West Virginia § 30-10-11 - 30-10-11. Scope of practice for registered veterinary technician.

§ 30-10-11. 30-10-11. Scope of practice for registered veterinary technician.

(a) A registered veterinary technician may do the following under general supervision:

(1) Administer anesthesia, including induction, intravenous sedation, and maintenance and recovery from anesthesia;

(2) Perform dental prophylaxis;

(3) Establish open airways;

(4) Administer resuscitative oxygen procedures;

(5) Administer resuscitative drugs, in the event of cardiac arrest;

(6) Administer immunizations that are not required by law to be administered by a licensed veterinarian;

(7) Prepare or supervise the preparation of patients for surgery;

(8) Assist the veterinarian in immunologic, diagnostic, medical, chemotherapeutic and surgical procedures; and

(9) Perform external suturing.

(b) A registered veterinary technician may do the following under either general or indirect supervision:

(1) Perform diagnostic imaging;

(2) Perform intravenous catheterization;

(3) Administer and apply medications and treatments by oral intramuscular, intravenous and subcutaneous routes;

(4) Apply bandages;

(5) Perform cardiac and respiratory monitoring;

(6) Perform appropriate procedures to control bleeding;

(7) Apply temporary splints or immobilizing bandages;

(8) Perform ear flushing;

(9) Collect specimens; and

(10) Perform laboratory procedures.

(c) A veterinary technician may, without supervision, use emergency treatment procedures when an animal has been placed in a life threatening condition and immediate treatment is necessary to sustain the animal's life. The registered veterinary technician shall immediately take steps to secure the general supervision of a veterinarian.