(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a registered veterinary technician or an unregistered assistant may administer a drug, including, but not limited to, a drug that is a controlled substance, under the direct or indirect supervision of a licensed veterinarian when done pursuant to the order, control, and full professional responsibility of a licensed veterinarian. However, no person, other than a licensed veterinarian, may induce anesthesia unless authorized by regulation of the board.
(b) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) “Controlled substance” has the same meaning as that term is defined in Section 11007 of the Health and Safety Code.
(2) “Direct supervision” has the same meaning as that term is defined in subdivision (e) of Section 2034 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations.
(3) “Drug” has the same meaning as that term is defined in Section 11014 of the Health and Safety Code.
(4) “Indirect supervision” has the same meaning as that term is defined in subdivision (f) of Section 2034 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations.
(c) This section shall remain in effect until January 1, 2013, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, which is enacted before January 1, 2013, deletes or extends that date.