TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING

BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

Agency Decision

Title of Regulation: 18VAC150-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Veterinary Medicine.

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Name of Petitioner: Jeffree Hudson.

Nature of Petitioner's Request: To amend regulations to require sedation of an animal to be euthanized.

Agency Decision: Request denied.

Statement of Reason for Decision: At its meeting on July 28, 2020, the board reviewed copies of all comments on the petition, as well as copies of the directive from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the State Veterinarian on euthanasia and the guidelines on euthanasia from the American Veterinary Medical Association. The board acknowledged that veterinarians take very seriously their responsibility to animals and their owners to reduce suffering as humanely as possible. Veterinarians are expected to use their professional judgment in such situations. Owners who are concerned about the process may consult with the veterinarian about the euthanasia process and the possible need for sedation. The commenter noted the VDACS directive on euthanasia. According to that agency, shelters typically do sedate an animal because they use nonveterinarian staff for euthanasia, so there is no opportunity for professional judgment by a veterinarian as to whether sedation is advisable.

Agency Contact: Elaine J. Yeatts, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Health Professions, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4688, or email elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov.

VA.R. Doc. No. R20-25; Filed July 28, 2020, 11:14 a.m.