West Virginia Code of State Rules
Agency 26 - Veterinary Medicine
Title 26 - PROCEDURAL RULES WEST VIRGINIA BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
Series 26-04 - Standards of Practice
Section 26-4-3 - General Professional Ethics

3.1. It is unprofessional and a violation of this rule for any veterinarian to represent conflicting interests, except by express consent of all persons concerned, given after a full disclosure of the facts. Within the meaning of this rule, a veterinarian represents conflicting interests if, when employed by a buyer to inspect an animal for soundness, he or she accepts a fee from the seller. Acceptance of a fee from both the buyer and seller is prima facie evidence of fraud.

3.2. A veterinarian may not make any effort, direct or indirect, which in any manner is calculated to influence the sound professional judgment of another veterinarian. It is the right of any veterinarian, without fear or favor, to give proper advice to those seeking relief against unprofessional or neglectful veterinary services.

3.3. A veterinarian shall expose without fear or favor before the proper tribunal of the Board any and all malpractice, incompetence, corrupt or dishonest conduct in the profession.

3.4. A veterinarian shall not render any service or advice contrary to the law. A veterinarian shall also advise clients to observe the law.

3.5. A veterinarian shall not render any service or advice directed toward the corruption of any person or persons exercising a public office or private trust, or participate in deception, or betrayal of the public.

3.6. Any veterinarian who uses a present or past position, or an office of trust, deliberately to create an individual professional advantage, or to coerce, or to deceive the public is in violation of this section.

3.7. A veterinarian whose accreditation has been disciplined by state or federal authority may be subject to disciplinary action by the Board upon proof of removal of accreditation by that authority.

3.8. A veterinarian shall decide what medical cases will be accepted in his or her professional capacity. In the event the veterinarian chooses not to provide services, the client shall be notified.

3.9. The professional services of a veterinarian shall not be controlled or exploited by any lay agency, personal or corporate, which intervenes between the client and the veterinarian. A veterinarian shall avoid all relationships which could result in interference or intervention in the veterinarian's practice by any person or entity. A veterinarian is responsible for his or her own actions and is directly responsible to the client and for the proper care and treatment of the patient. This is to include information on how clients may receive emergency care when the veterinarian is not available.

3.10. A veterinarian shall exercise the same degree of humane care, skill, and diligence in treating patients as is ordinarily used in the same or similar circumstances by reasonable members of the veterinary medical profession.

3.11. A veterinarian in this State shall not issue a certificate of health unless he or she knows through actual inspection and appropriate tests of the animals, that the animals meet the requirements for the issuance of the certificates.

3.12. It is professionally dishonest for a veterinarian to guarantee a cure. A veterinarian shall avoid bold and confident assurances to clients.

3.13. A veterinarian shall conduct his or her practice with honesty, integrity, and fair dealing to clients in time and services rendered.

3.14. A veterinarian shall not violate his or her confidential relationship with the clients.

3.15. A veterinarian may represent himself or herself as a specialist only if they have completed the process of Board certification in a recognized veterinary specialty area. To become Board certified, a veterinarian must have a credential review and examinations set by the given specialty area. The Board shall annually, before the first of January, provide a list of AVMA approved veterinary specialty organizations for the next calendar year.

3.16. Veterinary Medical Records are considered privileged and confidential. Disclosure of records is prohibited unless the client has provided written or documented verbal consent. A veterinarian shall provide a client medical records within 30 days of request. However, records may be released by court order, subpoena or compliance with local, state or federal law as deemed necessary to protect the animal or public health. Sharing of necessary medical information between veterinarians or facilities is allowed for treatment, Boarding and diagnosis without client consent. Reasonable cost for copying the medical record and or images may be charged.

3.17. A veterinarian may not initiate or knowingly participate in any form of advertising or solicitation that contains a false, deceptive or misleading statement or claim. In order to advertise 24 hour emergency service, a practice must be a facility that provides that service.