Position on Levels of Supervision

Ethical veterinary practice dictates that members of the healthcare team be supervised by the attending veterinarian. The levels of supervision described are defined as follows:

1. Immediate supervision: A licensed veterinarian is within direct eyesight and hearing range during the performance of healthcare tasks.

2. Direct supervision: A licensed veterinarian is physically present on the premises where animal healthcare tasks are to be performed and is readily available.

3. Indirect supervision: A licensed veterinarian is not physically present on the premises where animal healthcare tasks are to be performed, but has given either written or oral instructions (“direct order”) for treatment of the animal patient.

Revised by AAEP board of directors in 2024.