Annual Report 2018 | Page 26

26 CVO ANNUAL REPORT 2018 Facility Accreditation Veterinarians in Ontario must practise from an accredited veterinary facility. A Certificate of Accreditation is a statement to the public that the facility provides a safe, professional environment and contains the equipment required for veterinary care. The Accreditation Committee oversees the accreditation of veterinary facilities in Ontario and considers policy matters related to accreditation. The College’s Facility Accreditation Program assures the public that a veterinary facility meets provincial standards and supports safe, quality animal care outcomes. Facility Accreditation is linked with Quality Assurance to strengthen the broader quality practice message amongst licensed veterinarians and the public. New Facility Accreditation Inspection Model – Expert Advisory Group Since 2017, the Expert Advisory Group has been working on the development of draft standards for a new Council approved facility accreditation inspection model, which reflects an outcome- based approach focused on the specific services and scope of the veterinary facility. The Expert Advisory Group is defining and recommending the assessment tools required for accreditation inspections. The proposed recommendations for the Essential and Additional Scope of Service Standards will be reviewed by Council. Consultation with the profession is expected in 2019 with the implementation of a pilot project anticipated for 2020. Satellite Location – Remote Dispensing Options for Farmed and Large Animal Antimicrobial Drugs On December 1, 2018, veterinary oversight of all antimicrobials will come into effect across Canada. This federal directive is the result of moving all medically important antimicrobials for humans on to the prescription drug list. This will be a change in practice for farmed and large animal medicine. One primary concern raised by veterinarians and owners is the access to antimicrobial drugs in bulk and in a timely fashion. The solution to accommodate this stewardship imperative related to reducing antimicrobial resistance in human and animal health care, was for the College Council to approve satellite locations for the purpose of the remote dispensing of antimicrobials to farmed or large animal owners. Dispensing at a satellite location will be pursuant to a prescription from a licensed veterinarian and within a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship.