If a certified veterinary assistant causes harm while supervised by an LVT, who is responsible?

In a veterinary practice, the ultimate responsibility for the actions of staff members, including certified veterinary assistants, usually resides with the veterinarian. This is based on the principle of vicarious liability, where an employer is held responsible for the actions of employees performed within the scope of their employment.

When a certified veterinary assistant causes harm while under the supervision of a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), the LVT has a duty to oversee the assistant's actions and ensure that they are performed safely and correctly. However, the overall responsibility for patient safety and care falls to the veterinarian who supervises the entire veterinary practice. This holds true even if the assistant was working under direct supervision, as the veterinarian is ultimately responsible for the actions of all team members.

Though the assistant may have a degree of accountability for their actions, especially if they acted outside their training or authority, the veterinarian retains the broader responsibility for ensuring that all personnel operate within their roles safely and effectively. This highlights the importance of maintaining standards of care in the veterinary field and recognizes the role of the veterinarian in overseeing all aspects of patient treatment and staff management.