I passionately disagree with the purposed rule change.
Currently, student residents are allowed practice without faculty [clinical] supervision at a major
veterinary college.
Someone being unsupervised in an emergency situation at any time is a huge problem for pet owners.
Not being able to reach someone with more experience and expertise is another problem facing pet owners as afterhours and weekend care at veterinary clinics and vet hospitals (if available in the area) seemly are under staffed and the ‘on call’ personnel in their part time role are not able to more.
In pressure situations mistakes can often times be made.
There is no seemly no client/patient protection in the extreme case that something goes wrong.
18VAC150-20-140, Code of Virginia § 54.1-3807 (5) don’t seem as stringent at least compared to some other states.
I firmly believe that this purposed change does more harm than good.
Without hands on, direct [practical] supervision for all residents at what point are we depriving animals and pet owners a good standards of quality care?
What standards (if any) are practicing students held to in veterinary Medicine?
What about other clinical staff such as supervisors or chief residents?
Until those aforementioned issues are cleared up in my honest opinion
one main focus should be on accountability.
I could continue however I conclude with a case and point:
