Veterinary Medicine

Practice Guidelines

Law, rules and regulations, not guidelines, specify the requirements for practice and violating them constitutes professional misconduct. Not adhering to these guidelines may be interpreted as professional misconduct only if the conduct also violates pertinent law, rules and regulations, some citations of which are listed at the end of these guidelines.

Guideline 4: Continuing Professional Competence

Licensed veterinarians and veterinary technologists practice in a world of evolving science, technology, increased consumer expectations and other emerging issues. Practice in this changing environment requires ongoing development of knowledge and skills. It is critical that licensees remain current with changes and developments in the profession to provide quality services and to ensure public protection.

4.1

The veterinarian and veterinary technician should:

1. maintain and update professional knowledge and skills through continuing education and review of current literature, etc;
2. complete appropriate professional training before performing any procedure or therapy; and
3. have access to a library of current veterinary reference materials containing readily available textbooks and journals, internet databases, etc.