Annual Report 2016 | 29
STANDARDS
and policy
The College’s policy documents provide clarity for the public and the veterinary
profession of the College’s expectations of all veterinarians. Policy documents address
areas of risk in veterinary practice.
In revising and establishing
policy, the College
engages a step-by-step
process which begins
with a thorough review of
evidence, literature and
data pertaining to the topic.
When appropriate, draft
documents are reviewed
by committees which
consist of veterinarians
and members of the public
before consideration by
Council. After approving
the document in principle,
Council then seeks
feedback and reaction from
the public, the profession
and stakeholders during a
consultation period. With
the benefit of that input,
Council again reviews the
draft policy and then makes
decisions on approval of
the final document for
publication.
In 2016, the College
revised several existing
policy documents and
introduced some new
ones. Professional
Practice Standards state
the generally accepted
behaviours expected of
veterinarians for a particular
aspect of their work.
Building Strong Policy
All standards and policies undergo extensive consultation
prior to final approval. Members of the profession,
stakeholders and the public are invited to share their
thoughts on proposed policy changes. Council reviews
all opinions it receives to make informed decisions and,
to promote transparency, publishes a summary of the
submissions received.
Initiatives in 2016 include publishing refreshed official
documents and guidance in the following areas:
• Professional Practice
Standard - VeterinarianClient-Patient
Relationship
• Guide to the Professional
Practice Standard –
Veterinarian-ClientPatient Relationship
• Code of Ethics
• Policy Statement
Satellite Facility
• Modifications to the
Minimum Standards
for Veterinary
Facilities in Ontario
• Revised policy on
Licensure of Veterinarians
in Emergency Situations
• Position Statement
Animal Welfare
• Professional Practice
Standard – Delegation
• Revisions to documents
to reflect revisions in an
updated Regulation 1093
Visit www.cvo.org to
access official documents
including regulations,
by-laws, standards and
policies.