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Professional Relationships

 
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1. Unless there is a good reason for confidentiality, veterinarians must communicate factual technical information in their possession to those people with a need to know in order to ensure (either generally or in individual cases) the welfare of animals, the promotion of public health, national biosecurity, integrity of certification, the advancement of veterinary knowledge, or maintenance of public confidence in the profession.
   
    
   [Show Explanatory Notes - Section 1]
   
    
   

   Understanding Section 1
    
   

   1. There are many situations (clinical and non clinical) where veterinarians must interact, communicate and co-operate with each other. This Code demands a high standard of professional and ethical behaviour in relation to communication and interaction between veterinary colleagues. Overtly poor relationships between veterinarians undermine public confidence in the profession and can pose risks to animal welfare, the promotion of public health, national biosecurity, integrity of certification and the advancement of veterinary knowledge. This Code therefore requires high standards of communication and interaction between veterinary colleagues.
       
      
   2. Isolation from colleagues is a known barrier to maintaining professional competence. Veterinarians should work to develop and maintain good collegial relationships.
       
      
   3. Situations will occur where more than one independent veterinarian is providing veterinary services to the same client. Examples of these will be dealt with separately in the following sections. As a general principle veterinarians should liaise with colleagues where more than one veterinarian is involved in, or has responsibility for, the care of an animal(s).
       
      
   4. Clients have the right to choose the services of more than one veterinarian. The Code requirements around professional co-operation exist to ensure the best outcomes for animals and owners, not to prevent clients from exercising the right to use the services of more than one veterinarian.
       
      
   5. When different veterinarians are providing professional services to the same client and treating the same animals there is the potential for an overlap of services. Where those services include the authorisation of restricted veterinary medicines, the undertaking of veterinary procedures, the development of herd health programmes, or the provision of advice there is an increased risk that conflicting or concurrent treatment programmes may compromise animal welfare/safety and public health. For example, there may be an increased risk of residues in food producing animals and it will be harder to ensure the integrity of certification.
       
      
   6. When it is known that more than one veterinarian is involved in treating the same animal(s) the veterinarians concerned should communicate with each other (with the client's consent). The purpose of this communication is to share sufficient information to determine whether any modifications to proposed treatment plans are required in order to protect the interests of the animal(s), the client and the veterinarians concerned.
       
      
   7. Multiple veterinarians can be providing veterinary services to the same client without any overlap of professional responsibilities. In these cases, and where it is known that other veterinarians are involved, the veterinarians should still make contact with each other in order to maintain and promote effective collegial relationships.
       
      
   8. In the interests of establishing and maintaining good professional relationships between neighbouring practices it is also recommended that veterinarians:
      1. Taking up duty in a new locality should make contact with other veterinarians in the area and introduce themselves;
      2. Communicate effectively and regularly with other veterinarians in the district;
      3. Settle any personal dispute with colleagues without recourse to publicity, as such action may bring the profession into disrepute.
       
      
   9. Where good communication and harmonious relationships exist between veterinarians, especially between veterinarians in neighbouring practices, there is a greater chance that any issues or conflicts will be able to be resolved easily and professionally. Where there are disputes that are not easily settled between the parties, veterinarians should consider enlisting external help to facilitate resolution of the issues (for example NZVA or a mediator).
      

    
   
    
   

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2. Where veterinarians are providing a specific and limited range of veterinary services to a client (e.g. consultancy services) they must:
   1. Ascertain from the client which veterinarian would be considered to be their usual general veterinary practitioner;
   2. Request the client’s consent to make contact with the general veterinary practitioner and continue to communicate relevant information with the general veterinary practitioner during the course of their professional involvement with the client;
   3. Ensure they only authorise the use of restricted veterinary medicines for clinical matters they have specifically consulted on;
   4. Make provision for 24 hour emergency care in relation to their responsibilities around the matters consulted on.
    
   [Show Explanatory Notes - Section 2]
   
    
   

   Understanding Section 2
    
   

   1. It is likely that a client will have one usual veterinarian who can be considered to be the provider of regular veterinary services (general veterinary practitioner) for their animal(s). Over a period of time, this veterinarian will accumulate veterinary records on the herd/flock/animal(s), their husbandry and their environment. Such clinical history information could be invaluable for the future health management of those animals. It is in the best interests of the client and their animals for the general veterinary practitioner to be kept fully informed about the animal's complete veterinary care in situations where some of that care is provided by different and independent veterinarians.
       
      
   2. Where a veterinarian is proposing to provide a specific and limited range of veterinary services to a client they must first (before their services are provided) question the client to ascertain who their general veterinary practitioner is. The veterinarian should explain the benefits of communicating with the general veterinary practitioner and, seek the client’s permission to do so. If the client declines to provide permission, this decision should be recorded, but this does not prohibit the veterinarian from providing veterinary services. If permission is given, the veterinarian should contact the general veterinary practitioner and inform them of their involvement. The veterinarians involved should co-operate and share necessary clinical information where this will improve the veterinary healthcare of the animals involved, or improve the management of risks associated with animal treatment. The general veterinary practitioner should be advised of the scope of services provided by the other veterinarians.
       
      
   3. Where a veterinarian is providing veterinary services to a geographically distant client, there is a greater requirement to communicate with the client's usual general veterinary practitioner. For example, it may be appropriate to gather relevant medical history to ensure the interests of the animals and the client are not compromised. This communication also facilitates the arrangement of any subsequent veterinary care that the general veterinary practitioner may be required to provide.
       
      
   4. On occasion a client may choose to use the services of a number of different veterinarians and divide the regular veterinary requirements for a particular group of animals between those practitioners. In this situation there may not be one single veterinarian who could be reasonably considered to be the client's general veterinary practitioner. The principles identified in this Code relating to communication between the veterinarians still apply, but because the total veterinary input is fragmented it may be difficult to achieve the best possible veterinary healthcare for the animal(s) and the client in these circumstances.
       
      
   5. Where a veterinarian is providing a specific and limited range of veterinary services (e.g. consultancy or artificial breeding techniques such as embryo transplanting), the range of restricted veterinary medicines authorised for use by the client will be related to and reflect those services. Restricted veterinary medicines should not be authorised by this veterinarian unless the appropriate consultation has taken place in order to gather sufficient information to support prescribing those products. The responsibilities of this veterinarian are still to make provision for continuous emergency care in relation to the matters they have consulted on. Where a veterinarian is providing veterinary services to a geographically distant client, they must still comply with this requirement. Where circumstances are such that the veterinarian cannot personally provide this, specific prior arrangements must be made with colleagues in the area who can do so.
       
      
   6. In a situation where a veterinarian is providing services to a geographically distant client and is authorising and supplying restricted veterinary medicines for use by the client or by a technician, the veterinarian remains responsible for the subsequent use of those drugs. Unless veterinary operating instructions are being used, the restricted veterinary medicines must only be authorised for use on animals under the care of the veterinarian. The technician or client must be conversant with the correct and proper use of such drugs if not administered under the direct supervision of the veterinarian. Veterinary operating instructions should be used where necessary to control and manage risks associated with use (refer to Veterinary Medicines paragraph 4 for further information on veterinary operating instructions).
       
      

    
   
    
   

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3. Second opinions give effect to a client’s right to have a diagnosis or treatment plan considered by another veterinarian.
   1. When a second opinion is being considered for patients under their care veterinarians must:
      1. Recognise the client's right to request a second opinion and if necessary identify that right to the client;
      2. Use their professional judgement to recognise when they should recommend a second opinion;
      3. Obtain the consent of the client before organising a second opinion;
      4. Provide appropriate case summaries for the second opinion veterinarian.
   2. When providing a second opinion veterinarians must:
      1. State their opinion in a way which does not unduly or wrongly discredit the first veterinarian;
      2. Respect the ongoing relationship between the client and the first opinion veterinarian;
      3. Communicate the second opinion with the first opinion veterinarian in those situations where the second opinion was initiated by, and the client is returning to, the first veterinarian.
    
   [Show Explanatory Notes - Section 3]
   
    
   

   Understanding Section 3
    
   

   1. A second opinion is the process of seeking an evaluation by another veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis and treatment plan, or potentially to offer an alternative diagnosis and/or treatment approach.
       
      
   2. Second opinions may occur for different reasons, and the expectations of the parties may vary accordingly. Second opinions can be loosely divided into those organised independently by the client and those organised with the involvement of the veterinarian. In the first case the client seeks a second opinion usually without informing the veterinarian that they are doing so because they may be apprehensive about the first opinion veterinarian's proposed course of treatment, or they are unhappy with the care provided. In the second case, the veterinarian might decide for a number of reasons that a second opinion is indicated or advisable e.g. the case is complex or the veterinarian has concerns about whether the client will accept the treatment recommendations. It is a legal requirement under section 138 of the Animal Welfare Act 1999, that a second opinion be sought if the proposed course of action is euthanasia for welfare reasons and the client will not accept the recommendation. A second opinion allows the opportunity for another veterinarian to consider if the proposed course of action is appropriate.
       
      
   3. When the client organises the second opinion independently it is possible, if their apprehensions are realised that they may choose not to return to the original clinic, or they may choose to have the treatment/investigations carried out at the second opinion clinic. Clients are entitled to choose which veterinarian they will use. In this case the professional expectations are that the second opinion veterinarian will manage the case as one of supersession.
       
      
   4. When a second opinion is organised by the veterinarian, the veterinarian should assist the client by recommending an alternative veterinarian with the appropriate expertise. The first opinion veterinarian should provide the necessary case summaries and information to facilitate the process and contact the second opinion veterinarian to notify them of the possible client visit. In these circumstances the second opinion veterinarian must not seek to take over the case, and must communicate the outcome (with the client’s consent) of the second opinion to the first opinion veterinarian.
       
      
   5. In both sets of circumstances the second opinion veterinarian must be careful not to discredit the first opinion veterinarian.
       
      
   6. Second opinions managed correctly and professionally can lead to better quality care, stronger client loyalty and enhanced relations between the veterinarians involved.
       
      
   7. In all cases of second opinions, care needs to be taken to comply with the Commerce Act and in particular not to act in any anti-competitive way.
       
      

    
   
    
   

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4. A client may be referred to a specialist, or a veterinarian with particular expertise or equipment, in order to obtain a diagnosis and/or carry out treatment. Following referral both veterinarians are jointly accountable to the client with the veterinarian first consulted being responsible for the continuing management of the case (unless otherwise agreed).
   1. Referring veterinarians must:
      1. Recognise the client’s right to request such joint services by referral;
      2. Be familiar with the referral options available;
      3. Recognise when a case is outside their area of competence and offer referral to a colleague whom they are satisfied is competent to carry out the investigations or treatment involved;
      4. Inform the client of the referral veterinarian’s level of expertise and whether they are a registered specialist;
      5. Before the referral, where possible, provide appropriate documentation and case records to the referral veterinarian;
      6. Document the referral appropriately in their client records.
   2. Referral veterinarians must:
      1. State their opinion in a way which does not unduly or wrongly discredit the referring veterinarian;
      2. Respect the ongoing relationship between the client and the first opinion veterinarian;
      3. Provide the referring veterinarians with detailed reports on diagnoses, treatments and prognoses for patients which are referred. If the referral veterinarian provides a written statement for the client, a copy is to be sent to the referring veterinarian;
      4. Make provision for 24 hour emergency cover for their patients in relation to the matters consulted on.
    
   [Show Explanatory Notes - Section 4]
   
    
   

   Understanding Section 4
    
   

   1. Referral is the act of handing over a matter or clinical case to a person who is a registered specialist or who has particular skills in the appropriate discipline. In making the referral the client should be informed whether the referral veterinarian is a registered specialist, or if they are not, what their particular skills and training are.
       
      
   2. Referral occurs for the purposes of obtaining a diagnosis and carrying out treatment with the expectation that the client will return to the referring veterinarian.
       
      
   3. Veterinarians should recognise when a case is outside their area of competence and be prepared to refer it to a colleague whom they are satisfied is competent to carry out the investigations or treatment involved. Veterinarians must exercise their professional judgement in deciding when to offer clients this option. The requirement is not that the veterinarian has to refer the case, but instead to offer the option of referral. Part of the informed consent process is to discuss alternative options to the course of action recommended by the veterinarian. A veterinarian, who fails to inform a client of the option of referral in an appropriate case, may be considered to be in breach of this Code.
       
      
   4. Where referral has been offered to the client but declined, this should be recorded in the medical record. Veterinarians should also consider including this information on any consent form.
       
      
   5. Veterinarians should be familiar with the referral options available to their clients. Consideration should be given early in appropriate cases to offer the client the option of referral.
       
      
   6. Veterinarians should facilitate the referral by providing any case summaries and records as necessary to the referral veterinarian. Veterinarians should make telephone contact to discuss the case with the referral veterinarian if documentation is unable to be provided before the appointment.
       
      
   7. Referral veterinarians must provide referring veterinarians with detailed reports on diagnoses, treatments and prognoses for animals which are referred. If the referral veterinarian provides a written statement for the client, the original veterinarian should also receive a copy.
       
      

    
   
    
   

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5. Supersession is the act of taking over the clinical management of a case recently treated by another veterinarian.
   1. Veterinarians must:
      1. When an animal is seen for the first time, ascertain whether another veterinarian has recently provided treatment;
      2. With the owner’s consent, notify the superseded veterinarian before consultation where possible, or as soon as practicable after the consultation;
      3. Request from the superseded veterinarian any relevant clinical information which may have a bearing on the future clinical management of the patient.
   2. Superseded veterinarians must:
      1. Provide all of the requested and relevant clinical information in a manner and form appropriate for the circumstances;
      2. Not impede or delay the transfer of clinical information;
      3. Communicate with the superseding veterinarian in a professional manner, in order to manage risks;
      4. Recognise a client’s right to choose another veterinarian.
    
   [Show Explanatory Notes - Section 5]
   
    
   

   Understanding Section 5
    
   

   1. The reasons for the supersession requirements of this Code are:
      1. To protect the safety and welfare of the patient(s);and
      2. To encourage professional courtesy.
       
      
   2. Veterinarians attending a patient (including a herd or flock) for a condition that has been recently treated by another veterinarian are expected to try to notify the original veterinarian before seeing the patient. Attending the patient may include providing specific clinical advice to the client (e.g. over the phone) before seeing the patient. If that advice to the client is general in nature then this probably does not require the first veterinarian to be notified. If it is not possible for the superseding veterinarian to notify the original veterinarian before seeing the patient, then this should be done as soon as possible after the consultation.
       
      
   3. Communication between veterinarians involved with supersession should only take place with the consent of the client. Knowing the previous clinical history can be critical for the safety of the patient. The superseding veterinarian should weigh up carefully whether they are able to provide services to a client who declines to provide consent for them to communicate with, or obtain clinical records from, the first veterinarian. Where the client does not consent, the superseding veterinarian should exercise their professional judgement carefully in deciding whether to proceed, balancing the expectations identified in this Code against the best interests of the patient. The welfare and safety of the patient should be of primary importance in this decision. However, where consent is not provided the veterinarian must clarify the client's reasons and explain the basis for these and the potential risks involved. In a situation where a client does not agree to communication with the previous veterinarian occurring, and where the superseding veterinarian elects to treat the patient, it is strongly recommended that this decision be documented, preferably with the client’s signature confirming the appropriate process has taken place.
       
      
   4. In fulfilling the requirements for supersession, the second veterinarian must inform the original veterinarian (or their representative) of their involvement, and request from the original veterinarian (or their representative) details of any relevant clinical information which may influence future clinical management of the specific condition being treated.
       
      
   5. In contacting the original veterinarian it is not an absolute requirement that the second veterinarian communicate directly and personally with the original veterinarian. However, professional courtesy is best served if the two veterinarians discuss the case together. Open and honest communication between veterinarians as a part of supersession will facilitate better communication between the second veterinarian and the client, thus reducing the risk of misunderstandings and the likelihood of complaints. If however, the original veterinarian is not available to discuss the case, the second veterinarian can make the required notification by leaving a clear message about the situation with an appropriate representative of the original veterinarian (e.g. their receptionist).
       
      
   6. Similarly the second veterinarian does not have to talk specifically to the veterinarian who has recently treated the patient in order to obtain the medical history. As described in Veterinary Services section 4(a) a patient’s medical record must contain such detail that another veterinarian could take over the management of the case at any time. Being unable to talk to the second veterinarian is not an acceptable reason for not passing on relevant information in the medical record where there is an urgent need to obtain the information.
       
      
   7. Patient medical records are owned by the owners of the veterinary practice. However, unless there are lawful grounds for withholding this information, veterinarians have an over-riding obligation to release copies of their records or relevant information from their records to the client's new veterinarian (with the client's consent) in order to protect animal welfare.
       
      
   8. If the veterinarian/practice owner is not always available to authorise release of the clinical information contained within the record, they have a professional responsibility to delegate that authority to another person in order that important relevant clinical information is provided in a timely manner.
       
      
   9. The superseded veterinarian is not required to send a copy of the patient's clinical record, but most veterinarians will usually do this as it is easier than summarising treatment. Superseded veterinarians are entitled to relay the relevant clinical information in a form that is convenient to them and appropriate for the type and amount of information, and the urgency of the situation. Verbally providing the details may be appropriate, as would be faxing or emailing. If the circumstances of the case are not urgent, posting the details may be sufficient. Veterinarians are expected to exercise their professional judgement about what is acceptable and appropriate in the particular circumstances. The patient's welfare should not be compromised by the decision on how to forward the records.
       
      
   10. The superseded veterinarian should as soon as possible provide treatment details which might have a bearing on the patient's ongoing treatment. This information should include any relevant information including x-rays, lab results drug or other treatments. It is not required that superseded veterinarians provide this information personally, and if they are otherwise engaged (e.g. in surgery) the relevant details can be relayed by their representative, e.g. receptionist.
        
       
   11. The second veterinarian is not obliged to provide the superseded veterinarian with any details of their planned treatment of the case before proceeding or details of the treatment they carried out.
        
       
   12. Implicit in the supersession requirements is the expectation that veterinarians will communicate professionally and not hinder the ongoing management of cases. Ultimately the patient's welfare must not be compromised. There is a secondary expectation that the public perception of the profession is not compromised through the client's observation of poor communication between veterinarians when supersession is involved in a case involving their animals.
        
       

    
   
    
   

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6. Veterinarians must treat colleagues with professionalism and respect not making malicious or unfounded criticisms of colleagues that may undermine the public's trust and bring discredit to the profession.
   
    
   [Show Explanatory Notes - Section 6]
   
    
   

   Understanding Section 6
    
   

   1. Veterinarians making unsubstantiated public criticisms of other veterinarians could face disciplinary action for their conduct which could be seen as bringing the profession into disrepute.
       
      
   2. Veterinarians must not publish denigrating comments about other veterinarians in public fora. This includes postings on internet based blogs and chat sites.
       
      

    
   
    
   

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7. Newly registered and/or inexperienced veterinarians must be appropriately supported at all times.
   
    
   [Show Explanatory Notes - Section 7]
   
    
   

   Understanding Section 7
    
   

   1. A practice employing newly registered or inexperienced veterinarians, must take into account that such persons may not have had the opportunity to fully develop technical and communication skills to perform at all times to an appropriate and acceptable standard. All veterinarians in the practice must ensure that inexperienced practitioners are appropriately supervised and supported at all times. This support may include being available for direct assistance or by call-back, or the provision of access to an alternative back-up, such as a neighbouring practice, a registered veterinary specialist, referral centre, or an out-of-hours veterinary clinic.
       
      
   2. Veterinarians must support less experienced veterinarians within the practice in general communication matters as well as in a professional sense. Practice meetings, practice seminars, regular performance feed back/review meetings and formal induction of new employees into the practice, all assist in the successful adoption of the practice culture, professional standards and business ethics.
       
      
   3. When a veterinarian enters a practice for any period, the relationship should be defined clearly in an agreed, fair and correctly prepared contract or employment agreement which makes all accountabilities clear. Failure to do so may lead to difficulties and disputes which may bring the whole profession into disrepute.
       
      

    
   
    
   
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Glossary
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Adverse event:
An adverse event is considered to have occurred if any one (or more) of the following takes place after the administration of a veterinary medicine:
1. an unexpected reaction;
2. unreasonable pain or distress;
3. lack of efficacy;
4. the production of residues in primary products when the product has been used as recommended.
An adverse event is considered to have occurred if any one (or more) of the following takes
place after the administration of a veterinary medicine:
1. an unexpected reaction;
2. unreasonable pain or distress;
3. lack of efficacy;
4. the production of residues in primary products when the product
   has been used as recommended.
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Advertise: To publicise to the community or to any section of the community using any words, whether written, printed, spoken, or in any electronic form, or of any pictorial representation or design or device used to promote the sale of any agricultural compound; and 'to advertise' has a corresponding meaning (ref: section 2 ACVM Act). Advertising does not include general information transfer about animal health, animal welfare, or food safety status or management.

To publicise to the community or to any section of the community using any words,
whether written, printed, spoken, or in any electronic form, or of any pictorial
representation or design or device used to promote the sale of any agricultural
compound; and 'to advertise' has a corresponding meaning (ref: section 2 ACVM Act).
Advertising does not include general information transfer about animal health,
animal welfare, or food safety status or management.
 

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Attending a veterinary emergency means to physically assess the animal(s) and as a minimum provide relief from unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress.

Attending a veterinary emergency means to physically assess the animal(s)
and as a minimum provide relief from unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress.
 

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Authorising, dispensing, recommending, selling and using veterinary medicines:

• Authorising: A veterinarian creating a documented approval allowing a client to purchase a particular restricted veterinary medicine to administer to a particular animal(s) in accordance with the instructions of the veterinarian.
  
  A veterinarian creating a documented approval allowing a client to purchase
  a particular restricted veterinary medicine to administer to a particular
  animal(s) in accordance with the instructions of the veterinarian.
   
  

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• Dispensing: Supplying veterinary medicines strictly in accordance with a written veterinary authorisation. Products must be dispensed in their registered packaging unless otherwise specified in the authorisation.
  
  Supplying veterinary medicines strictly in accordance with a written
  veterinary authorisation. Products must be dispensed in their
  registered packaging unless otherwise specified in the authorisation.
   
  

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• Recommending: Advising a client to use a particular veterinary medicine.
  
  Advising a client to use a particular veterinary medicine.
   
  

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• Selling: Offering for sale a veterinary medicine, including gifting or offering samples.
  
  Offering for sale a veterinary medicine, including gifting or offering samples.
   
  

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• Using: A veterinarian administering a veterinary medicine to an animal(s) in their care. This includes staff administering in accordance with the veterinarians instructions.
  
  A veterinarian administering a veterinary medicine to an animal(s)
  in their care. This includes staff administering in accordance
  with the veterinarians instructions.
   
  

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• Veterinary medicine: Any substance, mixture of substances or biological compound used or intended for use in the direct management of an animal.
  
  Any substance, mixture of substances or biological compound used
  or intended for use in the direct management of an animal.
   
  
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Certification is the action of providing a written assurance or notification to any person about any animal or animal product. (In this context 'written' includes using electronic means).

Certification is the action of providing a written assurance or
notification to any person about any animal or animal product.
(In this context 'written' includes using electronic means).
 

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A client of a veterinarian is a person (or organisation) that uses or has used the professional services of that veterinarian.

A client of a veterinarian is a person (or organisation)
that uses or has used the professional services of that veterinarian.
 

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Clinical practice means the professional examination, diagnosis, prophylactic, medical and/or surgical services veterinarians provide.

Clinical practice means the professional examination, diagnosis,
prophylactic, medical and/or surgical services veterinarians provide.
 

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Competency is the application of knowledge, skills, attitudes, communication and judgement to the delivery of appropriate veterinary services in any particular field of veterinary practice. Competence is demonstrated through performing the tasks required to an acceptable standard and doing this on a consistent basis.

Competency is the application of knowledge, skills, attitudes,
communication and judgement to the delivery of appropriate
veterinary services in any particular field of veterinary
practice. Competence is demonstrated through performing the tasks
required to an acceptable standard and doing this on a consistent basis.
 

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Compounded preparation: A preparation prepared by a veterinarian or by a person on behalf of a veterinarian for use or sale as a veterinary medicine without regulatory assessment or approval.

A preparation prepared by a veterinarian or by a person on behalf
of a veterinarian for use or sale as a veterinary medicine without
regulatory assessment or approval.
 

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Compounding: Combining ingredients (some of which may be generic chemicals or biological compounds and others may be trade name products) to prepare a medication to be supplied to a person to treat an animal. To prepare means not only the process of combining ingredients in an appropriate manner for the intended purpose, but also placing the medication into appropriate packaging with appropriate labelling to allow it to be supplied to and used by a person other than the veterinarian who compounded it.

Combining ingredients (some of which may be generic chemicals
or biological compounds and others may be trade name products) to
prepare a medication to be supplied to a person to treat an animal.
To prepare means not only the process of combining ingredients in an
appropriate manner for the intended purpose but also placing the
medication into appropriate packaging with appropriate labelling to
allow it to be supplied to and used by a person other than the
veterinarian who compounded it.
 

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Controlled drug means any substance, preparation, mixture, or article specified or described in Schedule 1, Schedule 2, or Schedule 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. (http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1975/0116/latest/DLM436101.html?search=ts_act_misuse+of+drugs_resel&p=1&sr=1)

Controlled drug means any substance, preparation, mixture, or
article specified or described in Schedule 1, Schedule 2, or
Schedule 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.
 

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General Veterinary Practitioner is the predominant veterinarian who a client chooses to provide the continuing and comprehensive primary veterinary care requirements for an animal or group of animals.

General Veterinary Practitioner is the predominant veterinarian
who a client chooses to provide the continuing and comprehensive
primary veterinary care requirements for an animal or group of animals.
 

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Generic Chemical
A substance that is offered for sale without any veterinary medicine claims being made by the manufacturer, proprietor or seller.

A substance that is offered for sale without any veterinary medicine
claims being made by the manufacturer, proprietor or seller.
 

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Human medicine refers to any medicine, prescription medicine or pharmacy-only medicine as defined in the Medicines Act 1981.

Human medicine refers to any medicine, prescription medicine or
pharmacy-only medicine as defined in the Medicines Act 1981.
 

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Ill treatment of an animal means causing an animal to suffer pain or distress which is unreasonable or unnecessary.

Ill treatment of an animal means causing an animal to suffer
pain or distress which is unreasonable or unnecessary.
 

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Immediate means taking place without delay.

Immediate means taking place without delay.
 

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Inducements are gifts or rewards offered to individual veterinarians or their staff which provide a significant personal benefit and therefore have the potential to influence treatment decisions (including the choice of restricted veterinary medicine) or incentivise sales. Examples might include but are not limited to cash, attendance at entertainment or sporting events, travel, hospitality, loans, personal items and consumables.

Inducements are gifts or rewards offered to individual
veterinarians or their staff which provide a significant personal
benefit and therefore have the potential to influence treatment
decisions (including the choice of restricted veterinary medicine)
or incentivise sales.
Examples might include but are not limited to cash, attendance at
entertainment or sporting events, travel, hospitality, loans,
personal items and consumables.
 

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MAF: Ministry of Agrictulture and Forestry.

MAF: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
 

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NZVA: New Zealand Veterinary Association.

NZVA: New Zealand Veterinary Association.
 

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Off Label Use: Using a registered veterinary medicine (over the counter or restricted) product for a purpose not assessed by MAF ACVM Group.

Off label use: Using a registered veterinary medicine
(over the counter or restricted) product for a purpose not
assessed by MAF ACVM Group.
 

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Practice:
Any aspect of veterinary endeavour. The practice of veterinary science includes:
1. signing any certificate e.g. clinical and export certificates;
2. prescribing;
3. treating;
4. reporting or giving advice in a veterinary capacity using the knowledge, skills, attitudes and competence initially attained for the BVSc degree (or equivalent) and built upon through experience and/or post-graduate and continuing professional development. "Practice" goes wider in this context than clinical veterinary science to include regulatory and compliance functions, teaching, consultancy, advice and health and welfare management.
Any aspect of veterinary endeavour.
The practice of veterinary science includes:
1. signing any certificate e.g. clinical and export certificates;
2. prescribing;
3. treating;
4. reporting or giving advice in a veterinary capacity using
   the knowledge, skills, attitudes and competence initially attained
   for the BVSc degree (or equivalent) and built upon through experience
   and/or post-graduate and continuing professional development. "Practice"
   goes wider in this context than clinical veterinary science to include
   regulatory and compliance functions, teaching, consultancy, advice
   and health and welfare management.
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Referral: The act of handing over a matter/clinical case to a person, who has particular skills, or who is a registered specialist in the appropriate discipline.

The act of handing over a matter/clinical case to a person, who has
particular skills, or who is a registered specialist in the
appropriate discipline.
 

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RVM: Restricted veterinary medicine.

Retricted veterinary medicine.
 

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Veterinarian means a person who is registered with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand and who holds a current practising certificate.

Veterinarian means a person who is registered with the
Veterinary Council of New Zealand and who holds a current
practising certificate.
 

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Veterinary authorisation: An instruction, in an appropriate documented form, from a veterinarian authorising:
1. the use of a restricted veterinary medicine by the specified person in accordance with the authorising veterinarian's instructions;
2. the holding of a relevant restricted veterinary medicine by a person who is neither a recognised trader nor a veterinarian;
3. the sale from a person recognised to sell restricted veterinary medicines to a person specified in the authorisation.
The terms veterinary authorisation and veterinary prescription have the same meaning and may be used interchangeably.

An instruction, in an appropriate documented form, from a
veterinarian authorising:
1. the use of a restricted veterinary medicine by the specified
   person in accordance with the authorising veterinarian's instructions;
2. the holding of a relevant restricted veterinary medicine by a
   person who is neither a recognised trader nor a veterinarian;
3. the sale from a person recognised to sell restricted veterinary
   medicines to a person specified in the authorisation.
The terms veterinary authorisation and veterinary prescription have the
same meaning and may be used interchangeably.
 

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Veterinary consultation
A veterinary consultation must include the veterinarian:
1. interviewing the client (or a legitimate and authorised representative of the client);
2. collecting and recording sufficient information relevant to the individual circumstances to ensure the proposed course of action (including treatment) is appropriate and meets the needs and best interests of the animal(s) and the client;
3. obtaining appropriate consent to the proposed course of action;
4. being given and accepting responsibility for the ongoing health and welfare of the animal(s) concerned in relation to the consultation. This includes arranging emergency care taking into consideration the circumstances and the potential for adverse effects from, or failure of the agreed course of action;
5. determining and providing the appropriate level of advice and training in order to be satisfied that the agreed course of action can occur as planned
Consultation will usually involve the animal(s) having been seen by the veterinarian at the time of the consultation. If not, they will have been seen recently or often enough for the veterinarian to have sufficient personal knowledge of the condition/health status of the animal(s). This consultation is required in order for the veterinarian to be able to propose the particular course of action/treatment.

A veterinary consultation must include the veterinarian:
1. interviewing the client (or a legitimate and authorised representative of the client);
2. collecting and recording sufficient information relevant to
   the individual circumstances to ensure the proposed course of action
   (including treatment) is appropriate and meets the needs and best
   interests of the animal(s) and the client;
3. obtaining appropriate consent to the proposed course of action;
4. being given and accepting responsibility for the ongoing health
   and welfare of the animal(s) concerned in relation to the consultation.
   This includes arranging emergency care taking into consideration the
   circumstances and the potential for adverse effects from, or failure
   of the agreed course of action;
5. determining and providing the appropriate level of advice and training
   in order to be satisfied that the agreed course of action can
   occur as planned; and
Consultation will usually involve the animal(s) having been seen by the
veterinarian at the time of the consultation. If not, they will have been seen
recently or often enough for the veterinarian to have sufficient personal knowledge
of the condition/health status of the animal(s). This consultation is required in
order for the veterinarian to be able to propose the particular course of action/treatment.
 

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VCNZ: Veterinary Council of New Zealand

Veterinary Council of New Zealand
 

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Veterinary emergency: Any sudden, unforeseen injury, illness or complication in an animal demanding immediate or early veterinary treatment to save life or to provide timely relief from unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress.

Any sudden, unforeseen injury, illness or complication in an
animal demanding immediate or early veterinary treatment to save
life or to provide timely relief from unreasonable or unnecessary
pain or distress.
 

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Veterinary Operating Instruction (VOI): A set of instructions from an authorising veterinarian (AV) to a non-veterinarian to hold restricted veterinary medicines (RVM) in anticipation of their use, and to use RVMs only in accordance with the AV's instructions in circumstances in which the AV will not be carrying out a case-specific consultation.

A set of instructions from an authorising veterinarian (AV) to a
non-veterinarian to hold restricted veterinary medicines (RVM) in
anticipation of their use, and to use RVMs only in accordance
with the AV's instructions in circumstances in which the AV will
not be carrying out a case-specific consultation.