college connection
ACCOUNTABILITY
COUNCIL FOCUSED ON FISCAL
ACCOUNTABILITY
The Council made a commitment in 2012 to
increase transparency to licensed members
related to College finances — in particular its
expenses.
It is no surprise that one of the largest areas
of expenditure in executing its legislated
mandate is, and will continue to be, legal
related expenses. These are also the areas of
expenditure fraught with unpredictability —
the types of complaints arising, the number of
cases referred to discipline and the number
of appeals of decisions rendered.
While all other 2015 budget lines meet or are
below target for projected expenditure, legal
expenses are 18 percent above anticipated
cost. Detailed analysis reveals two primary
sources of increased cost — prosecution
of the unauthorized practice of veterinary
medicine (mainly in dentistry) and more
significantly, court appeals either related to
panel decisions or College jurisdiction.
At present, these costs represent
approximately $150,000 above projections
and could not have been predicted based on
a five-year analysis of past legal history.
Council, in its fiduciary capacity, is
considering all options to mitigate these
additional costs within its current existing
funds. This includes the containment of other
lines as appropriate.
The College is a regulatory instrument.
Due process and procedural fairness are
prevailing elements. Yearly legal fees, despite
best “guesstimates” are just that, an estimate
based on cases in process and previous
experience. Such budgeting will always be a
challenge.
The Council remains focused on meeting
its goal of a modest surplus to strengthen
its reserves to meet future challenging
circumstances.
REGULATORY
CHANGES MOVING
FORWARD
Since 2012, the College has been working
with the province on several amendments to
Regulation 1093. Through extensive debate
with policy staff and the legal team at the
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and
Rural Affairs, the College is optimistic the
revisions to Regulation 1093 have come to a
close.
Licensed members were recently consulted
on proposed changes to the section of the
regulations which deals with advertising.
At its March meeting, Council approved two
additional changes to the regulations.
While exceptio ns to a VCPR are currently in
place, such as for emergencies, additions
have been made for circumstances such
as when a veterinarian is performing a
service required by legislation other than
the Veterinarians Act, as in the Dog Owner’s
Liability Act or the Animals for Research Act,
and also when a veterinarian is performing an
independent examination for a third party, as
in a pre-purchase exam.
The second change is related to record
keeping rules and providing assurance that
record keeping is only commensurate with the
role when exemptions apply.
The revised regulations are being finalized
for government review and, once approved,
will come into effect, hopefully by the end of
2015.
The College will be given four months
to amend documents and provide
communication to the public and veterinarians
prior to the changes taking effect.
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