Fall 2021 / Vol . 37 No . 3 ISSN 2370-5965

PRACTICE ADVICE

Social media refers to the various modes of electronic communication used to share information and create online networks . It includes websites , Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , Tik Tok , to name a few . New social media platforms always seem to be popping up and disappearing at a fast rate .

Many veterinary practices use social media to connect with their clients , attract new clients , and post information about their services . Navigating the social media environment can be tricky . When veterinarians use social media platforms as a public forum , they need to consider applying the advertising regulations broadly , maintaining their professionalism , and protecting confidentiality .

The College has provided a resource for veterinarians on social media called Guidance on the Use of Social Media .

This resource has been recently updated and provides valuable tips , including a reminder to avoid intentionally or unintentionally spreading incorrect information through social media .

During the pandemic , some highly publicized matters about spreading incorrect information have surfaced in other professions grappling with this issue . It is a reminder to veterinarians that their opinion is valued and highly regarded in society and information they post on social media should be supported by available evidence .

When using social media , veterinarians and their teams should refer to the following fundamental principles :

– The maintenance of professionalism and ethics

– The importance of privacy and confidentiality

– Compliance with relevant legislation , including the Veterinarians Act , Ontario Regulation 1093 , and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act ( PIPEDA )

– The maintenance of professional and respectful relationships with clients , colleagues , co-workers and staff

Veterinarians and their teams must exercise caution when posting information online that relates to a client or patient , including pictures , videos , or case stories of patients . Unless client consent has been obtained , refrain from posting identifiable client or patient information online to maintain privacy and confidentiality . continued on back page

FEATURED

Telemedicine consultation ongoing until November

The College established a professional practice standard on telemedicine in 2016 to acknowledge the increasing use of technology to facilitate and enhance veterinary care in Ontario . This standard supports veterinarians in using virtual modalities in practice and clarifies the expectations related to safety and quality .

The College Council recently approved draft changes to the telemedicine standard for public consultation .

The proposed changes recognize that telemedicine has supported access to veterinary medicine during the pandemic , including the relaxation of rules related to prescribing . Further amendments relate to licensure and the expectation that veterinarians offering services via telemedicine to Ontario animals comply with the licensing requirements and standard of care expectations in the jurisdiction where they are licensed .

To

participate in the consultation and review background information , visit the college website .

www . cvo . org / public-consultations CONTENTS

Collegiality 2 Peer Advisory Conversation 3 Council News 4 Registrar ’ s Recognized 5 Learning in Practice 6 Climate Change 7 Facility Accreditation Emblem 8

Instilling public confidence in veterinary regulation cvo . org 1