Veterinary Medical Examining Board
Chapter 875
Division 40
CERTIFIED EUTHANASIA TECHNICIANS
875-040-0000
Certified Euthanasia Technicians (CETs)
(1) Under ORS 475.190, Certified Euthanasia Technicians (CETs) may perform euthanasia or administer sodium pentobarbital as allowed under this Division. Under ORS 609.405, lethal injection of sodium pentobarbital or other substance(s) approved by the Oregon State Veterinary Medical Examining Board are the only approved methods for the euthanasia of injured, sick, homeless domestic pets and other animals by an animal control agency, humane society, or subcontractor thereof.
(2) For the euthanasia process, CETs may administer only the following drugs:
(a) Acepromazine (DEA Non-scheduled).
(b) Butorphanol (DEA Schedule IV).
(c) Diazepam/Midazolam (DEA Schedule IV).
(d) Ketamine (DEA Schedule III).
(e) Medetomidine (DEA Non-scheduled).
(f) Sodium pentobarbital (DEA Schedule II).
(g) Tiletamine and Zolazepam (Telazol) (DEA Schedule III).
(h) Xylazine (DEA Non-scheduled).
(3) CETs shall administer sedation and euthanasia drugs in conformance with any of these following guidelines:
(a) The Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters (Second Edition - December 2022);
(b) Euthanasia of Shelter Animals, American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Guidelines on Euthanasia of Animals (2020 edition); or
(c) AVMA Guidelines on Depopulation of Animals (2019 edition).
(4) The references above shall be used in conjunction with sedation protocols created by a veterinarian licensed with the OVMEB.
(5) Unprofessional conduct for CETs includes, but is not limited to:
(a) Handling animals in an inhumane manner or with unnecessary force.
(b) Theft or diversion of legend or controlled drugs.
(c) Improper use of sedation or euthanasia drugs.
(d) Non-compliance with euthanasia protocols or guidelines.
(e) Non-compliance with DEA regulations.
(f) Non-compliance with proper drug storage.
(g) Performing euthanasia or sedation outside the scope of the CET certification.
(h) Any conduct described in ORS 686.130.
(i) Gross negligence in the performance of duties as a CET.
(j) A pattern, practice, or continuous course of negligence, ignorance, incompetence or inefficiency in practice as a CET. The incidents may be dissimilar.
(k) Diagnosing, prescribing, or performing other activities that may be done only by a licensed veterinarian.
(l) Failure to respond or appear as requested, without good cause, within the time required by the Board.
(m) Failure to comply with any rule or order of the Board or as required by OAR 875-005-0010.
(n) Altering or falsifying medical records.
(o) Making a misrepresentation or omission on a certificate renewal application.
(p) Violations of veterinary laws in other states that would constitute violations of Oregon law.
(q) Violations of other laws that relate to the practice of veterinary medicine.
(r) Failure without good cause to notify the Board within 15 days of a change in personal or business address and contact information.
(s) Providing false, misleading, or deceptive information to the Board.
(t) Failure to report unprofessional or prohibited conduct as described in ORS 676.150.
Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 686.210, ORS 686.120, ORS 686.130, ORS 686.132, ORS 686.150, ORS 686.160 & ORS 606.110
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 475 & ORS 686
History:
VMEB 3-2024, minor correction filed 04/04/2024, effective 04/04/2024
VMEB 2-2024, amend filed 03/21/2024, effective 03/21/2024
VMEB 7-2021, amend filed 08/24/2021, effective 09/01/2021
VMEB 9-2018, minor correction filed 08/01/2018, effective 08/01/2018
VMEB 1-2012, f. & cert. ef. 6-25-12