Oregon regulators crack down on CVT renewals

PORTLAND, ORE. — The Oregon veterinary state board says it will discipline certified veterinary technicians (CVT) who fail to renew their licenses but continue to perform their duties. The sanctions will extend to employers for allowing a noncompliant condition to exist.

The actions follow a change in the Oregon Veterinary Practice Act, which requires CVTs to report 15 hours of CE every two years. All licenses expire Dec. 31. According to the board's newsletter, regulators will "not be moved by" excuses such as:

• I never got my renewal notice.

• I sent the renewal but never got my license.

• The clinic cat ate my renewal notice.

"It is each Oregon veterinary licensee's professional responsibility to ensure that their license is valid," the newsletter states. "Veterinarians are responsible for compliance with the Veterinary Practice Act, which includes having properly licensed staff."