Surveys find a lack of support for midlevel practitioners in the veterinary industry

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A survey conducted in 2023 by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) found most veterinarians and technicians support better utilization of credentialed veterinary technicians (CrVTs) to as a solution to alleviate shortages in the veterinary workforce instead of creating a new midlevel practitioner (MLP).

According to a release from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), AAVSB is made up of members that are licensed in over 60 jurisdictions, including the entire United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and the 10 Canadian provinces. AAVSB released the survey to its members to better assess current roles and responsibilities of veterinary technicians as well as gauge the interest within North America for a MLP, whose duties would overlap those of veterinarians and technicians.

Almost 14,000 veterinarians and technicians responded to the AAVSB survey, with 61% of them being technicians. Most of the respondents also work in companion animal exclusive clinics and half work in suburbs, followed by urban and rural areas. Due to the findings of the survey, the AAVSB indicated it will not encourage legislative and regulatory attempts to create this midlevel position in veterinary clinics and will instead identify ways to expand the scope of practice for technicians.

"Our extensive survey revealed that while there is some interest in exploring the concept of a midlevel veterinary practitioner, there are significant concerns regarding implementation, such as training adequacy, regulatory impacts, and timing, especially considering that credentialed veterinary technicians are not being utilized fully at this time," said Kim Gemeinhardt, DVM, president of the AAVSB, in an organizational release.² "Our commitment remains to public protection and ensuring accessible, quality veterinary care. The survey data demonstrates that veterinary technicians can and should be utilized more extensively to address gaps in veterinary care, before a midlevel veterinary practitioner can be considered."

A separate survey conducted by the Veterinary Management Groups (VMG), a membership organization made up of practice owners striving to improve the business aspects of their practice, asked members about the creation of a MLP. The respondents were ‘overwhelmingly’ opposed to the idea stating that they were afraid of nonveterinarians performing surgeries due to risks and potential complications, a decline in care quality resulting in improper diagnosis or malpractice, devaluing the veterinary degree, diluting revenue streams, and perception that MLPs are driven by interests in lower labor costs instead of actual need.¹

The VMG survey suggested alternatives such as to improve and properly leverage CrVTs in practices, push for universal licensure for technicians, focusing on enhancing and expanding technicians specialist programs, and increase pay and support for current technicians.

"The VMG survey revealed a spectrum of opinions on the proposed VPA degree program, from cautious optimism to strong opposition. While some members saw potential benefits in addressing labor shortages and supporting DVMs, the majority expressed significant concerns about the program’s execution, implications, and risks," Matthew Salois, PhD, president of Veterinary Management Groups, told dvm360 exclusively.

"The widespread apprehension, particularly regarding the involvement of VPAs in surgical procedures, highlights the need for careful consideration and potentially alternative approaches to addressing the workforce challenges within the veterinary profession," he concluded.

References

1. AAVSB, VMG surveys find lack of support for midlevel practitioner. American Veterinary Medical Association. July 17, 2024. Accessed July 18, 2024. https://www.avma.org/news/aavsb-vmg-surveys-find-lack-support-midlevel-practitioner?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=todays-headlines-news
2. AAVSB Releases Conclusions of the North American Veterinary Team Delegation Survey. News release. June 26, 2024. Accessed July 18, 2024. https://www.aavsb.org/news/article/178