§ 2433. Veterinarian-client-patient relationship; veterinarian of record

(a) The veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) exists when all of the following conditions have been met:

(1) The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making clinical judgments regarding the health of one or more animals and the need for medical treatment, and the client, who is the owner of the animals or their caretaker, has agreed to follow the veterinarian's instructions;

(2) The veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of those animals to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animals. This means that the veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animals by virtue of an examination of the animals or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animals are kept; and

(3) The veterinarian is readily available or has arranged for emergency coverage for follow-up evaluation of those animals in the event of adverse reactions or failure of the treatment regimen.

(b) Only a licensed veterinarian with a valid VCPR may:

(1) authorize the dispensing of veterinary prescription drugs;

(2) issue a valid veterinary feed directive;

(3) authorize drug distributors to deliver veterinary prescription drugs to a specific client; or

(4) prescribe, order, or otherwise authorize a pharmacist to dispense veterinary prescription drugs to a specific client.

(c)(1) The veterinarian of record (VOR) is the food animal veterinarian responsible for providing appropriate oversight of drug use on a farm premises for specific animals or group of animals.

(2) If more than one veterinarian or veterinary practice has a working relationship on a farm premises, then the VCPR agreement shall establish which veterinarian has the responsibility for specific animals or animal groups.

(3) A veterinarian who is not the VOR, when providing professional services, is responsible for making provisions for emergency follow-up care and must notify the VOR of his or her findings and recommendations.

(d) Prescriptions from veterinarians are subject to Vermont prescription drug cost containment statutes set forth in 18 V.S.A. chapter 91.

(e) Establishment of a VCPR for the sole purpose of the sale of drugs or increased sales of a particular brand of drug product is not a valid or ethical reason for having a VCPR. (Added 2017, No. 48, § 17.)