Section 172. Delegation of duties

A. A licensed veterinarian may delegate the administration (including by injection) of Schedule VI drugs to a properly trained assistant under his immediate and direct supervision. The prescribing veterinarian has a specific duty and responsibility to determine that the assistant has had adequate training to safely administer the drug in a manner prescribed. Injections involving anesthetic or chemotherapy drugs, subgingival scaling, or the placement of intravenous catheters shall not be delegated to an assistant.

B. Additional tasks that may be delegated by a licensed veterinarian to a properly trained assistant include but are not limited to the following:

1. Grooming;

2. Feeding;

3. Cleaning;

4. Restraining;

5. Assisting in radiology;

6. Setting up diagnostic tests;

7. Prepping for surgery;

8. Dental polishing and scaling of teeth above the gum line (supragingival);

9. Drawing blood samples; or

10. Filling of Schedule VI prescriptions under the direction of a veterinarian licensed in Virginia.

C. A licensed veterinarian may delegate duties electronically, verbally, or in writing to appropriate veterinary personnel provided the veterinarian has physically examined the patient within the previous 36 hours.

D. Massage therapy or physical therapy may be delegated by a veterinarian to persons qualified by training and experience by an order from the veterinarian.

E. The veterinarian remains responsible for the duties being delegated and remains responsible for the health and safety of the animal.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 19, Issue 09, eff. March 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 04, eff. November 25, 2009; Volume 29, Issue 06, eff. January 3, 2013; Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. September 26, 2013.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.