Arkansas considers bill allowing vet techs to provide service without vet presence

Veterinary technicians and technologists would be able to perform their services away from the physical presence of a veterinarian under a bill that a House committee on Wednesday recommended for approval. House Bill 1124 -- sponsored by Reps. DeAnn Vaught, R-Horatio, and David Hillman, R-Almyra, and Sen. Bruce Maloch, D-Magnolia -- would create certifications for veterinary technologist and technician specialist; the state now has a certification for veterinary technician. The House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development recommended approval of HB1124, which now goes to the House.Under the legislation, the licensed veterinarian need not be physically present but can give written or oral instructions for the treatment of the animal and must be "readily available" either in person or through electronic and communication technology."This is the best way to help rural Arkansas with our vet problem," Vaught said.Currently, no Arkansas college or university offers a doctor of veterinary medicine degree, and only Arkansas State University at Beebe offers the veterinary technology certification.