OVMEB Votes to Rescind Proposed Changes to Rules Regarding Exams, Vaccines & VCPRs
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Update
At its July 23rd meeting, the OVMEB voted to rescind the proposed rule changes regarding exams and vaccines. The current rules regarding VCPRs, exams and vaccinations remain in effect.
Background
At its March 5th meeting in Corvallis, the Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board (OVMEB) voted to amend OAR 875-015-0030(1)(h) to allow a veterinarian to waive an exam for an apparently healthy animal presented for vaccines only.
The OVMEB reconsidered the current rule that requires a physical examination of a patient if the veterinarian has never before seen the animal or has not seen the animal within a one-year period. The review of the rule followed concerns by veterinarians and the general public regarding requirement of a physical examination for vaccines.
According to the OVMEB, if the client asks for additional service other than a vaccine, an exam must be provided to constitute a VCPR.
Please note that the pending rule change does not indemnify a veterinarian from responsibility for adverse outcomes if an unhealthy animal is vaccinated and an adverse event occurs. The amended language will also note that exams may be waived by the State Public Health Veterinarian in the event of a declared epizootic.
Until the rule is finalized, the current rules about VCPRs and vaccines are still in place.
