Rationale
During the consultation and research phase of the development of the
College’s Strategic Plan from 2014 to 2017, it became abundantly clear that
the existing Veterinarians Act was neither current nor sufficiently robust
to meet the public protection needs of modern and evolving veterinary
medicine. Delays and inefficiencies in the complaints investigation process,
lack of transparency of information relevant to the public in determining
choices related to veterinary care, the absence of a mandatory quality
assurance program, the increasing challenge in managing unlawful
veterinary practice, and a real need to focus on potential risks and harm
to animals within a regulatory scheme, compelled the College Council to
proceed with studying the need for change.
In addition, the need to better consider the delivery of veterinary medicine
as a system, rather than as a single provider, was evident. Veterinary
technicians are now well-established within the delivery model in Ontario
and the role of delegation and of accountability are increasingly at the
forefront of patient outcomes.
Achieving a
Modern Approach
to the Regulation
of Veterinary
Medicine in
Ontario
RATIONALE FOR
REVIEW OF THE
LEGISLATION
Last but not least, public expectation and values are shifting the
expectations of professional regulation. Nimbleness and responsiveness
to changes in practice, ease of direct access and choice in provider, safe
implementation of innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment, and
making rules only as needed and demonstrated by evidence, are clear
messages to regulators across any profession.
As a result, this review has culminated in a series of recommended
changes to the Veterinarians Act, which are intended to modernize its
regulatory framework and allow a more responsive and effective approach
to regulating veterinary medicine in Ontario.
Achieving a Modern Approach to the Regulation of Veterinary Medicine in Ontario 9