College Connection Fall 2016

Legislative Reform WATCH FOR UPCOMING CONSULTATIONS concerns with transparency, the need for a mandatory quality assurance program and to improve efficiencies in the College’s investigation process. Legislative reform is one of the College’s current strategic objectives. The College’s work to modernize and improve the existing Veterinarians Act is well underway. Initial consultations, held this spring, provided a wealth of helpful feedback. At a recent meeting, Council approved three additional concepts to be circulated for public consultation this fall. Concepts proposed include: • a new scope of practice model based on controlled acts • mandatory reporting of a dismissal or resignation of a veterinarian related to incompetence or incapacity • interim suspensions when a member’s continued practice poses a risk to patients and the public • publication of the names of members involved in a discipline hearing prior to the conclusion of the hearing Watch for your opportunities to share your thoughts on these interesting concepts. The College is asking the province to modernize the Veterinarians Act to address Fall 2016 Vol. 32 No. 3 ISSN 0821-6320 FEATURED Council appointed four groups to manage the process including an Oversight Advisory Group and three working groups: Scope of Practice, Investigations and Resolutions, and Quality Practice. All groups include Council members, senior staff, veterinarians, government representatives, association representatives and representatives from other regulatory bodies. The Investigations and Resolutions group and the Quality Practice group have now completed their work. Your guide to current policy Consultations on draft concepts are expected to continue over the next year. Council plans to have final recommendations in place for September 2017. On October 1, 2016, Bill 33 - a new set of rules managing controlled substances prescribed or dispensed in the form of a patch - and most particularly Fentanyl came into force. The College’s governing authority was enacted by the Ontario government in 1990. The legislation is due for a substantive review which would take into consideration changes to the veterinary profession and also shifts in public expectations. Learn more about the College’s legislative reform initiative at: www.cvo.org/Legislative-Reform This issue of College Connection explores the College’s latest policy initiatives. The College welcomes your feedback on College Connection! NEW LEGISLATION ALERT! Veterinarians who prescribe or dispense Fentanyl by patch are affected. Promotion of this bill was spearheaded by the OPP focused on a desire to reduce the public health risk of opioid use and overdose. Be informed. You are accountable for your practice. For specifics on the new requirements, visit www.cvo.org/fentanyl. CONTENTS Professionalism - Awareness . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Rabies Vaccinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Learning in Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 VCPR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 OAVT Rabies Response Program . . . . . . . . . 4 Ethical Dilemma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Strengthening the veterinary profession through quality practice and public accountability. www.cvo.org