I have noticed several comments pertaining to requiring owner consent in order to approve this regulation change.  To clarify, the original regulation as it is written requires informed owner consent.  This change would not alter that requirement, no student would be permitted to examine or perform any medical procedure on a client-owned animal without their informed consent.  Additionally, the requirements for direct supervision by a licensed veterinarian would still apply. 

Access to quality hands-on experience for first through third year DVM students can lead to more highly-trained and competent doctors upon graduation.  Of course, the current program produces competent and excellent new veterinarians.  However, improving practical training for pre-clinical students can help make them even better which is beneficial to both students and the public.