PURPOSE: This rule describes the delegated animal health care tasks that veterinary technicians may perform and the level of supervision required for each.

1. (1) Unless specifically so provided by regulation, a registered veterinary technician shall not perform the following functions or any other activity which represents the practice of veterinary medicine or requires the knowledge, skill and training of a licensed veterinarian:

   1. (A) Surgery;
   2. (B) Diagnosis and prognosis of animal diseases; and
   3. (C) Prescription of drugs, medicines or appliances.

2. (2) A registered veterinary technician in a veterinary or animal hospital or clinic setting may perform the following procedures under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian when done so pursuant to the order, control and full professional responsibility of the licensed veterinarian:

   1. (A) Application of casts and splints; and
   2. (B) Placement of indwelling intravenous catheters.
3. (3) Subject to the provisions of section (1), registered veterinary technicians in a veterinary or animal hospital or clinic setting may perform under the direct or indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian other auxiliary animal health care tasks when done pursuant to the order, control and full professional responsibility of a licensed veterinarian.

AUTHORITY: sections 340.210 and 340.296, RSMo Supp. 1993.* This rule originally filed as 4 CSR 270-3.050. Original rule filed Nov. 4, 1992, effective July 8, 1993. Moved to 20 CSR 2270-3.050, effective Aug. 28, 2006.

*Original authority: 340.210, RSMo 1992, amended 1993 and 340.296, RSMo 1992.