HISTORY OF THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF LICENSED VETERINARY TECHNICIANS, INC

1974-75
1. The Virginia Association of Animal Technicians was first established
2. First Constitution and Code of Ethics proposed and written
3. First invitation for certified technicians to have a booth promoting themselves at the annual VVMA convention
4. First class of technicians graduate from Blue Ridge Community College after inception of the Animal Technician program
1975-76
1. Last year for anyone to become certified under the Grandfather Clause, Technicians applying for certification must have a degree in animal technology
2. Established Continuing Education committee
1976-77
1. Proposed to have continual education programs four times yearly
2. Established convention committee to plan for booth, literature, and promotion
3. Certified Technicians asked to assist with State Board Examinations
4. Technician Program established at Northern Virginia Community College
1977-78
1. First Virginia Association of Animal Technicians insignia pins developed
1980-81
1. Creation of "VAAT News" the Associations first newsletter
2. First inclusion welcome letter and membership applications with certification notices for new technicians
3. NAVTA formed
1981-82
1. Established regional associations and meetings to include continual education seminars
2. Held first Annual Banquet for technicians at the Convention
3. Held first spring picnic
4. Compiled and printed first VATT directories for all members
5. Established the newsletter as a quarterly publication
1982-83
1. Effective July 1982-only Certified Animal Technicians may administer/monitor anesthesia
2. Effective July 1982 only Certified Animal Technicians may take radiographs
3. First Certified Animal Technician chosen to serve on the Board of Advisors at Blue Ridge Community College-Kriste Keane
4. Newsletter name changed from "VAAT NEWS" to "CATS PAUSE"
5. Printed first VAAT stationary
1984-85
1. Amendments to the constitution ARTICLE III: OFFICERS
  1. SECTION I: EXECUTIVE BOARD AND DIRECTORS OF THE CHARTER
    1. All members of the Executive board shall be active members of the Association for a minimum of one calendar year prior to officer elections
  2. SECTION IV: VICE PRESIDENT
    1. Shall be the Associations delegate to NAVTA and have their dues paid for one year by the VAAT
  3. SECTION V: PRESIDENT ELECT
    1. Shall serve as Chairman of the Continuing Education Committee
    2. Shall nominate an advisor to assist the Association during his/her term as President; this nomination is subject to the approval of the Executive Board and membership
  4. SECTION VIII: HISTORIAN
    1. Shall keep a record of the achievements of the Association
    2. Should attend all meetings and functions, and keep acknowledgements of their significance to the progress of the Association
  5. SECTION IX: ADVISOR
    1. Shall be a member of the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association
    2. Shall be chosen by the President Elect, and approved by the Executive Board and the membership by vote
2. Amendments to the Constitution ARTICLE VI: ELECTION OF OFFICERS
  1. SECTION III: TERM OF OFFICE
    1. Each officer shall serve for one year from the election date, but no longer than two consecutive years in the same office
3. In 1984 a law was passed which stated that certified animal technicians can administer rabies inoculations under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian
4. First Technician of the Year Award given
1985-86
1. Amendment to the Constitution ARTICLE IV: ELECTION OF OFFICERS
  1. SECTION V: VACANCY
    1. If an elected officer of the Executive Board, other than the president, cannot fulfill his or her term, position may remain open at the discretion of the Executive Board, until the next general membership meeting. At this time, an election must be held to fill this position
1987-88
1. Revisions to the regulations of the Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine
  1. The Clinical Competency Test is required for licensure.
  2. Animal technicians are now referred to as "veterinary technicians".
  3. Each animal facility must have a designated veterinarian-in-charge who takes responsibility for drug record keeping.
  4. Full-service, stationary veterinary hospitals must have certain specified equipment, and a room for the separation of contagious patients by July 1989.
  5. An animal facility may be granted a restricted permit when the scope of practice is limited. Limited facility permits will be granted to house call and large animal mobile practices, and any stationary facilities that choose to offer reduced or strictly specialized services.
  6. All existing animal facilities that do not provide full service must apply, "at no charge", for a limited facility permit. Each facility will be mailed an application in the near future.
  7. Limited facilities must conspicuously post the specific limitations on their scope of practice.
  8. The Board will charge a re-inspection fee of one hundred dollars if a facility's condition necessitates a repeat inspection.
  9. Utilizing the services of solicitors, forming a corporation to practice veterinary medicine with a non-veterinarian, and making claims of professional superiority are no longer grounds for un-professional conduct.
2. The title "Certified Animal Technician" was changed to "Certified Veterinary Technician" as well as the Association name change from "VAAT" to "VACVT"
3. Membership numbers increased to eighty-two CVTs, twenty-five students, sixteen NAVTA members
4. Designed logo for VACVT
5. The newsletter name was changed from "CATS PAUSE" to "QUARTERLY"
1989-90
1. The Procedurals Manual for Executive Officers was completed
2. The title was changed from "Certified Veterinary Technician" to "Licensed Veterinary Technician" as well as the Association name change from "VACVT" to "VALVT"
1990-91
1. Achieved incorporated status
2. ADHOC Advisory Committee established to contribute input concerning technicians to the BVM
3. First year for Veterinary Technician Student of the Year Award given
4. Secured a disability insurance carrier
1991-92
1. Amendment to the Constitution ARTICLE III: OFFICERS
  1. SECTION III: IMMEDIATE PAST-PRESIDENT
    1. Term of office should be one year
    2. Shall attend all Executive Board meetings
    3. Shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Executive Board
    4. Shall attend all Board of Veterinary Medicine meetings
    5. Shall serve as chairperson of the LVT Ad Hoc Advisory Committee to the Board of Veterinary Medicine for as long as this committee exists
    6. Shall submit a report to the Association newsletter on activities of the LVT Ad Hoc Advisory Committee to the Board of Veterinary Medicine
    7. Shall ensure another committee member or the alternate committee member attends the Board of Veterinary Medicine meetings to act as chairperson in the event of the absence of the Immediate Past-President
1992-93
1. VALVT filed for tax-exempt status
2. VALVT joined the Milk Safety Act
1993-94
1. A bill was passed that gives localities the authority to pass ordinances to require the licensing of cats
2. General Assembly passed legislation that requires any individual who adopts a dog or cat from an animal shelter, pound, or similar agency to have the animal sterilized by a licensed veterinarian within thirty days after the animal reaches the age of six months
1994-95
1. VALVT received Gubornatorial Proclamation from the governor recognizing the third week in October as National Veterinary Technician Week
1995-96
1. A. A bill was passed which will allow for the governor to appoint a Licensed Veterinary Technician to the Board of Veterinary Medicine
1996-97
1997-98
1. A mandatory continuing education bill was passed which requires Licensed Veterinary Technicians to achieve six credits per year
1998-99
1. The General Assembly passed an amendment to the Code of Virginia to require a separate disclosure form for staffing hours
2. Regulations Governing the Practice of Veterinarians in Virginia requires that biennial inventory of all stocks on hand of Schedules I through
1999-2000
1. The General Assembly passed an amendment to the Code of Virginia which includes that unlicensed personnel may not inject any substance; they may only take blood samples
2000-01
1. A. The Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine adopted a motion which states that a properly licensed veterinarian may cause drugs, excluding Schedule II through V, to be administered (including via injection) by a properly trained assistant under the veterinarian's direction and supervision.
2001-02
1. First Veterinarian of the Year Award given.
2. A new amendment to the Virginia Drug Control Act states that biennial inventory of all stocks on hand of Schedules I through V drugs is to be taken on any date which is within two years of the previous biennial inventory.
2002-03
1. Amendments to the Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicines Regulations Governing the Practice of Veterinary Medicine
  1. Definitions
    1. "Veterinary establishment" replaces "animal facility".
    2. The responsibilities of the "veterinarian-in-charge" are to comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
    3. "Surgery" specifies certain acts that do not constitute surgery and may be delegated to a LVT under direct orders from a licensed veterinarian.
    4. "Closures" are limited to skin closure.
  2. Licensure
    1. Expiration date for all licenses is December 31st.
  3. Standards of practice
    1. Delegation of certain duties to unlicensed persons is provided in a list of such duties (which is not necessarily all-inclusive). The veterinarian may delegate duties electronically if they have examined the animal within the previous thirty-six hours.
  4. Record keeping
    1. Records may be kept on a group of companion animals if they are in the same litter and are no more than four months of age.
  5. Standards for facilities
    1. There must be a door to the surgery room (except in large animal practices).
    2. The Board may now take disciplinary action as it deems appropriate, other than revocation or suspension, against a veterinary establishment if the establishment is in violation of any of the laws or regulations governing veterinary medicine.
2. Total membership stands at 416. 286 paid members and 130 student members
2004
1. Lifetime Service Award created-Kris Keane, LVT, VDT first recipient - February 6, 2004
2. Veterinary Assistant Program developed at Hermitage Technical Center (High School) in Henrico County taught by Karen Bowles, LVT
3. Disaster Animal Care plan created to provide rapid response to disasters affecting the health, safety, and welfare of animals.
4. Interpretations by the Board of Veterinary Medicine - tasks limited to Licensed personnel (LVT & DVM) in a licensed Veterinary Facility:
  1. Intravenous catheterization
  2. Administering scheduled drugs
  3. Administering rabies vaccines
  4. Placement of epidurals
  5. Placing microchips
  6. Single-rooted tooth extractions.
  7. Routine skin closure
5. Total membership stands at 497. 309 paid members and 188 students.
2005
1. General Assembly
  1. HB 2783, a bill requiring the BVM to adopt regulations that would authorize unlicensed personnel to perform certain duties that are normally performed by the LVT, slipped into committee (unopposed).
  2. VALVT Board, with tremendous help from Dr. Escobar (VVMA) and Susan Seward (VVMA Lobbyist), were able to get this Bill dropped.
2. BVM Regulations
  1. To be stated on all initial Rabies Vaccination Certificates: An animal is not considered immunized for at least 28 days after the initial or primary vaccine is administered.
  2. Multi-rooted teeth sectioned by DVM may be extracted by LVT.
  3. Suturing gingival tissue post extraction is considered surgery, therefore is not permitted by LVTs.
  4. The VTNBE will be administered simultaneously at BRCC and NOVA in January and June by the BVM
3. Midlothian BRCC Distance Ed Program graduated their 1st class with 12 graduates.
4. Lifetime Service Award-Cheryl Huotte, LVT
5. Total membership stands at 429: 353 LVTs and 176 Students
2006
1. BVM-Guidance Document-Planning or Leveling of Equine Teeth
  1. The planning and leveling of equine teeth by the use of non-motorized tools is not considered the practice of veterinary medicine and does not require a license. The use of motorized tools to level or plane equine teeth must be performed under the direct supervision and with the concurrence of a VA. Licensed Veterinarian. If sedation is required for planning and leveling, the sedation must be administered by a VA Licensed Veterinarian who remains responsible for the animal while it is under sedation.
2. Total membership stands at 377: 252 LVTs and 125 Students.
2007
1. General Assembly
  1. HB2363-Equine Dentistry Bill-Became a Law as of July 1, 2007-BVM will regulate Equine Dental Technicians under the guidelines of this Bill. Current language does NOT allow LVTs to do the duties of Equine Dental Technician (float teeth, etc.)
  2. SB787-Department of Emergency Management to form an Animal Emergency Plan
2. Began process of updating the VALVT Constitution and Bylaws
3. Lifetime Service Award-Pat MacKenzie, LVT
4. Total Membership stands at 609: 337 LVTs and 272 Students.
2008
1. Passage of Amended VALVT Constitution and Bylaws by members.
2. Lifetime Service Award-Did we have one?
3. HB 725 was passed and approved March 8, 2008-Emergency Bill to correct previous HB 2363 Equine Dentistry Bill- LVTs are now allowed to float equine teeth.

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