Veterinary medicine: registered veterinary technicians.

Existing law, the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, provides for the licensure and registration of veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians and the regulation of the practice of veterinary medicine by the Veterinary Medical Board. Existing law permits registered veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants to carry out specified acts in the veterinary care and treatment of animals, and authorizes the board to regulate the veterinary care activities of registered veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants, including prohibiting registered veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants from performing surgery. This bill would authorize a registered veterinarian technician to perform neuter surgery on a male domestic cat under the direct supervision of a California-licensed veterinarian, as specified. The bill would require a registered veterinary technician authorized to perform neuter surgery under the requirements of this act to obtain training, as specified, in cat neuter surgery procedures before receiving board approval.