(a) Definition. For the purpose of this rule, Laser
Therapy is an acceptable therapy through the use of laser or IPL device
radiation for the purpose of diagnosis, therapy, or treatment in the
practice of veterinary medicine.
(b) Use of Laser Therapy in the treatment of animals.
A licensed veterinarian may perform or prescribe Laser Therapy after
a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship has been created
in accordance with the Act and Board Rules. An LVT or non-veterinarian
employee of a veterinarian may perform Laser Therapy under the general
supervision of the veterinarian if the other conditions within this
subsection (b) have been met. The veterinarian and his or her employees
performing Laser Therapy must be in compliance with all other relevant
federal and Texas laws and rules. The veterinarian and his or her
employee(s) performing Laser Therapy must comply with the accepted
safety standards for use of lasers in health care for animals.
(c) Standard Used in Determining Appropriate Use of
Laser Therapy. If the Board receives a complaint against a licensee
about treatment involving the use of Laser Therapy, investigation
of the complaint may include opinions from other licensees who use
Laser Therapy in their treatment of animals. However, veterinarians
who practice Laser Therapy shall exercise the same degree of humane
care, skill, and diligence in treating patients as are ordinarily
used in the same or similar circumstances, including the type of practice,
by average members of the veterinary medical profession in good standing
in the locality or geographic community in which they practice, or
in similar communities.
(d) Other Board Rules Not Preempted. Nothing in this
rule shall remove or limit in any way the applicability of other rules
of the Board as they apply to the practice of veterinary medicine.
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