A Guide to the Accreditation Process is a helpful reference as you plan to make changes to your veterinary facility in Ontario. The guide explains the accreditation process, the need for facilities to demonstrate compliance with standards, the role of the facility director, and the Accreditation Committee’s authority.
Renewing the Certificate of Accreditation for a veterinary facility
The College will email the facility director three months before the expiry date of the Certificate of Accreditation. The facility director is responsible for submitting the “Renewal of Certificate of Accreditation” form by logging into the Professional Practice Portal within 30 days of receipt of the renewal notice.
An Accreditation Inspector will contact the facility director directly to schedule the renewal inspection. The facility director must be onsite and participate as needed during the inspection process. Once the date of the inspection has been confirmed, the facility director will receive an email confirmation from the inspector.
Relocation of a veterinary facility
The facility director is responsible for submitting the Change of Information for Accredited Facility – Relocation form by logging into the Professional Practice Portal. The facility director will need to contact the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, Radiation Protection Service prior to the relocation of the X-ray source.
Contact Information for Radiation Protection Service: 1-888-999-3921 or radiationprotection@ontario.ca. An Accreditation Inspector will contact the facility director directly to schedule the inspection. The facility director must be onsite and participate as needed during the inspection process. Once the date of the inspection has been confirmed, the facility director will receive an email confirmation from the inspector.
Purchasing an veterinary facility
The new facility director is responsible for submitting the Change of Information for Accreditation Facility – Purchase form by logging into the Professional Practice Portal. The facility director will need to contact the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, Radiation Protection Service because the X-ray source ownership has changed. Contact Information for Radiation Protection Service: 1-888-999-3921 or radiationprotection@ontario.ca.
Change of facility director at a veterinary facility
All accredited veterinary facilities are under the oversight of a licensed veterinarian who is the facility director. Facility directors are responsible for ensuring that veterinary facilities are operating in accordance with Accreditation Standards for Veterinary Facilities in Ontario. A veterinary facility Certificate of Accreditation will expire if there is no facility director.
The College must be notified immediately if there is a facility director change. The new facility director is responsible for completing the Notification of Change of Facility Director of an Accredited Facility form. Email form to accreditation@cvo.org. An inspection is not required for a facility directorship change.
Notification of Change of Facility Director of an Accredited Facility
Changing the veterinary facility name
The facility director is responsible for submitting the Change of Information for Accredited Facility – Practice Name Change form by logging into the Professional Practice Portal. By submitting the change, you are confirming the previous name has ceased to exist to prevent confusion to the public. This includes ensuring advertising, marketing materials, social media, signage, receipts, medical records, consent forms, stationary, etc. reflect the new name. There is no fee for the submission of a practice name change and an inspection is not required.