Position Statement
Published: March 2017
Introduction
The public has an expectation that, as a regulated profession, there are programs and requirements in place to support the practice of quality veterinary medicine by a licensed veterinarian. A veterinarian engages regularly in activities that serve to maintain and improve his/her knowledge and skills throughout his/her career. The veterinary profession is committed to the delivery of safe veterinary medicine to animals and their owners through veterinary facilities that are regularly inspected and accredited. Within its regulatory mandate, the College assumes a leadership role to support veterinarians in demonstrating their continued competence and the safety and quality of their practice.
Position Statement
As a regulatory agency, the College of Veterinarians of Ontario is accountable to the public for assuring the quality and safety of veterinary medicine practiced in the province.
The College delivers a Quality Practice Program consisting of three component parts, in partnership with the profession:
Quality Assurance,
Quality Improvement, and
Facility Accreditation.
The College and its licensed members confirm the public’s right to access safe, quality veterinary medicine in Ontario through the following mechanisms based on current best practice:
The promotion of quality assurance and quality improvement of the practice of veterinary medicine among members,
The implementation and ongoing review and revision of standards of practice,
The regular assessment of competency requirements for licensure,
The provision of self and peer assessments related to the practice of veterinary medicine, and
The inspection of veterinary facilities to ensure access to quality veterinary care in a safe and professional environment.
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.