Hastings working to ensure vet techs have necessary training

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced a measure to ensure anyone practicing as a veterinary technician is licensed and trained from an accredited program.

"When you go to see a doctor, it can bring you peace of mind to see their medical license displayed on the wall or desk," said Hastings (D-Frankfort). "This legislation will align the veterinarian field with common health care practices."

House Bill 3360 would require anyone referring to themselves as a veterinary technician to be licensed with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The bill would ensure that veterinary technicians have graduated from an accredited program and passed the exam required for the license. The bill would also require vet techs to visibly display their license in their office.

Hastings took on the bill in response to members of the Certified Veterinary Technicians calling for the state to align themselves with the administrative rules for Certified Veterinary Technicians. House Bill 3360 has also gained the support from the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, Lavitt Animal Hospital, Mulford Animal Hospital, New Hope Veterinary Clinic, DeVries Animal Hospital and County View Veterinary Service.

"Currently, someone could be referring themselves as a certified veterinary technician without even being certified by an accredited program," said Hastings. "This not only deceives people but takes away from those who are actually certified."

House Bill 3360 passed the Senate Licensed Activities Committee with bipartisan support on Wednesday.