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:​

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The veterinarian is readily available for follow-up evaluation or has arranged for the following: veterinary emergency coverage, and continuing care and treatment.
4. The veterinarian provides oversight of treatment, compliance, and outcome.
5. Patient records are maintained.

The VCPR is defined in Section III of the AVMA’s Principles of Veterinary Ethics