Code of Maine Rules › 02 - DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL AND FINANCIAL REGULATION › 285 - STATE BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICINE › Chapter 7 - CODE OF ETHICS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Summary: This chapter defines the code of ethics in the
				practice of veterinary medicine in the State of Maine.
The Board adopts the following code of ethics for Veterinarians
				and Veterinary Technicians.
1.
			 Knowingly make any false or fraudulent statement, written or oral, in
			 connection with the practice of veterinary medicine;
2. Refuse to divulge to the Board upon
			 demand, the means, methods, device or instrumentality used in the treatment of
			 a disease, injury, ailment or infirmity of any animal;
3. Commit fraud or dishonesty in the
			 application or reporting of any test for disease in animals or make a false
			 report of any contagious or infectious disease;
4. Commit fraud or deceit in obtaining a
			 license;
5. Falsify or misrepresent
			 education or experience of an applicant;
6. Falsify or misrepresent a recommendation
			 from a consultant or peer;
7. Cheat
			 on a licensure examination;
8.
			 Intentionally withhold or misrepresent any information requested on the
			 application, including any information regarding criminal or disciplinary
			 action taken by any state against an applicant;
9. Impersonate another applicant;
10. Commit fraud or deceit in connection with
			 services rendered as a Veterinary Doctor or Veterinary Technician;
11. Intentionally practice or attempt to
			 practice, or aid another to practice, beyond the scope of the license
			 held;
12. Intentionally
			 misrepresent the type or status of license held or qualifications to
			 practice;
13. Committing or aiding
			 another to commit fraud, deceit or corruption in billing, payment or insurance
			 reimbursement procedures;
14.
			 Intentionally engage in false, misleading or deceptive advertising or
			 impersonate another licensee;
15.
			 Knowingly supervise or provide consultation to an unlicensed person
			 representing him/herself as licensed, or a licensed person practicing beyond
			 the scope of his or her license;
16. Knowingly making referrals to an
			 unlicensed person representing him/herself as licensed, or a licensed person
			 practicing beyond the scope of his/her license;
17. Intentionally or recklessly cause
			 physical or emotional harm to a client or patient;
18. Practice veterinary medicine when
			 physical or mental ability to practice is impaired by alcohol or
			 drugs;
19. Practice veterinary
			 medicine when physical or mental ability to practice is impaired by physical,
			 psychological or mental impediment;
20. Negligently fail to provide adequate
			 supervision of a technician by a Veterinary Doctor with supervisory
			 responsibility over that technician;
21. Pay, accept or solicit any payment or
			 consideration for the referral of a client or patient;
22. Falsify or inaccurately record client or
			 patient records; or
23. Engage in
			 conduct which evidences a lack of knowledge, or inability to apply principles
			 or skills to carry out the practice of veterinary medicine.
Any violation of the code of ethics constitutes "unprofessional
				conduct" which is subject to discipline pursuant to
				
				32 MRSA §4864(11).
				However, unprofessional conduct is not necessarily limited to actions
				specifically set forth in the code of ethics.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY:
				   32 MRSA §§4859(2) and
				  (3) , and
				  4864(11)