Explore tens of thousands of sets crafted by our community.
Veterinary Ethics and Legal Issues
15
Flashcards
0/15
Animal Welfare Act
The Animal Welfare Act is a federal law that regulates the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers. In veterinary practice, this means ensuring proper care, handling, and housing of animals used in research or for education.
Zoonotic Diseases
Zoonotic diseases are infections that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Veterinarians have a role in preventing their spread by advising on proper animal handling and coordinating with public health authorities.
Veterinary Forensics
Veterinary forensics involves applying veterinary science to the law, particularly in cases of animal abuse, cruelty, and neglect. It is critical for veterinarians to understand how to properly collect and report forensic evidence.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality in veterinary practice involves maintaining the privacy of client and patient information. Veterinarians must secure medical records, and only share them with consent or when required by law.
Owner Surrender
Owner surrender occurs when an animal owner relinquishes their rights and responsibilities of their animal to a veterinary clinic or shelter. The veterinarian must understand legal implications, especially regarding the possible need for euthanasia if the animal is not adopted.
Animal Cruelty
Animal cruelty involves acts of violence or neglect towards animals. Veterinarians have a legal and ethical responsibility to report suspected cruelty and provide care to affected animals.
Informed Consent
In veterinary practice, informed consent is the process by which a veterinarian provides a pet owner with all relevant information to make an educated decision regarding the care and treatment of their animal. This includes discussion about the nature and purpose of the proposed procedures, potential benefits and risks, and alternatives.
Nonmaleficence
Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle of doing no harm. In veterinary medicine, this means avoiding treatments or procedures that could unnecessarily harm the animal.
Veterinary Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR)
The VCPR is the professional relationship established between a veterinarian, their client, and the animal patient, which is necessary for the veterinarian to provide treatment. It involves knowing the animal well enough to diagnose and treat.
Negligence
Negligence in veterinary practice occurs when a veterinarian fails to provide the standard of care that a reasonable veterinarian would offer, resulting in harm to an animal. This can lead to malpractice lawsuits.
Malpractice
Malpractice refers to professional negligence or incompetence by a veterinarian. Consequences can include legal actions, loss of license, or damages paid to the client.
Beneficence
Beneficence is an ethical principle that involves taking actions that benefit others. In veterinary practice, this means promoting the health and well-being of animals while balancing the interests of clients and society.
Euthanasia
Euthanasia is the act of humanely ending the life of an animal to relieve it from irreversible suffering or a terminal condition. Veterinarians must consider ethical guidelines, client wishes, and animal welfare laws when performing euthanasia.
Triaging
Triaging is the process of determining the priority of patients' treatments based on the severity of their condition. It is important in veterinary emergency care to manage resources and provide timely treatment.
Compassionate Use
Compassionate use refers to the use of experimental or unapproved medications in veterinary medicine on a case-by-case basis, for patients who have no other treatment options. It raises ethical questions regarding safety, efficacy, and informed consent.
© Hypatia.Tech. 2024 All rights reserved.