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March 12, 2026 Clouds | 38°F
The 194th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Bill S.277 194th (Current)

An Act regulating the practice and licensure of veterinary technicians

By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 277) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation to regulate the practice and licensure of veterinary technicians. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

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Bill Information

Presenter:
Jacob R. Oliveira
Status:
Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means

Emergency Preamble

Whereas, The deferred operation of this act would tend to defeat its purpose, which is to forthwith regulate the practice and licensure of veterinary technicians, therefore it is hereby declared to be an emergency law, necessary for the immediate preservation of the public convenience.

Veterinary Medicine

This bill will amend the Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine by adding members, appointed by the governor, who are licensed veterinary technicians. The Board will develop and implement quality educational and practice standards for veterinary technicians within the practice of veterinary medicine. This change is needed because currently, in Massachusetts, any person, with any level of experience, can work in veterinary medical practice and be called a veterinary technician. Complex and costly veterinary medical services should be performed by educated, trained, and licensed veterinary technicians. Examples of these services include inducing and monitoring anesthesia, placing intravenous and urinary catheters, performing diagnostic testing, taking radiographs, and providing comprehensive veterinary nursing care. Licensure will require: 1) completing an American Veterinary Medical Association approved program of study (associate or bachelor’s degree), 2) passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam, and 3) meeting continuing education requirements. Four Massachusetts community colleges offer associate degree veterinary technician programs: Massasoit CC, Holyoke CC, North Shore CC, and Mount Wachusett CC. UMass Amherst-Mt. Ida is the only remaining MA four-year bachelor program.
* The bill summary was created by the Primary Sponsor of the bill; no committee of the General Court certifies the accuracy of its contents.

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