Veterinary Profession General Regulation

(Consolidated up to 49/2022) ALBERTA REGULATION 44/86 Veterinary Profession Act VETERINARY PROFESSION GENERAL REGULATION Table of Contents 1 Definitions Part 1 Registration 2 Registration requirements 3 Certificate of Qualification 3.1 Evaluation procedure in lieu of Certificate 4 Additional requirements 5 Certain applicants deemed qualified 5.01 Applicants from outside Alberta 5.1 Specialists 5.2 Restricted registrations 6 Temporary registration 6.1 Short‑term registration 7 Students 8 Technologists 8.1 Removal of technologist from register 9 Practice of technologists 10 In‑person communication requirements 11 Registration of corporations as permit holders Part 2 Operation and Proceedings of Committees 13 Costs 14 Publication 15 Applications for reinstatement Part 3 Ethics and Advertising 16.1 Duties 17 False claims 18 Criticism 19 Letters from Association 20 Professional conduct 21 Encouragement of unlawful practice prohibited 21.1 Prohibited sales and supplies 21.2 Veterinarian‑client relationship 22 Consultations ‑ avoidance of criticism 24 Consultations ‑ professional cooperation 25 Consultations ‑ communications with client 26 Taking charge 27 Advertising 28 Rules governing advertising 41 Certificates of verification 41.1 Advertising of non‑veterinary medical business 42 Filling vacancies 43 Emergency calls 44 Testimonials 45 Guarantees prohibited 46 Fees from seller 47 Illegal practices 47.1 Direction of technologists 48 Use of Association’s name 49 Tenders 50 Unprofessional conduct Part 3.1 Continuing Education 50.1 Continuing education program Part 4 Practice Inspection and Practice Standards 51 Standards for service categories of veterinary practice entities 52 Inspections 53 Inspection of veterinary practice entities 54 Application for inspection 55 Response to inspector’s report 56 Standards for veterinary practice entities 57 Repeal 58 Expiry Definitions 1 In this Regulation, (a) “Act” means the Veterinary Profession Act ; (a.1) “domestic trade agreement” means a domestic trade agreement as defined in section 2 of Schedule 6 to the Government Organization Act ; (a.2) “bylaws” means bylaws made under section 14 of the Act; (b) “in‑person communication” means communication between people who are located in the same room or area and does not include communication through a telephone or other electronic means; (b.01) “mutual recognition agreement” means an agreement signed by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and another organization for the purposes of recognition or accreditation of animal health technology programs; (b.1) “National Examining Board” means the National Examining Board of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association; (b.2) “Practice Inspection and Practice Standards Committee” means the Practice Inspection and Practice Standards Committee established by the bylaws; (b.3) “registered veterinary technologist” means a person registered under section 8; (b.4) “service category” means a practice service category established under section 51(1); (c) “short‑term registered veterinarian” means a veterinarian who is registered under section 6.1; (d) “temporary registered veterinarian” means a veterinarian who is registered under section 6; (e) “universal standard” means a minimum standard that must be met and maintained by all veterinary practice entities; (f) “veterinary practice entity” means the total of facilities, equipment and supplies, registered veterinarians, registered veterinary technologists, support personnel and necessary documents that exist for the purpose of supplying veterinary services and which entity is approved by the Council, regardless of whether or not there is a location at which the public attends. AR 44/86 s1;231/95;58/2012;9/2017 Part 1 Registration Registration requirements 2 No person shall be approved for registration as a registered member unless the person provides the Registration Committee with the following: (a) a completed application in a form authorized by the Committee; (b) evidence satisfactory to the Committee of the person’s identity; (c) evidence satisfactory to the Committee that the person is of good moral character; (d) evidence satisfactory to the Committee that the person is a Canadian citizen or lawfully admitted into and entitled to work in Canada; (e) a notarized translation of any document that is not in English; (f) evidence satisfactory to the Committee of the person’s ability to communicate in English. AR 44/86 s2;58/2012;9/2017 Certificate of Qualification 3 (1) The Registration Committee may approve an applicant for registration as a registered veterinarian if the applicant has been issued a Certificate of Qualification by the National Examining Board. (2) If an applicant has not been issued a Certificate of Qualification referred to in subsection (1) and section 3.1 does not apply, the Registration Committee may, after reviewing the applicant’s academic qualifications, approve the applicant for registration and may impose any limitations or restrictions that it considers appropriate on the registration. (3) In determining whether to approve an applicant for registration under subsection (2) and whether to impose limitations or restrictions on the registration, the Registration Committee shall follow any guidelines established by the Council. AR 44/86 s3;231/95;58/2012 Evaluation procedure in lieu of Certificate 3.1 (1) If the Certificate of Qualification program of the National Examining Board ceases to exist or the Council ceases to recognize a Certificate of Qualification as satisfactory evidence of a person’s competence to practise veterinary medicine, the Council shall establish, in writing, a procedure for the evaluation of applicants for registration as a registered veterinarian. (2) A procedure established under subsection (1) must contain guidelines for the Registration Committee to follow in determining whether to approve an applicant for registration as a registered veterinarian and whether to impose limitations or restrictions on the registration. (3) In considering an application for registration as a registered veterinarian made by an applicant who has not been issued a Certificate of Qualification, the Registration Committee shall follow the procedure established under subsection (1) and may approve the applicant for registration in accordance with the procedure. (4) The Registrar shall provide any person who requests it with a copy of the evaluation procedure established under subsection (1). AR 58/2012 s5 Additional requirements 4 The Registration Committee may require an applicant for registration under section 3 or 3.1 (a) to successfully complete one or more examinations set or designated by the Committee, (b) to obtain additional experience of a kind and duration satisfactory to the Committee, (c) to attend an interview with the Committee, or (d) to do any or all of the above in addition to meeting the requirements of sections 2 and 3 or sections 2 and 3.1. AR 44/86 s4;231/95;58/2012 Certain applicants deemed qualified 5 An applicant for registration under section 3 who held on February 20, 1986 the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Toronto, the University of Guelph, the University of Saskatchewan or the University of Montreal has, for the purposes of section 3, the academic qualifications to practise veterinary medicine. AR 44/86 s5;231/95 Applicants from outside Alberta 5.01 (1) The Registration Committee may approve an applicant for registration as a registered member if the applicant is a registered member in good standing with a veterinary professional regulatory organization under an Act of another province or a territory of Canada that is a signatory to one or more domestic trade agreements in force in Alberta at the time the application is made. (2) A registration under subsection (1) (a) is subject to the same restrictions and limitations, if any, that the applicant is subject to in the other province or territory, and (b) must be dealt with in a manner consistent with the applicable domestic trade agreements referred to in that subsection. AR 58/2012 s7;9/2017 Specialists 5.1 A veterinarian shall not be approved for registration as a specialist in a category of veterinary medicine unless the veterinarian is an unrestricted veterinarian and the veterinarian provides the Registration Committee with (a) a certificate of specialization in that category of veterinary medicine and the certificate is recognized by the Council , or (b) evidence satisfactory to the Registration Committee of (i) post‑graduate training in that category of veterinary medicine at an institution satisfactory to the Committee, (ii) 5 years of experience in that category of veterinary medicine, and (iii) successful completion of an examination that the Council considers to be equivalent to an examination set by a college or other body recognized by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association for that category of veterinary medicine. AR 231/95 s6;58/2012 Restricted registrations 5.2 The following classes or categories of registration are designated as restricted: (a) temporary registered veterinarian; (b) short-term registered veterinarian. AR 231/95 s6 Temporary registration 6 (1) The Registration Committee may approve the registration for a temporary period of an applicant who meets the requirements of section 2, and who (a) is a graduate of a professional degree program in veterinary medicine at a university recognized by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, and (b) has (i) been issued a Certificate of Qualification to practise veterinary medicine by the National Examining Board of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, or (ii) successfully completed the preliminary examinations of the National Examining Board and has been accepted by the National Examining Board as a candidate to sit the Clinical Proficiency Examination for a Certificate of Qualification. (2) A person who is registered pursuant to subsection (1) (a) shall be categorized as a temporary registered veterinarian, (b) shall only practise veterinary medicine under the supervision of an unrestricted veterinarian, (c) may practise for a period of not more than 6 months, which period may be extended by the Registration Committee on the receipt of a written request for an extension for a further period of not more than 18 months, and (d) shall pay such fees as are determined by the bylaws for a temporary registered veterinarian. (3) The Registration Committee may restrict the practice of a temporary registered veterinarian. (4) The Registration Committee may designate the type of animal in respect of which a temporary registered veterinarian may practise. (5) The Registration Committee may determine the degree to which a temporary registered veterinarian shall be supervised by an unrestricted veterinarian. (6) The Registration Committee shall assign an unrestricted veterinarian who shall be responsible for supervising the work of the temporary registered veterinarian and who shall ensure adherence to the terms and conditions of the temporary registration. (7) The Registrar shall cancel the registration of any person registered as a temporary registered veterinarian when directed to do so by the Council. (8) In the event that the Registration Committee cancels or fails to renew temporary registration, or in the event that the applicant wishes to have reviewed or to appeal the terms and conditions of the temporary registration, the applicant may ask for a review of the decision or appeal the decision in accordance with section 18 of the Act. (9) A temporary registered veterinarian shall not be entitled to receive notice of, attend at or vote at any general meeting or special general meeting of the members of the Association. AR 44/86 s6;231/95;58/2012 Short‑term registration 6.1 (1) The Registration Committee may approve the registration of an applicant for a short-term period if the applicant (a) is a veterinarian in good standing with a professional regulatory organization that is established under the legislation of another jurisdiction and that is recognized by the Council, and (b) is applying for the short-term registration at the request of an unrestricted veterinarian. (1.1) The Registration Committee may impose any limitations or restrictions that the Committee considers appropriate on a registration under subsection (1). (2) An individual who is registered pursuant to subsection (1) shall (a) be categorized as a short‑term registered veterinarian, (b) only practise the category of veterinary medicine specified by the Registration Committee, (c) practise in conjunction with an unrestricted veterinarian, (d) ensure that sufficient liability and malpractice insurance is in place, (e) practise for a period of not more than 7 days, and (f) pay such fees as are determined by the bylaws for a short‑term veterinarian. (3) The unrestricted veterinarian referred to in subsection (2)(c) (a) shall ensure that the facilities used by the short‑term registered veterinarian meet the standards for facilities established under section 56, and (b) is responsible for providing medical and surgical backup and follow‑up support in respect of veterinary medicine provided by the short‑term registered veterinarian. (4) A short‑term registered veterinarian is not entitled to receive notice of, attend at or vote at any general meeting or special general meeting of the members of the Association. AR 231/95 s12;58/2012 Students 7 (1) No registered veterinarian or permit holder shall employ a student without the consent of the Registrar. (2) An application for the consent of the Registrar under subsection (1) shall include (a) the name of the student, (b) the name of the institution in whose professional degree program in veterinary medicine the student is enrolled, (c) the anticipated year of the student’s graduation, (d) the terms of the employment of the student, and (e) a brief outline of the duties and responsibilities the student will be required to assume. (3) The Registrar may consent to the employment of a student if the Registrar is satisfied that the student will be directly supervised by an unrestricted veterinarian. (4) A student may be employed for a period of not more than 6 months, which period may be extended by the Registration Committee, on the receipt of a written request for an extension, for a further period of not more than one year. (5) A student may practise veterinary medicine only under the direct daily supervision of an unrestricted veterinarian. (6) A registered veterinarian or permit holder may charge and collect fees for the services performed by a student employed by the registered veterinarian or permit holder. AR 44/86 s7;231/95;58/2012;206/2018 Technologists 8 (1) Repealed AR 9/2017 s4. (1.1) The category of registered veterinary technologist is established. (2) The Registration Committee may approve an applicant for registration as a registered veterinary technologist (a) if (i) the applicant is an active member in good standing of the Alberta Association of Animal Health Technologists, and (ii) the applicant (A) is a graduate of a program in animal health technology accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association or by an organization with which the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association has a mutual recognition agreement, and (B) has passed an examination in animal health technology approved by the Alberta Association of Animal Health Technologists and the Council, (b) repealed AR 9/2017 s4. (2.01) The Registration Committee may approve an applicant for registration as a registered veterinary technologist if the applicant (a) is a graduate of a program in animal health technology that is not accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association but whose curriculum is considered by the Alberta Association of Animal Health Technologists and the Council to be substantially equivalent to a program in animal health technology that is accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, (b) has passed an examination in animal health technology approved by the Alberta Association of Animal Health Technologists and the Council, and (c) has completed a clinical assessment approved by the Alberta Association of Animal Health Technologists and the Council. (2.1) Repealed AR 9/2017 s4. (2.2) The Registration Committee may require an applicant for registration under this section (a) to successfully complete one or more examinations set or designated by the Committee, (b) to obtain additional experience of a kind and duration satisfactory to the Committee, (c) to attend an interview with the Committee, or (d) to do any or all of the above in addition to meeting the requirements of subsection (2) or (2.01). (2.3) No person except an individual who is registered under subsection (2) or (2.01) as a registered veterinary technologist shall use (a) the title “registered veterinary technologist” or “registered animal health technologist”, or (b) a variation or abbreviation of either of those titles or an equivalent in another language. (2.4) An individual who is registered by the Registration Committee as a registered veterinary technologist may use the titles “registered veterinary technologist” and “registered animal health technologist”. (3) A person registered under subsection (2) or (2.01) is a technologist for the purposes of section 2(2) of the Act. (4) Repealed AR 9/2017 s4. AR 44/86 s8;231/95;58/2012;9/2017 Removal of technologist from register 8.1 (1) The Registrar may remove a person from the register of technologists if the Registrar is satisfied that the person (a) is not an active member in good standing of the Alberta Association of Animal Health Technologists, (b) to (f) repealed AR 9/2017 s5. (2) If the Registrar removes a person from the register under subsection (1), the Registrar may establish conditions that the person must meet to be reinstated in the register. AR 231/95 s15;9/2017 Practice of technologists 9 (1) In this section, “client” means a person who has a veterinarian‑client relationship as described in section 21.2 with a registered veterinarian. (2) A registered veterinary technologist may practise all aspects of veterinary medicine other than (a) making a diagnosis; (b) determining a course of treatment; (c) applying surgical techniques. (3) Notwithstanding subsection (2)(b), a registered veterinary technologist may provide advice on a course of treatment to a client of the registered veterinarian who directs or controls the registered veterinary technologist if (a) the advice is in respect of a diagnosis made or on conditions assessed by the client, and (b) the advice is based on protocols provided by the registered veterinarian. (4) Notwithstanding subsection (2), a registered veterinary technologist may evaluate life signs of an animal and initiate the necessary therapy if (a) the life of the animal or unborn fetus in the animal is in immediate danger, and (b) the registered veterinary technologist has, after making a reasonable attempt, been unable to contact a registered veterinarian. (5) A registered veterinary technologist acting under subsection (4) shall, as soon as possible, notify the registered veterinarian who directs or controls the registered veterinary technologist of the evaluation and therapy initiated and the registered veterinarian, upon being notified, shall immediately assume the clinical management of the case. AR 44/86 s9;231/95;58/2012;9/2017 In‑person communication requirements 10 (1) A registered veterinary technologist shall not practise veterinary medicine unless the registered veterinary technologist has in‑person communication with the registered veterinarian who directs or controls the registered veterinary technologist at least once during each day that the technologist practises. (2) The Council may establish, for the purposes of subsection (1), an interval between each in‑person communication that is less frequent than once during each day that the registered veterinary technologist practises if (a) the Council has received a request to establish a less frequent interval in respect of a registered veterinary technologist operating in a practice area and the Council is satisfied that there is substantial public support for the request in the practice area, (b) the Council is satisfied that local authorities or others have made reasonable attempts to have a registered veterinarian move to the practice area for the purpose of practising veterinary medicine and that these attempts have failed, (c) the Council is satisfied that the location of the nearest practising registered veterinarian to the practice area precludes adequate emergency care in the practice area by the veterinarian, and (d) other criteria established by the Council are met. (3) An interval established under subsection (2) ceases to have effect on the date specified by Council. (4) An interval established under subsection (2) is subject to the condition that reasonable attempts to have a registered veterinarian move to the practice area for the purpose of practising veterinary medicine will continue and the Council may cancel the interval established under subsection (2) if satisfied that no reasonable attempts by local authorities or others are being made. AR 44/86 s10;231/95;58/2012;9/2017 Registration of corporations as permit holders 11 (1) No corporation shall be approved for registration as a permit holder by the Council unless it provides evidence satisfactory to the Council that (a) the corporation is registered under or established by an Act of Alberta, and (b) subject to subsection (1.1), the majority of the issued shares of the corporation having voting rights are beneficially owned by an unrestricted veterinarian. (1.1) A corporation that does not meet the requirements of subsection (1)(b) may be approved for registration as a permit holder by the Council if the corporation does not offer veterinary services to the public or engage in the practice of veterinary medicine for the benefit of individual members of the public except in accordance with an authorization given under subsection (1.2). (1.2) The Council may authorize a corporation that is registered under subsection (1.1) to provide a veterinary service to an individual member of the public or to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine for the benefit of an individual member of the public if, in the opinion of the Council, the service or practice is likely to benefit the public generally. (2) A permit holder shall employ one or more unrestricted veterinarians who shall be responsible for directly supervising the practice of veterinary medicine by the permit holder. (3) A permit holder shall ensure that all veterinarians employed by it are registered veterinarians. AR 44/86 s11;231/95;58/2012 Part 2 Operation and Proceedings of Committees 12 Repealed AR 58/2012 s16. Costs 13 (1) If the Council, the Hearing Tribunal, the Complaint Review Committee or the Practice Review Board makes an order under the Act for the payment of all or part of the costs of an investigation, inquiry, hearing or appeal, those costs may include all or any of the following: (a) any transportation, accommodation and living expenses paid to a person conducting a preliminary investigation or to a member of the Council, the Hearing Tribunal, the Complaint Review Committee or the Practice Review Board involved in a review, inquiry or hearing; (b) any honorarium or payment made to a person referred to in clause (a) for participating in the matter; (c) the cost of any transcript of the proceedings or charge for the attendance of a reporter; (d) any witness fees and any transportation, accommodation or living expenses incurred by a witness; (e) the cost of renting rooms or recording equipment; (f) any fees payable to a lawyer acting on behalf of the Association or any Board or Committee of the Association; (g) the cost of service of any notice or documents; (h) generally, any other costs or expenses incurred that are attributable to the investigation, inquiry, hearing or appeal. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the Council, the Hearing Tribunal, the Complaint Review Committee or the Practice Review Board, when ordering costs, may order a specific sum to be paid as costs. AR 44/86 s13;58/2012 Publication 14 The Council may, on the recommendation of the Hearing Tribunal or the Complaint Review Committee or on its own accord, cause to be published the details of any finding or order made under Part 5 of the Act. AR 44/86 s14;332/90;58/2012 Applications for reinstatement 15 The Council may constitute itself as a Committee of Inquiry to consider any application for reinstatement of a person whose registration under the Act has been cancelled, and may (a) reinstate the applicant as a registered member or permit holder, (b) refuse to reinstate the applicant as a registered member or permit holder, (c) require the applicant to take further specified training prior to reinstatement, (d) require the applicant to take such examinations as may be prescribed by the Council prior to reinstatement, (e) impose any limits or conditions on the practice of the registered veterinarian or permit holder as the Council may decide, or (f) do any one or more of the above. AR 44/86 s15;58/2012;9/2017 Part 3 Ethics and Advertising 16 Repealed AR 231/95 s18. Duties 16.1 Every registered veterinarian, registered veterinary technologist, permit holder, student and other member of the Association (a) should be dedicated to the benefit of society, the conservation of animal resources and the relief of the suffering of animals, (b) shall serve clients, members of the public and fellow members of the profession with integrity, (c) owes a duty to clients to be competent to perform the services undertaken, (d) should serve clients in a conscientious, diligent and efficient manner and provide a quality of service at least equal to that expected from a competent member of the profession, (e) shall be candid and honest when advising clients, (f) is duty‑bound to hold in strict confidence all information acquired in the course of professional relationships with clients, and should not divulge that information unless (i) expressly or implicitly authorized by the client or required to do so by law, or (ii) it is information respecting inhumane or negligent treatment of an animal, in which case the registered veterinarian, registered veterinary technologist, permit holder or student may report the information to a peace officer as defined in the Animal Protection Act . (g) should be merciful and humane, preventing needless suffering among animals, (h) should assist in maintaining the integrity of the profession and participate in the activities of the profession, and (i) should maintain conduct characterized by courtesy and good faith, with a mutual interchange of counsel and assistance. AR 44/86 s16;332/90;58/2012;9/2017 False claims 17 A member shall not claim entitlement to a college or university degree that the member has not earned. AR 44/86 s17;58/2012 Criticism 18 No member shall belittle or injure the professional standing of another member of the profession or publicly criticize the character of another member’s professional acts. AR 44/86 s18;58/2012 Letters from Association 19 A member shall reply promptly and appropriately to any letter the member receives from the Association. AR 44/86 s19;58/2012 Professional conduct 20 Any member engaged in private practice who is employed by a lay person, including a company or society, shall act in a professional manner notwithstanding the direction or instructions of that employer. AR 44/86 s20;58/2012;206/2018 Encouragement of unlawful practice prohibited 21 Members shall not wilfully place their professional knowledge, attainment or services at the disposal of any lay body, organization, group or individual, by whatever name called or however organized, for the purpose of encouraging unqualified groups or individuals to practise veterinary medicine unlawfully. AR 44/86 s21 Prohibited sales and supplies 21.1 (1) No registered veterinarian or permit holder shall sell or supply a pharmaceutical or biological product to any person or entity that intends to resell the product, including but not limited to a wholesaler, a pharmacy and a person who holds a licence under the Production Animal Medicine Regulation (AR 299/2003). (2) Subsection (1) does not apply where (a) the sale or supply is to a registered veterinarian, (b) the veterinary practices of the vendor and purchaser or the supplier and recipient are recognized by, or have been inspected and certified by, the Council, and (c) all statutory requirements that apply to the product and to the veterinary practices of the vendor and purchaser or the supplier and recipient have been met. AR 497/87 s2;58/2012 Veterinarian‑client relationship 21.2 A veterinarian‑client relationship is deemed to exist if (a) the registered veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of a person’s animals and the need for medical treatment, and the person has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian, (b) the registered veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of a person’s animals so that the registered veterinarian may initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animals by virtue of an examination of the animals, by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animals are kept or by both examination and visits, and (c) the registered veterinarian is readily available for follow‑up care in case of adverse reactions to or failure of the regimen of therapy provided by the veterinarian for a person’s animals. AR 332/90 s4;58/2012 Consultations ‑ avoidance of criticism 22 When a registered veterinarian is consulted by another registered veterinarian and in the course of that consultation discusses the matter with a client, the registered veterinarian shall do so in such a way as to avoid criticizing the other registered veterinarian. AR 44/86 s22;58/2012 23 Repealed AR 497/87 s3. Consultations ‑ professional cooperation 24 Consultations shall be conducted in such a spirit of professional cooperation between consultant and attendant registered veterinarian as to assure the confidence of the client in veterinary medicine. AR 44/86 s24 Consultations ‑ communications with client 25 A consulting registered veterinarian shall not revisit the patient or client or communicate directly with the client without the knowledge of the attending registered veterinarian. AR 44/86 s25 Taking charge 26 In no instance and under no circumstances shall a consulting registered veterinarian take charge of a case or problem without consulting with the attending registered veterinarian and obtaining the consent of the owner of the animal. AR 44/86 s26 Advertising 27 A registered veterinarian, partnership of registered veterinarians or permit holder may advertise in accordance with this regulation. AR 44/86 s27 Rules governing advertising 28 (1) The Council may establish rules governing advertising by registered veterinarians and permit holders. (2) A rule made under subsection (1) does not come into force unless it has been approved by a majority of the registered members voting in a vote conducted in accordance with the bylaws. (3) Every registered veterinarian and permit holder shall comply with the rules that have been approved under subsection (2). AR 44/86 s28;332/90;231/95;58/2012;9/2017 29 to 40 Repealed AR 231/95 s19. Certificates of verification 41 (1) to (4) Repealed AR 332/90 s6. (5) A certificate or letter issued for the purpose of verifying soundness, pregnancy examination, tattoo marking, vaccination, spaying, neutering or other surgical alteration, diagnostic procedures or other pertinent medical information shall identify (a) the name and signature of the registered veterinarian making the verification, (b) the name, date of examination, address and telephone number of the permit holder with which the registered veterinarian is associated, and (c) the species, sex, age, breed and markings of the animals examined and the owner of the animals at the time of examination and the address of the owner. (6) Subsection (5) does not apply to a pregnancy examination tag used at auction markets. AR 44/86 s41;497/87;332/90 Advertising of non‑veterinary medical business 41.1 (1) In this section, “non‑veterinary medical business” means any matter that is not veterinary medicine as defined in the Act. (2) A registered member or permit holder shall not advertise non‑veterinary medical business unless the following conditions are met: (a) the non‑veterinary medical business shall have a separate phone number that is not to be used in connection with the provision of veterinary medicine by a registered veterinarian or permit holder; (b) the name of the non‑veterinary medical business shall not include or resemble the name of the veterinary medicine practice carried on by a registered veterinarian or permit holder; (c) the non‑veterinary medical business shall not include any title, description, letter, symbol or abbreviation that represents the word “veterinarian” or “veterinary” or in any manner represent to the public that a registered member or permit holder is associated with or carries on the non‑veterinary medicine business. (3) If the non‑veterinary medical business is carried on at premises having the same address as premises at which a veterinary medicine practice is carried on, any advertising of the non‑veterinary medical business shall be referred to only by the address, without reference to the veterinary medicine practice carried on at that address. AR 497/87 s8;9/2017 Filling vacancies 42 When called in an emergency or as a substitute during the absence of another practitioner, a registered veterinarian shall render the necessary service and then turn the patient over to the other practitioner on the other practitioner’s return. AR 44/86 s42;58/2012;206/2018 Emergency calls 43 When making emergency calls on a patient already under treatment, a registered veterinarian shall not institute unnecessary changes in the treatment previously prescribed. AR 44/86 s43 Testimonials 44 Members of the Association shall not write testimonials as to the virtue of proprietary remedies or foods except to report the results of properly controlled experiments or clinical studies, which reports may be published through a veterinary journal or at a meeting of a veterinary association. AR 44/86 s44 Guarantees prohibited 45 A registered member or permit holder shall not guarantee a cure. AR 44/86 s45 Fees from seller 46 When employed by the buyer to inspect an animal for soundness, a registered member or permit holder shall not accept a fee from the seller. AR 44/86 s46;9/2017 Illegal practices 47 (1) A registered member or permit holder shall not aid others in the practice of veterinary medicine in contravention of the Act. (2) Members of the Association shall not indulge in illegal practices, or teach others to perform them in violation of the laws governing the practice of veterinary medicine. (3) A member of the Association shall report illegal practices of veterinary medicine to a peace officer as defined in the Animal Protection Act and shall report illegal practices by members of the Association to the Council. AR 44/86 s47;58/2012;9/2017 Direction of technologists 47.1 A registered member who directs or controls a registered veterinary technologist in the practice of veterinary medicine shall (a) provide adequate instruction and supervision of the registered veterinary technologist, (b) have in‑person communication with the registered veterinary technologist (i) at least once during each day the registered veterinary technologist practises, or (ii) no less frequently than the interval established under section 10(2), and (c) ensure that the registered veterinary technologist is competent to carry out the aspects of veterinary medicine that the registered member asks the registered veterinary technologist to perform. AR 231/95 s20;58/2012;9/2017 Use of Association’s name 48 Without the written permission of the Council, no member or employee of the Association shall use the name of the Association in connection with the promotion or advertising of any commercial product or service, or in any way that would imply the endorsement by the Association of a product or service. AR 44/86 s48 Tenders 49 If a person or a public or other body seeks to obtain the provision of veterinary medical services or drugs by inviting written tenders, a member of the Association to whose notice this comes (a) shall inform the Council forthwith, and (b) shall not submit a written tender in respect of those services or drugs except where the calling of tenders for services or drugs is required by law. AR 44/86 s49;497/87 Unprofessional conduct 50 No member of the Association shall do an act that would reflect unfavourably on the worthiness of the member’s profession. AR 44/86 s50;58/2012 Part 3.1 Continuing Education Continuing education program 50.1 (1) The Practice Review Board is responsible for making recommendations to the Council about standards of continuing education for registered members and specialists and any other matter related to continuing education that is referred to it by Council. (2) The Council may, after considering the recommendations of the Practice Review Board or on its own initiative, establish a continuing education program for registered members and specialists. (3) The program may include minimum standards of continuing education for registered members and specialists. (4) The program and any amendment of it does not come into force unless it has been approved by a majority of the registered members voting in a vote conducted in accordance with the bylaws. (5) Every registered member and specialist shall comply with the applicable minimum standards of continuing education approved under subsection (4). AR 231/95 s21;58/2012;9/2017 Part 4 Practice Inspection and Practice Standards Standards for service categories of veterinary practice entities 51 (1) The Council, on the advice of the Practice Inspection and Practice Standards Committee, may establish practice service categories for veterinary practice entities and minimum standards for facilities, equipment, personnel and operational procedures for each of the service categories. (2) The standards established under subsection (1) shall not come into force unless they have been approved by a majority of the registered members voting in a vote conducted in accordance with the bylaws. (3) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2), the standards established under subsection (1) may be varied at a general or special meeting of the Association. (4) The standards established under subsection (1) as approved by the members shall be published in the Association newsletter. (5) The Registrar shall provide any person who requests it with a copy of the standards established under subsection (1) as approved by the members. AR 44/86 s51;231/95;9/2017 Inspections 52 (1) The Practice Inspection and Practice Standards Committee may inspect a veterinary practice entity owned or operated by a registered veterinarian or permit holder that employs a registered veterinarian. (2) The Practice Inspection and Practice Standards Committee shall appoint inspectors to carry out all inspections and to report their findings in writing to the Practice Inspection and Practice Standards Committee. (3) If a registered veterinarian or permit holder refuses to cooperate with an inspector or refuses to permit the inspector to inspect the registered veterinarian’s or permit holder’s veterinary practice entity, the inspector shall report the refusal to the Practice Inspection and Practice Standards Committee which shall immediately report the refusal to the Practice Review Board. AR 44/86 s52;58/2012;9/2017 Inspection of veterinary practice entities 53 Inspections carried out under the direction of the Practice Inspection and Practice Standards Committee must include inspection of facilities, equipment, personnel and operational procedures for all services offered for the species designated for the veterinary practice entity. AR 44/86 s53;9/2017 Application for inspection 54 (1) A registered veterinarian or permit holder shall apply to the Practice Inspection and Practice Standards Committee for an inspection of a veterinary practice entity by an inspector prior to the entity being open to the public for service. (2) A registered veterinarian or permit holder who owns or operates a veterinary practice entity that has changed ownership, undergone major renovations or changed its service categories shall apply to the Committee for an inspection of the entity by an inspector within 30 days after those changes or renovations occur. AR 44/86 s54;58/2012;9/2017 Response to inspector’s report 55 (1) A registered veterinarian or permit holder shall respond to the Practice Inspection and Practice Standards Committee, in writing, within one month of receiving a copy of the report of an inspector, setting out that any deficiency identified in the report has been corrected, how it has been corrected and, if it is not corrected, the reasons for not doing so. (2) A registered veterinarian or permit holder who does not comply with subsection (1) shall be reported to the Practice Review Board by the Practice Inspection and Practice Standards Committee. AR 44/86 s55;58/2012;9/2017 Standards for veterinary practice entities 56 (1) The Council, on the advice of the Practice Inspection and Practice Standards Committee, (a) may establish universal standards for veterinary practice entities, and (b) shall from time to time determine the standards for facilities, equipment, personnel and operational procedures for all services offered by each veterinary practice entity for the species designated for the veterinary practice entity. (2) The standards referred to in subsection (1) shall not come into force unless they have been approved by a majority of the registered members voting in a vote conducted in accordance with the bylaws. (3) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2), the standards referred to in subsection (1) may be varied at a general or special meeting of the Association. (4) The standards referred to in subsection (1) as approved by the members shall be published in the Association newsletter. (5) The Registrar shall provide any person who requests it with a copy of the standards referred to in subsection (1) as approved by the members. AR 44/86 s56;9/2017 Repeal 57 The Alberta Veterinary Medical Association By‑laws (Alta. Reg. 108/57) are repealed. AR 44/86 s57 Expiry 58 For the purpose of ensuring that this Regulation is reviewed for ongoing relevancy and necessity, with the option that it may be repassed in its present or an amended form following a review, this Regulation expires on March 31, 2027. AR 58/2012 s36;9/2017;206/2018;49/2022