Blog
Check out our recent blogs below or browse by category on the right.
Performance Management A Program, Not Just A Form
The overall objective of any Performance Management Program (“PMP”) is to ensure a Practice and all of its subsystems (processes, departments, teams, employees, etc.) are working together in an optimum fashion to support achievement of the overall strategic and...
Writing a Job Description, Not Operating Instructions (Why do I need them?)
Drafting job descriptions requires time, effort and creativity. The focus needs to be on what the job requirements are to support your Practice’s current needs and long-term objectives. Without a job description, it is not possible for an individual to properly commit...
Partnerships: What to Consider Before Getting Hitched
Co-ownership issues arise when a veterinarian becomes partners with other owners, or when two or more associates join to buy a veterinary practice. Becoming a co-owner of a veterinary practice is like getting married. It’s important to agree on the principal terms...
Non-Compete, Non-Solicitation, and Non-Disclosure: What are they and do we need them?
Congratulations! You have a thriving practice and have hired your first associate veterinarian who will not only share the workload but help build up your caseload and the practice’s goodwill. This hopefully will translate into more free time and higher profits!! Your...
Malpractice Risks… Where are they?
In the law of professional negligence, the standard of care is the benchmark by which others assess a veterinarian’s competence. To be within the standard of care, veterinarians must perform their duties with an average degree of skill, care and diligence exercised by...
Veterinary Employment Contract Legal Issues
High turnover among veterinary associates is caused principally by the failure of practice owners and employees to properly articulate their respective expectations and negotiate and document the employment relationship. Time and effort invested up front will help...
Buy-Sell Negotiations: Ethical Disclosures or Buyer Beware
Buying or selling a veterinary practice generally is a long and arduous process. Preparation and a good lawyer are key to smoothing the bumps along the way. I. PLANNING How well you plan determines whether you will control the process or vice versa. Beyond identifying...
Employee Manuals – Friend or Foe
An employee manual (or handbook) contains the veterinary practice’s policies and procedures. It provides employees with information on practice rules, policies, scheduling, working conditions, expectations, employee benefits, ethics and philosophy regarding its...