Four veterinary associations have issued a joint statement that calls for standardizing and improving the licensing of veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
“Together, these efforts will help protect the public from individuals who may fail to follow veterinary regulations or ethics in a way that endangers public health or animal patients,” according to the statement.
The initiative is supported by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Veterinary State Boards, the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America.
The American Association of Veterinary State Board’s VAULT program would provide a “centralized process for veterinary regulatory boards to obtain a verified record of a veterinarian’s or veterinary technician’s credentials,” the statement noted.
“The AAVSB conceived and launched the VAULT program for its member regulatory boards to simplify and streamline the process for licensees and potential licensees in the interest of public protection,” said President Mark Olson, DVM. “Modernizing the mobility process for veterinarians and veterinary technicians ensures that the public has access to highly qualified professionals.”
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America is spearheading a campaign designed to standardize veterinary technician credentials nationwide. Qualified individuals would earn the title registered veterinary nurse, or RVN.
“It is important that pet owners understand that educated and licensed personnel are caring for their pets,” said NAVTA President Kara M. Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, VTS. “Licensing of members in our profession ensures qualified individuals capable of the appropriate judgment in promoting better patient care, public health and pet owner protection are available to answer the call.”