Veterinary Law, Malpractice, & Ethics

Question 1

Morals

Answer 1

Personal Ethics
Right or wrong on an individual basis
Will affect how you respond to and obey laws
Learned at a young age by parents, media, environment, etc

Question 2

Ethics

Answer 2

Systematic approach to standards of behavior
Used to help members achieve a high level of behavior through morals
Rules established by professional org. not enforced by law
Communicates ideals of the profession to public and members

Question 3

Laws

Answer 3

Bodies of rules developed & regulated by gov’t

Question 4

Veterinary Practice Act (VPA)

Answer 4

Sets standards for who can practice
Promotes public health, safety, & welfare by ensuring competent medical care
Regulated by state

Question 5

CVT could by disciplined for:

Answer 5

Unprofessional/unethical conduct
Fraud in obtaining of certification
False statements to authorities
Cruelty to animals
Permitting another to use certification
Mental incompetence as determined by court of law

Question 6

Vet could be disciplined for:

Answer 6

Fraud in obtaining license
Failure to display license
Fraudulently issuing vaccination/health records
False advertising
Incompetence or malpractice
Cruelty to animals
Refusal to permit inspection of premises

Question 7

Malpractice refers to:

Answer 7

Illegal, immoral, or unprofessional conduct

Question 8

Malpractice may result in:

Answer 8

Injury, death, or escape of a client’s animal

Question 9

Malpractice applies:

Answer 9

After Vet/Client/Patient relationship (VCPR) has been established

Question 10

VCPR

Answer 10

Vet/Client/Patient relationship

Question 11

VCPR Occurs when:

Answer 11

Vet/Client/Patient relationship
Vet has assumed responsibility to treat pt and client agrees to follow instructions
Vet has performed P/E
Vet is available for follow up treatment

Question 12

Negligence refers to:

Answer 12

An act is performed that a reasonable person wouldn’t do under the same circumstances

Question 13

Negligence results in:

Answer 13

Personal injury to a client while on the premises

Question 14

Negligence is the result of:

Answer 14

Slip/fall or Tech action

Question 15

Contract

Answer 15

Agreement that creates an obligation between two or more parties (written or oral)

Question 16

How to limit malpractice:

Answer 16

1. Practice quality medicine
2. Keep precise medical records
3. Watch behavior & attitude
4. Don’t act like your a Vet
5. Consent forms

Question 17

Consent

Answer 17

Voluntarily accepting what is planned or done by another

Question 18

Best Consent Forms:

Answer 18

Should be informed
W/ witness signature
geared toward each procedure recommended

Question 19

Animal

Answer 19

Every living thing that’s not a human

Question 20

Domestic

Answer 20

Any animal bred and/or traditionally kept for agricultural reasons

Question 21

Pet

Answer 21

Subcategory of domestic animal

Question 22

Pet owner’s rights

Answer 22

• increased damages awarded for injury or loss of pet
• ownership isn’t lost if animal escapes
• in many states & most species proof of “first bite” is needed for liability
• injured parties must prove negligence in restraint/maintenance of animal for liability to be on owner

Question 23

Owner

Answer 23

provides differently for pet than for an inanimate object

- can be difficult to determine, since it’s based on relationship between owner/pet

Question 24

“First Bite”

Answer 24

Must prove that a pet has bit someone before

Question 25

Wild

Answer 25

animal that's not domestic & is fierce, dangerous, venomous, noxious, or naturally inclined to harm

Question 26

Ownership Rights for Wild Animals

Answer 26

- less rights & higher liability - ownership is lost if animal escapes - no "first bite" needs to be proven for liability - owners held liable for damages cause by animals owned or under their care

Question 27

Exotic

Answer 27

Any animal not considered domestic or wild & can be safely & humanely maintained in captivity

Question 28

Running at Large (Lease Laws)

Answer 28

- Any dog off premises of owner & not under the control of a competent person - No cat can do damage to public or private property, or bite, scratch, or claw any person or animal

Question 29

Hit by Car (HBC)

Answer 29

- Owner is responsible for injuries or damages to driver or car - Driver must stop but isn't responsible (running at large)

Question 30

When a person brings an animal in for care:

Answer 30

1. Establish if they're the owner | 2. Are they going to accept responsibility for costs

Question 31

'Good Samaritan' Act

Answer 31

What the clinic is required to do do when an animal is brought in in a life-threatening condition & needs treatment to sustain life, by someone other than the owner & they're not willing to accept costs or if a vet/tech witnesses or finds an injured animal

Question 32

Cruelty

Answer 32

Knowingly or w/ criminal negligence, mistreating or neglecting an animal

Question 33

Mistreat

Answer 33

Any act which permits pain & suffering

Question 34

Neglect

Answer 34

Failure to provide ford, water, or protection from elements

Question 35

Dealing w/ suspected cruelty

Answer 35

1. contact local shelter or animal control officer 2. Document everything 3. Take photos/video 4. Save all evidence 5. Complete basic labs & vitals

Question 36

Abandonment

Answer 36

To give up w/ intent of never again claiming right or interest

Question 37

If a pt is abandoned at a clinic

Answer 37

1. Send a certified letter to known/last known address of owner 2. If unclaimed for more than 5 days after written notice should've been received it's abandoned and owner relinquishes rights 3. Vet can legally dispose of animal in any appropriate manner (hopefully adopting it out) 4. Abandonment is against the law in most states

Question 38

To reduce abandonment of pt:

Answer 38

1. Detailed treatment plans/estimates of cost 2. Estimates w/ a high & low end, room for adjustment (have owner sign it) 3. Have alternate payment options 4. Take appropriate deposit (50%-75% of high end estimate) 5. Offer relinquishment (if ok w/ Vet or practice owner/manager)