WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

AB 516

Registered veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants: scope of practice.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Cortese and 2 co-sponsors

AB 516 expands California veterinary technicians' and assistants' clinical duties to address workforce shortages and improve pet care access, balancing efficiency gains against quality oversight needs.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 371, Statutes of 2025.
#registeredveterinarytechniciansandveterinaryassistants #scopeofpractice
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 516

Legislative bill overview

AB 516 expands the scope of practice for registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) and veterinary assistants in California by allowing them to perform additional clinical duties previously restricted to licensed veterinarians. The bill was signed into law in October 2025 and aims to address veterinary workforce shortages and improve access to animal care services.

Why is this important

California faces a shortage of licensed veterinarians, which can limit access to affordable veterinary care and increase wait times for pet owners. By authorizing trained technicians and assistants to handle expanded responsibilities, the law potentially increases clinic capacity, reduces costs, and improves service availability—though quality and safety outcomes depend on proper training and oversight.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient safety concerns: Opponents may worry that expanding duties to less-credentialed staff could compromise diagnostic accuracy or treatment quality without adequate supervision standards
  • Veterinarian income and employment: Licensed veterinarians might view this as threatening their job market and professional exclusivity, potentially affecting their willingness to employ or train technicians
  • Inconsistent enforcement: Without clear regulatory guidelines, different clinics may interpret permissible duties differently, creating inconsistent care standards across California

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

Sign in to ask a question.