Like many of us across rural Pennsylvania, I have witnessed firsthand the large animal veterinarian shortage in my district and the consequences that come with it. In response, I will be introducing legislation to assist with this shortage across the Commonwealth.

This legislation will expand the ability to allow certified veterinary technicians (CVT) to perform certain large animal veterinary tasks under direct or indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian under these certain conditions:
 

• The CVT’s employer must be the veterinarian or veterinary practice of record for the herd, flock or patient; possess written medical record evidence of a valid veterinarian-client-patient-relationship (VCPR) with said animals and be able to provide expeditious follow-up emergency care or have made provisions for such.

 

• CVTs providing such services shall be required to fulfill the medical record requirements set forth currently in statute.

This legislation will help alleviate the patient load on our existing veterinarians and in turn keep Pennsylvania’s livestock healthy and productive.

Please join me in sponsoring this vital piece of legislation to assist with the shortage of large animal veterinarians across the Commonwealth.