WA VCPR Rule Took Effect June 4

by Dale A. Moore, Extension Veterinarian

The new Washington State Veterinary Client Patient Relationship rule took effect last month. (http://wsvma.org/new-vcpr-definition-takes-effect-june-4-2016/)

Based on the Rule-Making Order, “The VCPR assumes that the veterinarian is responsible for the health of the patient, has current knowledge of the patient’s condition, and is available for follow up evaluation or has arranged for emergency coverage…The veterinarian has assumed responsibility for making clinical judgments regarding the health of the animal(s) and need for medical treatment, and the client or key party… ”

This rule is not just for food animal veterinarians, but applies to all veterinarians. The veterinarian must have sufficient knowledge of the animal or animals to generate a preliminary diagnosis and means that they have examined animals in the previous 12 months. For multiple animals on a premise, such as in shelters, labs and farms, the veterinarian must be knowledgeable about the standards of care and management of those groups.

For animals or animal products for food consumption, “there must be a written agreement that identifies the veterinarian of record (VOR) who is accountable for drug use and treatments administered to animals on farm operations.” The veterinarian is responsible for oversight of all drugs used on farm operations, regardless of how they are distributed. The veterinarian which includes:

Establishment of diagnostic and treatment protocols

Training of personnel

Review of treatment records

Monitoring drug inventories

Assuring appropriate labeling of drugs

Monitoring compliance and outcomes

Maintenance of medical records

For more details on the Rule, see: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=246- 933&full=true#246-933-200