Navigating the VCPR: Do’s and Don’ts for Compliance
Often the veterinary client patient relationship (VCPR) is mentioned as a requirement to provide care for an animal or a group of animals. What can a veterinarian do within the existing VCPR and what should a veterinarian avoid within the existing VCPR?
VCPR Do's
Examine a patient or group of animals every 12 months or provide medically appropriate and timely visits by the veterinarian to the location where the patient is kept.
Owner agrees to follow the veterinarian’s instructions.
Client has given informed consent to the veterinarian’s recommendations.
Prescribe and dispense medications.
Must provide upon request a written prescription.
Maintain Medical Records and provide them in a readily retrievable form.
Assume responsibility to make decisions for the patient.
Determine diagnostic and treatment plans.
Can make a prognosis.
Veterinarian is readily available for follow up care or consultation OR has arranged for emergency coverage AND continuing care and treatment by another licensed vet (Original vet must provide a copy of associated records during normal business hours.)
Practice telemedicine with an established VCPR.
VCPR Don'ts
Don’t assume all the animals that belong to the owner are covered under your VCPR. If an owner has a dog and a cat, but the veterinarian has only seen the dog – the VCPR does not extend to the cat.
Do not practice telemedicine without a VCPR.
Do not write a health certificate without a VCPR.
Do not assume other veterinarians in the hospital can make decisions for your patient – leave meticulous orders that your colleagues can follow.
Do you have suggestions to improve the VCPR in Georgia? Add your ideas to our word cloud!
