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HB 664

Regards registered veterinary technician authority

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kellie Deeter and 1 co-sponsor

HB 664 lets veterinarians authorize RVTs to establish a VCPR to administer vaccines and antiparasitics to dogs/cats under written protocols, supervision, and documented consent.

Introduced
#agriculture #animals #occupationallicensingandregulation
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Bill Summary · HB 664

Summary of HB 664 (136th General Assembly, Ohio)

Purpose and intent

HB 664 aims to create a limited new authority for registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) to act on behalf of a licensed veterinarian by establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) for the sole purposes of administering vaccines (including rabies) and antiparasitic medications to dogs and cats. The bill specifies supervisory, protocol, and documentation requirements to govern this expanded role, while preserving overall veterinary supervision and responsibility with the licensed veterinarian.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment of VCPR on behalf of a veterinarian:

    • A licensed veterinarian may authorize an RVT to establish a VCPR for administering vaccines and/or antiparasitic medications to a covered animal (dog or cat).
    • The authorization is contingent on a written protocol and ongoing veterinary supervision (which can be maintained through readily available telecommunication).

  • Written protocol requirements (prior to authorization):

    • Protocol must cover duties the RVT will perform before and during administration.
    • Must outline:
    • Animal owner history collection
    • Pre-administration examination requirements
    • Disqualifying criteria for vaccines/antiparasitics
    • Species-specific vaccination and parasite-control protocols, including handling, administration, and emergency steps
    • Documentation requirements (detailed patient and treatment records)
    • Documentation specifics include RVT identity, client contact information, animal details, medical history, exam findings, consent, medications, and communication records.

  • Authorization documentation and risk assumption:

    • Veterinarian and RVT must sign statements: (a) authorization to act on behalf of the veterinarian for limited purposes, (b) assumption of risk by the veterinarian for acts of the RVT, with exceptions for willful cruelty, gross negligence, or gross unprofessional conduct.
    • Authorization remains active until revoked by the veterinarian.

  • Client notification and consent:

    • Clients must be informed that the RVT is acting on behalf of a licensed veterinarian, and must be given the veterinarian’s name and license number.
    • Written or oral consent must be obtained from the client before proceeding, with documentation retained in the animal’s records for at least three years.

  • Supervision and scope:

    • The RVT would operate under veterinary supervision, which may be provided via direct contact or telecommunication.
    • The degree of supervision aligns with generally accepted veterinary practices.

  • Prohibitions and penalties:

    • It would be illegal to misrepresent oneself as an RVT without proper registration, with penalties: second-degree misdemeanor for a first offense and first-degree misdemeanor for subsequent offenses.

  • Registration framework:

    • The existing RVT registration framework remains in place, including biennial renewal and continuing education requirements.

Who would be affected

  • Licensed veterinarians: gain an additional, clearly defined mechanism to delegate limited vaccination and antiparasitic tasks to RVTs, under protocol and supervision.
  • Registered veterinary technicians: potentially expanded duties, conditioned on board registration, supervision, and adherence to protocols.
  • Pet owners and dogs/cats: receive services delivered under a formalized VCPR process with documented consent and records.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The proposal modifies Section 4741.19 of the Revised Code and repeals the current subsection to implement the new framework.
  • Authorization procedures require a written protocol and formal veterinarian-RVT agreements, with recordkeeping obligations.
  • The bill outlines a transition mechanism via existing board processes for RVT registration and ongoing oversight.

Note: This is as introduced; final text may be refined through committee process and potential amendments.

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

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