COUNCIL NEWS
STAY IN TOUCH WITH COUNCIL
The College Council is continuing to conduct its meetings virtually through videoconference . Council meetings are open to the public and you are welcome to watch proceedings through a livestream . Contact the College prior to a meeting to obtain the livestream link .
Following each meeting , Council President , Dr . Tyrrel de Langley , summarizes meeting highlights in a video that is shared on the Council meetings and highlights page . A written summary is also available and minutes are posted once they have been approved by Council .
The College also shares replays from key policy discussions . Video replays are now available for the following discussions from the June meeting :
– Telemedicine
– Use of Non-Conventional Therapies in Veterinary Medicine
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
STANDARD , GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE
A veterinarian is expected to act in a trustworthy manner by being competent , honest , and reliable . When a veterinarian ’ s decision-making is influenced by personal interests , the profession ’ s reputation could be at risk .
Conflicts of interest will arise . A conflict of interest does not mean a veterinarian acted inappropriately . They can arise out of circumstances outside of a veterinarian ’ s control . However , it is important for a veterinarian to avoid conflicts of interest if possible , and to identify when they are in a real or potential conflict of interest .
Earlier this year , Council approved a professional practice standard on conflicts of interest . The standard and an accompanying guide were developed to help provide clarity for the public and the profession on the regulatory provisions in this important area . The guide provides more than 20 questions and answers to assist veterinarians in avoiding conflicts of interest . Here is a sample :
A veterinarian should regularly consider the nature of their relationships with persons and / or organizations , and how these may influence , or not , their professional judgment .
One approach is to ask oneself the question “ would a reasonable person , aware of the circumstances , consider my relationship with the person ( s ) and / or organization ( s ) involved to have the ability to affect my professional judgment related to animal care ?”
If the answer is “ yes ” or “ maybe ” then the veterinarian should treat the situation as a conflict of interest .
How can a veterinarian identify a real or perceived conflict of interest ?
Careers are dynamic in nature . Jobs and services evolve over time . Client caseloads are not static . Every professional needs to continually consider circumstances that may unduly influence or cloud their decision-making .
Check out the standard and the guide for further details !
Professional Practice Standard - Conflicts of Interest
Guide to the Professional Practice Standard - Conflicts of Interest
CVMA PRESENTS OPTIONS TO PENTOBARBITAL SUPPLY
This spring , the College informed veterinarians about a pending global shortage of pentobarbital sodium , the active ingredient used in most euthanasia products for animals , that is expected to impact the existing Canadian supply in from late this year until mid-2022 .
Health Canada , the Canadian Animal Health Institute and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association are working together with manufacturers , importers and distributors to help minimize the impact of the shortage .
The College reminds veterinarians that when a veterinarian is experiencing a temporary supply shortage of a drug , they may contact another veterinarian about purchasing the drug if they have some available . As per the Professional Practice Standard : Dispensing a Drug and
Ontario Regulation 1093 , a veterinarian may sell a drug to another member or a licensed Ontario pharmacist in reasonably limited quantities for resale if the other member or the pharmacist is experiencing a temporary shortage of the drug .
Click here to review the bulletin that has been circulated to Ontario veterinarians .
Instilling public confidence in veterinary regulation cvo . org 3