Important News

• The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled a national Prescription Drug Take-Back Day which will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity for safely dispose of accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs. For more information go to:

  http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/
  

• The OVMLB in conjunction with the OVMA is releasing this RVT/Animal Aide duty list. This is not an inclusive list, but designed to provide a quick reference. Please review Sections 4741.01 and 4741.19 of the Ohio Revised Code and Rule 4741-1-14 of the Ohio Administrative Code for further direction.
  
  
• The Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board approved changes to the initial application process at the September 19, 2012 Board meeting. Beginning January 1, 2013 The Board will require all application requirements to be submitted with the application with the exception of the FBI and BCI background check which is still to come directly from the BCI&I. The applicant's transcript is to be submitted in a sealed envelope from the college or university in which they attended. These changes will help speed up the application process.
  
  
• The following Links for Veterinary Accreditation have been added to the Board web site:
  Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/vet_accreditation/faq.shtml
  Ohio USDA APHIS office: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/states/ohio_info.html
  
  
• Animal Aide duties: At the July 13, 2011 Board meeting, the Board reviewed an inquiry related to IV administration of medications by animal aides. After careful review of the Veterinary Practice Act and other state’s law and rules, the Board made the determination that the Rules (Rule 4741-1-14 OAC) specifically permits administration of topical, oral, and subcutaneous medications by the animal aide. However, there is no mention of IV administration and therefore, the Board has taken the position that animal aides are prohibited from administering IV medications. The animal aide can attach and reattach IV tubing and
  solutions.
  
  

• Another question related to catheterizations and intubations. Rule 4741-1-14 OAC permits the animal aide to “collect and prepare voided specimens…” Therefore, catheterizations are not permitted to be performed by an animal aide. Additionally, the Board determined that it is inappropriate for an animal aide to intubate due to the complexity of the skill required.
  

• Guidelines for Proper Disposal of Prescription Drugs:

  • http://www.fda.gov/
  • http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/

• Update on the National Veterinary Accreditation Program:
  http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/vet_accreditation/
  

• Repeated reminder from Fall 2008 Newsletter: Expired medications cannot be used or donated. Once a drug is outdated, it is considered adulterated and must be disposed of.

• Compounding of Drugs for Use in Animals
  
  
• Drug Return Policy (01/09)
  
  
• Please note: There is nothing in the law that allows a euthanasia technician or dog warden to have access to or administer any drug other than the lethal solution to perform euthanasia.
  
  
• The Board has received multiple inquiries related to courses for the euthanasia technician certification courses. Please note that the curriculum must be approved by the Board and must meet the requirements set out in Rule 4741-1-23 OAC (http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/4741-1-23). Recently approved courses will appear on the Board web site under Continuing Education once approved.
  
  
• At the September 10, 2008 Board meeting, while reviewing disciplinary cases, it was discovered that a number of veterinary practices are withholding medical records if the owner of the client/animal has an outstanding balance for previous medical care received. Rule 4741-1-21 OAC (http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/4741-1-21) does not allow a veterinarian to withhold the medical records as long as the owner pays the costs for the copying of the medical records. The purpose of the rule was to provide for continuity of care for the pet. Therefore, the Board has taken the position that medical records must be provided to the subsequent veterinarian (free of charge) or to the owner who pays for the copying costs of the records, regardless of whether the owner has an outstanding balance owed to the veterinary practice.