Two major bills were passed with the support of the HVMA last year and have been signed into law by Governor Ige.
Legislative Act 147 (SB2671) will go into effect July 1, 2018. This legislation recognizes veterinary technicians as qualified professionals. It is a title protection law and restricts the use of the title “veterinary technician” to those who have passed the national board exam and met the state of Hawaii requirements for the profession. The law does not place restrictions on what duties can be performed by technician or other staff supervised by a licensed veterinarian. Encourage your technical staff to research both the traditional path (through completion of an accredited program) and the alternate pathway to becoming registered veterinary technicians. The alternate pathway provides potential registration eligibility for those who have been working at least 5 years in Hawaii veterinary practices and meet the requirements. This pathway will only be available prior to July 1, 2021. All registered veterinary technicians are required to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam. Hawaii will also recognize technicians licensed/registered in other states. For more information visit http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2016/bills/SB2671_CD1_.pdf
Legislative Act (SB 2915) was signed by Governor Ige and controlled substances reporting is now much easier for veterinarians! Thanks to the exemption for veterinarians weekly electronic reporting is no longer required. A HUGE thank you goes to Dr. Ako for leading efforts on this bill. And to Dr. Yoshicedo for managing communications to the members so they could provide much needed testimony.
Email legislative_committee@hawaiivetmed.org to get more involved in the legislative committee.