Arizona Administrative Code
Title 3 - AGRICULTURE
Chapter 11 - Veterinary Medical Examining Board
Article 5 - STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
Section R3-11-501 - Ethical Standards
Current through Register Vol. 30, No. 38, September 20, 2024
Under A.R.S. § 32-2232(12), a veterinarian practicing under a license or permit shall practice according to the following standards of professional ethics, which are based on the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics of the American Veterinary Medical Association.. The breach of any of the following standards constitutes grounds for disciplinary action against a veterinary license or permit under A.R.S. §§ 32-2233 and 32-2234.
1. A veterinarian shall show respect for the veterinarian's colleagues, the owner of an animal to whom veterinary medical services are being provided, and the public through courteous verbal or written interchange, considerate treatment, professional appearance, professionally acceptable procedures, and use of current professional and scientific knowledge.
2. A veterinarian shall not slander or injure the professional standing or reputation of another member of the profession or condemn the character of that individual's professional acts in a false or misleading manner.
3. A veterinarian shall offer or seek a consultation or a referral whenever it appears that the quality of veterinary medical service provided by the veterinarian will be enhanced.
4. When a veterinarian agrees to provide veterinary medical services to an animal, the veterinarian shall comply with the standards of practice in R3-11-502 regardless of the fees charged.
5. A Responsible Veterinarian employed by a partnership, corporation, or individual that is not licensed by the Board shall ensure that the veterinary judgment and responsibility of each veterinarian employed by the partnership, corporation, or individual is neither influenced nor controlled by the partnership, corporation, or individual to the detriment of an animal.
6. A veterinarian shall ensure that emergency services are consistent with A.R.S. § 32-2201 through § 32-2296, this Chapter, and the needs and standards of the locality where the emergency medical services are provided.
7. A veterinarian is free to choose whom the veterinarian will serve within the limits of the law. A veterinarian who agrees to provide veterinary medical services to an animal is responsible for the welfare of the animal until the animal is released, referred, or discharged by the veterinarian or the veterinarian is dismissed by the animal owner.
8. A veterinarian shall provide records or copies of records of veterinary medical services, including copies of radiographs, to an animal owner or another licensed veterinarian currently providing veterinary medical services within 10 days from the date of the animal owner's or other licensed veterinarian's request, or in less than 10 days if the animal's medical condition requires.
9. A veterinarian shall not make a false statement on or alter any document, record, or report concerning treatment of an animal.
