Providing for the administration of a rabies vaccine to an animal by a registered veterinary technician performing the task under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian

BILL’S PROVISIONS. This bill provides that a registered veterinary technician acting under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian (referred to as a supervising veterinarian) may administer a rabies vaccination to an animal. BACKGROUND. Code chapter 169 regulates the practice of veterinary medicine by an individual who has received a doctor of veterinary medicine degree or equivalent and is licensed by the Iowa board of veterinary medicine (board). Generally, a person who is not a licensed veterinarian cannot practice veterinary medicine. The practice of veterinary medicine includes the prescription or administration of any drug. Certain individuals who are not veterinarians (veterinary auxiliary personnel) may perform delegated tasks under different levels of supervision by a supervising veterinarian, including direct supervision (when the veterinarian is readily available on the premises), intermediate supervision (when the veterinarian is within audible and visual range), and indirect supervision (when the veterinarian has provided written instruction for an animal’s treatment and is readily available by telephone or other means of immediate communication).34).36).