Intro to veterinary technology: its laws and ethics

Veterinary technicians can specialize in various fields, these include

practices helping companion animals, farm animals, and research center animals, can also work in zoos and aquariums

What does the vet tech practice model provide?

a framework for the work that the vet techs perfom

Step 1 of the vet tech practice model

Gather data about the patient

Step 2 of the vet tech practice model

Identify and prioritize patient evaluations

Step 3 of the vet tech practice model

develop and implement a plan for patient care

Step 4 of the vet tech practice model

evaluate the patient’s response to care

Step 5 of the vet tech practice model

gather additional data

What can veterinarians do that vet techs can’t

diagnosing, prescribing meds, predicting outcomes, and performing surgery

Veterinary technicians increase their skills through

cross-training, which helps them perform their colleagues’ duties when others are busy, on vacation, or out unexpectedly. Cross-trained individuals make the hospital run smoothly.

Veterinarians

are the indivs. who have completed 4 yrs of vet school, have a DVM or VMD degree, are also the leader

Vet tech specialists

are graduates of an AVMA-accredited vet technology program, and they need to meet the requirements for admission to a respective academy of specialists to be accepted by that academy

Veterinary technicians need to complete

accredited associate’s or bachelor’s degree programs to become licensed professionals

Vet assistants

they’re involved in the care of animals, they’re unlicensed, and they mostly receive training while on the job

A receptionist

is an indiv. who answers the phone, greets clients, and coordinates appointment schedules

A bookkeeper or an accountant

take care of managing the payroll, paying bills, and ordering supplies

Practice managers

they coordinate the functions of various departments and oversee the behind-the-scenes tasks, and they ensure efficient delivery of medical care to patients

1 main function of a code of ethics

Guiding the ethical conduct of the profession

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)

an organization responsible for advancing veterinary technology and nursing

Who created the vet tech code of ethics?

the NAVTA

The vet tech code of ethics makes them responsible for

caring for animals, relieving animals suffering, committing to lifelong learning, and maintaining client confidentiality

The dress code

long hair should be pulled back, jewelry should be removed, and nails should be short

Representation

primary tasks of any organization

Promotion

professions need positive promotion

Communication

is critical for an organization to survive

If a vet tech does not agree with a policy

they should then speak with the vet to change them

Practice Act

the primary state law that governs the practice of veterinary medicine and technology in that state

The practice Act exists to

protect vet clients , patients, and the general public

Rules and regulations

each state’s vet medical board prescribes some and if violated it will result in sanctions by the vet board

Once received license

you’ll need to maintain it by renewing it regularly, which involves submitting a renewal application and fee

Continuing Education

courses that must be taken on a regular basis to maintain a professional license or certification

Technical Violation

violations of the practice act, like practicing on a lapsed license, that isn’t linked with harm to an animal

Substantive violations

violations of the practice act linked to the licensee’s conduct, such as malpractice or animal abuse

Immediate supervision

A licensed vet can hear and see the vet tech

Direct supervision

a licensed vet is on the premises and readily available

Indirect supervision

a licensed vet isn’t on the premises, but is within direct communication of the vet tech and able to provide support in that manner

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970

it provides for safe and healthful working conditions for all employees

Controlled substances

refers to drugs or chemicals whose possession or use is regulated by the government

Controlled substances must be

maintained in the logbooks of a vet practice

Anticruelty laws function

they aim to protect animals from mistreatment and ensure they’re related humanely

Animal Welfare Act

a law that requires standards of care for some warm-blooded animals used for research, sale, or exhibition

Institutional Animal Care and Use committee (IACUC)

what USDA-registered faculties are required to have and the role is to help enforce compliance with the AWA

An Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) helps ensure

that the standards are followed in the areas of animal housing, feeding, handling, vet care, and review of animal-use protocols

Malpractice

deviation from or failure to confirm to acceptable standards of practice

Horse Protection Act of 1970

an act that prevents soring in horses participating in shows, sales, exhibitions, or auctions

Endangered Species Act

an act that aims to prevent the extinction of imperiled plant or animal life and recover their populations