college connection
LEGISLATIVE REFORM
And we’re off!!
COLLEGE’S LEGISLATIVE REFORM
INITIATIVE HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN
While we are not at a gallop to reach the finish,
the College has now launched its process
to explore opportunities to modernize and
improve the existing Veterinarians Act.
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Some of the feedback the College has
received recently is about what some have
described as a lack of “intent” to engage in
professional misconduct, which arguably,
should result in a lower penalty than if
the member intended to engage in the
misconduct.
The Act was first introduced in 1990, and
while some amendments have occurred over
the years, a substantive review of its currency
related to the profession and to public
expectation is now timely.
Council has appointed a Legislative Reform
Oversight Advisory Group with a mandate
to provide, on behalf of Council, leadership
and guidance to the legislative reform project
inclusive of recommending final changes to
the Veterinarians Act for consideration and
consultation.
An important difference between criminal
cases and College discipline cases is that in
the latter, the issue of “intent” does not have
to be proven in order for misconduct to be
found.
This is partly because the penalties available
at discipline do not include restrictions on a
member’s freedom, such as incarceration.
Led by the College President Dr. Jennifer Day,
members include:
But even where a member did not intend to
fail to maintain the standards, if the mistake
he or she made was serious and had serious
consequences, the ultimate penalty ordered
by a Discipline panel may be quite onerous.
• Dr. Larry Caven, 1st Vice President
• Ms. Jan Robinson, College Registrar & CEO
• Mr. Murray Hunt, Councillor
• Dr. Liz Saul, Councillor
• Dr. Greg Douglas, OMAF
• Dr. Greg Worley, OMAF
• Mr. Doug Raven, OVMA
Three additional working groups are slated
to begin their work in May. They are focused
on reviewing the current scope of practice;
identifying improvements to the screening
and remediation function of the College, and
considering legislative language related to
mandatory quality assurance.
Each of these groups includes councillors,
senior staff, veterinarians, government
representation, association representation
and the voice of other regulators. Council is
very excited by the impressive membership of
these groups and of the advice they will give.
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College Connection
DISCIPLINE
SUMMARIES TO
INCLUDE
MORE FACTS
There is almost no more important an
undertaking for a College than the review of
its governing legislation.
Council is anxious to assure a high level of
transparent and open dialogue on the ideas
that arise for consideration. The perspectives
of the public and of practising veterinarians
are essential to a robust process. How we will
manage this in a flexibl e and timely manner
requires careful planning.
With a goal of September 2017 for final
recommendations, we have work to do. Join
your colleagues in this unique and important
work. Stay turned for details on how to have
your voice heard.
On the other hand, a member may
demonstrate a failure to maintain the
standards over a fairly lengthy period of time,
but if there are no serious consequences, the
resulting penalty may be less onerous than it
would otherwise be.
The College welcomes dialogue about
its processes, including complaints and
discipline, and strives to improve its
communication.
Feedback we receive from licensed members
and the public will assist in trying to improve
the summary-writing process going forward to
include more of the facts and circumstances
from each case.