§4877. Veterinarian-client-patient relationship required; Good Samaritan exception
In order to practice veterinary medicine, a veterinarian must be engaged in a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. A veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists when a veterinarian:
[PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).]
1.
Engaged by client.
Has been engaged by the client;
[PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).]
2.
Assumed responsibility.
Has assumed responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the patient;
[PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).]
3.
Knowledge of patient.
Has sufficient knowledge of the patient to initiate a preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the patient and has personal knowledge of the keeping and care of the patient as a result of:
A.
A timely examination of the patient by the veterinarian; or
[PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).]
B.
A medically appropriate and timely visit or visits by the veterinarian to the patient while that patient is under the care of the veterinarian's practice;
[PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).]
[PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).]
4.
Follow-up evaluation.
Is readily available for follow-up evaluation or has arranged for veterinary emergency coverage and continuing care and treatment; and
[PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).]
5.
Records.
Maintains patient records.
[PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).]
A licensed veterinarian who in good faith engages in the practice of veterinary medicine by rendering or attempting to render emergency care to a patient when a client cannot be identified and a veterinarian-client-patient relationship is not established is not subject to any disciplinary sanctions authorized by Title 10, section 8003, subsection 5‑A based solely upon the veterinarian's inability to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.
[PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).