College Connection

Winter 2016 Vol. 31 No. 4 ISSN 0821-6320 Facility Accreditation College moves towards more agile and efficient model for accreditation The College has had a robust accreditation process for decades and the current model has served the public and the profession well. In practice, the current model has evolved to the point where there are areas of concern related to its complexity. With an aim to administer a facility accreditation process that is cost-effective, sustainable, efficient and agile, College Council has moved forward with an initiative to study its opportunities. An Accreditation Models Task Force (AMTF) was established in June 2014 in keeping with Council’s directives associated with: • the need for an overall review of every College revenue stream, including Facility Accreditation, • the initiation of a discussion around new Minimum Standards discussion for the accreditation of zoos and wildlife centers, and • the need for a thorough review of the current Minimum Standards for Veterinary Facilities in Ontario (MSVFO). The Task Force’s Terms of Reference are to: 1. 2. Complete a review of current and emerging models for the accreditation and inspection of facilities with an aim to assuring public safety and supporting the delivery of quality professional services. Make recommendations to the Accreditation Committee on a cost effective, contemporary model for practice inspection and accreditation that is effective, flexible and responsive to the evolution of veterinary medicine and inspires public confidence. The Task Force was established and engaged in the work associated with these terms of reference over 2015. Elements of models of accreditation discussed by the AMTF focused on: a move away from the processes that define a particular set of standards for a particular facility type toward models that provide for accreditation of facilities that reflect the services and scope of practice of a particular facility. This type of model would allow for flexibility and nimbleness in facility FEATURED Your guide to Quality Practice This issue of College Connection explores Quality Practice initiatives. The College welcomes your feedback on College Connection! accreditation as veterinary care and service evolves. Such a model would permit veterinarians to define the scope of the practice associated with a particular facility, thereby reducing the number of requests for exemptions from the Standards defined in the current MSVFO and also decreasing the need for the acquisition and maintenance of equipment and facility features that are unnecessary in the delivery of the care and service provided by that particular facility. continued on next page CONTENTS Code of Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Practice Advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Learning in Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Peer Advisory Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 CPD Activity Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Members’ Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Strengthening the veterinary profession through quality practice and public accountability. www.cvo.org