College Connection | Page 8

college connection STAY CURRENT Keep a finger on the policy pulse! FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW TODAY ABOUT RECENT POLICY CHANGES The College continues efforts to ensure policy documents are clear and concise. Professional Practice Standards and policy documents are intended to assist veterinarians with meeting standards of practice and the delivery of safe, quality care and service. It is important that every veterinarian is familiar with newly released and revised policy documents. Stay current! It benefits you, your profession and the public. Professional Practice Standard - Rabies Programs: Following a rabies program, you are asked to submit data on the utilization of the program for use by the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care to the College. The Rabies Program Data Report form can be found on the College’s website under Resources in Temporary Facilities. Legislative Overview - Mandatory Reporting: The College has compiled the mandatory reporting requirements of veterinarians under federal and provincial law into a single reference resource. Check out this new digital document for quick access to everything you need to know to meet your regulatory obligations. Professional Practice Standard - Veterinary Dentistry: Council approved a draft standard which explains the practice expectations for providing dental services to any animals. Council reviewed the draft several times prior to approval and conducted an extensive consultation to ensure the document is current and addressed key concerns relating to veterinary dentistry. Position Statement - Reporting Animal Abuse or Neglect: The Position Statement has been revised to provide greater clarity for veterinarians and also to recognize the moral and ethical dilemma that veterinarians face Looking ahead ... when determining if reasonable grounds exist to prompt a report of suspected animal abuse or neglect. A list of references has also been added. Medical Records: The College’s Professional Practice Standard: Medical Records and the accompanying guide have recently been revised. The Guide uses a question and answer format to offer suggestions on how to apply the standard in situations that arise in veterinary practice. Quality medical records are essential to the health and well-being of every patient. Check out all College policy documents at www.cvo.org/resources College Connection is the official publication of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario, informing members on regulatory issues, with the expectation that members will govern themselves accordingly. College Connection is charged with the responsibility of providing comprehensive, accurate and defensible information. College of Veterinarians of Ontario 2106 Gordon Street Guelph, Ontario N1L 1G6 2015 Elections — The College will hold elections in two electoral districts this year. Those who live or work in electoral districts 2 (Brant, Elgin, Haldimand-Norfolk, Hamilton-Wentworth and Niagara) or 11 (Hastings, Northumberland, Peterborough, Prince Edward, Victoria or Durham) will be eligible to seek election. Serving on Council is a privilege and a unique opportunity to use your knowledge and experience to contribute to the betterment of the veterinary profession in Ontario. Council Meeting — The College Council is meeting next on June 17 in Guelph. Council meetings begin at 9 a.m. and are open to the public. Please call the College if you are planning to attend. Hiring new staff? — If you are planning to hire this spring, remember all veterinarians must be licensed with the College. The earliest a new graduate can be licensed to practise is May 2015. To ensure a veterinarian you plan to hire is licensed, please check the Public Register or contact the College. Phone: [phone] Toll-free: 1-800-424-2856 Fax: [phone] Toll-free fax: [phone] [email protected] www.cvo.org Strengthening the veterinary profession through quality practice and public accountability. Editor: Jan Robinson A  ssistant to the Editor: Kim Huson Publication mail agreement number: 40583010 www.cvo.org