Ch 6 Law, Regulations, & Ethics Flashcards
What is the primary law that governs the practice of veterinary medicine?
The practice act
Developed to eliminate confusion about roles within the clinic.
What are the formal names used for the agency that governs veterinary medicine in each state?
- Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
- State Board of Veterinary Medicine
- Licensing Board of Veterinary Medicine
- the board
What does the practice act usually define?
The practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology
Some states allow the board to define the practice of Vet Technology.
What are the criminal penalties for non-veterinarians practicing veterinary medicine?
Subject to criminal penalties including imprisonment
What does the practice act set for veterinarians and technicians?
Parameters and grounds for punishment
What are the main organizations associated with veterinary ethics?
- AVMA
- NAVTA
- VHMA
What is the right to practice veterinary medicine considered?
A privilege
What does the Model Veterinary Practice Act entail?
Difficult to make changes; must be approved and signed by the governor
Who is responsible for the rules and regulations in Arkansas veterinary practice?
Arkansas State Examining Board
What is the application fee for Arkansas veterinary technicians?
$40
What is required for maintaining a veterinary technician’s license?
Renewal of license regardless of notice from the licensing board
What is the most common reason for disciplinary action against a vet tech?
Exceeded the scope of practice authorized by the law
What is the valid client-patient relationship required for?
It must exist to provide medical care
What are the four basic elements of malpractice?
- Breach of duty
- Proximate cause
- Damages or harm incurred
- Negligence
What should be documented in the medical record?
- Every conversation with the client
- Every medication and procedure
- Every recommendation and declined procedure
What is informed consent?
Owner must be made aware of risks, benefits, and prognosis
What does IACUC stand for?
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
What are the duties of the IACUC?
- Ongoing assessment of animal care
- Semiannual review of programs and facilities
- Prepare reports to the Institutional Official
- Review animal welfare concerns
- Approve significant changes to animal use
What is the definition of ethics in veterinary practice?
The discipline concerning what is good and bad or right and wrong
What must a veterinarian do regarding patient needs?
Place the patient’s needs first
What constitutes slander in veterinary practice?
A malicious, false, & defamatory statement or report
What is negligence in the context of veterinary practice?
Performance of an act that a reasonable person would not perform
What is the process for handling abandoned pets?
- Notify owner by certified letter
- Allow time for retrieval
- If no response, consider pet abandoned
What is the significance of confidentiality in veterinary practice?
Protect client and patient information; gossip can result in termination or lawsuits
What does VCPR stand for?
Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship
