Veterinary medicine: registered veterinary technicians.

Existing law, the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act, establishes the Veterinary Medical Board within the Department of Consumer Affairs for the licensure and regulation of veterinarians and the practice of veterinary medicine. Under existing law, registered veterinary technicians are authorized to perform animal health care services on animals impounded by a state, county, city, or city and county agency pursuant to the order of a veterinarian licensed or authorized to practice in this state. Existing law makes a violation of the act a crime. This bill would authorize the order established by the veterinarian that authorizes a registered veterinary technician to perform animal health care services, as described, to include, among other things, information pertaining to time periods by which an impounded animal is required to be assessed at intake and monitored while in the custody of an agency, protocols to address the treatment of common medical conditions encountered in impounded animals, and communication requirements between the registered veterinary technician and the supervising veterinarian.