WHAT IS THE VETERINARY BOARD OF GOVERNORS

and why should I care?

-Karen Norton LVT

The Washington State Legislature and Governor pass laws (Revised Code of Washington, RCW) that regulate Licensed Veterinary Technicians and unregistered veterinary assistants.  The Governor appoints members of the Veterinary Board of Governors to write and enforce rules (Washington Administrative Code, WAC) that implement the intention of legislation and provide guidance to the profession and public.

The VBOG has considerable power over our profession and starting in 2007 a position was added to the board reserved for an LVT.  To be considered for the position applicants must have training/experience with small and large animals.  The first person to fill that position was Deb Cofer and it is now filled by Markiva Contris. 

WSAVT volunteers stay up to date on actions of the legislature and VBOG that involve LVTs but it is also important that individual LVTs get information directly from the state and send comments to proposed actions directly to the Board.  It is easy to stay informed.  Book mark http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/professions/Veterinarian/default.htm in your computer.  This link will bypass the Department of Health homepage and take you directly to information about veterinary medicine.  Scroll down the page and find “Would you like to receive updates?”  Sign up for the listserve and you will receive notification of meeting agendas, proposed rules and other critical information. 

The VBOG holds four public meetings a year.  The schedule for 2010 is April 12, June 21, September 13, and December 2.  Most of these meetings are held in Kent however they also hold a meeting on the east side.  Because actions of the Board must take place in a public forum the work of the Board is slowed down by only having 4 meetings a year.  In addition to the regular meetings the Board holds special meetings and public hearings.  Please try to attend the public meetings.  There is nothing quite like meeting the Board face to face and watching the interaction between the Board members.

Recently the board held a public hearing to gather comment on 3 proposed rules.  One concerning allowing temporary practice permits under certain circumstances.  A second one concerning LVTs and controlled drugs and a third one related to patient records.  All of these new rules impact LVTs and the work we do on a daily basis. 

Some rules that affect LVTs are passed by other boards or commissions that report to the Department of Health.  For example tamper proof prescriptions and mandatory reporting of certain diseases are under consideration by DOH. 

Get informed!  Stay informed!  Let your voice be heard!