College Connection Spring 2025 | Page 2

College Connection | Spring 2025

Legacy Council updates its Code of Ethics with IDEA lens

The Legacy Council met on March 17, 2025. Highlights and replays from policy discussions are available on the College website at cvo. org / Council. Council considered the following items in March.

Code of Ethics revised

The Legacy Council approved revisions to its Code of Ethics. The College’ s inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility Action Plan includes a commitment to strengthen policies and practices using an equity and inclusion lens. The proposed revisions add ethical principles and duties for conduct that support anti-racism, inclusivity, and cultural safety in the practice of veterinary medicine.

The revised Code of Ethics is available on the College website soon. A replay of the Legacy Council’ s discussion is also available.

Council & Committee Use of AI Tools

The Legacy Council approved a governance policy that permits the use of pre-approved AI tools to support Council and Committee members in their roles. The tools must not replace professional judgement.

Potential uses for AI technology in Council and Committee work could include information analysis, note taking, and assistance with decisionwriting. The new policy defines the procedure for a Council or Committee member to make use of approved AI tools.

Maintaining Appropriate Boundaries

The Legacy Council approved a new Position Statement on Establishing and Maintaining Appropriate Professional Boundaries in Practice. The Position Statement is part of the College’ s work to introduce resources and supports related to professionalism.

The new Position Statement is now available on the College website. A replay of the Legacy Council’ s discussion is also available on the College website.

Legacy Council reviews progress on Strategy 2026

The March Legacy Council agenda included an update on progress related to Strategy 2026, the College’ s current strategic plan.

In the key strategic priority of legislative reform, the College has been making significant progress with the development of regulatory concepts which are now in consultation. The Legacy Council has ensured the fiscal support of the work of the Transition Council and the support of staff in advancing the work required to transition to the new Veterinary Professionals Act.

Another objective in Strategy 2026 focuses on partnering for improved access to veterinary services. Progress in this area includes completion of the limited licensure pilot, collaboration with the OVMA and OVC on a podcast series focused on the future and team-based care, a compassionate person-centred approach to investigations and resolutions, and participation in the first RVT mobilization training program in Ontario.

Strategy 2026 also includes a focus on innovation and technology. Progress includes a new guidance document related to the use of artificial intelligence. As well, regulatory sandboxes continue to be considered by Council.

In promoting the importance of One Health, the College’ s work centres around emergency responses, the potential use of community vaccinator programs, and advancing antimicrobial stewardship.

Focusing regulation on people and context is the fifth strategic priority. This area includes initiatives on veterinary team mental health and well-being, IDEA information and education sessions for Council, Committee members and staff, promotion of the use of a spectrum of care approach to veterinary practice, and research around team-based care. Strategy 2026 is available on the College website.

cvo. org / Strategy2026

Public confidence in veterinary regulation cvo. org 2