2025 Texas Statutes
Occupations Code
Title 4 - Professions Related to Animals
Chapter 801 - Veterinarians
Subchapter H. Practice by Veterinarian
Section 801.364. Scope of Practice of Licensed Veterinary Technicians, Certified Veterinary Assistants, and Veterinary Assistants
Sec. 801.364. SCOPE OF PRACTICE OF LICENSED VETERINARY TECHNICIANS, CERTIFIED VETERINARY ASSISTANTS, AND VETERINARY ASSISTANTS. (a) A licensed veterinary technician may:
(1) under the direct or immediate supervision of a veterinarian:
(A) suture to close existing surgical skin incisions and skin lacerations;
(B) induce anesthesia; and
(C) extract loose teeth or dental fragments of companion animals with minimal periodontal attachments by hand and without the use of an elevator;
(2) under the direct, immediate, or general supervision of a veterinarian:
(A) draw blood; and
(B) take samples for the purpose of testing and diagnosis;
(3) perform a task assigned by the supervising veterinarian under a level of supervision determined by the supervising veterinarian; and
(4) immediately supervise a certified veterinary assistant or veterinary assistant who is performing a task described by Subdivision (1)(A) or (B) or (2) or other tasks related to animal care as assigned by the supervising veterinarian according to the protocol established by the supervising veterinarian.
(b) A licensed veterinary technician who is immediately supervising a task performed by a certified veterinary assistant or a veterinary assistant is responsible for conduct that violates laws, including board rules, related to the practice of veterinary medicine.
(c) In addition to tasks described by Subsection (a)(4), a certified veterinary assistant or veterinary assistant may:
(1) under the immediate supervision of a veterinarian:
(A) suture to close existing surgical skin incisions and skin lacerations; and
(B) induce anesthesia; and
(2) perform other tasks assigned by the supervising veterinarian under a level of supervision determined by the supervising veterinarian.
(d) A licensed veterinary technician, certified veterinary assistant, or veterinary assistant may not:
(1) perform surgery;
(2) perform an invasive dental procedure, except as provided by Subsection (a)(1)(C);
(3) diagnose or determine a prognosis for an animal disease or condition;
(4) prescribe a drug or appliance; or
(5) initiate treatment without prior instruction by a veterinarian, except in the case of an emergency.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 481 (S.B. 1312), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2013.
