Arizona rethinks professional conduct for DVMs

PHOENIX, ARIZ. — If you treat without establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR), Arizona lawmakers may define it as "unprofessional conduct."

Passage of Senate Bill 1269, filed Jan. 27, would define medical treatment and prescribing or dispensing drugs without an established VCPR as unprofessional or dishonorable conduct.

The bill also would add a certified veterinary technician, who has practiced for at least five years, to the ranks of the state veterinary medical examining board.