Law & Ethics

It is always interesting to me how much health professionals complain about the intervention of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)into their practices and the costs and inconveniences of compliance.

What are the limitations of general practitioners (GPs) and specialists?

East Brunswick, N.J.-The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has declared legal war on a veterinarian and his wife.

Santa Fe, N.M.-New Mexico veterinarians are busy monitoring two state legislative issues, as chiropractors seek to practice on animals, and animal rights groups attempt to rewrite the regulations for public shelters.

The examination room can be a horridly stressful place. The stomach butterflies often begin before the veterinarian even walks in the door.

Sometimes it seems as though the clinical practice of veterinary medicine is a perpetual manifestation of the timeworn expression "no good deed goes unpunished."

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine attempted to evaluate the quality of care provided to patients by comparing medical records from hospitals with the standard "evidence-based" best practice relative to the patient's particular medical problem.

The world only seems to get more and more complex, and the more we "grab life by the horns," the more complicated entanglements we face.

As part of its far-reaching plan to create a no-kill community, New York City Animal Care and Control (NYCAC&C), the largest animal shelter center nationwide, has debuted technology to increase adoptions and reunite pet owners with lost animals.

You'll never witness any shortage of complaints and dismay associated with being the spouse or significant other of a practicing veterinarian. There are the long hours and late nights. There are lots of parties you show up at late. Then, there are those movies and theatrical performances you only see part of; whether you miss the first third or the last third depends on when the emergency call comes.

Tallahassee, Fla.-A legislative venture designed to fetch millions of dollars for Florida spays and neuters wavers in the wake of a power struggle pitting a consortium of humane, government and veterinary groups against an animal rights outfit that founded the project.

The veterinarian's oath states in part, "Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the... relief of animal suffering... Does this solemn promise encompass our being "Good Samaritans"? What principles are involved in being a Good Samaritan? What are Good Samaritan laws, and how do they affect each of us? To what extent should we contribute our resources in the role of being a Good Samaritan?

Ever hear that expression, "I wouldn't do that for love or money?" I suppose that what the expression really means is that "I wouldn't do that for anything." The logical inference is that if there is no emotional or economic motivation, there isn't any motivation at all. In the law, and in the veterinary workplace, the truth of this inference plays out each and every day.

Question 1: What is the most important determinant in your decision to advise referral of a patient for overnight care?

As a swelling animal activist movement heads mainstream, evidence of its influence is creeping into the veterinary profession.

This month, we begin a series covering a particularly relevant topic in veterinary law, yet one that is widely overlooked both by lawyers when they are counseling veterinarians and veterinarians as they seek out legal advice.

Last month we discussed the pressure tactics parents, uncles, aunts and friends of young people can use on us as veterinary practitioners to arrange for their favorite youngster to come into our clinics and "observe."

Trenton, N.J.-New Jersey veterinary leaders suggest a new classification for owner retort in malpractice and wrongful death claims could stymie the growing animal welfare movement pushing court systems and legislators to view pets as more than property.

A concerted outcry of veterinarians, stung by a Consumer Reports (CR) article implying pet owners may be victims of veterinary pricing strategies, has fueled key associations to retaliate with letters to the editors and to the profession.

You don't have to be a veterinarian for very long before it happens to you.

In the first part of this series, we identified a number of problem areas that surround the employment relationship when a practice hires (perhaps a better word would be "enlists") a part-time or relief veterinarian.

140th AVMA Annual Convention kicks off July 19; former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani hosts keynote address

I see a geriatric dog with recent onset seizures that are not being controlled with anti-convulsant medications.

Legislators are crafting a bill, "National Veterinary Medical Service Act, that if passed, would create a program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide loan repayment for a select group of veterinary students - those who agree to work in underserved areas. The legislature would define which areas would qualify.

Don't overlook disability and pension benefits; make sure you understand documents; legalese can short-circuit best intentions

Tampa, Fla.- As veterinary officials stymie a Colorado bill granting pet owners up to $100,000 for loss of companionship claims, nationwide debate concerning the legal status of pets brews. One by one, America's courts are considering emotional distress and wrongful death lawsuits as pet owners and trial lawyers attempt to raise the value of pets to more than property - a move promising to alter how the country practices and pays for veterinary care.

The initial two articles in this series on associate employment contracts dealt primarily with legal details of the contract; contract periods, renewal provisions and other esoteric elements that are commonly ignored when a new associate is considering a job offer.

CDC has recipe for 'purer' horse vaccine; canines may gain from research

Pay close attention to deadlines, dates and expirations

Management of perianal fistula has been a challenge for pet owners and their veterinarian. Treatment has historically been surgical debridement combined with long courses of antibiotics.