What is a licensed veterinary technician's requirement for supervisory actions?

A licensed veterinary technician (LVT) is required to work under the supervision of a veterinarian at all times. This means that a veterinarian must provide direct oversight of the LVT's practice and the tasks they perform. This supervision ensures that all procedures and treatments are in alignment with veterinary standards and animal welfare regulations.

This requirement is in place to maintain the safety and well-being of the animals being treated, as well as to ensure that any decisions made during a procedure are informed by a veterinary professional who has the authority and knowledge to guide the process. This supervisory relationship allows LVTs to utilize their skills effectively while ensuring that a veterinarian is available to step in when necessary for higher-level decision-making or emergencies.

In contrast, working independently on all tasks would not align with the framework of veterinary practice in Texas, where collaboration with a veterinarian is vital to maintain high standards of care. Supervision by solely other licensed veterinary technicians would compromise the quality of oversight required by regulations. Additionally, managing non-veterinary staff independently without veterinarian oversight would pose risks as LVTs must ensure that non-veterinary personnel are acting within their defined roles and responsibilities under supervision.