Bill
SD 1105
Creates a Massachusetts Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine to license veterinary technicians, define roles, regulate practice, and shift to degree-based licensure by 2030
Status and context
- Bill number and title: SD 1105 / An Act regulating the practice and licensure of veterinary technicians
- Status: House concurred; referred to the committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
- Introduced: February 27, 2025
- Legislative note: Similar measure previously filed in the prior session (House No. 4912, 2023-2024)
- Emergency provision: The bill declares itself an emergency law necessary for the immediate preservation of the public convenience
Purpose and overall aim
- Establish a formal regulatory framework for the practice and licensure of veterinary technicians in Massachusetts
- Create a Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine to oversee licensure, regulation, continuing education, and enforcement
- Clarify roles within veterinary teams by defining licensed veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and veterinary technology
Key provisions
1) Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine
- Composition: 4 veterinarians, 3 licensed veterinary technicians (as defined in the bill), and 2 public representatives
- Appointment and terms: Appointed by the Governor; each member must be a Massachusetts resident; veterinarians must be licensed and have at least 5 years’ active practice; veterinary technicians must be licensed and have at least 5 years’ active practice in veterinary technology; one member appointed annually for a 5-year term; no self-succession; initial appointments include staggered 3-, 4-, and 5-year terms
2) Definitions added (Chapter 112, General Laws)
- Licensed veterinary technician / veterinary technician: graduate of an AVMA-accredited program in veterinary technology or veterinary nursing who passes an approved licensing exam and is licensed in Massachusetts
- Veterinary assistant: a non-licensed member of the veterinary healthcare team
- Veterinary technology: services performed by a licensed veterinary technician under a licensed veterinarian to carry out medical orders
3) Licensing framework (new Section 56F in Chapter 112)
- Licensure and use of title: Only licensed individuals may practice as veterinary technicians or use the title; unlicensed practice may be subject to fines
- Education and experience: A pathway exists for certain students or others under supervision to engage in supervised learning activities
- Rulemaking authority: The Board must promulgate licensing and registration rules
- Transition to degree requirements: Any rules allowing licensure without a formal degree in veterinary technology must end by July 1, 2030
- Regulatory scope: Rules to define permissible duties by supervising veterinarians, license maintenance, continuing education requirements, criteria for licensure vs. veterinary assistant, and guidance for supervised student activities
- Exemptions: Applies to certain research institutions and specific special cases (e.g., zoos, aquaria, diagnostic facilities, wildlife rehabilitation facilities) as identified by the Board
4) Implementation and timelines
- Initial board appointments: To be drawn from Massachusetts Veterinary Technician Association-certified technicians from a nominee list; three distinct term lengths (3, 4, and 5 years)
- Regulations due: The Board must promulgate regulations not later than 180 days after the act’s effective date
- Outreach/education: The Board must provide information about roles and definitions to veterinarians, technicians, practices, and animal hospitals within 180 days
Impact and affected parties
- Affects: Licensed veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, veterinary practices and animal hospitals, veterinary education programs, and veterinary assistants
- Purpose-driven impact: Standardizes licensure, clarifies professional roles, and raises credentialing standards; aims to enhance public safety and professional accountability
- Transitional note: Signals a shift toward degree-based licensure for technicians by 2030, with a transitional pathway and monitored continued education
Note: Some sections of the bill text (e.g., Section 9) are incomplete in the provided material; the summary reflects the provisions explicitly present.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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