As a reminder, the Veterinary Board of Governors has implemented two policies related to the COVID-19 pandemic. One relates to continuing education (CE), and the other applies to current regulations on the veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR). The CE policy allows unlimited online CE, which includes live webinars and preprogrammed education. The VCPR policy is effect through the duration of the declared emergency. This policy relaxes enforcement on the current requirement to establish a VCPR through a physical exam as well as the requirement to conduct a physical exam at least yearly in order to provide ongoing treatment and care. These policies can be found here.
Please keep in mind that current rules will again apply when the declared state of emergency ends. The board is continuing conversations about how to approach telemedicine in a post-COVID world.
Also, please review workplace health and safety guidance from L&I about employer and employee rights and responsibilities. Businesses can elect to continue precautions such as curbside service and mask requirements even if not currently required by local, state, or federal orders. Check the state’s COVID-19 website for up-to-date and reliable info at coronavirus.wa.gov.
Posted September 3, 2021