CONNECTION
Spring 2022 / Vol . 38 No . 1 ISSN 2370-5965
NEW INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE COMPLAINTS PROCESS
The College Council has been focused on improving the complaints process for several years . While legislative reform is essential , Council recently approved a three-pronged strategy to assist with improvements , until the province establishes new legislation .
In March , Council approved a project to introduce added support to the management of its complaints process . The project includes a case administrator to prepare summaries for the Complaints Committee ’ s consideration , enabling the Committee to review more cases at its meetings . The number of complaints increased by 40 percent between 2019 and 2020 and continues to increase steadily . Unfortunately , the Veterinarians Act does not permit an increase in the number of committee members to address issues raised . In addition , College Council recognizes the complaints
REVISED TELEMEDICINE STANDARD TO BE PUBLISHED ON JUNE 1 process is stressful for all involved and , given these additional stressors , it is adding a part-time compassionate communications role to help those involved with a complaint . As well , a grief counselling service to assist complainants who are struggling with grief due to the loss of their pet rounds out the project plan .
OPPORTUNITIES Peer Advisory Conversation
The revised Professional Practice Standard on Telemedicine will be published on June 1 , 2022 . The revised standard :
– Requires that veterinarians who offer veterinary services to animals located in Ontario hold a CVO licence
– Confirms the College ’ s authority to investigate complaints made about a veterinarian licensed in Ontario , regardless of whether the veterinarian and / or the animal ( s ) is located in Ontario
– Confirms , in most circumstances , a veterinarian may prescribe a drug via telemedicine when they have recent and sufficient knowledge of the animal ( s ) through an in-person physical examination or premise visit
– Recognizes circumstances where a veterinarian may prescribe a noncontrolled drug without an in-person physical examination / in-person premise visit when there is an immediate , short-term need
The expanded use of telemedicine during the pandemic has been helpful in revising the standard . Veterinarians will find the new standard is less permissive than temporary emergency provisions during the pandemic . However , the changes present more opportunities which reflects the public and profession ’ s increasing use of technology .
The Peer Advisory Conversation ( PAC ) supports veterinarians in the delivery of safe , competent care . The conversation includes a discussion about your day-to-day practice and helps you to identify strengths and learning opportunities in continuing professional development activities , current cases , and non-technical skills . No matter where you are in your veterinary career , the PAC will help you enhance your practice !
CONTENTS
Accreditation Pilot 2 Council News 3 Voices In 4 Working Group Recommendations 5 Wellness 6 Informed Consent 7 Learning in Practice 8 Risks in Practice 9