(a) A registered veterinary technician may do the following under general supervision:(1) Administer anesthesia, including induction, intravenous sedation, and maintenance and recovery from anesthesia;(2) Perform dental prophylaxis;(3) Establish open airways;(4) Administer resuscitative oxygen procedures;(5) Administer resuscitative drugs, in the event of cardiac arrest;(6) Administer immunizations that are not required by law to be administered by a licensed veterinarian;(7) Prepare or supervise the preparation of patients for surgery;(8) Assist the veterinarian in immunologic, diagnostic, medical, chemotherapeutic and surgical procedures; and(9) Perform external suturing.(b) A registered veterinary technician may do the following under either general or indirect supervision:(1) Perform diagnostic imaging;(2) Perform intravenous catheterization;(3) Administer and apply medications and treatments by oral intramuscular, intravenous and subcutaneous routes;(4) Apply bandages;(5) Perform cardiac and respiratory monitoring;(6) Perform appropriate procedures to control bleeding;(7) Apply temporary splints or immobilizing bandages;(8) Perform ear flushing;(9) Collect specimens; and(10) cardiac and respiratory monitoring;(6) Perform appropriate procedures to control bleeding;(7) Apply temporary splints or immobilizing bandages;(8) Perform ear flushing;(9) Collect specimens; and(10) Perform laboratory procedures.(c) A veterinary technician may, without supervision, use emergency treatment procedures when an animal has been placed in a life threatening condition and immediate treatment is necessary to sustain the animal's life. The registered veterinary technician shall immediately take steps to secure the general supervision of a veterinarian.
West Virginia Legal Code