Due to the complex nature of modern veterinary practice, veterinarians have come to rely on specialized professionals to handle technical tasks in veterinary care. Many veterinary practices hire mid-level veterinary practitioners to perform these technical duties, freeing veterinarians to focus on more complex aspects of care, such as diagnosing conditions, prescribing medications, or performing surgeries and other invasive procedures.
However, because mid-level veterinary practitioners serve in a limited role, veterinarians should familiarize themselves with the licensing and legal requirements that these practitioners must follow. Contact Mahan Law for an initial evaluation with a veterinary attorney to learn more about licensing and regulatory requirements for mid-level veterinary practitioners.
Who Are Mid-Level Veterinary Practitioners?
The term “mid-level veterinary practitioner” may refer to individuals who work as veterinary technicians, often referred to as licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs), registered veterinary technicians (RVTs), certified veterinary technicians (CVTs), or licensed veterinary medical technicians (LVMTs).
A few states have adopted or considered adopting laws and regulations that would create a new category of mid-level veterinary practitioner – also called veterinary professional associates. Mid-level veterinary practitioners would serve a similar role in veterinary medicine that physician’s assistants or advanced practice registered nurses serve in human medicine. States have considered adopting this role in their veterinary medicine licensing schemes to address a shortage of veterinary care and allow veterinarians to focus on more complex cases.
Licensing Requirements by State
Although licensing requirements for RMTs, LVTs, CVTs, and LVMTs vary by state, most jurisdictions require license applicants to graduate from an American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited veterinary technology program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam. Depending on the state, applicants may have to complete a hands-on internship/externship or pass a state-specific exam on state laws and regulations. States may also conduct fingerprinting or background checks on applicants. Some states require licensed practitioners to complete continuing education to maintain their license.
As of 2025, only Colorado has formally adopted the veterinary professional associate. Colorado voters passed a proposition establishing the profession in late 2024, with the State Board of Veterinary Medicine spending 2025 creating rules, regulations, and licensing requirements for veterinary professional associates, with licensing to begin in 2026. The Florida legislature also currently has a bill under consideration to establish a veterinary professional associate role.
Scope of Practice and Supervision Laws
The scope of veterinary technicians’ practice primarily focuses on performing technical tasks in veterinary medicine, such as:
- Dental cleanings and grooming
- Collecting samples and running lab tests
- Administering medications and vaccines prescribed by veterinarians
- Taking X-rays
- Monitoring animals under anesthesia or undergoing surgery
- Restraining animals during exams and procedures
- Providing first aid to injured animals
- Performing nursing care for animals recovering from illness or surgery
The veterinary professional associate role adopted in Colorado and under consideration in other states encompasses a broader scope of care for specific species of animals, including diagnosing conditions, ordering tests, conducting examinations, and performing routine surgeries.
Mid-level veterinary practitioners work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, who must authorize medications or tests administered by practitioners and ensure that practitioners do not perform services outside the scope of their licensed role.
Legal Risks and Compliance Issues
Veterinary practices that hire mid-level veterinary practitioners may face various regulatory compliance issues and legal issues when incorporating these practitioners into a practice, including:
- Hiring Unlicensed Practitioners or Failing to Ensure That Practitioners Maintain Their Licenses – Veterinary practices may face significant issues when they hire unlicensed individuals to perform technical duties in animal care that only mid-level veterinary practitioners or licensed veterinarians may perform.
- Violating Supervision Requirements – Veterinarians can face professional discipline for failing to provide adequate supervision for the care and conduct of mid-level veterinary practitioners.
- Improper Delegation of Care – Veterinarians can create liability and compliance issues for themselves and their employees by improperly delegating duties to mid-level veterinary practitioners that only a licensed veterinarian can perform, such as prescribing medication or performing surgeries.
- Misrepresentation of Credentials – Some mid-level veterinary practitioners or veterinary practices may misrepresent to clients the credentials and scope of care that technicians or veterinary professional associates can perform. This risks leading clients to allow mid-level veterinary practitioners to perform care that falls outside the scope of their licenses.
Employer’s Legal Responsibilities
A veterinary practice that employs mid-level veterinary practitioners has various legal obligations to remain compliant with applicable laws and regulations. These responsibilities include:
- Verifying prospective and current employees’ credentials and licenses, including ensuring that employees keep their licenses current and attend required continuing education
- Maintaining appropriate supervision of mid-level veterinary practitioners
- Ensuring complete documentation of care rendered by mid-level veterinary practitioners
- Developing clear and comprehensive job descriptions and enforcing specific roles within the scope of care permitted under a mid-level veterinary practitioner’s license
- Appropriately delegating specific tasks to mid-level veterinary practitioners
- Complying with professional liability requirements and applicable employment laws
Noncompliance with employer responsibilities can expose a mid-level veterinary practitioner, the veterinary practice, and the practice’s owners to significant legal trouble. This may include professional discipline from licensing boards, suspension or revocation of business licenses, or financial liability to clients for malpractice.
How a Veterinary Lawyer Can Help
A veterinary attorney from Mahan Law can help your practice ensure legal compliance when hiring and working with mid-level veterinary practitioners by:
- Advising on licensing and renewal requirements for mid-level veterinary practitioner employees
- Conducting regulatory compliance audits to ensure license statuses and appropriate record-keeping
- Assisting with developing workplace procedures to comply with delegation and supervision requirements
- Drafting employment or independent contractor agreements to ensure mid-level veterinary practitioners work within the approved scope of their practice
- Representing veterinary practices and veterinarian owners before licensing boards
Contact Our Firm Today
Mid-level veterinary practitioners can perform technical tasks in veterinary care or fill in practice gaps between veterinarians and veterinary technicians, but when they perform functions outside their defined scope, they open practices up to significant legal issues. Contact Mahan Law today for an initial consultation with a veterinary attorney to learn more about your licensing and regulatory compliance requirements for your practice’s mid-level veterinary practitioners.