Finally, A Little Progress

Slowly, slowly, the Board is inching towards doing the right thing regarding owner consent for student practice – but they aren’t there yet. They have finally acknowledged that this should not be hidden from owners, but their solution is designed more for the veterinarian’s convenience than it is to protect the owner’s right to decide. They approved the proposal to let vet students participate in preceptorships before their fourth year, and added a provision that veterinarians who have students working in their office must at least post a notice informing the public of that fact. This leaves the burden of noticing the sign, figuring out what questions to ask, and deciding to opt out if they are uncomfortable, on the owner. They consider it “burdensome” to require a veterinarian to discuss with a client exactly what he or she plans to let the student do with that client’s animal! Part of me is indignant that they could be so blind to the reasonable expectations of the public. However, I keep reminding myself that the current regulations have been in place for many years, and this arrangement is all that many of the Board members have ever known. Plus it works for them, so naturally there will be resistance to something that requires more time and effort. This issue is far from over, as the proposal to permit student practice before the fourth year will come back around for comment again, next time as proposed regulations, and there will be a public hearing at some point during the comment period. I’ll be watching for when the comment period opens and will let you know. Please hang in there with me – if we keep at this, I think we will eventually succeed. As always, I welcome your questions and comments: LeeHenkel01@gmail.com