College Connection | Summer 2024
Veterinary Professionals Act becomes law , transition begins
Overview of legislative process
College Connection | Summer 2024
Veterinary Professionals Act becomes law , transition begins
“ We are pleased and proud to see the Ontario legislature give unanimous approval for our new governing framework . This achievement reflects the work , vision , and leadership of our College Councils for the past 11 years . We look forward to a future with legislation that equips our College and the veterinary profession to better serve the public .” Dr . Wade Wright , President of the College
The Veterinary Professionals Act is good news for the animal-owning public and the veterinary profession .
After 11 years of research , consultation , and conversation , the Veterinary Professionals Act is now law but it is not yet in full effect . Implementation will occur in two stages . The College is currently in stage one , the transition stage . The College is looking forward to the next 18-24 months of regulation and by-law development to facilitate implementation of the new framework .
The Veterinary Professionals Act received Royal Assent on June 6 , 2024 . The College will soon establish a transition Council that will draft regulations and By-Laws as the College moves towards its new mandate as the College of Veterinary Professionals of Ontario .
The Veterinary Professionals Act represents the biggest update to the regulation of veterinary medicine in Ontario in over 30 years .
The new legislation :
• enables the one profession , two professionals approach , and licenses veterinary technicians .
• moves to an authorized activity model that outlines what activities constitute the practice of veterinary medicine and who is permitted to perform them .
• recognizes intraprofessional ( veterinarian and veterinary technician ) and interprofessional ( veterinary professionals and other non-veterinary animal care providers ) collaborate in providing animal care .
• incorporates veterinary technicians into the regulatory model , recognizing the knowledge and training they contribute on veterinary teams .
• maintains veterinarians ’ primary responsibility for the oversight of the practice of veterinary medicine . There will continue to be activities ( such as diagnosis , prescribing , etc .) that remain veterinarian-only . Veterinarians will also remain responsible for delegation .
• permits and defines activities that are carried out by veterinary technicians . There may be opportunities where veterinary technicians can perform activities under their own initiative or under the order of a veterinarian . When performing these activities , a veterinary technician will still be required to work from an accredited veterinary facility . It is predicted that more flexibility will be achieved amongst veterinary teams when determining what type of professional provides what type of care within each facility . Details on these activities will be a key part of the regulation development process .
• permits recognition of and allowances for non-veterinary animal care providers . This includes chiropractors , pharmacists , farriers , artificial insemination technicians and other human-based practitioners who have taken additional training in animal care ( ie : animal rehabilitation ). Regulation development related to the authorized activity model will also include conversations surrounding what activities these non-veterinary care providers can perform , and what skills , knowledge , and training they need to possess to offer their services for animals .
Overview of legislative process
A new graphic ( page 3 ) outlines the College ’ s progress towards modernization beginning in 2013 through to final proclamation when the College becomes the College of Veterinary Professionals of Ontario .
A helpful reference to understand all the steps involved as we move towards modernized legislation . a
Public confidence in veterinary regulation cvo . org 2