Source: https://www.mass.gov/policy-advisory/board-policies-and-guidelines-veterinary-medicine
Timestamp: 2017-12-16 03:36:07
Document Index: 567916876

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 55', '§ 9', '§2', '§5', '§2', '§ 58', '§ 58']

Policy Advisory Board Policies and Guidelines (Veterinary Medicine)
Webinars Based Programs for Continuing Education Credit
Board Policy Guidelines on the Identification of Board Certified Veterinarians
Board Policy Guidelines: Standards of Practice for Large Animal Practitioners
Dispensing of Prescription Veterinary Diets by a Non-Prescribing Veterinarian
Guidelines for Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine
Animal Dental Scaling without Anesthesia
Veterinary Practice of Out-of-State Veterinarians in the Commonwealth During a Time of Emergency or Crisis
Policy Guideline -- Policy No. 13-02
From: Board of Registration of Veterinary Medicine
Re: Board Policy Guidelines: Webinars Based Programs for Continuing Education Credit
The Board of Registration of Veterinary Medicine (“the Board”) voted today to adopt the following Policy Guideline. The Policy Guideline does not have the full force and effect of law, as would a statute or a regulation, however, the Board uses policy guidelines as a way to clarify issues related to the practice of veterinary medicine.
Policy No. 13-02
Pursuant to M.G. L. c. 112, § 55 and CMR 256 § 9.01: (1) and (4), licensed Veterinarians are required, as a condition of license renewal, to complete a minimum of 15 units of continuing education activities every licensure cycle (March 1 through February 28). Not more than six hours of continuing education units shall be acquired through home study or other mediated instruction. It has come to the attention of the Board that certain classes of online conferencing events, so called “webinars, interactive conferences, or online workshops,” are being offered live via the internet and require interaction between the licensee and the provider of the continuing education. The Board considers these online conferencing events acceptable for the balance of the required units of continuing education, and not subject to the six (6) hour limitation referenced above.
This Policy Guideline clarifies to licensees otherwise approved continuing education credits that are delivered through online conferencing events.
The Board will accept online conferencing events delivered through web based technologies as “live” credits so long as the events meet the following conditions:
1. There instruction occurs in real time; and
2. There is required interaction between the licensee and the instructor.
The online conferencing events are not limited by the 6 hours of “home study or other mediated instruction” limitations so long as the online conference event meets the above criteria.
All continuing education requirements, regardless of delivery method, must meet the requirement set forth in 256 CMR 9.01.
Policy Guideline – Policy No. 13-01
Re: Board Policy Guidelines: Vaccination Clinics
The Board of Registration of Veterinary Medicine (“the Board”) voted today to adopt the following Policy Guideline the administration of rabies vaccines at a vaccination clinic. The Policy Guideline set forth below does not have the full force and effect of law, as would a Massachusetts General Law or a Board rule or regulation. The Policy Guideline is intended to assist licensees with a recommended protocol and to assist the Board in formulating decisions that relate to issues in the practice of veterinary medicine.
Policy No. 13-01
The Board seeks to clarify the services that can be provided by veterinarians in settings such as vaccine clinics, which are typically outside of a veterinarian's normal practice locations.
Under 256 CMR 7.01: Code of Professional Conduct (1), a licensee's practice shall conform to currently-accepted professional and scientific standards in the profession of veterinary medicine such as but not limited to the AVMA Principles. It is a currently-accepted professional and scientific standard that the proper use of vaccination is essential to the health of veterinary patients as well as the general public. It is also a currently-accepted professional and scientific standard that animals must be physiologically healthy and immunologically competent to respond to the vaccine.
Vaccination and revaccination programs, for preventive health care, should maintain the health of the animals and public health while minimizing adverse effects. Appropriate decisions concerning individual vaccine selection and vaccination choices are best made under a valid VCPR (veterinarian-client-patient relationship), wherein the practitioner and client determine the best patient care program.
It is a currently-accepted professional and scientific standard that a VCPR is established only when the veterinarian actually physically examines the animal in person. A VCPR is maintained by regular veterinary visits as needed to monitor the animal's health. If a VCPR is established, but the veterinarian does not regularly see the animal afterward, the VCPR is no longer valid.
The Board considers vaccinations of all kinds to be included in this requirement, and therefore veterinarians are prohibited from administering vaccinations unless a valid VCPR has been established and documented. This means that no vaccinations should be given to animals without a valid VCPR, which is established by conducting an appropriate physical examination and assessment of the animal.
The Board acknowledges that Chapter 140 Section 145 B (a) states that:
Each owner or keeper of a dog, cat or ferret that is 6 months of age or older shall cause such dog, cat or ferret to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian using a licensed vaccine according to the manufacturer's directions and shall cause such dog, cat or ferret to be revaccinated at intervals recommended by the manufacturer.
The Board also acknowledges that rabies is a extremely serious infectious disease that almost always causes death, and can be transmitted from animals to humans. Therefore, the Board recognizes the public health benefits of conducting rabies vaccination clinics. For this reason, the Board allows veterinarians to administer rabies vaccines at rabies vaccination clinics without first establishing the usual and customary VCPR. However, this is considered an exception only for rabies vaccinations at rabies vaccination clinics, and does not apply to the administration of other vaccinations, such as distemper, etc., which always require a valid VCPR.
Under 256 CMR 7.01: Code of Professional Conduct (2) A licensee shall
(c) Conduct all professional activities in accordance with federal, state, local and Board statutes and regulations.
Rabies vaccination clinics should follow rabies vaccine label indications/recommendations in compliance with all governmental regulations that may apply. It should also be noted that all rabies vaccinations shall be administered only by a licensed veterinarian.
The licensed veterinarian remains directly accountable for the safe and effective administration of rabies vaccine, including the information to be elicited from the client or legal representative before vaccination.
At minimum, prior to administering a rabies vaccine, it is recommended that the veterinarian obtain information regarding vaccines previously received, wounds and exposure to wildlife or domestic animals, preexisting quarantine and health conditions, allergies, and adverse events that occurred after previous vaccinations. Assessment of patient’s physical condition can usually be based exclusively on information elicited from the client or legal representative, and on the veterinarian’s observations of the animal’s condition. Physical examination and vital signs (i.e., temperature, pulse, respirations) measurement are usually not necessary before or after administration of rabies vaccines, unless specifically indicated.
While there is no Massachusetts requirement for a signature to be obtained prior to vaccination, state policy and regulation generally expects the consent of a client or legal representative regarding the vaccination of animals.
The licensed veterinarian must ensure that the permanent record contains all the required documentation. This documentation may simply consist of the use of a uniform rabies vaccination certificate, National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) form #51, and a rabies tag provided by the vaccinating veterinarian.
Computer-generated vaccination certificates are sufficient, provided they contain the same information required in the NASPHV form #51.
According to 105 CMR 330, vaccination certificates for dogs must be filed by the vaccinating veterinarian within 30 days with the clerk of the city or town where the dog owner resides. One copy shall be provided to the dog owner, and one copy shall be retained by the vaccinating veterinarian. 256 CMR 5.01 requires a licensed veterinarian to keep medical records (i.e., vaccination certificates) readily available for four years after the last contact with the animal.
If you have any questions or concerns about this Policy Guideline, please contact the Board at 617-727-3080.
Upon request of the consumer, a Veterinarian shall provide prescription information to a pharmacy of choice. The method of providing prescription information shall be at the discretion of the prescribing Veterinarian. The prescription may be written or transmitted by any electronic means, in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 94 C.
Issued in Cooperation between the Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine and the Department of Agricultural Resources.
Issued in Cooperation between the Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine and the Department of Agricultural Recources
This joint policy statement is issued in a cooperative effort between the Department of Agricultural Resources ( Department) and the Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine ( Board). It is in response to information received by these agencies in the course of their operations. It has become increasingly apparent that there is a misunderstanding with regard to the standard of care that is required to be given to animals and their consumer owners in the pet shop industry. This joint statement is intended to clarify the standards of professional practice and services that are expected of all professionals and businesses and to which they will be held accountable by their respective licensing authorities.
The Department will inspect and review business practices for complicity with veterinary professionals in violations of controlling laws, rules and regulations. Such complicity that compromises the health, safety and welfare of amimal health or the public or renders an animal sick or diseased will lead to appropriate disciplinary action, including administrative penalties, suspension or revocation of licensure. See 330 CMR 12.00.
Re: Board Policy Guidelines on the Identification of Board Certified Veterinarians
Date: December 8, 20111
The Board of Registration of Veterinary Medicine ("the Board") voted today to adopt the following Policy Guideline. The guideline set forth below does not have the full force and effect of law, as would a Massachusetts General Law or a Board rule or regulation. However, the Board uses policy guidelines as an internal management tool in formulating decisions that relate to issues in the practice of veterinary medicine.
Policy No. 11-02
The Board Statutes and Regulations set forth the standards of practice for all licensed veterinarians in the Commonwealth. Specifically, 256 CMR §2.01 defines a Veterinary Specialist (Veterinary Diplomat) as a veterinarian currently certified by a specialty board recognized by the AVMA or the Board. The regulation governing advertising, 256 CMR §5.03, provides a licensee may, by using print or electronic media, provide information to the public by advertising which is not false, fraudulent, misleading or deceptive. However, a licensee shall not use any advertising that contains any statement or claim that a licensee is a veterinary specialist unless the licensee meets the definition of that term contained in 256 CMR §2.01.
Any advertisement or notice regarding a board certified specialist, that also lists other services in the advertisement or notice, should use care in wording the communication so that it does not imply board certified specialty status regarding the other services. One is either board certified, having met all of the criteria of the specialty college or board, or one has no board credentials. In the opinion of the Board, the mixing of board certified specialists and non-specialists, or their services, under common headings which do not clearly identify the board certified specialists and their specialty services, is misleading and should not be used by any licensee.
Re: Board Policy Guidelines: Standards of Practice for Large Animal Practitioners
The Board of Registration of Veterinary Medicine ("the Board") voted today to adopt the following Policy Guideline. This policy guideline is intended as a recommended protocol for the Board to follow. The guideline set forth below does not have the full force and effect of law, as would a Massachusetts General Law or a Board rule or regulation. However, the Board uses policy guidelines as an internal management tool in formulating decisions that relate to issues in the practice of veterinary medicine.
The Board Statutes and Regulations set forth the standards of practice for all licensed veterinarians in the Commonwealth. Specifically, 256 CMR 5.00 Practice, set the standard for:
Requirements for Full Service Veterinary Facility
Requirements for Emergency Service Veterinary Facility
All licensed Veterinarians, regardless of whether they are large or small animal practitioners are held to the standards set forth in this section, and all of 256 CMR.
More specifically, the Board would like to advise all large animal practitioners that standards regarding prescription writing, medication dispensing, medication labeling, as well as the contents of medical records, remain the same for ALL Licensed Veterinarians.
The Board Statutes and Regulations allow for those candidates who have graduated with a foreign degree in veterinary medicine, and who have passed the NAVLE exam, but have not fully completed the ECFVG or PAVE programs to apply for a temporary permit, that is valid for six (6) months, and may be renewed one time.
In accordance with MGL 112 Chapter 56A and CMR 256 4.01 (1), and after candidates have demonstrated qualifications, they may practice veterinary medicine "under the direct supervision and control of a duly licensed veterinarian practicing in the Commonwealth "
For the purpose of supervising those practicing with temporary permit, the Board considers a "duly licensed veterinarian" to have met the following qualifications:
Supervising veterinarian must be licensed for a minimum of four (4) years from the date of candidates application
Supervising Veterinarian must be in "good standing" with the Board. Should a pending investigation or disciplinary matter be under review of the Board, the verification of "good standing" shall be determined by the Board on a case by case basis.
Re: Board Policy Guidelines: Dispensing of Prescription Veterinary Diets by a Non-Prescribing Veterinarian When the Prescribing Veterinarian Does Not Stock the Veterinary Diet or the Client Does Not Have Ready Access to the Prescribed Diet
Policy No. 08-04
These guidelines are intended to help veterinarians make informed and judicious decisions regarding medical approaches known by several terms including "complementary," "alternative," and "integrative." Collectively, these approaches have been described as Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine (CAVM). The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine ("The Board") recognizes the interest in and use of these modalities and is open to their consideration.
The Board finds the practice of CAVM as the practice of Veterinary Medicine, as defined in M.G.L. c. 112 Â§ 58. The practice of all veterinary medicine, including CAVM, should be held to the same standards.
Circumstances commonly require that veterinarians extrapolate information when formulating a course of therapy. Veterinarians should exercise caution in such circumstances. If they themselves are not qualified, veterinarians may incorporate individuals licensed in human alternative professions, only through referral and consultation.
These guidelines identify CAVM as a heterogeneous group of preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic philosophies and practices.
Current examples of CAVM include, but are not limited to, aromatherapy; Bach flower remedy therapy; energy therapy; low-energy photon therapy; magnetic field therapy; orthomolecular therapy; veterinary acupuncture, acutherapy, and acupressure; veterinary homeopathy; veterinary manual or manipulative therapy (similar to osteopathy, chiropractic, or physical medicine and therapy); veterinary nutraceutical therapy; and veterinary phytotherapy.
M.G.L. ch. 112 Â§ 58 define and regulate the practice of veterinary medicine including many aspects of CAVM. These guidelines support the requisite interaction described in the definition of the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Accordingly, a veterinarian shall examine an animal and establish a preliminary diagnosis before any treatment is initiated.
Diagnosis should be based on sound, accepted principles of veterinary medicine. Currently accepted treatment methods should be discussed with the owner or authorized agent when presenting the treatment options available. Owner consent should be obtained prior to initiating any treatment, including CAVM.
Medical records must meet statutory requirements. Information should be clear and complete. Records should contain documentation of client communications and owner consent.
Policy No. 08-05
In Massachusetts, only licensed veterinarians can practice veterinary medicine. Veterinary medicine includes veterinary surgery, medicine and dentistry. Anyone providing dental services other than a licensed veterinarian, or a directly supervised (as defined by 256 CMR 2.01) and trained veterinary technician, is practicing veterinary medicine without a license and can be subject to fines and/or criminal charges.
It is the position of the Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine that dental scaling procedures performed on pets without anesthesia is inadequate and often medically unsound for the following reasons:
Professional dental scaling includes scaling the surfaces of the teeth both above and below the gum line, followed by dental polishing. A critical part of a dental scaling procedure is scaling the tooth surfaces that are within the space between the gum and the root, where periodontal disease is active. Access to this area of every tooth is impossible without anesthesia in a canine or feline patient. Removal of dental tartar on the visible surfaces of the teeth has little effect on a pet's health, and provides a false sense of accomplishment. The effect is purely cosmetic.
Dental tartar is firmly adhered to the surface of the teeth. Removing tarter with a hand scaler requires instruments that must have a sharp working edge to be used effectively. Even slight head movement by the patient could result in injury to the oral tissues of the patient, and the operator may be bitten when the patient reacts.
Inhalation anesthesia using a cuffed endotrachel tube provides three important advantages - the cooperation of the patient with a procedure it does not understand, elimination of pain resulting from examination and treatment of affected dental tissues during the procedure, and protection of the airway and lungs from accidental aspiration.
A complete oral examination, which is an important part of a professional dental scaling procedure, is not possible without anesthesia in a canine or feline patient. The surfaces of the teeth facing the tongue cannot be examined, and areas of disease an discomfort may be missed.
The Board of Registration of Veterinary Medicine ("the Board") voted today to adopt the following Policy Guideline. The guideline set forth below is intended as a recommended protocol for the profession to follow. It does not have the full force and effect of law, as would a Massachusetts General Law or a Board rule or regulation. However, the Board uses policy guidelines as an internal management tool in formulating decisions that relate to issues in the practice of veterinary medicine.
The purpose of this policy statement is to offer guidance regarding the ability of licensed, out-of-state veterinarians who are not licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Massachusetts to provide care to animals in the Commonwealth during an emergency or disaster.
Under normal circumstances, an individual must hold a license issued by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Veterinary Medicine to practice veterinary medicine in the Commonwealth. However, the Board recognizes that there may be a need for out-of-state veterinarians to assist in the provision of veterinary care to Massachusetts animals during a disaster or a time of emergency.
It is Board policy that a veterinarian who does not hold a current license to practice veterinary medicine in Massachusetts may provide gratuitous aid or relief, as described in M.G.L. Chapter 112, Section 58(4), to animals in the Commonwealth without a Massachusetts license during a time of disaster or emergency. See also M.G.L. 112, section 58A and M.G.L. Chapter 112, section 60. The out-of-state veterinarian providing the gratuitous aid or relief must hold a valid current license to practice veterinary medicine in another state and may not represent himself, temporarily or otherwise, as a veterinarian licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Massachusetts. Additionally, the out-of-state veterinarian must comply with all federal, state and local laws governing the practice of veterinary medicine in the Commonwealth for the duration of time that the veterinarian provides gratuitous aid or relief. See M.G.L. Chapter 112, section 58. The ability of the out-of-state veterinarian to practice veterinary medicine in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts without a license is limited to the duration of the crisis or emergency. An emergency or crisis is defined as an official state of emergency declared by the Governor of the Commonwealth or as declared by the Board.
Authority: M.G.L. Chapter 112, Section 58;
M.G.L. Chapter 112, section 60, and 256 CMR 1.00 et seq.
Policy: #05-02
The purpose of this bulletin is to offer guidance to Licensees regarding Clarification of Renewing and inactive license.
The Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine Regulations 256 CMR 3.00 state the requirements for returning an inactive (expired) license to a current standing.
A veterinarian is only allowed one license registration in Massachusetts. A veterinarian does not have the option of pursuing a new and different license registration in order to avoid the requirements for renewal of licensure described in 256 CMR 3.00. Once a veterinarian obtains license registration for the first time, that registration number is the only license number that will be associated with that individual in Massachusetts.
It is Board policy that candidates for renewal of inactive licenses must appear before the Board for an interview, scheduled at the Board's reasonable convenience. The Board in its discretion will waive that requirement only under extraordinary conditions of hardship.
Authority: M.G.L. Chapter 112, Section 54; and 256 CMR 3.00
Policy: #05-03
The purpose of this bulletin is to offer guidance to Licensees regarding Continuing Education Requirements in First Year of Licensure
The Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine Regulations 256 CMR 9.00 state the requirements for continuing education.
It is Board policy that all new licensees are exempt from the Continuing Education requirements for the license period that includes the date of initial licensure, unless the new license was obtained by reciprocity.
The Board does encourage new licensees to voluntarily take continuing education during their first year of licensure.
Authority: M.G.L. Chapter 112, Section 54; and 256 CMR 9.00
Veterinary Specialists seeking Full Licensure
Policy #05-05
The purpose of this bulletin is to offer guidance and clarifications for those veterinary specialists who are seeking full licensure.
The Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine Regulations 256 CMR 3.03(5) state the requirements for waiving licensure examination for veterinary specialists.
If a veterinary specialist who has previously been granted a waiver by the Board decides to seek full licensure, that veterinarian must adhere to the licensure requirements described in 256 CMR 3.00.
It is the sole responsibility of the individual holding the specialist waiver to ensure that all requirements for full licensure are met.
Substantiated evidence of any specialist practicing beyond the scope of his or her waiver may result in revocation of the waiver and denial of licensure.