201 KAR 16:090. Certification as an animal euthanasia specialist

      Section 1. In order to qualify for certification as a certified euthanasia specialist an applicant shall:

      (1) Be twenty-one (21) years of age;

      (2) Be of good moral character;

      (3) Not have been convicted of, or entered an "Alford" plea or plea of nolo contendere to, irrespective of an order granting probation or suspending imposition of any sentence imposed following the conviction or entry of such plea, one (1) or more or the following:

      (a) A felony;

      (b) An act involving moral turpitude or gross immorality; or

      (c) A violation of any law, rule, or administrative regulation of this state, any other state, or the federal government which involves the use or trafficking of illegal substances;

      (4) After December 31, 2002, have received a high school diploma or GED;

      (5) Pay the initial certification fee as specified in 201 KAR 16:015;

      (6) Be employed by a certified animal control agency;

      (7) Complete a sixteen (16) hour euthanasia specialist training course as set forth in Section 2 of this administrative regulation; and

      (8) Complete the "Application for Animal Euthanasia Specialist Certification".

 

      Section 2. Euthanasia Specialist Training Course Curriculum. (1) The curriculum for the sixteen (16) hour euthanasia specialist course shall provide information on the following subjects:

      (a) Pharmacology, proper administration and storage of euthanasia solutions that shall consist of a minimum of eight (8) hours;

      (b) Federal and state laws regulating the storage and accountability for euthanasia solutions;

      (c) Euthanasia specialist stress management;

      (d) Proper animal handling with emphasis on easing the trauma and stress to the animal; and

      (e) Disposal of euthanized animals.

      (2) A training course for a euthanasia specialist shall be reviewed and approved by the board prior to presentation. A provider of a euthanasia specialist training shall submit the following information:

      (a) A published course or similar description;

      (b) Names and qualifications of instructors;

      (c) A copy of the program agenda indicating hours of education, coffee, and lunch breaks; and

      (d) Official certificate of completion from the sponsoring agency.

 

      Section 3. Employment and Termination. (1) A certified animal euthanasia specialist may function only while employed by a certified animal control agency.

      (2) Upon termination from a certified animal control agency, a certified animal euthanasia specialist shall not perform animal euthanasia until employed by a certified animal control agency.

 

      Section 4. Duties of a Certified Animal Euthanasia Specialist. The duties of certified animal euthanasia specialist shall include the following:

      (1) Preparing animals for euthanasia;

      (2) Carefully and accurately recording dosages and drug waste;

      (3) Ordering supplies and drugs;

      (4) Maintaining the security of all controlled substances and drugs;

      (5) Reporting to the board any infraction of KRS Chapter 321 or the administrative regulations promulgated thereunder;

      (6) Humanely euthanizing animals;

      (7) Disposing of the bodies in a manner in the same manner as established by KRS 257.160;

      (8) Maintaining his certification;

      (9) Reporting to the board any change of address; and

      (10) Providing a written response to a complaint or inquiry from the board within fifteen (15) working days of receipt.

 

      Section 5. Approved Methods of Euthanasia. (1) A certified animal euthanasia specialist shall perform euthanasia by means of lethal injection on an animal by use of sodium pentobarbital or sodium pentobarbital with lidocaine, in a manufactured dosage form, whose only indication is for euthanizing animals.

      (2) When using a lethal solution to perform euthanasia on an animal, a certified animal euthanasia specialist shall use the appropriate solution in accordance with the following methods and in the following order of preference:

      (a) Intravenous injection by hypodermic needle;

      (b) Intraperitoneal injection by hypodermic needle;

      (c) Intracardial injection by hypodermic needle, but only on a sedated or unconscious animal;

      (d) Solution or powder added to food.

 

      Section 6. Disciplinary Action. A certified animal euthanasia specialist shall be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to KRS 321.235(7) and 321.351 for any applicable violation of the Kentucky Revised Statutes or administrative regulations or any federal statutes or regulations. (26 Ky.R. 499; Am. 997; eff. 10-15-99; 28 Ky.R. 1176; eff. 1-14-2002.)

Notation

      RELATES TO: KRS 321.207

      STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 321.235

      NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: KRS 321.207(4) requires the board to issue a certificate to a person who meets the qualification of an animal euthanasia specialist. This administrative regulation establishes the qualifications for certification as an animal euthanasia specialist and the duties of an animal euthanasia specialist.