§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).