Ethic + MO Practice Acts Flashcards
Ethics
A) The discipline concerning what is good/bad or right/wrong w/ moral duty + obligation
B) A group of moral principles + sets of values
C) The principles of conduct governing an individual or profession
D) Standards of behavior
Professional Guidelines
Law and Regulations
Professional Ethics
-rules and guidelines
-goals rather than mandates
-NAVTA
Personal Ethics
Conflicts w/ mandates of the law or regulations of the board or NAVTA guidelines
Conflicts with clients
-withdraw from case
IDEALS
- define, uphold and improve standards
- Contribute to body of knowledge
- Understand and support animal/human bond
Code of Ethics
- Aid society + animals
- Prevent + relieve suffering
- Remain competent through life-long learning
- Promote public health
- Collab w/ other members of the vet profession
- Protect confidential info
- Assume accountability for individual professional actions + judgement
- Safeguard public + profession
- Assist w/ efforts to ensure conditions of employment consistent w/ the excellent care for animals
- Uphold laws/regulations that apply to the techs responsibilities as a member of the animal health care team
- Represent their credentials or identify themselves w/ specialty organizations only if the designation has been awarded or earned
Profession-Related Laws/Regulations
Most laws + regulations that govern vet tech are state based
Technicians should have a strong understanding of state laws
-licensing
-professional conduct
-discipline
Familiar w/ some of the areas governed by fed law
Laws (Statutes)
Each state has a practice act
Primary law that governs the practice of vet med/technology
-must be enacted by state legislature
- approved by the house of representatives and the state senate
-signed into law by governor
A proposed amendment or change is a bill and goes through the same process
Practice Act
Defines practice of veterinarians and vet techs
Informs of practices in which they may engage
Set general or specific parameters for entry into practice
Discipline for vet and vet techs
Creates board and authorizes it to oversee and regulate
Unlicensed practice is prohibited
-subject to sanction of the board
-criminal penalties
-imprisonment
State Board
Regulates the practice of the profession
5-7 veterinarians
1-2 vet technicians
1-2 public members
Responsible for conduct
-licensed professionals
Entry into Practice
License
-board has reviewed and approved the qualifications to practice
Certificate
-some other entity has reviewed and approved qualifications to practice and has certified the person is competent to practice
Registrations
-neither state board or independent entity has reviewed or approved. However, person must register and provide info to state board
Good Moral Character
Verifies by signing a statement under legal penalty of prosecution or perjury
-include underage drinking, disorderly conduct, DUI or DWI, drug related felonies, etc.
-barred from licensure for 5-10 years
Letters of recommendations
Criminal history record check
-lived for past 5 years
Federal criminal history record check, includes all states
Background Checks
Crimes that must be reported
-underage drinking
-disorderly conduct
-driving while under the influence of alcohol (DUI)
-driving while intoxicated (DWI)
Some states have absolute bars to licensure; most states have 5 and 10-year bars
License Refusal
Crimes of moral turpitude
1. Involves dishonesty or deception
-shoplifting, theft by unlawful taking or deception, embezzlement, forgery, writing bad checks
2. Crimes of depravity
-murder, rape, distribution of drugs, misdemeanors such as stalking, harassment, and assault
3. Interference with justice
-eluding a police officer, interference with criminal investigation
License of Renewal
License Issued = required to renew
-renewal period varies
-fit to hold the license
-renewal application
-renewal fee
-continuing education
Grounds for Disciplinary Actions
Grounds set by board
-State Practice Act
-Regulations of state board
Technical Violations
No direct link between misconduct and harm to an animal
1. practicing on lapsed license
2. deficient continuing education
3. conviction of crime not related to veterinary medicine
Substantive Violations
Bear directly on practice conduct
-unprofessional conduct
-incompetence
-deviation from standards of practice
-practicing beyond the scope of this practice
-misrepresentation
-crimes of moral turpitude
Animal abuse, neglect, cruelty
Impairment
-drug/alcohol addiction
-mental disease
Aiding and abetting another person to violate the practice act
Illegal act
Criminal conviction
Fraud and Deceit
Can be persecuted and disciplined for violating any rule of the board or any rule in the practice act
May be prevented entry into the practice of the profession
Falsifying info on an application for licensure, omitting info, cheating on exam
Falsifying health certificate or other document
Signing a form for the vet that the vet is required to sign
Fraudulent or deceitful conduct related to client or employer
Others…
Misinterpretation
-saying something that is not accurate
-telling a client that a certain treatment will cure a patient
Animal Abuse
-abuse, neglect, or cruelty
-some boards consider this to be deviation from the standards of acceptable and prevailing practice rather than a separate offense
Others…
Committing or Aiding Illegal Professional Acts
-engaging in an illegal act that is related to the profession
-providing a performance enhancing drug to the owner of a competition animal
-assisting an unlicensed person in performing tasks that they legally should not
Working Impaired
-impaired by drugs, alcohol, or by an untreated mental disease
-licensee must participate in treatment program
-licensee must submit random observed urine samples
Others…
Practicing beyond Scope of Practice
-most serious
-doing things you should not be doing
-performing surgery, diagnosing, attesting to animal’s health status, offering a prognosis, prescribing tx or drugs
Unprofessional Conduct
-conduct that puts down the profession in the eyes of the public
Others…
Malpractice (Negligence)
-deviation from or failure to conform to acceptable standards of practice
-acts, errors, and omissions
Incompetence
-conduct that increases the risk that negligence will occur, even if negligence has not occurred
-sloppy lab procedures (tainted samples), incomplete record keeping (giving wrong meds), improper sanitation (infected with virus or infection)
Process of Disciplinary Action
- Notice
-provided in writing
-factual events
-certified mail, returned receipt - Right to hearing
-hearing
-licensee present evidence and provide responses
-public record
-lawyer not necessary, but recommended
~state will not pay for lawyer because it is a disciplinary matter; not criminal
Disciplinary Sanctions
- Revocation
-most severe; permanent or reapply after 5-10 years - Suspension
-indefinite or definite; complete specific tasks - Probation
-permitted to practice, higher level of supervision and limits - Reprimand
- Civil Penalty (fine)
Additional Laws
- Labor Laws
- Hostile work environment
- Safety in the workplace
- Medical waste management laws
- Controlled substance
- Animal related laws
-animals used in research/education
-horse protection
-endangered species act
-animal cruelty prevention
Missouri Practice Act
Missouri Veterinary Medical Board
- “the board”
Defines the practice of veterinary medicine and vet technology
Definitions
Animal
Board
Emergency
Minimum standards
RVT
Supervision
-immediate
-direct
-indirect
Supervisor
Unregistered assistant
Veterinarian
Vet-client-patient relationship
Veterinary Facility
Statutes; Vet tech, registration of, application, contents-qualifications
- Submit written application to Board
- Application contains statement that is made under oath that all info is true
- To qualify
-18 years of age
-good moral character
-graduated from AVMA accredited program or from school with board approved curriculum
-has passed examinations prescribed by Board
Technician, admittance to exam-failure to qualify, notice
Board determines applicant is qualified, admits to the next scheduled exam
Not qualified, applicant notified in writing
No person denied because of race, creed, sex, color, or national origin
Waiver of Exam, when-grade score transfer permitted
- Board may issue registration w/o exam if the applicant submits proof that:
- Applicant is currently registered in another state, territory, district, or province in US or Canada having standards that are the same as MO
- Has been employed and supervised by a licensed vet for at least 5 consecutive years before application to practice in MO
- If applicant has not been licensed in another area for 5 consecutive years, grade score transfer possible
Exam for technicians-application fee-rules-notification of results
- Application and fees submitted 60 days prior to exam
- Board establishes passing score
- Director shall notify examinees of their results w/in 90 days of the test date, if all requirements have been met, registration is granted
Notice to Successful Examinees
Letter signed by board chairperson or vice chairperson
Certificate of registration is not sent until proof of employment/supervision by a licensed vet is submitted
Application, Contents-False Statements, Penalty
Application shall include:
1. Applicants full name
2. Place of employment
3. Supervisor’s name, license number, signature
4. Business and residence addresses
5. Date and number of applicants certificate
6. Felony criminal convictions
7. CE credits
8. Other info deemed necessary
9. Application made under oath
Declaration of Non-currency for Failure to Renew Certificate
If person fails to submit application and fees w/in 30 days of expiration date
-notified by board, certified mail, return receipt
-failure to respond w/in 10 days will result in noncurrent registration
-notified by board, certified mail, return receipt, that registration is noncurrent and they shall not practice as vet tech until they apply for reinstatement and pay required fees
Practice as Tech After Revocation, Penalty-Application for Renewal
- Any person who practices as a vet tech after certificate has been revoked is subject to criminal prosecution
- If person is otherwise eligible to renew certificate:
-can renew expired certificate w/in 2 years of expiration date
-submit application for renewal, all renewal fees, penalty fee - If over 2 years, application for new certificate
Renewal, Inactive Status
If not employed by licensed vet at time of renewal
-certificate placed on inactive status until proper employment is found
-if proper employment found, board will issue a new certificate if all other qualifications are met
CE, Requirements
Shall not renew any certificate unless the holder provides evidence of minimum requirements of CE
Supervision of Veterinarian Required- Level of Supervision
Any practicing technician must at all times be under the supervision of a licensed vet
Level of supervision consistent with the task
Board establishes what tasks can be done and level of supervision needed
Emergency Treatment Authorized-Immunity
Any vet tech who gratuitously and in good faith gives emergency treatment to a sick or injured animal at the scene of an accident or emergency shall not be liable in any civil action for damages to the owner of such an animal
Disciplinary Action Against Tech Authorized
Disciplinary Action when:
1. Tech solicits patients from any licensed vet
2. Solicits or receives any form of compensation from any person for services rendered other than from the vets under whom they are employed
3. Willing fully or negligently divulges professional confidence w/o permission from vet
4. Demonstrates incapability or incompetence to perform as a vet tech
Registration Possibilities
- Examination
- Reciprocity
- Grade Transfer
Registration Requirements (Exam)
Successfully Complete
1.) College level course of study in Vet Tech; curriculum approved by the board
1. Curriculum equal to AMVA curriculum
2. Student transmits curriculum to board for review
3. If not accepted, notified by letter with reasons
2.) College level course of study in Vet Tech; AVMA accredited
Application Procedures
- Application made on forms provided by board
- Legible, signed, notarized, and accompanied by fees (cashier’s check, personal check, or money order)
- Documents
-completed applications
-fees
-proof of education
-2 current passport photos, black and white or color, signature on back - All info in by established deadline
Vet Tech Fees
Registration = $50
State Board Exam = $30
National Exam = $300
Reciprocity = $50
Grade Transfer = $50
Provisional Registration = $50
Annual Renewal Fee = Active/$20, Inactive/$10
Late Renewal Penalty = $50
Name Changing = $15
Wall Hanging Replacement = $15
Examinations
All applicants have to take VTNE and state board exam
Passing scores:
VTNE: 425
MO state: 70%
May apply for exam during final semester, however school must provide official documentation verifying graduation
Failed Exams
Retake failed exam:
-notify board
-pay appropriate exam fee and registration fee no less -than 60 days prior to scheduled exam
-test scores are valid for 5 years
-no person may take the exam more than 4 times
-board approved CE program
Renewal Procedures
Active:
-submit prior to license exp.
-date
-completed and signed renewal application
-renewal fee
Inactive
-submit prior to license exp.
date
-signed affidavit stating that they will not practice as a vet
-renewal application
-renewal fee
Renewal Procedures
Noncurrent
-application for renewal
-current fees and all delinquent fees
-penalty fees
-certification of CE completion
-verification of employment under licensed vet
How to activate inactive status
- Submit renewal application showing CE requirements are met
2.Submit balance of active renewal fee - Submit license stamped inactive
- Submit verification of employment under licensed vet
-board will issue an active license effective until net regular renewal date
Retired License
May place his/her license on retired status by signing affidavit stating date of retirement and submitting the renewal application
No fee required
No certificate issued
-not certified to practice in MO
Prevents license from becoming noncurrent
Coming out of retirement
Submit completed renewal app.
Submit renewal fee
Verify current employment
Certify completion of required CE credits
Registration by Reciprocity
Missouri doesn’t have direct reciprocity with any state
To be licensed by reciprocity, an applicant must have been actively engaged in practice of the profession in another state, territory, district, or province if the U.S. or Canada for at least 5 consecutive years prior to making application in Missouri
Standards are equal to or more stringent than MO
R by R
Complete application from board, including complete employment hx
Submit reciprocity fee
Submit registration fee
Request licensing authority in other states to submit Verification Request Form
Request National testing service to send evidence of passing VTNE score
Following review process, applicant will be notified via email
Regis. by Grade Transfer
If standards are not the same as MO, request VTNE score transfer
Must have taken w/in 5 years of date of application
Required to take and pass MO state board exam
Temporary Registration
May be issued to qualified applicant for registration pending exam results if applicant meets the requirements for registration and working under licensed vet
-application
-temporary registration fee
-statement signed by licensed vet that applicant will be working under supervision of that vet
Name and Address Changes
- Ensure current legal name
- Notify board w/in 60 days
-provide appropriate paperwork
-pay name change fee
-request new license
-return current license/wall hanging w/ old name - Address change
-notify board by letter w/in 30 days of effective date of change
Animal Health Care Tasks
RVTs shall not perform:
1. Surgery
2. Diagnosis and prognosis of animal diseases
3. Prescription of drugs, medicines, and appliances
4. Administer rabies vaccines
Immediate Supervision
Vet in immediate area, w/in audible + visual range
Induction of Anesthesia
Direct Supervision
Vet on premises, easily available, animal examined
-Anesthesia Monitoring
-Euthanasia
-Treatments that aren’t in the facility
-Routine dental prophylaxis
-Application of casts/splints
-Placement of IV catheter
Indirect Supervision
Vet not on premises, given written or oral instructions
Animal examined by licensed vet
Treatments w/in facility
Vet Assistant
Immediate supervision
-monitor anesthesia
-euthanize
-perform tx not at facility
-routine dental prophy
-IV catheter placement
Indirect Supervision
-administer tx at facility
Vet Assistant
Not legal
-induction of anesthesia
-perform sx
-diagnose/prognose
-prescribe meds
-administer rabies vaccine
Minimum standards
- Vet facilities
- Emergency clinic/services
- Practice techniques
- Medical records
- CE for vets
- CE for vet techs
- Supervision
Vet facility minimum standards
Facilities, instruments, apparatus, apparel kept clean and sanitary at all times
Conform to minimum standards for each type of facility
-adequate library of textbooks/journals
-proper storage and environmental for all medicines/biologics
-appropriate licenses, displayed
-properly maintained records
Hospitals or Clinics
Exterior
-legible sign
-facility clean and in good repair
-grounds clean and well maintained
Hospitals and Clinics
Interior
-Adequate Lighting
-emergency lighting in OR
-Hot and cold running water
-Reception and office area
-Exam room
-Designated sx room, not accessible by public
-Facility permit displayed
-Vet license, tech license displayed
Hospitals and Clinics
Housing
-Separate compartments for each animal
-sanitary
-Isolation facility
-Exercise area kept neat and clean
-Animal identification system
Hospital/Clinics
Practice Management
-Maintain sanitary environment
-proper disposal of waste
-proper sterilization/sanitation
-Fire precautions
-Temperature and ventilation
-Diagnostic X-ray service
-Lab and Pharmacy available
-Sanitary method for disposal of deceased
Hosp./Clinics
Equipment
-sterilization of equipment
-library available
-appropriate anesthetic equipment for level of sx performed
-oxygen equipment
-clean attire and sterile gloves
-surgical packs, used and sterilized
-exam/tx rooms have waste receptacles, disposable towels, exam tables with impervious surfaces
-all waste receptacles lined w/ plastic or made of impervious material, easily sanitized
Central Hospitals
Same standards as hospital or clinics
Provide on premises 24 hour nursing care
Specialty consultation on permanent or on-call basis
Intensive care unit
Lab facilities
X-ray services
Cardiac Monitoring
Positive ventilation gas anesthesia
Satellite or outpatient clinics
Owned by or associated with a full on service hospital or clinic or central hospital
-hot and cold water
-110 Volt power source for diagnostic equipment
-collection tank for waste material
-adequate lighting
Mobile Small Animal Clinic
Owned by or associated with a full-service hospital, clinic, or central hospital
-clean
-method for waste disposal
-method for deceased animal disposal
-capability to sterilize or sanitize equipment
-surgical packs
-separate compartments
Large animal mobile clinic
