California hearing examines how nonveterinarians provide animal medical care, with sharp divisions on supervision and access

SACRAMENTO — The California Senate’s Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee held an informational hearing on animal medical care by allied practitioners, where state regulators, veterinarians and allied‑health providers outlined competing models for training, supervision and premises rules.

Chair Ashby opened the session saying the hearing was intended to “listen, learn, and understand the evolving model of animal medical care,” and speakers from Nevada, Kentucky and multiple California licensing boards described how other states regulate nonveterinarians who work on animals.

The Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) and allied‑health boards described a system in California that allows human‑trained chiropractors and physical therapists to treat animal patients under veterinary supervision, while allied providers and some certified chiropractors and physical therapists urged wider direct access for certified practitioners.

“The protection of the public shall be the highest priority for the board,” Jessica Seiferman, executive officer of the California Veterinary Medical Board, told senators, quoting the state’s business and professions code as a guide for regulators. Seiferman said California already permits chiropractors to perform musculoskeletal manipulation on animals and allows veterinary assistants — including physical therapists acting under a veterinarian’s direction — to provide rehabilitation when a veterinary client‑patient relationship (VCPR) is in place.

Kentucky and Nevada licensing officials described other approaches. Michelle Shane, executive director of the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners, described Kentucky’s AAHP (Allied Animal Health Professional) framework, in which the veterinary board licenses and sets practice limits for specified allied roles and requires strict training, title protections and continuing…