The practice of human medicine is becoming increasingly corporatized, with a focus on profits rather than patient care. This is a dangerous trend, as it can lead to sub-standard care and put patients at risk. The same concern is creeping in the veterinary profession, expanding the scope of practice to non-vets when delivering quality care is highly dependent on having consistent and trusted training and credentialing.
There is no guarantee of quality
Many in the vet profession are concerned about the potential risks of expanding the scope of practice to non-vets because of the following important reasons:
Potential for harm in animals. Non-vets could put animals at risk of receiving inadequate or even harmful care.
Strain on the veterinary profession. It could worsen existing challenges for the veterinary profession, such as workforce shortages and an aging workforce, potentially hampering animal care further.
The lack of regulation and oversight. Non-vets lack standardized training and certification, raising concerns about their ability to offer safe, effective care.
The potential for over-prescribing of medications. Non-vets might underestimate medication risks, posing potential harm to animals.
The potential for misdiagnosis. Non-veterinarians may not be able to accurately diagnose animal diseases, which could delay or prevent treatment.
Lobbying against legislation that would allow non-veterinarians to diagnose, prescribe, or perform surgery on animals
The AVMA has a strong presence in state and federal government, and it uses this influence to fight against bills that would expand the scope of practice for non-veterinarians and defend the practice of veterinary medicine.
The policy, "Safeguarding Care for Animals with Veterinarian-Led Teams," was put forth by various state VMAs, such as those in Texas, California, Illinois, Indiana, and Nevada. The AVMA Board of Directors (BOD) and House Advisory Committee (HAC) advised delegates to support the resolution, which was approved during the last day of the House's annual session, taking place on July 13-14 in Denver alongside AVMA Convention 2023.
This stance restricts diagnostic, prognostic, treatment planning, prescription, and surgical tasks to veterinarians, while acknowledging the expertise of veterinary technicians, promoting full use of credentialed staff, and preserving the VCPR's integrity. The policy also emphasized how vet healthcare can be improved through appropriate delegation of tasks and responsibilities by the veterinarian.
Vet profession defended
Fighting practice expansion sends a message that the veterinary profession is committed to providing the highest quality care for animals. It also benefits the veterinary profession in a number of ways:
Protects animals and maintains high standards of care: Only veterinarians have the training and expertise to provide safe and effective care for animals. It also helps to ensure that these standards are maintained and that animals continue to receive the best possible care.
Protects and promotes public trust: Veterinary practitioners are held to a high standard of ethics and conduct. The public trusts and relies on veterinarians to provide their pets with the best possible care.
Attract new veterinarians to the profession: Fighting practice expansion can help to increase the demand for veterinary services .This can lead to higher salaries and more job opportunities for vet practitioners.
Ultimately, fighting off non-veterinary practitioners can help to protect the interests of veterinary practitioners by ensuring that only qualified and experienced professionals are providing veterinary care.
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