(2) The State Department of Agriculture may deputize certain veterinary technicians throughout this state to assist the department in carrying out its duties. Such veterinary technicians shall be known as deputy state veterinary technicians.
(3) A person desiring an appointment as a deputy state veterinary technician shall apply to the department on forms provided by the department. The department may require on the application all pertinent information the department deems necessary.
(4) Notwithstanding other laws to the contrary, the department is authorized to enter into a contract with a deputy state veterinary technician to obtain and pay for professional services in assisting the department in administering and carrying out its duties. The department may agree to pay deputy state veterinary technicians on a fair and equitable basis, which may include the establishment of a Veterinary Technician Medical Fee Schedule. Such schedule may include, but not be limited to:
(a) Overtime fees or rates;
(b) Minimum or maximum fees;
(c) Amounts to be paid during certain periods of time or for certain types of service;
(d) Fees based on the number of calls or the number of animals involved; or
(e) Special fees for certain areas of the state or particular problems. However, as far as practical, fees shall be uniform throughout the state.
(5) Notwithstanding other laws to the contrary, if a deputy state veterinary technician is employed by a veterinarian, or by a firm of veterinarians, or is an employee of the College of Veterinary Medicine or Oregon State University, the department may enter into a contract with the employing entity for the furnishing of professional veterinary technician services to the department. The department may pay the employing entity for professional services furnished in conformity with the contract.
(6) Deputy state veterinary technicians shall assist the department in carrying out the duties imposed upon the department by any law of this state when requested to do so by the State Veterinarian or deputy state veterinarians. Within the scope of the authority delegated to them by the State Veterinarian, deputy state veterinary technicians shall possess the powers and authority conferred upon regularly employed veterinary technicians by any law of this state. Deputy state veterinary technicians, when carrying out the duties assigned to them, are subject to the direction and control of the State Veterinarian or deputy state veterinarians.
(7) The appointment of a person as a deputy state veterinary technician is effective until the person submits a written resignation to the State Department of Agriculture or until the department revokes or suspends the appointment under ORS 596.262. [2021 c.27 §1]
Note: 596.260 and 596.262 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 596 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.