Introduction to Veterinary Technology: Its Laws and Ethics

_____________ carry out the orders of the veterinarian and perform all animal care duties except those that by law may only be performed by the veterinarian.

Veterinary technologists or nurses

A(n) __________ may prognosis, diagnose, and prescribe.

Veterinarian

The ______________ developed the Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties (CVTS) to help guide and structure the development of specialties for veterinary technicians.

National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA)

In the United, the profession of veterinary technology, or nursing, is structured by _______________ in each state.

Practice acts; regulations

The veterinary technician performs a patient __________, then prioritizes the patient’s problems so that the most life-threatening issues are addressed first.

Evaluations

The veterinary technician _________ consists of five steps that are performed cyclically throughout a patient's hospitalization period.

Practice model

The _____________ is designed to evaluate the competency of entry-level veterinary technicians.

Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)

NAVTA has recognized 12 areas of _________ in veterinary technology.

Speciality

Step three of the veterinary technician practice model includes ________ to address the patient’s care needs.

Interventions

____________ are responsible for assisting the veterinary technician and the veterinarian by restraining animals, setting up equipment and supplies, cleaning and maintaining practice and laboratory facilities, and feeding and exercising patients.

Veterinary assistants

AALAS

A professional association in the United States that has established a certification program that certifies laboratory animal technicians

CVMA

An organization that accredits veterinary technology programs in Canada

AAVSB

The organization responsible for appointing members of the Veterinary Technician National Exam Committee (VTNE)

RVTCC

An association dedicated to strengthening the registered veterinary technologist profession in Canada

ACC

A committee that oversees the care and use of animals in education and research in Canada

CALAS

A Canadian association that has established a certification program for laboratory animal technicians

IACUC

A committee that works with research and educational institutions in the United States to help ensure compliance with and to enforce the Animal Welfare Act

AVTE

A group whose members are primarily instructors, staff, and managers of veterinary technology programs

CVTEA

The committee that accredits veterinary technology programs in the United States under the auspices of the AVMA

US FWS

The agency that coadministers the Endangered Species Act in the United States

AVMA

The organization responsible for accrediting U.S. programs of veterinary technology

RACE

A program administered by the AAVSB to uphold quality standards of continuing eduction

ALAT

The first level of certification for technicians caring for laboratory animals

VTS

A designation that a veterinary technician has the credentials to qualify as a specialist

RMLAT

The highest level of certification for technicians caring for laboratory animals in Canada

LATG

The higher level of certification for technicians caring for laboratory animals in the United States

AWA

The U.S. law that requires minimum standards of care and treatment be provided for some warm-blooded animals bred for commercial sale, used in research and higher education, transported commercially, and exhibited to the public

LAT

The second highest level of certification for technicians caring for laboratory animals in the United States

VTNE

A passing score on this test is required to practice in most states and provinces

HPA

A law designed to protect horses from the practice of “soring”

PES

An entity that works with the AAVSB to develop the Veterinary Technician National Exam

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Graduates of accredited Canadian Veterinary Technology programs are eligible for recognition in the United States.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Most states and provinces require veterinary technicians to attend continuing education (CE) lectures and workshops to maintain licensure, certification, or registration.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. An additional 20 new questions are added to each VTNE, but these additional questions do not count toward the final score of the candidate.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Veterinary technicians are prohibited from entering drug prescriptions onto the patient’s records.

False

Veterinary technicians are responsible for recording all treatments, data, and physical findings in the patient’s record. When completing veterinary medical records, the veterinary technicians should enter the notations “as per order” for each medication ordered by the veterinarian.

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. According to the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Veterinary Technology State Practice Act Model, a veterinary technician may provide a patient’s chances of recovery to a client.

False

Although state laws differ, it is widely accepted and proposed by both the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) that only veterinarians may do the following: 1) prescribe; 2) diagnose; 3) prognose; 4) perform surgery. In other words, veterinary technicians cannot diagnose or prognose, prescribe ant treatments, drugs, medications or appliances or perform surgery, but they are at liberty to carry out all other patient-care duties, including the placement of catheters by all routes.

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Routine dental precedures are often performed by veterinary technicians.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Routinely hospitalized patients, as well as emergency and critical care patients, should be evaluated using the same five-step systematic approach.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Employment opportunities for veterinary technicians are expected to grow at a much faster rate than the average for all occupations.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. In order to call himself or herself a specialist, a veterinarian must be board-certified by a specialty organization.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Because animals are often messy, uniforms are uncommon in small animal veterinary practices.

False

Uniforms are commonly used in small veterinary practices. This is because the initial impression a veterinary technician makes is usually based simply upon how he or she looks. Neat, clean, well-fitted, and ironed uniforms are essential, although in a working environment is which one can become quickly covered by animal hair, saliva, blood, and other bodily fluids, a clean, neat uniform may be challenging to maintain.

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. The veterinary technician’s professional apparel must include a watch with a second hand.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. The medical records is a legal document owned by the client but housed at the veterinary practice or supervising institution.

False

The medical record is a legal document owned by the veterinary practices or supervising institution.

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Your e-mail does not reflect on your level of professionalism.

False

Maintain an e-mail address not leave a bad impression. Silly, cute, and animal e-mail address, such as [e-mail] or [e-mail], are not helpful toward the development of the professional image. A simple e-mail that includes your first initial and last name works well.

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. The Practice Act is most states includes a definition of the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology, although in some states, the board has been left to define the practice of veterinary technology.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. The unlicensed practice of veterinary medicine is a criminal offense.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Violations of laws or regulations may be punishable by fines or imprisonment.

Trus

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Someone convicted of crimes of moral turpitude may be denied a license to practice veterinary technology.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Most jurisdictions require professional licensees, including veterinary technicians, to complete continuing education to renew their licenses.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. In virtually every state, a licensee may be prosecuted and disciplined for misconduct, even if the licensee’s misconduct did not cause any harm to an animal.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. A veterinary technician may legally be the signatory on a document requiring the veterinarian’s signature.

False

A license may be prosecuted and disciplined or an applicant may be prevented entry into the practice of the profession for committing fraud or deceit in the practice of the profession. This includes conduct such as falsifying a health certificate or other document and signing a form for the veterinarian that the veterinarian is required to sign.

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. A licensee may be prosecuted and disciplined for misrepresentation, which may include telling a client that a certain treatment will cure a patient.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. A licensee may be prosecuted and disciplined for animal abuse, animal neglect, or animal cruslty.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. An unlicensed veterinarian may function as a veterinary technician.

False

It’s important to remember that unlicensed, noncredentialed individuals are limited to performing only those tasks that the statute and board regulations authorize, regardless of the knowledge or skill level of the individual.

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Any licensed person who assists an unlicensed person in performing tasks that the statute includes as the practice of the profession may be aiding unlicensed practice.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Many states have continuing education requirements for veterinary technicians.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. If a licensee is found guilty of malpractice, the board can direct a monetary award to be paid to the animal’s owner.

False

Licensing law borrows the concept of a “tort” from civil law; in civil law, a tort is a wrong or injury for which a court will provide a remedy. The usual remedy in a tort action is the award of monetary damages. But a state board does not award monetary damages to the animal’s owner; the state board’s authority is limited to imposing disciplinary sanctions on the professional.

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. The patient does not have a suffer any injury for the professional to be disciplined for malpractice.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Veterinarians can be found negligent or guilty of malpractice because of the actions of the staff member.

Trus

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Whenever a veterinary technician is disciplined by a licensing board for exceeding the technician’s authorized scope of practice, the veterinarian responsible for supervising the technician may be disciplined.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. When you are summoned to a disciplinary hearing by the board, an attorney must be appointed by the board to represent you.

False

Unlike in criminal matters, there is no “right” to an attorney in disciplinary matters; consequently, the state will not appoint (and pay for) an attorney to represent you if you cannot afford legal representation.

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. The Occupational Safety and Health Act confirms that all workers have a fundamental right to a safe workplace.

True

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Veterinarians are prohibited from using controlled substances in the practice of veterinary medicine.

False

In veterinary medicine, controlled substances are used daily.

Read the following statements and write “True” for true or “False” for false in the blanks provided. If a statement is false, correct the statement to make it true. Private veterinary hospitals are inspected by the USDA under the Animal Welfare Act.

False

In the United States, the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) requires that minimum standards of care and treatment be provided for most warm-blooded animals bred for commercial sale, used in research and higher education, transported commercially, and exhibited to the public. Inspectors from the Animal Care (a subsidiary of the United States Department of Agriculture) conduct randomly scheduled unannounced inspections to ensure that all regulated facilities are compliant. Private veterinary hospitals do not fall under the jurusdiction of this law.

Which organization or agency accredits veterinary technology programs in the United States?

a. State boards

b. NAVTA 

c. AVMA

d. AAHA

c. AVMA

Which of the following is a recognized area of specialty for a veterinary technician? 

a. Veterinary otolaryngologist

b. Veterinary psychologist

c. Veterinary pulmonologist

d. Veterinary behavior technician

d. Veterinary behavior technician

Which organization or agency has established veterinary technician specialties? 

a. State boards

b. NAVTA 

c. AVMA

d. AAHA

b. NAVTA

What was the average salary for veterinary technicians nationwide in 2019? 

a. $18,500

b. $22,500 

c. $34,420

d. $40,500

c. $34,420

Approximately how many recommended and essential tasks are listed in the CVTEA handbook?

a. 250

b. 350 

c. 450

d. 550

b. 350

One of the most important duties for the veterinary technician in surgery is 

a. scrubbing the patient.

b. washing the instruments and preparing surgical packs. 

c. placing the catheter.

d. administering and monitoring anesthesia.

d. administering and monitoring anesthesia

What is the format of the VTNE? 

a. Essay questions

b. Multiple choice questions 

c. Short answer questions

d. Short-answer and multiple-choice questions

b. Multiple choice questions

Where are the VTNEs administered? 

a. Veterinary technology schools

b. Veterinary schools 

c. Board of Veterinary Medicine conference rooms

d. Testing centers throughout North America

d. Testing centers throughout North America

To whom does a veterinary technology student apply to take the VTNE? 

a. AAVSB

b. AVMA 

c. State Board of Veterinary Medicine

d. PES

A. AAVSB

Which of the following merits the highest priority in patient intervention? 

a. Chronic pain

b. Acute pain 

c. Inadequate oxygenation

d. Diarrhea

c. Inadequate oxygenation

Which U.S. veterinary school awards the VMD degree rather than the DVM? 

a. University of Virginia

b. University of Georgia 

c. Tufts University

d. University of Pennsylvania

d. University of Pennsylvania

The designation of VTS (veterinary technician specialist) is awarded by which of the following types of organizations? 

a. An academy

b. A college 

c. A board

d. A society

a. An academy

The treatment of animals used in research facilities and teaching institutions is regulated by which government agency? 

a. AVMA

b. AWA (USDA) 

c. HSUS

d. Board of Veterinary Medicine

b. AWA (USDA)

Graduates of AVMA-and CVMA-accredited programs must complete how much additional training in a registered facility before they are eligible for the Level 1 ALAT examination? 

a. 2 years

b. 1 year 

c. 6 months

d. 90 days

c. 6 months

Which of these organizations wrote the veterinary technician code of ethics, the veterinary technician oath, and the veterinary technician portion of the Model Practice Act? 

a. AVMA

b. CVTEA 

c. NAVTA

d. AALAS

c. NAVTA

When is National Veterinary Technician week? 

a. The first week in November

b. The third week in October 

c. The second week in May

d. The second week in February

b. The third week in October

Who has the ultimate decision-making authority over the care provided to an owned animal?

a. The attending veterinarian

b. The state 

c. The owner

d. The veterinary technician

c. The owner

What is the overriding purpose of the board of veterinary medicine? 

a. To protect the public

b. To protect the animals 

c. To protect the veterinary profession 

d. To protect the veterinary and veterinary technology professions

a. To protect the public

Malpractice is also known as ________________. 

a. unprofessional conduct

b. negligence 

c. misrepresentation

d. an illegal act

b. negligence

Conduct that increases the risk that negligence will occur, even if negligence has not yet actually occurred, is known as ________________. 

a. malpractice

b. unprofessional conduct 

c. incompetence

d. practicing beyond the scope of veterinary medicine

c. incompetence

What is considered the most severe penalty a board may impose? 

a. Revocation of a license

b. Monetary fine 

c. Imprisonment

d. Closing of the hospital

a. Revocation of a license

What is the term for the public censure of a licensee without suspension or probation?

a. Ridicule

b. Dunking 

c. Prohibition

d. Reprimand

d. Reprimand

Which act establishes that USDA-registered facilities have IACUC (Institute of Animal Care and Use Committees)? 

a. Animal Welfare Act

b. Occupational Safety Act 

c. Controlled Substance Act

d. Medical Waste Tracking Act

a. Animal Welare ActWelfare

The Horse Protection Act protects horses against which procedure? 

a. Slaughter

b. Soring 

c. Castration without anesthesia

d. Nerving

b. Soring

25. Which government agency co-enforces the Endangered Species Act? 

a. USDA

b. DEA 

c. Commerce department

d. FWS

d. FWS

Indicate which type of supervision is required in order for the licensed, registered, or certified veterinary technician to perform the following tasks.

Euthanasia

Direct Supervision

Indicate which type of supervision is required in order for the licensed, registered, or certified veterinary technician to perform the following tasks.

Intravenous Catheterizations

Indirect Supervision

Indicate which type of supervision is required in order for the licensed, registered, or certified veterinary technician to perform the following tasks.

Dental Procedures Inducing Anesthesia

Direct Supervision

Indicate which type of supervision is required in order for the licensed, registered, or certified veterinary technician to perform the following tasks.

Blood collection

Immediate Supervision

Indicate which type of supervision is required in order for the licensed, registered, or certified veterinary technician to perform the following tasks.

Radiography

Indirect Supervision

Indicate which type of supervision is required in order for the licensed, registered, or certified veterinary technician to perform the following tasks.

Applying a Splint

Indirect Supervision

Indicate which type of supervision is required in order for the licensed, registered, or certified veterinary technician to perform the following tasks.

Handling Biohazardous Waste

Direct Supervision

Indicate which type of supervision is required in order for the licensed, registered, or certified veterinary technician to perform the following tasks.

Dental Extraction not

Indirect Supervision

Indicate which type of supervision is required in order for the licensed, registered, or certified veterinary technician to perform the following tasks.

Requiring Sectioning of the Tooth

Immediate Supervision

Indicate which type of supervision is required in order for the licensed, registered, or certified veterinary technician to perform the following tasks.

Administering Immunologic Agents by Parenteral Routes

Indirect Supervision