The Vet Client Patient Relationship (VCPR) is a cornerstone of modern veterinary practice. In Washington and in most States the establishment of a VCPR occurs with an in-person meeting between the Veterinarian, the patient, and the patient’s owner.
WSVMA and AVMA have long advocated for the retention of in-person VCPR, with this VCPR being renewed on an annual basis. For me personally, this has involved making appointment for our Vet to see our Fox Terrier, Ginger (who has recently passed), once a year for an annual checkup, vaccines etc. In between checkups I was able to call our vet and get prescriptions, and advice for many situations. Sometimes, the Vet was not happy with prescribing just virtually as they wanted a blood panel prior to confirming treatment.
The ASPCA is advocating with the State (they have promulgated a draft bill) and the Veterinary Board of Governors to remove in-person VCPR in WA. They say they are doing this as they want to improve access to veterinary care. They argue that the requirement for in-person VCPR is the thing that stops people seeking care for their animals.
WSVMA believes that removing in person VCPR will have the result of taking much of your prescribing from your local practice and shuffling it off to a call center somewhere out of state. An out of state veterinarian will then examine your former clients, and will be able to issue prescriptions for fleas, ticks, and heartworm. Under the proposed bill being promulgated by ASPCA they will also be able to prescribe antibiotics and other medications.
The loss of in-person VCPR will hurt your practices in three ways. You will firstly lose clients to these call centers. Secondly, when an animal is misdiagnosed and mistreated virtually, you will be left to pick up the pieces from a now justifiably upset client. Thirdly, the over prescription of antibiotics will hasten antimicrobial collapse.
We encourage you to make your feelings about VCPR known to the Veterinary Board of Governors. On March 4, 2024, the Board is due to confirm revised rules around in-person VCPR. They had been previously due to confirm an update that both WSVMA and AVMA supported in December 2023, but have further reviewed these rules based in part on the ASPCA’s submissions.
Please let the Board of Governors know your concerns about the potential loss of in-person VCPR. You can record your views by contacting:
Name: Loralei Walker
Address: PO Box 47852 Olympia, WA 98504-7853
Phone: 360-236-4947
Email: [email protected]