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)           A written test provided by the Animal Welfare Section, demonstrating knowledge of the subjects listed in Paragraph (b) of this Rule; and

(3)           A pass/fail practical examination in Euthanasia by Injection ('EBI') techniques and the subjects in Paragraph (e) of this Rule.

(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 and/or the Humane Society of the United States and shall include the following topics:

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

(2)           Relevant 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 dosing for the specific route of administration for the Euthanasia by Injection;

(7)           Proper and accurate verification of lack of pain perception;

(8)           Proper and accurate verification of animal death;

(9)           Proper record keeping including documentation of justification for intracardiac and for early euthanasia;

(10)         Proper disposal of euthanized animals;

(11)         Stress management for euthanasia personnel;

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

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

(14)         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. Notes or other assistance are not allowed during the taking of the written examination. The applicant must achieve a score of at least 80 percent correct to pass the written examination. Those passing the written examination for that classroom training session are eligible to take the practical examination on the EBI techniques. Those failing this written examination shall attend another classroom training session and shall pass a different version of the written examination provided by the Animal Welfare Section before they are eligible to take the practical examination.

(d)  The applicant must pass a practical examination on the EBI techniques.

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

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

(2)           Correctly complete all required documentation and demonstrate proper technique for scanning an animal for a microchip;

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

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

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

(6)           Knowledge of the current euthanasia guidelines, medical procedures including lack of pain perception verification and drugs necessary for an animal to be euthanized by cardiac injection;

(7)           Demonstrate ability to verify death by a combination of the following:

(A)          lack of respiration;

(B)          lack of ocular reflexes;

(C)          lack of a heartbeat verified by the use of a stethoscope;

(D)          greying of mucous membranes;

(E)           lack of response to firm toe pinch; and

(F)           rigor mortis.

(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; and

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

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

Eff. March 23, 2009;

Readopted Eff. September 1, 2022.