WSR 14-05-025

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed February 10, 2014, 10:53 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-933-xxx, the veterinary board of governors is considering rule making to define a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.92.030.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) is a nationally recognized standard providing the basis for interaction between veterinarians and their clients and animal patients. The VCPR assumes an agreement for care between the veterinarian and client, the veterinarian's current knowledge of the condition of the animal patient, and ongoing medical records documenting diagnosis and treatment. Veterinary prescription drugs should only be used within the context of a VCPR. The veterinary board of governors believes rule making may be necessary to define the required elements of a VCPR to ensure the veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the animal to initiate at least a preliminary diagnosis.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Judy Haenke, Program Manager, Department of Health, Veterinary Board of Governors, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia WA 98504-7852. Judy.haenke@doh.wa.gov, phone (360) 236-4947, fax (360) 236-2901. Stakeholders will be notified and invited to participate in an open public rules workshop and may submit written comments for consideration. Stakeholders will be notified through listserv and posting to the web site.

February 10, 2014

Kirby Putscher

Acting Executive Director