COUNCIL NEWS
VETERINARY EUTHANASIA
COUNCIL APPROVES CHANGES TO EUTHANASIA POLICY
During policy work at its March meeting , the College Council reviewed and approved the draft professional practice standard on veterinary euthanasia . Council was pleased to have the benefit of a wide range of feedback on the draft standard through the public consultation .
The draft standard initially went to Council last year to ensure the standard aligned with the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act and to strengthen the standard ’ s relevance to all species .
The College ’ s practice standards provide practice expectations without stifling clinical decision-making . In veterinary euthanasia , a veterinarian is required to use their professional judgment to determine their actions and recommendations .
The Council focused its discussion on three areas that were prominent in the consultation feedback :
– delegation of veterinary euthanasia – confirmation of death
– mandatory requirement for sedation
Following discussion , Council approved changes to the standard which relate to documentation of informed client consent ; referral to another veterinarian if a veterinarian refuses to perform the euthanasia ; pain management ; and delegation .
College staff will use the feedback received through the consultation to assist with developing the guide to accompany the standard . The revised standard and guide on veterinary euthanasia will be published on the College website later this spring .
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
COUNCIL SETS POLICY DIRECTION ON CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Public trust is central to the practice of veterinary medicine . It is important to the reputation of the profession , that veterinarians avoid conflicts of interest in the delivery of patient care .
In support of professionalism in the veterinary industry , the College Council has been focused on conflict of interest and the potential for personal interests to interfere in sound decision-making .
At its March meeting , Council approved a professional practice standard on conflicts of interest . The standard had been circulated for public consultation over the winter .
The current regulatory language related to conflict of interest is complex and confusing . The standard was developed to help provide clarity for the public and the profession on the regulatory provisions in this important area .
The College anticipates the guide to the standard will be helpful in providing examples and scenarios to assist veterinarians in avoiding conflicts of interest . The feedback received through consultation will assist with the development of the guide .
Council approved the draft standard on conflicts of interest in the practice of veterinary medicine . The standard and guide will be published later this spring .
Guidance on Professionalism for Veterinarians
The College recently updated its booklet on Guidance on Professionalim for Veterinarians . The guide provides a definition of veterinary professionalism and assists veterinarians in upholding the social contract between the public and the profession . cvo . org / Guide _ Professionalism
NON-CONVENTIONAL THERAPIES
WORK CONTINUES ON POSITION
Council decided to continue to work on its draft position statement on the use of non-conventional therapies in the practice of veterinary medicine .
Position statements are developed to permit Council to take a position on a topic that has strongly-held , differing views within the public and the veterinary profession . This is the case on the use of non-conventional therapies in veterinary medicine .
The public expects to have direct access to lower risk therapies for their animals . As well , veterinarians have increased their use of non-conventional therapies , in conjunction with conventional veterinary medicine .
Council will review the topic at a future meeting .
2 College Connection Spring 2021 cvo . org