Future RVT ???Future RVT ???

Introduction to the Profession Introduction to the Profession of Veterinary Technologyof Veterinary Technology

VETERINARY VETERINARY TECHNICIAN OATHTECHNICIAN OATH

I solemnly dedicate myself to aiding animals and society by providing excellent care and service for animals, by alleviating animal suffering, and by promoting public health.

I accept my obligations to practice my profession conscientiously and with sensitivity, adhering to the profession’s Code of Ethics, and furthering my knowledge and competence through a commitment to lifelong learning.

DefinitionsDefinitions Abandoned- for sake entirely,

neglect, refusal of legal obligations for the care and support of an animal, to refuse to pay for treatment or other services w/o good cause.

Accredited College of Veterinary Medicine- any school that offers a degree Doctor for Veterinary Medicine or equivalent and that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Accredited program in Veterinary Technology – any post secondary educational program that is accredited by a committee on Veterinary Technology Education and Activities.

Animal – any being other than a human

Board – State board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Client – patient owner, owners agent (pet sitter), or other person responsible for patient. Written authorization for any services is usually required for consent if other than the owner.

Complementary, Alternative, & Integrative Therapies – Therapeutic philosophies and practices at which they are performed may differ from current scientific knowledge or differ from Veterinary Medicine taught. Can you name some?

DEFENITIONSDEFENITIONS Informed consent – Vet has

informed the client of the dx, tx options, risk, prognosis, and provided client w/ estimate of charges.

Patient – Animal that is examined at treated by a veterinarian.

Veterinary Medicine-includes veterinary surgery, reproduction and obstetrics, dentistry, ophthalmology, dermatology, cardiology, general medicine.

Veterinary Prescription Drug – A drug that may not be dispensed w/o the Rx of a veterinarian.

Consultation – When vet receives advice from a vet or other person whose expertise would benefit a patient. The responsibility for the animals welfare remains w/ the licensed vet

Extra Label Use – Actual use or intended use of a drug in a manner that is not accordance with approved labeling. May include using on different species, indications not listed, diff. Dose/frequency/or route administered. EX: Ivermectin – Label=Tx of gastrointestinal parasites in swine and cattle. Extra. Label Use= preventative for heartworm in dogs/cats and miticide for dogs/cats/rodents.

Practice of Veterinary MedicinePractice of Veterinary Medicine To diagnose, treat, correct, change, alleviate, manipulate or

prevent animal diseases, illness, pain, deformity, defect, injury, or other physical, dental, or mental conditions by any method including:– The prescription, dispensing, administration, or application of any

drug, medicine, apparatus, anesthetic or other therapeutic or diagnostic substance/medical/surgical technique.

– Use of complementary, alternative, and integrative therapies.– Use of any manual or mechanical procedure for reproductive

management.– Giving advice or recommendations by any means.– To represent, directly or indirectly, public or private, an ability and

willingness to do an act as stated above.– To use any title, words, abbreviation, or letters in a manner or

circumstances that induce belief that the person using them is qualified to do any act described above.

Board of Veterinary Medicine Board of Veterinary Medicine

Each state has their own Board- made up of 5 Veterinarians, 1 Credentialed Technician, 1 Public person who is not a vet/vet tech.– They can adopt, amend, repeal rules of practice/professional

conduct.– Change rules/regulations concerning certification, registration,

licensure of Vet Tech.– Disciplinary procedures and refusal of credentials, etc. for Vet

Tech.– Establish fees for license, certification, registration– Inspect veterinary premises

License RequirementLicense Requirement

No person may practice veterinary medicine in

Texas who is not a licensed veterinarian.

Veterinarian-Client-Patient Veterinarian-Client-Patient RelationshipRelationship

The veterinarian must have sufficient knowledge of the animal(s) to get a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal. – Animal must have been seen with in the last year and

have a physical exam The veterinarian has obtained “informed” consent and the

client has agreed to follow the instructions. The veterinarian is readily available or has arranged for

emergency coverage or follow up evaluation in the event of adverse reaction or the failure of the treatment.

Discipline of LicenseesDiscipline of Licensees Fraud, misrepresentation or deception in obtaining a license Inability to practice Veterinary Medicine with skill and safety due to physical or mental

disability-including: decreased mental state, loss of motor skills, abuse of drugs/alcohol that compromises patient care.

Advertising/solicitation that is false or misleading Conviction of:

– any felony– abuse/neglect/cruelty of animals– any crime involving:

child abuse, unlawful sexual contact, threatening use of a weapon, infliction of injury, indecent exposure, false reporting, forgery, alcohol or drugs

Incompetence or malpractice while practicing Veterinary Medicine Aiding the unlawful practice of Veterinary Medicine Fraud or dishonesty in the application or reporting of any test for disease in animals Fraud or dishonesty in the application or reporting of any test for disease in animals Failure to report (required by law) making false or misleading report of

contagious/infectious disease

Discipline of LicenseesFailure to keep accurate and comprehensive patient records

Dishonesty /negligence in the performance of food safety inspections or the issuance of health/inspection certificates.

Failure to keep veterinary premises (including vehicles) and a clean and sanitary condition

Failure to permit the Board or its agents to enter & inspect veterinary premises/equipment/vehicles

Revocation/Suspension/Limitation of a license to practice from another state.

Unprofessional conduct

Dispensing/Distribution/Prescription/or administration of any veterinary prescription drug, or the extra label use of any drug in the absence of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

Violations of state or federal drug laws

Veterinarian-Client-ConfidentialityVeterinarian-Client-Confidentiality

No veterinarian shall disclose any information concerning the care of his/her patient except on written authorization or by waiver by the client.

No copies or information from veterinary records shall be provided to agencies who have legal or regulatory interest in the contents for the protection of animal and public health without owner’s consent.

Any information that the veterinarian releases at the client’s request shall not be liable to the client or any other person.

The privilege provided by this section shall be waived if the veterinarians client or the owner of the patient places the veterinarian’s care/treatment of the patient or the nature/extent of injuries of the animal at issue in any criminal proceeding.

Cruelty to Animals and Cruelty to Animals and Abandoned Animals Abandoned Animals

Any veterinarian licensed in Texas who reports, in good faith and in the normal coarse of business, a suspected incident of animal cruelty to the proper authorities shall not be held liable for reporting such incident.

Any animal placed in the custody of the veterinarian for treatment, boarding, or other care which is unclaimed by the client after 10 days and can not be contacted through any means is deemed abandoned. This animal can be turned over to humane society, other disposal or destroyed in a humane manner.– The vet responsible for this animal is relieved of any liability for

disposal. If the veterinarian follows the procedures then he/she is not subject to disciplinary actions, unless the vet fails to provide the proper notification to clients.

The client is not relieved of any financial responsibilities while the animal was being treated, boarded, or given other care to, even if the animal was disposed of.

What is Veterinary What is Veterinary Technology ??Technology ??

It is the science and art of providing professional

support to veterinarians and

superior care to owners.

PRACTICE of VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY

To perform patient care or other services that require a technical

understanding of veterinary medicine on the basis of written or oral instruction of a veterinarian

EXCLUDING EXCLUDING 1)Diagnosing2) Prognosing3) Surgery

4)Prescribing drugs, medicine, or appliances.

What is an Accredited Veterinary What is an Accredited Veterinary Technician? Technician?

More than petting puppies and More than petting puppies and cuddling kittens !!cuddling kittens !!

A person who has successfully completed formal schooling and training in an Accredited School.

A professional with all the obligations and responsibilities inherent with being a professional.

A respected member of the veterinary team in practice, educational institutions, government, research, etc.

A person who is DEDICATED to helping animals, helping people, and helping to serve and protect the public against animal diseases that are concerns.

Exam for licensing, Exam for licensing, certification, or registration.certification, or registration.

Texas you become a RVT (Registered Vet Tech). You must have graduated from an AVMA accredited

program. You must have a passing score of 70% on the Veterinary

Technician National Exam (VTNE) You must also pass the Texas State Examination with a

70%– The exam(s) are given twice a year– Held the third Friday in January and June– You may transfer scores from state to state to be registered.

VTNE SUMMARY VTNE SUMMARY Domains % of Items # of Items

Pharmacy & Pharmacology

14 % 28

Surgical Preparation & Assisting

20 % 40

Dentistry Procedures

7 % 14

Laboratory Procedures

16 % 32

Animal Nursing 20 % 40

Radiology, Ultrasound, & etc.

8 % 16

Anesthesia 15 % 30

As a Designated RVT by the Texas As a Designated RVT by the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, I Veterinary Medical Association, I

pledge myself to:pledge myself to:Maintain high standards of personal

conduct and moral character.Maintain a high level of skill and

competence in my duties as a RVTUphold all laws and regulations relating to

my activities as a RVT.

C.E.C.E.All Registered Veterinary Technicians shall

be required to continue their professional education as a condition to maintain his/her status in the state of Texas.

If you are found guilty of any of the following:

Common infractions (1) Unprofessional conduct (2) Malpractice (3) Incompetence (4) Deviation from standards of care (5) Practicing beyond the scope of practice or misrepresentation (6) Practice Act Rules violations or aiding in violations (7) Moral turpitude

– generally to conduct that shocks the public conscience. Offenses such as murder, voluntary manslaughter, kidnaping, robbery, and aggravated assaults involve moral turpitude.

(8) Fraud or deceit (10) Animal abuse, neglect, cruelty (11) Illegal acts related to the profession (13) Impairment (14) Conviction of a crime

Rules and RegulationsRules and Regulations

GOT TO HAVE THEM !

Levels of SupervisionLevels of Supervision

Immediate Supervision: Veterinarian is within direct eyesight and hearing range.

Direct Supervision: Veterinarian is on the premises & readily available

Indirect Supervision: Veterinarian is not on the premises, but is able to perform the duties by maintaining direct communication.

TASKSTASKSThe following tasks maybe performed ONLY by a credentialed technician and the The following tasks maybe performed ONLY by a credentialed technician and the

supervision of a veterinarian provided the veterinarian does a daily exam first.supervision of a veterinarian provided the veterinarian does a daily exam first.

Immediate Supervision1. Introduce Anesthesia & Surgical Assistant

2. Dental Extraction not requiring sectioning of the tooth or resection of bone

3. Euthanasia

TASKS (cont)TASKS (cont)

Direct Supervision1. Suture existing surgical skin incisions

2. Blood collection/preparation/administration

3. Application of splints & slings

4. Dental procedures, but not limited to the removal of calculus, soft deposits, plaque and stains, the smoothing/filing/polishing of teeth. Floating or dressing of equine teeth.

TASKS (cont) TASKS (cont)

Indirect Supervision1. Administration or application of treatments, drugs, medications, vaccinations by routes (SQ,IM,IV)

2. Initiation of parenteral fluids administration

3. IV catheterizations

4. Radiology including settings, positioning, processing, and safety.

5. Collection of blood, urine by expression/cystocentesis/catheter,collection & preparation of tissue, cellular or microbiological samples by skin scraping/impression slides/other non surgical methods

6. Routine laboratory procedures

7. Supervision of the handling of biohazardous waste materials.

Other TasksOther Tasks

Physical Examinations and Patient HistoryClient EducationOffice/Hospital ManagementGeneral Janitorial Services

EMERGENCY SITUATIONSEMERGENCY SITUATIONSA technician can render the following life-saving aid and treatmentA technician can render the following life-saving aid and treatment

Application of tourniquets and/or pressure bandages to control hemorrhage.

Administration of medications/drugs and fluids shall ONLY be performed after direct communication with a veterinarian and he/she should be present or en route to location

Resuscitative procedures Application of temporary splints or bandages to prevent further injury

to bones or soft tissue Application of appropriate wound dressings and external supportive

treatment in severe wound and burn cases External supportive treatment in heat stroke cases

HOWEVERHOWEVERNOTHING shall be construed to

permit a credentialed technician to:– Make any diagnosis or prognosis– Prescribe any treatments, drugs, medications or

appliances– Perform surgery

Loss of CredentialsLoss of Credentials All credentials issued to technicians in Texas shall expire

on June 1st every year unless renewed. Holders shall submit renewal fees and current mailing

addresses to the Board Holders will be required to submit evidence of the CE they

received Failure to submit appropriate items shall result in loss of

all privileges and rights and they must immediately stop performing credentialed technician activities until renewal.

Malpractice and Common LawMalpractice and Common Law Common Law has evolved over time on the basis

of professional conduct, customs, and practices. Common Law dictates many things to a veterinary

practice.– Practice owners must provide a reasonably safe

environment for their employees and clients.– Must provide a level of medical care to their patients

that is “across the board”

Failure to comply with common law = malpractice.

MalpracticeMalpracticeMalpractice suits may be filed if:

– The veterinarian or technician agreed to treat and DID treat that particular animal

– The veterinarian or technician failed to provide reasonable level of medical care to the patient

– The patient was injured as a result of negligence.

Veterinarians may be found negligent for the injurious actions of a technician.

EX: If the veterinarian instructs a technician to give 6ml of Insulin (instead of 0.06ml) and the cat dies as a result of an overdose, the veterinarian, not the technician may be found negligent.

However-there has been a time when technicians have got sued and found guilty for carrying out the injurious instructions of the veterinarian..

Why do you think that is?Why do you think that is?

BECAUSE OFBECAUSE OF

ETHICSETHICS

3 Classes of Ethics3 Classes of Ethics Societal Personal Professional A code of ethics is an essential characteristic of a

profession and serves three functions:– Communicates to the public & to the members of the

profession the ideals of the profession– General guide for professional ethical conduct– Provides standards of acceptable conduct that allow the

profession to implement disciplinary procedures against those who fall below the standards.

The purpose of the Code of The purpose of the Code of Ethics is to provide the Ethics is to provide the

technician with guidance to technician with guidance to carrying out professional carrying out professional

responsibilities that way they responsibilities that way they can meet the ethical can meet the ethical

obligations of the profession.obligations of the profession.

SOCIETAL SOCIETAL ETHICSETHICS

These are generated by society and are usually written into law.– Major Offenses:

Murder, rape, arson, embezzlement, theft

– Local Ordinances: Dogs must be walked on a leash, breed restrictions,

loitering– Some people do not know the laws and regulations-but

most are taught at a young age what is wrong or right

Personal EthicsPersonal Ethics You have personal principles-tells you what is

right/wrong or fair/unfair. It makes you who you are.

Examples: dress, family structure, religious choices, political beliefs, sexuality.

Some cultures do not do not have the freedom to make choices about these things. That is when the Personal Ethics turn into Societal Ethics.

Professional EthicsProfessional EthicsThey are important and helps to

provide additional guidelines by which people carry out their jobs.

You are challenged everyday with daily ethical choices. Some may be easy or hard.

Points of Professional EthicsPoints of Professional Ethics VT’s shall aid society and animals through providing excellent

care and services to animals VT’s shall prevent and relieve the suffering of animals VT’s shall promote public health by assisting with the control

of zoonotic diseases and informing the public about these diseases

VT’s shall protect confidential information provided by clients VT’s shall safeguard the public and the profession against

individuals deficient in professional competence or ethics VT’s shall assist with efforts to ensure conditions of

employment consistent with the excellent care for animals VT’s shall remain competent in veterinary technology through

commitment to life-long learning VT’s shall collaborate with members of the medical profession

in efforts to ensure quality health care services for all animals

Is it ethical or not ??Is it ethical or not ??Try asking yourself the following questions:

– Is it legal? Would I be breaking the law if I carried out my action?

– Is it fair and balanced? Am I being biased? Who will benefit-same or one sided?

– How would I feel about myself? How would I react when others found out?

IDEALSIDEALS Recommended behaviors or ideal ways to act.

They ensure that technicians take pride in their work, dress, and over all presentation.

Define/uphold/improve standards of the veterinary practice

Contribute to the profession’s body of knowledge Understand and support the attachment between a

person and his/her companion.

NAVTANAVTAImportant source of support and

information for technicians. Many associations/societies support the

education, professional interests & activities.

NAVTA promotes the profession.

What does NAVTA do for What does NAVTA do for you?you?

Influences the future of veterinary technicians

Lets you be apart of the decision making process that affects technicians

Sets high standards of veterinary care Promotes the veterinary health care team

Can you be apart of NAVTA Can you be apart of NAVTA and make a difference?and make a difference?

YES YES YESYES YES YESGuidelines:

– You must live in the US– You must have graduated from an accredited

program in veterinary technology– You must have your credentials

READY TO DOREADY TO DOSOME THINKING?SOME THINKING?

Get Ready,

Get Set,

GO !

Situation # 1Situation # 1

An owner calls and states that her 8 month old,FS, Boxer is vomiting every 15 minutes and straining to have a BM. She has a history of eating socks and pooping them out. Owner wants to know what to do.

#1 An owner calls and states that her 8 month old,FS, Boxer is vomiting every 15 minutes and straining to have a BM. She has a history of eating socks and pooping them out. Owner wants to know what to do.

You as a technician can not diagnose her puppy. It sounds

like she should bring her puppy to the veterinarian and have an exam. She should be aware of the “potential” complications if

she waits.

Situation # 2Situation # 2

“Herb” a 5 yr old, MN, Lab just underwent knee surgery 2 hours ago, is in recovery ward, the attending veterinarian left for lunch, “Herb” woke up from anesthesia screaming. What should you do?

#2 “Herb” a 5 yr old, MN, Lab just underwent knee surgery 2 hours ago, is in recovery ward, the attending veterinarian left for lunch, “Herb” woke up from anesthesia screaming. What should you do?

You should first look at the patient and access him. Then look at his

orders that your veterinarian wrote for post-op care. Since there is not a veterinarian on premises you should “contact” him/her and tell them what you found on your

assessment and proceed with what they instruct you to do.

Situation # 3Situation # 3

“Max” was seen on Wednesday for a swollen face. The veterinarian did a physical exam, blood work, and diagnosed a bee sting and sent “Max” home with Benadryl and Steroids. Owner calls 4 days later & states that the swelling initially went away but now is back. She wants to give MORE Benadryl and Steroids, what do you tell her?

#3 “Max” was seen on Wednesday for a swollen face. The veterinarian did a physical exam, blood work, and diagnosed a bee sting and sent “Max” home with Benadryl and Steroids. Owner calls 4 days later & states that the swelling initially went away but now is back. She wants to give MORE Benadryl, what do you tell her?

Get a “over the phone physical exam”, assess if Max’s condition is improving and advise owner that she should bring Max in for a recheck exam. ** You should not tell her to give more medications and monitor.

commitment, compassion, commitment, compassion, loyalty and dedication.loyalty and dedication.

This profession is more than This profession is more than cute animals.cute animals.

IT IT IS IS