CVO ANNUAL REPORT 2018
Standards & Policy
The College’s policy documents
provide clarity for the public
and the veterinary profession
on the College’s expectations
of all veterinarians. Policy
documents address areas of
risk in veterinary practice.
In revising and establishing policy, the
College engages a step-by-step process
which begins with a thorough review of
evidence, literature and data pertaining
to the topic. When appropriate, draft
documents are reviewed by committees
which consist of veterinarians
and members of the public before
consideration by Council. After approving
the document in principle, Council then
seeks feedback and reaction from the
public, the profession and stakeholders
during a consultation period. With the
benefit of that input, Council again
reviews the draft policy and then
makes decisions on approval of the final
document for publication.
The College consistently revises existing
policy documents and introduces new
ones. Professional Practice Standards
state the generally accepted behaviours
expected of veterinarians for a particular
aspect of their work.
Building
Strong Policy
All standards and policies
undergo extensive
consultation prior to
final approval. Members
of the profession,
stakeholders and the
public are invited to
share their thoughts
on proposed policy
changes. Council
reviews all opinions it receives to make informed
decisions and, to promote transparency, publishes
a summary of the submissions received. Initiatives
in 2018 included publishing refreshed official
documents and guidance in the following areas:
• Telemedicine
• Prescribing a Drug
• Dispensing a Drug
• Extra-Label Drug Use
• Use of Compounded Drugs
in Veterinary Practice
• Rabies
• Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship
Visit www.cvo.org to access official documents
including regulations, by-laws, standards and policies.
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