Legislative Overview
Published: December 2020
Introduction
Every veterinarian who practices veterinary medicine in Ontario is required to be licensed with the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (“College”). This includes any veterinarian who works through a research facility registered under the Animals for Research Act.
Overview
A veterinarian who works through a registered research facility remains accountable for the provision of veterinary services under both the Animals for Research Act and the Veterinarians Act. This includes an ongoing accountability to the College for their professional conduct.
Section 18(3)(d) of Regulation 1093 made under the Veterinarians Act exempts a veterinarian working under the Animals for Research Act from the obligation to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship before offering their veterinary services.1 This exemption recognizes the different expectations and oversight mechanisms of each Act in this area of practice.
The Animals for Research Act is clear that procedures on animals shall be carried out through a registered research facility in accordance with established veterinary practice and standards. The College acknowledges the regulatory regime of the Animals for Research Act, and the standards adopted by the Canadian Council on Animal Care, as primary mechanisms to optimize quality and safety in the provision of veterinary services in research.
A veterinarian who works through a registered research facility may obtain drugs for their practice through a College-approved account with a drug wholesaler or through a federally approved drug dealer. Controlled drugs and substances may also be obtained through a Section 56 exemption to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which is granted and overseen by Health Canada.
The College recognizes that this is a unique and important sector in the practice of veterinary medicine. Should you have any questions about this area of practice, please do not hesitate to contact the College directly.
References
Veterinarians Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. V.3
R.R.O 1990, Reg. 1093: General, as made under the Veterinarians Act
Animals for Research Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22
R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 24: Research Facilities and Supply Facilities, as made under the Animals for Research Act
Standards of Veterinary Care. Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Medicine. Revised April 2020
College publications contain practice parameters and standards which should be considered by all Ontario veterinarians in the care of their patients and in the practice of the profession. College publications are developed in consultation with the profession and describe current professional expectations. It is important to note that these College publications may be used by the College or other bodies in determining whether appropriate standards of practice and professional responsibilities have been maintained. The College encourages you to refer to the website (www.cvo.org) to ensure you are referring to the most recent version of any document.