VCPR
(VETERINARIAN-CLIENT-PATIENT-RELATIONSHIP)
IT IS REQUIRED BY LAW IN ORDER FOR A VETERINARIAN TO DIAGNOSE OR TREAT YOUR ANIMAL, OR PRESCRIBE OR DISPENSE MEDICATIONS, A VCPR MUST BE IN EFFECT ACCORDING TO THE VETERINARY PRACTICE ACT OF KENTUCKY.
ESTABLISHING A VETERINARIAN-CLIENT-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP:
- The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making clinical judgements regarding the health of the patient and the client has agreed to follow the veterinarian’s instructions.
- The veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the patient to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the patient. This means that the veterinarian is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the patient by virtue of a timely examination of the patient by the veterinarian, or medically appropriate and timely visits by the veterinarian to the operation where the patient is managed.
- The veterinarian is readily available for follow-up evaluation or has arranged for the following: veterinary emergency coverage, and continuing care and treatment.
- The veterinarian provides oversight of treatment, compliance, and outcome.
- Patient records are maintained.
The VCPR is defined in Section III of the AVMA’s Principles of Veterinary Ethics