(a) No person shall assist in the practice of veterinary medicine under the direction, supervision, and responsibility of a veterinarian as a veterinary technician without first applying for and obtaining a certificate of qualification from the Veterinary Medical Examining Board as a veterinary technician and having his or her employment registered in accordance with board regulations.

(b) A veterinary technician shall perform only those acts and duties overseen by a supervising veterinarian that are within the scope of practice of the supervising veterinarian but shall not include diagnosis, prescribing medication, treatment, or surgery in the practice of animal husbandry.

(c) (1) An applicant for a certificate of qualification as a veterinary technician in this state may make written application to the board showing that he or she is:

(A) A citizen of the United States or an applicant for citizenship; and

(B) A person of moral integrity and acceptable ethical standards.

(2) The application for certification as a veterinary technician in the State of Arkansas shall be written, signed by the applicant, and submitted to the board at least thirty (30) days prior to the examination, including, but not limited to, the information set forth in this subdivision (c)(2) and shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee established by the board:

(A) A current photograph of the applicant;

(B) A diploma or its equivalent from a college-level program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. A photocopy of the diploma is acceptable;

(C) A certified copy of college transcripts;

(D) A National Board Examination passing score provided by the national testing agency; and

(E) A letter of recommendation signed by a licensed veterinarian and notarized.

(d) Each certified veterinary technician shall annually register his or her employment with the board, stating his or her name and current address, the name and office address of both his or her employer and the supervising licensed veterinarian, and additional information as the board deems necessary. Upon any change of employment as a veterinary technician, the registration shall be considered suspended until new employment has been obtained and the board notified in writing of the new employment.

(e) Nothing in this section shall prevent a veterinarian from utilizing the services of an employee to perform services not requiring the skill and judgment of a veterinary technician, which services are performed under the direct personal supervision of the veterinarian. Such a lay employee shall not be identified as a "veterinary technician", "animal technician", or "technician".

(f) A veterinarian licensed under the provisions of this chapter may not establish a separate office or clinic in a location other than his or her regular office and place the separate office or clinic under the control or supervision of a veterinary technician.

(g) After obtaining a degree from an accredited program in veterinary technology, and upon completing the application form for certification in Arkansas, the applicant will be issued a certificate of qualification.

(h)

(1) Every veterinarian using, supervising, or employing a registered veterinary technician shall be individually responsible and liable for the performance of the acts and omissions delegated to the veterinary technician.

(2) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to relieve the veterinary technician of any responsibility and liability for any of his or her own acts and omissions.