Ohio House Passes Addressing Veterinarian Shortage

State Representatives Kellie Deeter (R-Norwalk) and Tex Fischer (R-Canfield) today announced the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 664 - legislation that works to give licensed veterinarians the ability to permit veterinary technicians to administer certain vaccines, expanding access to care for pets.

"This legislation allows veterinarians to better utilize the education, training, and clinical skills of registered veterinary technicians while maintaining appropriate oversight, delegation, and accountability," said Deeter.

"This bill is a step towards addressing the growing issue of limited access to veterinary care," said Fischer. "HB 664 will allow registered veterinary technicians to work closer to the fullest potential of their education and skillset, and help shelter pets receive the care they need faster. By focusing on shelters first, we are prioritizing the area of greatest need and helping save the lives of dogs and cats in shelters across our state."

The bill would create a process under which a licensed veterinarian may authorize a registered veterinary technician (RVT) to treat animals on behalf of the veterinarian for either or both of the following purposes:

• Allow the RVT to dispense and administer, in accordance with a care coordination agreement (CCA), vaccines, including the rabies vaccine, to a shelter dog or cat
• Allow the RVT to dispense and administer, in accordance with a CCA, antiparasitic medication to a sheltered dog or cat

House Bill 664 now moves to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.