:
123+ (3) A person who advises with respect to or performs acts which the Board, 16
124+by rule or regulation, has prescribed as accepted management practices in connection with 17
125+livestock production; 18
135126
136- 1. Beginning acupuncture treatment on an animal only if the
137-animal has been seen by a veterinary practitioner within the previous 14 days;
127+ (4) A physician licensed to practice medicine in the State or to his assistant 19
128+while engaged in educational research; 20
138129
139- 2. Adhering to the terms and conditions of treatment decided
140-by the veterinary practitioner, including the degree of communication and collaboration
141-between the veterinary practitioner and the person practicing acupuncture; Ch. 487 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
130+ (5) A person administering to the ills and injuries of his own animals if 21
131+they otherwise comply with all laws, rules and regulations relative to the use of medicines 22
132+and biologics; 23
142133
143-– 4 –
134+ (6) A farrier or a person actively engaged in the art or profession of 24
135+horseshoeing as long as his actions are limited to the art of horseshoeing or trimming and 25
136+maintaining horse hooves; 26
144137
145- 3. Reporting to the veterinary practitioner at the end of
146-treatment or at monthly intervals, at the discretion of the veterinary practitioner; and
138+ (7) Any nurse, attendant, technician, intern, or other employee of a 27
139+licensed and registered veterinarian when administering medication or rendering auxiliary 28
140+or supporting assistance under the responsible direct supervision of a licensed and 29
141+registered veterinarian; 30
147142
148- 4. Not working on an animal for which the person has not
149-been appropriately trained, in accordance with regulations adopted by the Board of
150-Acupuncture; and
143+ (8) A person who floats (files) equine teeth or removes caps; 31
151144
152- (v) Has successfully completed a specialty training program in
153-animal acupuncture that:
145+ (9) A person who scales or cleans animal teeth; 32 4 HOUSE BILL 1097
154146
155- 1. Is approved by the Board of Acupuncture;
156147
157- 2. Is offered by a school holding nationally recognized
158-accreditation;
159148
160- 3. Consists of at least 135 hours; and
149+ (10) A [registered] veterinary technician when performing a procedure 1
150+[under the responsible direct supervision of a veterinary practitioner as provided by 2
151+regulations adopted by the Board] IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–309.1 OF THIS SUBTITLE ; 3
161152
162- 4. Enables the person to:
153+ (11) A person practicing acupuncture in accordance with the principles of 4
154+oriental medical theories if the person: 5
163155
164- A. Design effective treatments of animals based on
165-traditional acupuncture theories and principles, including appropriate knowledge of
166-functional animal anatomy and physiology;
156+ (i) Is licensed under Title 1A of the Health Occupations Article; 6
167157
168- B. Handle and restrain animals to the extent appropriate in
169-the practice of acupuncture;
158+ (ii) Is certified as an animal acupuncturist by the Board of 7
159+Acupuncture; 8
170160
171- C. Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of animal diseases and
172-zoonoses that would require the immediate attention of a veterinary practitioner; and
161+ (iii) Practices only acupuncture, acupressure, and moxibustion; 9
173162
174- D. Communicate effectively with a veterinary practitioner;
163+ (iv) Cooperates and consults with a veterinary practitioner by: 10
175164
176- (12) A veterinarian licensed in another jurisdiction while consulting with a
177-veterinary practitioner in this State; or
165+ 1. Beginning acupuncture treatment on an animal only if the 11
166+animal has been seen by a veterinary practitioner within the previous 14 days; 12
178167
179- (13) A student of veterinary medicine practicing veterinary medicine who
180-has successfully completed 3 years of veterinary education at an institution approved by
181-the Board and who works under the responsible direct supervision, as defined by the Board,
182-of a veterinary practitioner.
168+ 2. Adhering to the terms and conditions of treatment decided 13
169+by the veterinary practitioner, including the degree of communication and collaboration 14
170+between the veterinary practitioner and the person practicing acupuncture; 15
183171
184- (H–1) “VETERINARY ASSISTANT ” MEANS A PERSON WHO :
172+ 3. Reporting to the veterinary practitioner at the end of 16
173+treatment or at monthly intervals, at the discretion of the veterinary practitioner; and 17
185174
186- (1) AIDS A VETERINARIAN O R VETERINARY TECHNIC IAN IN PATIENT
187-CARE; AND
188- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 487
175+ 4. Not working on an animal for which the person has not 18
176+been appropriately trained, in accordance with regulations adopted by the Board of 19
177+Acupuncture; and 20
189178
190-– 5 –
191- (2) IS NOT QUALIFIED AS A CREDE NTIALED REGISTERED WITH THE
192-BOARD AS A VETERINARY TECHNICIA N.
179+ (v) Has successfully completed a specialty training program in 21
180+animal acupuncture that: 22
193181
194- (i) “Veterinary practitioner” means a licensed and registered veterinarian
195-engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine.
182+ 1. Is approved by the Board of Acupuncture; 23
196183
197- (j) (1) “Veterinary technician” means a person who [is registered with the
198-Board as a veterinary technician]:
184+ 2. Is offered by a school holding nationally recognized 24
185+accreditation; 25
199186
200- (I) IS TRAINED THROUGH AN AMERICAN VETERINARY
201-MEDICAL ASSOCIATION ACCREDITE D PROGRAM AND ASSIST S A VETERINARIAN
202-WITH DIVERSE MEDICAL TASKS; AND
187+ 3. Consists of at least 135 hours; and 26
203188
204- (II) 1. A. IS A GRADUATE OF AN AMERICAN VETERINARY
205-MEDICAL ASSOCIATION ACCREDITE D VETERINARY TECHNOL OGY OR VETERINARY
206-NURSING PROGRAM ;
189+ 4. Enables the person to: 27
207190
208- B. HAS PASSED THE VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
209-NATIONAL EXAM; AND
191+ A. Design effective treatments of animals based on 28
192+traditional acupuncture theories and principles, including appropriate knowledge of 29
193+functional animal anatomy and physiology; 30 HOUSE BILL 1097 5
210194
211- C. IS CREDENTIALED AS HA VING THE APPROPRIATE
212-TRAINING AND EXPERIE NCE BY A STATE GOVER NMENT OR AN ORGANIZA TION
213-RECOGNIZED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF VETERINARY TECHNICIANS IN
214-AMERICA TO ISSUE THE CREDENTIAL; OR
215195
216- 2. BEFORE OCTOBER 1, 2027, MEETS THE
217-REQUIREMENTS UNDER AN ALTERNATIVE PATHWAY IN ACCORDANCE WITH
218-REGULATIONS ADOPTED BY THE BOARD.
219196
220- (2) “VETERINARY TECHNICIAN ” INCLUDES A VETERINAR Y NURSE.
197+ B. Handle and restrain animals to the extent appropriate in 1
198+the practice of acupuncture; 2
221199
222-2–309.1.
200+ C. Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of animal diseases and 3
201+zoonoses that would require the immediate attention of a veterinary practitioner; and 4
223202
224- (A) A VETERINARY ASSISTANT MAY PERFORM THE FOLL OWING TASKS
225-UNDER THE DIRECT SUP ERVISION OF A VETERI NARY PRACTITIONER OR
226-VETERINARY TECHNICIA N UNDER THE DIRECT SUP ERVISION OF A VETERI NARY
227-PRACTITIONER :
203+ D. Communicate effectively with a veterinary practitioner; 5
228204
229- (1) OBTAINING AND MONITOR ING VITALS ON A NONA NESTHETIZED
230-PATIENT;
205+ (12) A veterinarian licensed in another jurisdiction while consulting with a 6
206+veterinary practitioner in this State; or 7
231207
232- (2) RADIOGRAPHS ;
208+ (13) A student of veterinary medicine practicing veterinary medicine who 8
209+has successfully completed 3 years of veterinary education at an institution approved by 9
210+the Board and who works under the responsible direct supervision, as defined by the Board, 10
211+of a veterinary practitioner. 11
233212
234- (3) DENTAL PROPHYLAXIS ; Ch. 487 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
213+ (H–1) “VETERINARY ASSISTANT ” MEANS A PERSON WHO : 12
235214
236-– 6 –
215+ (1) AIDS A VETERINARIAN O R VETERINARY TECHNIC IAN IN PATIENT 13
216+CARE; AND 14
237217
238- (4) NAIL TRIMS;
218+ (2) IS NOT QUALIFIED AS A CREDE NTIALED REGISTERED WITH THE 15
219+BOARD AS A VETERINARY TECHNICIA N. 16
239220
240- (5) EDUCATING ON BASIC TO PICS;
221+ (i) “Veterinary practitioner” means a licensed and registered veterinarian 17
222+engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine. 18
241223
242- (6) ADMINISTERING MEDICAT IONS;
224+ (j) (1) “Veterinary technician” means a person who [is registered with the 19
225+Board as a veterinary technician]: 20
243226
244- (7) HUSBANDRY;
227+ (I) IS TRAINED THROUGH AN AMERICAN VETERINARY 21
228+MEDICAL ASSOCIATION ACCREDITE D PROGRAM AND ASSIST S A VETERINARIAN 22
229+WITH DIVERSE MEDICAL TASKS; AND 23
245230
246- (8) ANESTHESIA MONITORING ;
231+ (II) 1. A. IS A GRADUATE OF AN AMERICAN VETERINARY 24
232+MEDICAL ASSOCIATION ACCREDITE D VETERINARY TECHNOL OGY OR VETERINARY 25
233+NURSING PROGRAM ; 26
247234
248- (9) (8) COLLECTING URINE BLOOD, URINE, AND FECAL SAMPLES;
235+ B. HAS PASSED THE VETERINARY TECHNICIAN 27
236+NATIONAL EXAM; AND 28
249237
250- (10) (9) ASEPTIC TECHNIQUES ;
238+ C. IS CREDENTIALED AS HA VING THE APPROPRIATE 29
239+TRAINING AND EXPERIE NCE BY A STATE GOVER NMENT OR AN ORGANIZA TION 30 6 HOUSE BILL 1097
251240
252- (11) (10) SETUP FOR SURGERY AND OTHER PROCEDURES ;
253241
254- (12) (11) LOW–STRESS HANDLING AND RESTRAINT;
242+RECOGNIZED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF VETERINARY TECHNICIANS IN 1
243+AMERICA TO ISSUE THE CREDENTIAL; OR 2
255244
256- (13) (12) MICROCHIP INSERTION ; AND
245+ 2. BEFORE OCTOBER 1, 2027, MEETS THE 3
246+REQUIREMENTS UNDER A N ALTERNATIVE PATHWA Y IN ACCORDANCE WITH 4
247+REGULATIONS ADOPTED BY THE BOARD. 5
257248
258- (14) (13) ANY OTHER SKILL THAT IS NONINVASIVE, AS DEFINED BY
259-THE BOARD, AND WITHIN THE VETER INARY ASSISTANT ’S SKILLS AS DETERMIN ED BY
260-THE SUPERVISING VETE RINARY PRACTITIONER .
249+ (2) “VETERINARY TECHNICIAN ” INCLUDES A VETERINAR Y NURSE. 6
261250
262- (B) A VETERINARY ASSISTANT MAY PERFORM THE FOLL OWING TASKS
263-UNDER THE IMMEDIATE SUPERVISION OF A VET ERINARY PRACTITIONER OR
264-VETERINARY TECHNICIA N:
251+2–309.1. 7
265252
266- (1) SET UP OF ANESTHESIA ; AND
253+ (A) A VETERINARY ASSISTANT MAY PERFORM THE FOLL OWING TASKS 8
254+UNDER THE DIRECT SUP ERVISION OF A VETERI NARY PRACTITIONER OR 9
255+VETERINARY TECHNICIA N UNDER THE DIRECT SUP ERVISION OF A VETERI NARY 10
256+PRACTITIONER : 11
267257
268- (2) ANESTHESIA MONITORING .
258+ (1) OBTAINING AND MONITOR ING VITALS ON A NONA NESTHETIZED 12
259+PATIENT; 13
269260
270- (C) SUBJECT TO SUBSECTIONS (C) AND (D) SUBSECTION (E) OF THIS
271-SECTION, A VETERINARY TECHNIC IAN MAY PERFORM THE FOLLOWING
272-PROCEDURES UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION O F A VETERINARY PRACT ITIONER:
261+ (2) RADIOGRAPHS ; 14
273262
274- (1) INDUCING ANESTHESIA B Y INTRAMUSCULAR INJE CTION,
275-INHALATION, OR INTRAVENOUS INJEC TION;
263+ (3) DENTAL PROPHYLAXIS ; 15
276264
277- (2) SIMPLE DENTAL EXTRACT IONS OF LOOSE TEETH THAT DO NOT
278-INVOLVE FLAPS OR TOO TH SECTIONING ;
265+ (4) NAIL TRIMS; 16
279266
280- (3) BASIC SUTURING SKILLS , INCLUDING: WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 487
267+ (5) EDUCATING ON BASIC TO PICS; 17
281268
282-– 7 –
269+ (6) ADMINISTERING MEDICAT IONS; 18
283270
284- (I) SUTURING OF EXISTING SURGICAL SK IN OR GINGIVAL
285-INCISIONS; AND
271+ (7) HUSBANDRY; 19
286272
287- (II) SUTURE AND STAPLE REM OVAL;
273+ (8) ANESTHESIA MONITORING ; 20
288274
289- (4) ACCESSING A SMALL WOR KING STOCK OF SCHEDULE II DRUGS
290-UNDER SEPARATE LOCK AND FILLING PRESCRIP TIONS;
275+ (9) (8) COLLECTING URINE BLOOD, URINE, AND FECAL SAMPLES; 21
291276
292- (5) CYTOLOGY;
277+ (10) (9) ASEPTIC TECHNIQUES ; 22
293278
294- (6) ADMINISTERING VACCINE S, EXCLUDING RAB IES VACCINES
295-UNLESS OTHERWISE AUT HORIZED BY LAW ;
279+ (11) (10) SETUP FOR SURGERY AND OTHER PROCEDURES ; 23
296280
297- (7) PHLEBOTOMY , BLOOD TYPING , AND MONITORING BLOOD
298-PRODUCT TRANSFUSION ;
281+ (12) (11) LOW–STRESS HANDLING AND RESTRAINT; 24
299282
300- (8) URINARY AND INTRAVENO US CATHETER CARE ;
283+ (13) (12) MICROCHIP INSERTION ; AND 25
284+ HOUSE BILL 1097 7
301285
302- (9) CYSTOCENTESIS ;
303286
304- (10) GASTRIC AND TRACHEAL INTUBATION;
287+ (14) (13) ANY OTHER SKILL THAT IS NONINVASIVE, AS DEFINED BY 1
288+THE BOARD, AND WITHIN THE VETERI NARY ASSISTANT ’S SKILLS AS DETERMIN ED BY 2
289+THE SUPERVISING VETE RINARY PRACTITIONER . 3
305290
306- (11) MEDICATION AND FLUID THERAPY CA LCULATIONS;
291+ (B) A VETERINARY ASSISTANT MAY PERFORM THE FOLL OWING TASKS 4
292+UNDER THE IMMEDIATE SUPERVISION OF A VET ERINARY PRACTITIONER OR 5
293+VETERINARY TECHNICIA N: 6
307294
308- (12) BASIC LIFE SUPPORT IN CARDIOPULMONARY RESU SCITATION;
295+ (1) SET UP OF ANESTHESIA ; AND 7
309296
310- (13) OPHTHALMOLOGICAL TEST ING;
297+ (2) ANESTHESIA MONITORING . 8
311298
312- (14) FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATES ; AND
299+ (C) SUBJECT TO SUBSECTIONS (C) AND (D) SUBSECTION (E) OF THIS 9
300+SECTION, A VETERINARY TECHNIC IAN MAY PERFORM THE FOLLOWING 10
301+PROCEDURES UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION O F A VETERINARY PRACT ITIONER: 11
313302
314- (15) ANY OTHER PROCEDURE A UTHORIZED BY REGULAT IONS
315-ADOPTED BY THE BOARD.
303+ (1) INDUCING ANESTHESIA B Y INTRAMUSCULAR INJE CTION, 12
304+INHALATION, OR INTRAVENOUS INJEC TION; 13
316305
317- (C) (D) A VETERINARY TECHNICIA N MAY PERFORM A PROC EDURE LISTED
318-UNDER SUBSECTION (B) (1) THROUGH (15) (A)(1) THROUGH (13) OF THIS SECTION
319-UNDER THE INDIRECT S UPERVISION OF A VETE RINARY PRACTITIONER IF THE
320-VETERINARY PRACTITIO NER DETERMINES THE V ETERINARY TECHNICIAN IS
321-QUALIFIED TO PERFORM THE PROCEDURE .
306+ (2) SIMPLE DENTAL EXTRACT IONS OF LOOSE TEETH THAT DO NOT 14
307+INVOLVE FLAPS OR TOO TH SECTIONING ; 15
322308
323- (D) (E) A VETERINARY TECHNICIA N MAY NOT:
309+ (3) BASIC SUTURING SKILLS , INCLUDING: 16
324310
325- (1) MAKE ANY DIAGNOSIS OR PROGNOSIS;
326- Ch. 487 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
311+ (I) SUTURING OF EXISTING SURGICAL SKIN OR GIN GIVAL 17
312+INCISIONS; AND 18
327313
328-– 8 –
329- (2) PRESCRIBE ANY TREATME NTS, DRUGS, MEDICATIONS , OR
330-APPLIANCES; OR
314+ (II) SUTURE AND STAPLE REM OVAL; 19
331315
332- (3) PERFORM SURGERY .
316+ (4) ACCESSING A SMALL WOR KING STOCK OF SCHEDULE II DRUGS 20
317+UNDER SEPARATE LOCK AND FILLING PRESCRIP TIONS; 21
333318
334- (E) (F) UNDER EMERGENCY CONDI TIONS ONLY , A VETERINARY
335-TECHNICIAN MAY PERFO RM THE FOLLOWING PRO CEDURES BEFORE A VET ERINARY
336-PRACTITIONER ’S INITIAL EXAMINATIO N OF AN ANIMAL:
319+ (5) CYTOLOGY; 22
337320
338- (1) LIFE SUPPORT CARE , INCLUDING BASIC AND ADVANCED
339-CARDIOPULMONARY RESU SCITATION; AND
321+ (6) ADMINISTERING VACCINE S, EXCLUDING RABIES VAC CINES 23
322+UNLESS OTHERWISE AUT HORIZED BY LAW ; 24
340323
341- (2) ANY OTHER PROCEDURE A UTHORIZED BY REGULAT IONS
342-ADOPTED BY THE BOARD.
324+ (7) PHLEBOTOMY , BLOOD TYPING , AND MONITORING BLOOD 25
325+PRODUCT TRANSFUSION ; 26
343326
344- (F) (G) (1) AT THE DISCRETION OF THE VETERINARY PRACT ITIONER, A
345-VETERINARY TECHNICIA N EMPLOYED AT AN ANI MAL EMERGENCY HOSPIT AL, AS
346-DESIGNATED BY THE BOARD DEFINED IN REGULATIO NS ADOPTED BY THE BOARD,
347-MAY PERFORM EUTHANAS IA ON AN ANIMAL IF T HE ANIMAL IS UNABLE TO BE SAVED
348-BY SUPPORTIVE CARE , FIRST AID, OR LIFE SUPPORT MEAS URES.
327+ (8) URINARY AND INTRAVENO US CATHETER CARE ; 27
349328
350- (2) A VETERINARY TECHNICIA N WHO WORKS IN OR FO R AN ANIMAL
351-SHELTER, AS DEFINED IN § 2–1701 OF THIS TITLE, MAY PERFORM EUTHANAS IA ON
352-AN ANIMAL AT THE ANI MAL SHELTER .
329+ (9) CYSTOCENTESIS ; 28
330+ 8 HOUSE BILL 1097
353331
354- SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That:
355332
356- (a) In this section, “veterinary technician” has the meaning stated under § 2–301
357-of the Agriculture Article, as enacted under Section 1 of this Act.
333+ (10) GASTRIC AND TRACHEAL INTUBATION; 1
358334
359- (b) Subject to subsections (c) and (d) of this section, the State Board of Veterinary
360-Medical Examiners shall develop by regulation an alternative pathway for currently
361-employed veterinary assistants to become veterinary technicians.
335+ (11) MEDICATION AND FLU ID THERAPY CALCULATI ONS; 2
362336
363- (c) (1) The regulations adopted under subsection (b) of this section shall
364-require:
337+ (12) BASIC LIFE SUPPORT IN CARDIOPULMONARY RESU SCITATION; 3
365338
366- (i) a recommendation from a practicing veterinary practitioner in
367-the State who has employed the veterinary assistant for at least 2 years;
339+ (13) OPHTHALMOLOGICAL TEST ING; 4
368340
369- (ii) appropriate assessment, including a passing score on the
370-Veterinary Technician National Exam; and
371- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 487
341+ (14) FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATES ; AND 5
372342
373-– 9 –
374- (iii) appropriate training and experience, as indicated by a credential
375-from a state government or an organization recognized by the National Association of
376-Veterinary Technicians in America to issue the credential.
343+ (15) ANY OTHER PROCEDURE A UTHORIZED BY REGULAT IONS 6
344+ADOPTED BY THE BOARD. 7
377345
378- (2) The regulations may not require a full veterinary technician program
379-but may require a limited number of credits as determined necessary by the Board.
346+ (C) (D) A VETERINARY TECHNICIA N MAY PERFORM A PROC EDURE LISTED 8
347+UNDER SUBSECTION (B) (1) THROUGH (15) (A)(1) THROUGH (13) OF THIS SECTION 9
348+UNDER THE INDIRECT S UPERVISION OF A VETE RINARY PRACTITIONER IF THE 10
349+VETERINARY PRACTITIO NER DETERMINES THE V ETERINARY TECHNICIAN IS 11
350+QUALIFIED TO PERFORM THE PROCEDURE . 12
380351
381- (d) The alternative pathway established under this section shall be available for
382-employed veterinary assistants only until September 30, 2027, inclusive.
352+ (D) (E) A VETERINARY TECHNICIA N MAY NOT: 13
383353
384- SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
385-October 1, 2024.
354+ (1) MAKE ANY DIAGNOSIS OR PROGNOSIS; 14
386355
387-Approved by the Governor, May 9, 2024.
356+ (2) PRESCRIBE ANY TREATME NTS, DRUGS, MEDICATIONS , OR 15
357+APPLIANCES; OR 16
358+
359+ (3) PERFORM SURGERY . 17
360+
361+ (E) (F) UNDER EMERGENCY CONDI TIONS ONLY, A VETERINARY 18
362+TECHNICIAN MAY PERFO RM THE FOLLOWING PRO CEDURES BEFORE A VET ERINARY 19
363+PRACTITIONER ’S INITIAL EXAMINATIO N OF AN ANIMAL: 20
364+
365+ (1) LIFE SUPPORT CARE , INCLUDING BASIC AND ADVANCED 21
366+CARDIOPULMONARY RESU SCITATION; AND 22
367+
368+ (2) ANY OTHER PROCEDURE AUTHORIZED BY REGULA TIONS 23
369+ADOPTED BY THE BOARD. 24
370+
371+ (F) (G) (1) AT THE DISCRETION OF THE VETERINARY PRACT ITIONER, A 25
372+VETERINARY TECHNICIA N EMPLOYED AT AN ANI MAL EMERGENCY HOSPIT AL, AS 26
373+DESIGNATED BY THE BOARD DEFINED IN REGULATIO NS ADOPTED BY THE BOARD, 27
374+MAY PERFORM EUTHANASIA ON AN ANIMAL IF THE ANI MAL IS UNABLE TO BE SAVED 28
375+BY SUPPORTIVE CARE , FIRST AID, OR LIFE SUPPORT MEAS URES. 29
376+ HOUSE BILL 1097 9
377+
378+
379+ (2) A VETERINARY TECHNICIA N WHO WORKS IN OR FO R AN ANIMAL 1
380+SHELTER, AS DEFINED IN § 2–1701 OF THIS TITLE, MAY PERFORM EUTHANAS IA ON 2
381+AN ANIMAL AT THE ANI MAL SHELTER . 3
382+
383+ SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That: 4
384+
385+ (a) In this section, “veterinary technician” has the meaning stated under § 2–301 5
386+of the Agriculture Article, as enacted under Section 1 of this Act. 6
387+
388+ (b) Subject to subsections (c) and (d) of this section, the State Board of Veterinary 7
389+Medical Examiners shall develop by regulation an alternative pathway for currently 8
390+employed veterinary assistants to become veterinary technicians. 9
391+
392+ (c) (1) The regulations adopted under subsection (b) of this section shall 10
393+require: 11
394+
395+ (i) a recommendation from a practicing veterinary practitioner in 12
396+the State who has employed the veterinary assistant for at least 2 years; 13
397+
398+ (ii) appropriate assessment, including a passing score on the 14
399+Veterinary Technician National Exam; and 15
400+
401+ (iii) appropriate training and experience, as indicated by a credential 16
402+from a state government or an organization recognized by the National Association of 17
403+Veterinary Technicians in America to issue the credential. 18
404+
405+ (2) The regulations may not require a full veterinary technician program 19
406+but may require a limited number of credits as determined necessary by the Board. 20
407+
408+ (d) The alternative pathway established under this section shall be available for 21
409+employed veterinary assistants only until September 30, 2027, inclusive. 22
410+
411+ SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect 23
412+October 1, 2024. 24
413+
414+
415+
416+
417+Approved:
418+________________________________________________________________________________
419+ Governor.
420+________________________________________________________________________________
421+ Speaker of the House of Delegates.
422+________________________________________________________________________________
423+ President of the Senate.