Vet Student Practice Regulations Posted for Public Comment

We’ve come to a critical point with these regulations, and your participation in the comment process is vital. The next stage will be their release as final regulations, so this is our last chance to influence what they say. In spite of public opposition, these proposed regulations would permit vet students to practice with patients before their fourth year without a requirement that owners give their consent. The Board of Veterinary Medicine has decided that it would be adequate for veterinary offices to post a notice which states that students are working there, but that it would be “burdensome” to require them to discuss with each client what they plan to let a student do with that client’s animal. It’s clear that the Board wants and needs public support in order to let vet students practice before the fourth year – that’s made evident by the new provisions that they have added, which merit our support (especially since some practicing veterinarians are going to object.) Requirements for informed consent for all surgeries and a requirement that the supervising veterinarian be present where a student is performing surgery are both good. We need to make it clear to the Board that we are opposed to expanded student practice unless they take the additional step of requiring owner consent for student performance of any task which ordinarily requires licensure. Here’s the link which shows the current regulations and proposed changes: http://townhall.virginia.gov/L/ViewXML.cfm?textid=10108 Here’s the link to where you can make your comments: http://townhall.virginia.gov/L/comments.cfm?stageid=7290 In case it helps you come up with your comments, at the end of this update you will find what I I have posted. As always, I welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions: LeeHenkel01@gmail.com ************************ These proposed regulations are significantly better than what was contained in the Notice of Intended Regulatory Action. I specifically support – The requirement for written informed consent for surgical procedures – The requirement that any student performance of surgery be included in the consent – The requirement that the supervising veterinarian be present in the operatory at any time that a student is performing surgery The change regarding owner consent is still insufficient. A notice posted in the office that students are working in that location is not the same as consent, and is not an adequate alternative to consent. Veterinarians are not required to accept students into their offices for practical experience. If they choose to do so, they need to confirm that the owner understands the situation and agrees to the student’s involvement. ANY SITUATION IN WHICH A STUDENT WILL BE PERFORMING A TASK WHICH ORDINARILY REQUIRES LICENSURE MUST REQUIRE THE OWNER’S SPECIFIC CONSENT. Without this change, I remain opposed to expanding the possibility of student preceptorships before the fourth year.