There were some comments, in the initial posting for economic impact, from some persons who practice equine massage therapy, but are not licensed as massage therapists in Wisconsin. Some expressed concern that veterinarians would no longer be able to refer clients to an unlicensed massage therapist practicing equine massage therapy. However, the rule clarifies that the referral by a veterinarian is only to a licensed professional, as CAITs are already currently within the statutory definition of the practice of veterinary medicine, and only a referral to another licensed professional or delegating with the established VCPR, comports with the statutory language. However, this rule does make clear that it does not interfere with the relationship between any animal owner and a person the owner chooses to perform a CAIT on the owner’s animal. In addition, the rule also clarifies that this is a referral and the other licensed professional does not work under the supervision of the referring veterinarian making it important that the referral is to a licensed professional that will have its own professional client-patient relationship. Only where a certified veterinary technician is delegated by the veterinarian to perform a CAIT, will the performance of the CAIT be under the direct supervision of the veterinarian and within the VCPR.
This rule is not expected to have a substantial adverse economic effect on “small business” so it is not subject to the delayed “small business” effective date provided in s. 227.22(2) (e), Stats. VEB Contact
Where and When Comments May Be Submitted
Questions and comments related to this this rule may be directed to:
Cheryl Daniels, Board Counsel
Veterinary Examining Board
c/o Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
P.O. Box 8911
Madison, WI 53708-8911
Telephone: (608) 224-5026
Rule comments will be accepted up to two weeks after the last public hearing is held on this rule. Hearing dates will be scheduled after this rule hearing draft is approved by the Veterinary Examining Board.
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Section 1. VE 7.02(3) (d) is created to read:
7.02 (3) (d) Except to certified veterinary technicians who are also licensed professionals governed by the provisions in VE 7.025, the provision of any complementary, alternative, or integrative therapy, as defined in VE 1.02(3m).
Section 2. VE 7.025 is created to read:
7.025 Veterinary referral to a license holder in another profession. (1) A veterinarian may make a referral to a client, for treatment of a patient by a license holder in another profession, using complementary, alternative, or integrative therapies, as defined in s. VE 1.02(3m), if the license holder, to whom the client and patient are referred, provides the following evidence to the veterinarian for performing the type of therapy for which the referral is being made: (a) The license holder’s current licensing in good standing, with the applicable board through the department of safety and professional services, and,
(b) The license holder’s education, training, and experience in performing the therapy on an animal.
(2) The veterinarian-client-patient relationship, as defined in s. 89.02(8), Stats., does not extend to the provision of any complementary, alternative, or integrative therapy performed on a veterinarian’s patient, by a license holder in another profession, where the veterinarian demonstrates meeting the requirements, in sub. (1), for making the referral to the license holder, or the client obtains the services of the therapy provider without a referral by the veterinarian. Section 3. Effective date and initial applicability. This rule takes effect on the first day of the month following publication in the Wisconsin administrative register, as provided under s. 227.22(2)(intro.).
