02 NCAC 52J .0407. TRAINING AND EXAMINATIONS

(a)  Training and examinations for euthanasia certification shall consist of:

(1)           Classroom lecture covering the entire list of subjects in Paragraph (b) of this Rule;

(2)           Earning a score of 80 percent correct on a written test provided by the Animal Welfare Section, demonstrating knowledge of the subjects listed in Paragraph (b) of this Rule; and

(3)           Passing a practical examination in each of the euthanasia methods for which the applicant is seeking certification.

(b)  The Animal Welfare Section shall develop Certified Euthanasia Technician training programs and materials or accredit training programs and materials to be offered by other individuals, schools, agencies or veterinary practices.  The programs and materials shall conform to the processes set forth by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Humane Society of the United States or the American Humane Association and shall include the following topics:

(1)           The theory and history of euthanasia methods and practice;

(2)           Animal anatomy;

(3)           Proper animal restraint, handling and methods for controlling animal stress;

(4)           Proper chemical agent dosages, record keeping and usage documentation, chemical agent, instrument and equipment storage, handling and disposal in accordance with rules and the Code of Federal Regulations;

(5)           Proper injection techniques;

(6)           Proper euthanasia techniques not utilizing injected chemical agents;

(7)           Proper and accurate verification of animal death;

(8)           Proper record keeping;

(9)           Proper disposal of euthanized animals;

(10)         Stress management for euthanasia personnel;

(11)         Proper methods and techniques of euthanasia under extraordinary circumstances;

(12)         Proper methods, techniques and chemicals inducing anesthesia and sedation in animals prior to euthanasia; and

(13)         Proper methods, techniques and chemicals used in the practical examination section for Certified Euthanasia Technician.

(c)  The Animal Welfare Section shall prepare written examinations to be given to applicants.  Following the classroom training detailed in Paragraph (b) of this Rule, the applicant shall take a written examination provided by the Animal Welfare Section that will be used by the approved trainer.  Those passing the written examination are eligible for the practical examination of the methods of euthanasia for which the applicant seeks certification.

(d)  The applicant must pass a practical examination on each method of euthanasia for which he or she seeks certification.

(e)  Applicants for certification in Euthanasia by Injection shall demonstrate the following knowledge and competencies:

(1)           Correctly calculate chemical agent dosage based upon the species, age, weight and condition of the animal;

(2)           Correctly complete all required documentation;

(3)           Correctly draw the properly calculated chemical dosage into a syringe and needle of a type and size appropriate for the animal;

(4)           Correctly administer the chemical agent to the animal;

(5)           Properly perform intravenous and intraperitoneal injections on dogs and intravenous or intraperitoneal injections on cats;

(6)           Knowledge of the medical procedures and drugs necessary for an animal to be euthanized by cardiac injection;

(7)           Demonstrate ability to verify death by:

(A)          lack of respiration;

(B)          lack of ocular reflexes;

(C)          lack of a heartbeat;

(8)           Knowledge about the human health risks associated with the use of chemical agents used for euthanasia including signs and symptoms associated with accidental exposure of the Certified Euthanasia Technician;

(9)           Proper first aid for a person accidentally exposed to chemical agents used for euthanasia.

(f)  Applicants for certification in Euthanasia by Gas Inhalation shall meet the standards set forth in this Paragraph:

(1)           Demonstrate knowledge of the dangers and human health effects of exposure to carbon monoxide gas;

(2)           Demonstrate knowledge about which animals Euthanasia by Gas Inhalation is approved and which species, age, medical or physical conditions make it improper to use Euthanasia by Gas Inhalation;

(3)           Demonstrate proper techniques in placing animals into the chamber;

(4)           Demonstrate knowledge about the maintenance, operation and cleaning of the chamber, fittings, gas cylinder, valves, and other parts of the equipment;

(5)           Demonstrate proper operation of the chamber;

(6)           Demonstrate ability to verify death by:

(A)          lack of respiration;

(B)          lack of ocular reflexes;

(C)          lack of a heartbeat;

(7)           Demonstrate knowledge about the human health risks associated with the use of carbon monoxide when used for euthanasia.  Such knowledge shall also include signs and symptoms associated with accidental exposure of the Certified Euthanasia Technician;

(8)           Demonstrate knowledge of proper first aid for a person accidentally exposed to carbon monoxide used for euthanasia.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 19A-24;

Eff. March 23, 2009.