college connection
POLICY NEWS
COUNCIL DISCUSSES ELECTION VS. SELECTION OF
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS AS PART OF LEGISLATIVE REFORM
At its March meeting, College Council
discussed the merits of selection vs. election
as a means of acquiring veterinarians to serve
on Council. This topic is part of Council’s
evolving work with the modernization of the
Veterinarians Act.
Council welcomed the input from Mr. Harry
Cayton, who is an international advisor to
the Professional Standards Authority which
is based in the United Kingdom. Mr. Cayton
joined Council via teleconference and offered
his experience on election vs. selection in
the regulatory world. Following discussion,
Council directed further analysis of the
strengths of our current process and what
gaps needed specific mitigation if any.
Traditionally, veterinarians have been elected
to Council from a geographic electoral district.
In the broader regulatory community, there
has been considerable debate on whether
the selection or appointment of professional
by their colleagues, they do not represent a
constituency.
Watch Council online!
members to Council should be based on
their competencies and attributes. A well-
designed selection process may be viewed
as neutral and assist the public with having
confidence in decisions. Currently, profession-
based regulatory organizations generally are
challenged by perceptions of over abundent
self-interest.
The College Council serves the public interest
and is trusted by the public to be objective,
impartial, fair and transparent. Although
licensed veterinarians are elected to Council
In efforts to share its discussions with a
greater number of people, Council is now
recording various items on its agenda for your
review. This interesting topic, including Mr.
Cayton’s presentation, can be found on the
College website at cvo.org/Councilvideo.
Council will revisit this topic at a future
meeting.
Where to find Council
recordings
Council videos enable you to have a
firsthand look at the work of the College’s
governing body.
Council minutes and summary highlights
will continue to be shared as well.
cvo.org/CouncilVideo
RECENT DISCIPLINE SUMMARIES NOW POSTED
The outcomes of discipline hearings are
public information and are intended to provide
a greater understanding of the veterinary
profession’s accountability to the public.
Summaries are posted on the College website
(www.cvo.org/Discipline-Orders) and findings
are noted on the Public Register. Disciplinary
decisions are available by contacting the
College. The following discipline summary
was recently posted:
Dr. Kent Charlton
As a result of an uncontested professional
misconduct hearing on January 10, 2019,
the member was suspended for two months
and required to complete an evaluation
on assessment, informed consent and
professionalism. The College investigation
found the member failed to properly examine
the patient before prescribing medication and
failed to obtain consent for treatment.
In addition to the suspension and evaluation,
the member is required to participate in a
records review and pay costs to the College
of $2,500.
Dr. Gerrit Deuzeman
A Discipline Committee panel met to consider
allegations of professional misconduct.
Prior to the hearing, the member voluntarily
relinquished his licence and the panel
adjourned the matter “sine die (without a
day).”
Dr. Sandra Watzin
As a result of the uncontested professional
misconduct hearing on January 10, 2019,
the member was suspended for just under a
PROFESSIONALS HEALTH PROGRAM
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month and required to complete an evaluation
on proper diagnostic and surgical protocols
for cryptorchid neuter surgery. The College
investigation found the member failed to
properly examine the patient or to conduct
follow up laboratory tests to determine
whether the retained testis has been removed.
In addition to the suspension and evaluation,
the member completed a one day mentorship
on cryptorchid neuter surgery. The member
also completed a learning module on medical
record keeping and a peer review of medical
records. The member is required to pay costs
to the College of $3,500.
Read a full summary on these cases
at:
www.cvo.org/Discipline-Orders
Professionals
Health
Program