(a) No person shall assist in the practice of veterinary medicine under the direction, supervision and responsibility of a veterinarian as a veterinary technician, or veterinary technologists without first applying for and obtaining a certificate of qualification as a veterinary technician or veterinary technologist from the Board and registering his employment in accordance with Board regulations.
(b) A veterinary technician or veterinary technologist may perform only those acts and duties assigned to him by a supervising veterinarian that are within the scope of practice of the supervising veterinarian, but those acts may not include the diagnosis, prescribing of medication, treatment or surgery in the practice of animal husbandry.
(c) An applicant applying for a certificate of qualification as a veterinary technician or veterinary technologist in the Virgin Islands may make written application to the Board showing that the applicant is a person of moral integrity and acceptable ethical standards.
(d) The application for certification as a veterinary technician or veterinary technologist must be written, signed by the applicant, include a non-refundable application fee, and submitted to the Board not later than 30 days before the examination and must also include, but is not limited to, the following:
(1) a current photograph of the applicant;
(2) a copy of the diploma or its equivalent from a college-level program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association;
(3) the National Board Examinations passing score provided by the national testing agency; and
(4) a notarized letter of recommendation from by a licensed veterinarian.
(e) Each certified veterinary technician must annually register his employment with the Board, providing his name, current address, the name and office address of both his employer and the supervising licensed veterinarian and veterinary technologist, and additional information the Board considers necessary. Upon any change of employment, the registration is automatically suspended until written notification to the Board that new employment has been obtained.
(f) Nothing in this section prevents a veterinarian from using the services of an employee to perform services not requiring the skill and judgment of a veterinary technician or veterinary technologist, and the services are performed under the direct personal supervision of the veterinarian. The employee may not be identified as a veterinary technician or veterinary technologist, animal technician or technician, or animal technologist or technologist.
(g) A licensed veterinarian may not establish a separate office or clinic in a location other than his regular office and place that separate office or clinic under the control or supervision of a veterinary technician or veterinary technologist.
(h) After obtaining a degree from an accredited program in veterinary technology, and upon completing the application for certification in the Virgin Islands, an applicant will be issued a certificate of qualification.
(i) Every veterinarian using, supervising, or employing a registered veterinary technician or veterinary technologist, is individually responsible and liable for the acts and omissions for duties to the veterinary technician or veterinary technologist. Nothing in this subsection may be construed to relieve the veterinary technician or veterinary technologist of any responsibility and liability of any of his or her own acts or omissions.
(j) A veterinary technician or veterinary technologist who performs veterinary technology contrary to this chapter is subject to disciplinary actions in a manner consistent with the provisions of this chapter applicable to veterinarians.
(k) To renew their license, veterinary technicians and veterinary technologists are required to complete continuing education as prescribed in this act or by regulations.
(l) No person licensed as a veterinary technician may perform surgery, diagnose or prescribe medication for any animal.