Lectures and Continuing Education Programs

MEDICAL RECORDS AND INFORMED CONSENTS

Medical Records…. A Veterinarian’s Report Card (1 hour)

Veterinarians, practice managers and staff need to know how to keep and maintain proper medical records on their clients. Do you have a centralized filing area where all files are kept and maintained? Do you have a duty of confidentiality to your clients? If a client asks you for a copy of "Spot’s" records, do you know how much time you have to respond to that request? Should you give the originals or copies to clients? It is very important for veterinarians to keep current and accurate records of clients.

"Will Your Electronic Medical Records Protect You?" (1 hr)

With a growing number of veterinary practices going “paperless”, electronic medical records (EMRs) have started replacing the more traditional paper-based patient files. Given the nature of our litigious society and the increasing number of consumers filing complaints with State Veterinary Boards, veterinarians cannot assume that an electronic medical record will be accepted by their State Board. While some states currently make no distinction between written and computerized medical records, others require that certain safeguards be taken to ensure their authenticity. The goal of this presentaiton is to raise awareness of the aforementioned issues, and to provide veterinarians with recommendations on how they can protect themselves, while still enjoying the benefits of paperless technology.

Informed Consents….Boring Until You Get Sued (1 hour)

This presentation provides an overview of the use of consent forms in veterinary practices. This entails an explanation of: 1) different types of authorizations; 2) reasons for requiring consents; 3) components of legally enforceable consents; 4) problems in obtaining consents, and 5) elements of a “Consent For Treatment.” Adding an additional hour, a “wet-lab” can also be incorporated into this where attendees review and critique consent forms that have been anonymously submitted by the audience.

Divorcing Spouses…Who Should the Vet Listen To? (1 hour)

Have you trained your staff to respond to situations when there is disagreement between the spouses as to how a pet’s medical condition should be handled? What about when the spouse requests the pet be euthanized to spite the other spouse? What does the hospital’s admission sheet say? Have you wondered if the person who signs the authorization actually has the authority to request the professional services? This presentation brings up sticky issues relating to when spouses are in a messy divorce or disagree. Attendees will get some ideas and tools to assist them in managing marital affairs.

Unavailable Client and Heroic Care…..To Do or Not To Do? (1 hour)

While infrequently used in the veterinary clinical setting, advanced directives and “do not resuscitate” orders allow pet owners to specify the type of medical care, if any, that should be provided to their pets in the event of an accident or life threatening condition. The use of directives also relieves some of the burdens experienced by veterinarians faced with making difficult decisions as how to proceed with the care of patients when there are no clear instructions from clients who are unavailable to make decisions. This presentation will provide attendees with examples of various directives and when they can be used as well as suggestions for hospital policies.