Florida Administrative Code
61 - DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
61G18 - Board of Veterinary Medicine
Chapter 61G18-19 - STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
Section 61G18-19.002 - Complementary or Alternative Veterinary Medicine

Universal Citation: FL Admin Code R 61G18-19.002

Current through Reg. 50, No. 187; September 24, 2024

(1) Definition - Complementary, alternative and integrative therapies means a heterogenous group of preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic philosophies and practices, which at the time they are performed may differ from current scientific knowledge, or whose theoretical basis and techniques may diverge from veterinary medicine routinely taught in accredited veterinary medical colleges, or both. These therapies include, but are not limited to, veterinary acupuncture, acutherapy and acupressure, veterinary homeopathy, veterinary manual or manipulative therapy (i.e., therapies based on techniques practiced in osteopathy, chiropractic medicine, or physical medicine and therapy); veterinary nutraceutical therapy and veterinary physiotherapy.

(2) Communication of treatment alternatives - A licensed veterinarian who offers to provide a patient with complementary or alternative health care treatment must inform the owner of the patient of the nature of the treatment and must explain the benefits and risks associated with the treatment to the extent necessary for the owner to make an informed and prudent decision regarding such treatment option. In compliance with this subsection:

(a) The licensed veterinarian must inform the owner of his or her education, experience and credentials in relation to veterinary complementary or alternative health care treatment option.

(b) The licensed veterinarian may, in his or her discretion, communicate the information orally or in written form directly to the owner or to the owner's legal representative.

(c) The licensed veterinarian may, in his or her discretion and without restriction, recommend any mode of treatment that is, in his or her judgment, in the best interests of the patient, including complementary or alternative health care treatments, in accordance with the provisions of his or her license.

(3) Records - Every licensed veterinarian providing a patient with a complementary or alternative health care treatment must indicate in the patient's record the method by which the requirements of subsection (2) were met.

(4) Effect - This section does not modify or change the scope of practice of any licensed veterinarian, nor does it alter in any way the provisions of Chapter 474, F.S., which require licensees to practice within standards of care, and which prohibit fraud and exploitation of clients.

Specific Authority 474.206 FS. Law Implemented 474.202(13), 474.2165 FS.

New 12-25-05.

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