Existing Provisions
The Veterinarians Act currently protects the titles of “veterinarian”,
“vétérinaire”, “veterinary surgeon”, and “chirurgien vétérinaire” or
an abbreviation or variation thereof as an occupational or business
designation for licensed members. Further, a person who is not a licensed
member is prohibited from using a term, title or description that will lead
to the belief that the person may engage in the practice of veterinary
medicine.
What Change is Proposed?
It is proposed that title protection be expanded to include the titles of
“veterinary technician” and “Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)”.
Further, with a move to some animal care services in the public domain
and away from an exclusive scope model, the title “doctor (Dr.)” will be
protected so that only veterinarians licensed in Ontario can use the term
in the course of providing or offering to provide, in Ontario, health care to
animals.
An exemption would be provided to permit chiropractors to use the title
“doctor (Dr.)” with specific conditions when providing health care to
animals. Such conditions would include that a chiropractor must mention
that he or she is a member of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario,
or identify himself or herself as a chiropractor when describing himself
or herself orally using the title “doctor (Dr.)”. When identifying himself or
herself in writing using the title “doctor(Dr.)” on a name tag, business card
or any document, the member must set out his or her full name after the
title, immediately followed by at least one of the following (a) College of
Chiropractors of Ontario or (b) Doctor of Chiropractic (DC).
Modernizing
the Practice
of Veterinary
Medicine
SCOPE OF
PRACTICE
•Title Protection•
Why is the College Considering Changes to this Concept?
The additions to the title protection provisions acknowledge those
professions specifically named within the authorized activities model and
are proposed to allow for clarity in roles.
The proposal is aimed at assisting the public in understanding the
distinction between doctors of veterinary medicine and other individuals
who provide some aspects of animal care.
Achieving a Modern Approach to the Regulation of Veterinary Medicine in Ontario 25