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S 277

An Act regulating the practice and licensure of veterinary technicians

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim Hawkins and 2 co-sponsors

Massachusetts would require licensure for veterinary technicians, create a governing board with licensed technicians, and set rules on scope, supervision, and continuing education.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · S 277

Summary — Massachusetts “An Act regulating the practice and licensure of veterinary technicians”

Note: Multiple unrelated measures use the identifier “S. 277” in different jurisdictions. This summary covers the Commonwealth of Massachusetts bill (Senate Docket No. 1105 / Senate No. 277) authored by Senator Jacob R. Oliveira that would regulate the practice and licensure of veterinary technicians. (A separate federal S.277 concerning conveyance of Federal interests in Chester County, TN is unrelated.)

Purpose

To establish a statutory licensing framework, scope of practice, board composition, and regulatory authority for licensed veterinary technicians in Massachusetts; to define veterinary assistants and veterinary technology; and to set timelines for rulemaking and implementation. The act is declared an emergency law to take effect immediately.

Key provisions

  • Board composition (amends chapter 13 §26)

    • Creates/updates the Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine to include: 4 licensed veterinarians, 3 licensed veterinary technicians, and 2 public members. All appointed by the Governor and must be Commonwealth residents.
    • Veterinarian members: licensed in Massachusetts, AVMA‑approved veterinary school graduates, and at least 5 years’ active practice experience.
    • Veterinary technician members: must be licensed under the new statutory scheme and have at least 5 years’ active practice experience.
    • Initial technician appointees must be Massachusetts Veterinary Technician Association‑certified nominees; initial technician terms: one 3‑yr, one 4‑yr, one 5‑yr.

  • Definitions (chapter 112 §54A)

    • “Licensed veterinary technician” / “veterinary technician”: graduate of an AVMA‑accredited veterinary technology or nursing program who has passed a board‑approved licensing exam and is licensed in the Commonwealth.
    • “Veterinary assistant”: member of a veterinary healthcare team who is not a licensed veterinary technician.
    • “Veterinary technology”: services performed by licensed veterinary technicians under supervision of licensed veterinarians to carry out medical orders.

  • Licensing and regulatory authority (new §56F in chapter 112)

    • Only licensed individuals may use the title “veterinary technician.” Violations may incur fines set by the Board.
    • The Board must promulgate rules for licensure, scope of duties, supervision, continuing education, and procedures for maintenance, suspension, and revocation of licenses.
    • Allows supervised students/trainees to learn and perform techniques under a licensed veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician.
    • Any pathways to licensure that do not require a formal degree must have an expiration no later than July 1, 2030.
    • Exemptions: research institutions, zoos/aquaria, diagnostic facilities, licensed wildlife rehab facilities, and other special cases the Board identifies.

  • Implementation deadlines and duties

    • Board must promulgate regulations under §56F within 180 days of the act’s effective date.
    • Within 180 days, the Board must provide guidance to veterinarians, technicians, practices, and hospitals describing roles and definitions under the new regulations.

Who is affected

  • Licensed and aspiring veterinary technicians (new licensing and title protections).
  • Veterinary assistants (differentiated from licensed technicians).
  • Licensed veterinarians and veterinary practices (new supervisory responsibilities and constraints on delegable tasks).
  • Veterinary training programs and employers (compliance with licensing requirements, continuing education, and possible changes to staffing).
  • The Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine (expanded membership and rulemaking duties).

Enforcement, costs, and timelines

  • Board may suspend or revoke licenses for violations.
  • Individuals or practices misusing the title may face fines (to be set by the Board).
  • Regulations and outreach must be completed within 180 days of enactment.
  • Transitional provisions require initial Board technician appointments from MVTA nominees; non‑degree licensure routes must sunset by July 1, 2030.

Legislative status and sponsors (state level)

  • Filed: January 15, 2025 (Senate Docket No. 1105 / Sen. Jacob R. Oliveira).
  • Referred to Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure; hearing scheduled April 14, 2025.
  • Sponsors/petitioners: Jacob R. Oliveira (presenter), with petitioners including James K. Hawkins and Pavel M. Payano.
  • Related prior matter: House No. 4912 (2023–2024).

If you’d like, I can: (1) produce a plain‑language one‑page explainer for veterinary practices; (2) list likely regulatory changes practices should prepare for; or (3) compare this bill to licensing regimes in other states.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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