Section 1505.10  Application for Examination

 

a)         An applicant for a certificate as a certified veterinary technician shall file an application, on forms supplied by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation-Division of Professional Regulation (Division), at least 60 days prior to an examination date.  The application shall include:

 

1)         Certification of graduation from a certified veterinary technician program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities;

 

2)         Certification of licensure from state of original and current licensure, if applicable, stating:

 

A)        The time during which the applicant was licensed in that jurisdiction, including the date of original issuance of the license;

 

B)        A description of the licensure examination in that jurisdiction;

 

C)        Whether the file on the applicant contains any record of disciplinary actions taken or pending; and

 

3)         The required fee set forth in Section 1505.52.

 

b)         Examination Prior to Graduation

 

1)         An applicant enrolled in an approved certified veterinary technician program will be admitted to the May or December examination prior to graduation if he/she provides certification from a certified veterinary technician program from which the applicant is expected to graduate.  If certification of graduation is not received within 90 days after the scheduled graduation date, the results of the examination shall be void.

 

2)         The results of the examination shall be made available to the applicant but no State certification shall be issued until the Division has received certification of the applicant's graduation, within 90 days after the scheduled graduation date specified in subsection (b)(1).

 

3)         In the case of failure of the examination, the applicant must submit his/her certificate of graduation to the Division or its designated testing service prior to taking the next examination.

 

c)         Applicants who have successfully completed the Veterinary Technician National Examination prepared by the Professional Examination Service in another state will receive credit for that examination if the applicant passed the examination according to the testing entity's standard.  The examination score report must be forwarded to the Division from the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) or the Veterinary Information Verifying Agency (VIVA).

 

(Source:  Amended at 40 Ill. Reg. 2936, effective February 16, 2016)

 

Section 1505.20  Examination

 

a)         The written examination for certification as a certified veterinary technician shall be the Veterinary Technician National Examination administered by Professional Examination Service.

 

b)         The passing grade on the examination shall be the passing score established by the testing entity.

 

c)         Prior to January 1, 1994, the passing grade on the examination was a standard score of 75.

 

(Source:  Amended at 40 Ill. Reg. 2936, effective February 16, 2016)

 

Section 1505.30  Endorsement

 

a)         An applicant who is certified as a certified veterinary technician under the laws of another state or territory of the United States shall file an application with the Division, together with:

 

1)         A certification from the licensing authority of the state or territory of original licensure stating:

 

A)        The time during which the applicant was licensed in that state;

 

B)        Whether the file on the applicant contains any record of disciplinary actions taken or pending;

 

2)         Proof of successful completion of a licensing examination substantially equivalent to requirements in force in Illinois on the date of the examination;

 

3)         Certification of licensure from the state in which the applicant is currently licensed if it is other than the state of original licensure;

 

4)         A completed Certification of Education form that must be signed by the dean or registrar of the school from which the applicant received his/her professional training; and

 

5)         The required fee set forth in Section 1505.52.

 

b)         The Division shall examine each application to determine compliance with Section 13 of the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act of 2004 (the Act) [225 ILCS 115].  The applicant may be required to appear before the Veterinary Licensing and Disciplinary Board (the Board) to clarify or explain information contained on the submitted documentation in order for the Board to determine the substantial equivalence of the applicant's qualifications to the licensing requirements in this State at the time of licensure.

 

(Source:  Amended at 40 Ill. Reg. 2936, effective February 16, 2016)

 

Section 1505.40  Restoration

 

a)         A certified veterinary technician seeking restoration of a certificate that has expired for less than 5 years shall have the certificate restored upon payment of the fees required by Section 1505.52(c)(1) and proof of completion of the CE requirements set forth in Section 1505.55.

 

b)         A certified veterinary technician seeking restoration of a certificate that has expired or been on inactive status for more than 5 years shall file an application, on forms supplied by the Division, together with the fee required by Section 1505.52(c)(1) and proof of 15 hours of CE (e.g., certificate of attendance or completion) in accordance with Section 1505.55.  The certified veterinary technician shall also submit:

 

1)         Sworn evidence of active practice in another jurisdiction.  The evidence shall include a statement from the appropriate board or licensing authority in the other jurisdiction that the person was authorized to practice during the term of the active practice; or

 

2)         Two affidavits attesting to the applicant's practice as a certified veterinary technician in a jurisdiction where licensure is not required; or

 

3)         An affidavit attesting to military service as provided in Section 15 of the Act; or

 

4)         Evidence of experience within the profession other than active practice (such as research, teaching or publishing) during the time in which the certificate was expired; or

 

5)         8 hours of approved CE for each year the certification was expired completed during the 2 years proceeding application for restoration.  These hours will be in addition to the 15 hours stated in subsection (b).

 

c)         A certified veterinary technician seeking restoration of a certificate that has been on inactive status for less than 5 years shall have the certificate restored upon filing an application, on forms provided by the Division, and paying the current renewal fee.

 

d)         After January 31, 1997, a certified veterinary technician seeking restoration of a certification shall be required to complete the CE requirements set forth in Section 1505.55 for one renewal period.

 

e)         Any person seeking restoration of a certification within 2 years after discharge from military service pursuant to Section 12 of the Act will be required to pay only the current renewal fee and will not be required to submit proof of meeting the CE requirements.

 

f)         When the accuracy of any submitted documentation or the relevance or sufficiency of the course work or experience is questioned by the Division or the Board because of a lack of information, discrepancies or conflicts in information given or a need for clarification, the applicant seeking restoration shall be requested to:

 

1)         Provide such information as may be necessary; and/or

 

2)         Appear for an interview before the Board to explain the relevance or sufficiency of course work or experience, clarify information, or clear up any discrepancies or conflicts in information.

 

(Source:  Amended at 40 Ill. Reg. 2936, effective February 16, 2016)

 

Section 1505.50  Renewals

 

a)         Each  certified veterinary technician certificate issued under the Act shall expire on January 31 of each odd‑numbered year.  The holder of the certificate may renew the certificate during the month preceding the expiration date by paying the required fee.

 

b)         For the January 31, 1997 renewal and every renewal thereafter, a certified veterinary technician shall be required to meet the CE requirements set forth in Section 1505.55.

 

c)         It is the responsibility of each certified veterinary technician to notify the Division of any change of address.  Failure to receive a renewal form from the Division shall not constitute an excuse for failure to pay the renewal fee.

 

(Source:  Amended at 40 Ill. Reg. 2936, effective February 16, 2016)

 

Section 1505.52  Fees

 

The following fees shall be paid to the Department and are not refundable:

 

a)         Application Fees.  The fee for application for a certified veterinary technician certificate is $50.  In addition, applicants for an examination shall be required to pay, either to the Department or to the designated testing service, a fee covering the cost of determining an applicant's eligibility and providing the examination.  Failure to appear for the examination on the scheduled date, at the time and place specified, after the applicant's application for examination has been received and acknowledged by the Department or the designated testing service shall result in the forfeiture of the examination fee.

 

b)         Renewal Fees.  The fee for the renewal of a certified veterinary technician certificate shall be calculated at the rate of $25 per year.

 

c)         General Fees

 

1)         The fee for the restoration of a certified veterinary technician certificate other than from inactive status is $50 plus payment of all lapsed renewal fees, but not to exceed $150.

 

2)         The fee for the issuance of a duplicate certificate, for the issuance of a replacement certificate for a certificate that has been lost or destroyed, or for the issuance of a certificate with a change of name or address, other than during the renewal period, is $20.  No fee is required for name and address changes on Division records when no duplicate certificate is issued.

 

3)         The fee for a certification of a registrant's record for any purpose is $20.

 

4)         The fee to have the scoring of an examination authorized by the Division reviewed and verified is $20 plus any fees charged by the applicable testing service.

 

5)         The fee for a wall certificate showing registration shall be the actual cost of producing the certificate.

 

6)         The fee for a roster of certified veterinary technicians in this State shall be the actual cost of producing the roster.

 

(Source:  Amended at 40 Ill. Reg. 2936, effective February 16, 2016)

 

Section 1505.55  Continuing Education

 

a)         Continuing Education Hours Requirements

 

1)         Each person who applies for renewal of a certified veterinary technician certificate is required to complete 15 hours of CE relevant to veterinary medicine and surgery during the prerenewal period.

 

2)         A prerenewal period is the 24 months preceding the expiration date of the certification.

 

3)         A renewal applicant is not required to comply with CE requirements for the first renewal following the original issuance of the certificate.

 

4)         CE credit hours used to satisfy the CE requirements of another state may be applied to fulfillment of the CE requirements of the State of Illinois.

 

5)         CE credit hours used to satisfy this requirement may be achieved through self study courses offered by an approved provider.

 

b)         Approved CE Providers

 

1)         CE credit may be earned for verified attendance at or participation in any program given by one of the following:

 

A)        An approved certified veterinary program, as provided in 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1500.5, or a certified veterinary technician program;

 

B)        The American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA);

 

C)        The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association or any other state or provincial veterinary medical association or any of its constituent organizations;

 

D)        The American Animal Hospital Association;

 

E)        National Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB);

 

F)         Programs provided by, or appropriate for, veterinary specialty organizations; and

 

G)        United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or any organization approved by USDA to offer the USDA Recertification Course.

 

2)         Courses Requirements

 

A)        All courses or programs shall:

 

i)          Be a minimum of 1 hour in duration.  An hour is defined as 50 to 60 minutes of contact time;

 

ii)         Contribute to the advancement, extension and enhancement of professional skills and/or scientific knowledge in the practice of veterinarian medicine;

 

iii)        Provide experiences that contain scientific integrity, relevant subject matter and course materials;

 

iv)        Be developed and presented by persons with education and/or experience in the subject matter of the program; and

 

v)         Specify the number of CE hours that may be applied toward Illinois CE requirements for certificate renewal.

 

B)        The Division may periodically review approved providers to ensure compliance.

 

c)         The certificate holder shall maintain CE records for 4 years.

 

d)         Certification of Compliance with CE Requirements

 

1)         Each renewal applicant shall certify, on a renewal application, full compliance with the CE requirements set forth in subsection (a).

 

2)         The Division may require additional evidence demonstrating compliance with CE requirements.  It is the responsibility of each renewal applicant to retain or otherwise produce evidence of compliance.

 

e)         Continuing Education Earned in Other Jurisdictions

 

1)         If an individual has earned or is seeking CE hours offered in another jurisdiction for a program not approved by the Division for which the individual will be claiming credit toward full compliance in Illinois, the applicant shall submit an individual program approval request form, along with a $25 processing fee, prior to participation in the program or within 90 days prior to expiration of the certificate.  The Board shall review and recommend approval or disapproval of the program using the criteria set forth in this Section.

 

2)         If an individual fails to submit an out-of-state CE approval form within the required time frame, late approval may be obtained by submitting the approval request form with the $25 processing fee plus a $50 per hour of CE late fee not to exceed $250.  The Board shall review and recommend approval or disapproval of the program using the criteria set forth in this Section.

 

f)         Waiver of CE Requirements

 

1)         Any renewal applicant seeking renewal of a certificate without having fully complied with these CE requirements shall file with the Division a renewal application, a statement setting forth the facts concerning noncompliance, a request for waiver of the CE requirements on the basis of those facts and, if desired, a request for an interview before the Board.  If the Division finds from the statement or any other evidence submitted, that good cause has been shown for granting a waiver of the CE requirements, or any part thereof, the Division shall waive enforcement of CE requirements for the renewal period for which the applicant has applied.  At that time, the renewal applicant will be requested to submit the required renewal fee.

 

2)         Good cause shall be defined as an inability to devote sufficient hours to fulfilling the CE requirements during the applicable prerenewal period because of:

 

A)        Full time service in the armed forces of the United States of America during a substantial part of the prerenewal period;

 

B)        An incapacitating illness; or

 

C)        Undue hardship (e.g., prolonged hospitalization, being disabled or unable to practice as a certified veterinary technician for a majority of the duration of the renewal cycle) as determined by the Board.  Every attempt should be made by the applicant to comply with CE through self-study.

 

3)         If an interview is requested at the time the request for waiver is filed with the Division, the renewal applicant shall be given at least 20 days written notice of the date, time and place of the interview by certified mail, return receipt requested.

 

(Source:  Amended at 40 Ill. Reg. 2936, effective February 16, 2016)

 

Section 1505.60  Certified Veterinary Technicians Functions

 

a)         A certified veterinary technician shall provide veterinary service under the control, direction and supervision of a licensed veterinarian, who is responsible for the services performed by the certified veterinary technician.

 

b)         The duties of a certified veterinary technician shall not include the making of a diagnosis or prognosis, prescribing or writing prescriptions for drugs, medication or any other material for the care of treatment of any animal or performing any kind of surgery upon any animal.

 

c)         A certified veterinary technician is prohibited from performing tasks that include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

1)         dental extractions;

 

2)         gingival resection;

 

3)         clamping calves' tails;

 

4)         floating teeth;

 

5)         castrating any animals; and

 

6)         settings of bones.

 

d)         A certified veterinary technician shall only perform cast application under the immediate supervision of a veterinarian, as defined in Section 3 of the Act.  This subsection does not apply to the setting of bones.

 

e)         A certified veterinary technician shall perform the following tasks only under the direct or immediate supervision of a veterinarian, as defined in Section 3 of the Act:

 

1)         anesthesia induction;

 

2)         anesthesia endotracheal intubation;

 

3)         anesthesia maintenance;

 

4)         anesthesia monitor signs;

 

5)         cut down with needle;

 

6)         central line without cut down;

 

7)         dental prophylaxis;

 

8)         skin closure;

 

9)         perform local nerve blocks;

 

10)         splint application;

 

11)         female canine urinary catheterization;

 

12)         fine needle aspiration;

 

13)         puncture abscess with needle;

 

14)         decapitation for rabies tests submission;

 

15)         dehorning calves;

 

16)         docking sheep/pig tails; and

 

17)         urinary catheterization for blocked male cat.

 

f)         A certified veterinary technician shall perform the following tasks only under the indirect, direct or immediate supervision of a veterinarian, as defined in Section 3 of the Act:

 

1)         IV catheter;

 

2)         administer chemotherapy;

 

3)         removal of sutures, drains or staples;

 

4)         microchip implant;

 

5)         bandage application;

 

6)         male canine urinary catheterization;

 

7)         trim normal hooves, excluding equine;

 

8)         necropsy – tissue sample collection;

 

9)         acquire or process radiological images;

 

10)         venipuncture;

 

11)         obtain objective patient data without diagnosis;

 

12)         cystocentesis;

 

13)         process laboratory samples;

 

14)         bacterial streak and culture;

 

15)         administer nonrabies vaccines;

 

16)         intramuscular and subcutaneous injections;

 

17)         intravenous injections into uncatheterized or catheterized veins;

 

18)         animal restraint; and

 

19)         humane euthanasia of animals.

 

g)         Tasks not listed in subsections (d) and (e) may be delegated to a certified veterinary technician by a supervising veterinarian, as defined in Section 3 of the Act. The level of supervision by the supervising veterinarian shall be based on the skill, experience, and competency of the supervising veterinarian and the certified veterinary technician and in accordance with generally accepted veterinary medicine practice.

 

(Source:  Amended at 40 Ill. Reg. 2936, effective February 16, 2016)

 

Section 1505.70  Granting Variances

 

a)         The Director of the Division of Professional Regulation (Director), with the authority granted by the Secretary, may grant variances in individual cases when he/she finds that:

 

1)         The provision from which the variance is granted is not statutorily mandated;

 

2)         No party will be injured by the granting of the variance; and

 

3)         The rule from which the variance is granted would, in the particular case, be unreasonable or unnecessarily burdensome.

 

b)         The Director shall notify the Board of the granting of the variance, and the reasons for granting the variance, at the next meeting of the Board.

 

(Source:  Amended at 40 Ill. Reg. 2936, effective February 16, 2016)