FL H0871

Creates a new state licensure system for veterinary technicians, requiring graduation from an AVMA-accredited program and passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam

Expands the Board of Veterinary Medicine from 7 to 9 members by adding 2 licensed veterinary technicians with at least 5 years of experience

Establishes scope of practice for licensed veterinary technicians, including euthanasia, suturing skin lacerations, administering rabies vaccinations, blood transfusions, and placing catheters, all under veterinarian supervision

Sets continuing education requirements at 15 hours biennially for licensed veterinary technicians (compared to 30 hours for veterinarians)

Makes falsely claiming to be a licensed veterinary technician a first-degree misdemeanor, while unlicensed veterinary practice remains a third-degree felony