Committee approves bill allowing veterinary technicians to provide emergency care under indirect supervision

Senate Bill 68 passed the Senate Agriculture, Forestry & Economic Development Committee after sponsors and stakeholders described it as a targeted change to improve emergency response for large animals.

Senator Ricky Hill, presenting the bill, said SB 68 authorizes veterinary technicians, technologists and veterinary technician specialists to respond to emergency calls on farms under indirect supervision when a veterinarian cannot be physically present (for example, if the veterinarian is in surgery). "It allows them to go out to a farm in an emergency situation under indirect supervision of a veterinarian," Hill said. He said the provision was intended to help in situations where a veterinarian could not reach a site quickly and to allow trained staff to provide interim care while the veterinarian remained responsible for the case.

Hill cited examples raised by veterinarians where quicker on-site assistance might have saved animals: a horse trapped on a cattle guard and a calf in a difficult birth that resulted in the loss of the animal. Hill said the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and local veterinary groups had reviewed and supported the approach.

Committee members asked about liability and whether a veterinarian would remain responsible for the actions of supervised staff; sponsor remarks indicated the veterinarian retains responsibility and that existing liability insurance and professional responsibility frameworks would apply. The transcript records no public opposition; the committee adopted a motion to pass SB 68 and approved the bill by voice vote.