Section 2032.15 - Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship in Absence of Client Communication(a) A veterinarian-client-patient relationship may continue to exist, in the absence of client communication, when:(1) A veterinarian-client-patient relationship was established with an original veterinarian, and another designated veterinarian serves at the same location where the medical records are kept in the absence of the original veterinarian, and;(2) The designated veterinarian has assumed responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animal(s), and;(3) The designated veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the animal(s) to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal(s). This means that the veterinarian is personally acquainted with the care of the animal(s) by virtue of an examination of the animal(s) or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal(s) is kept, or has consulted with the veterinarian who established the veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and;(4) The designated veterinarian has continued the medical, treatment, diagnostic and/or therapeutic plan that was set forth and documented in the medical record by the original veterinarian.(b) If the medical, treatment, diagnostic and/or therapeutic plan differs from that which was communicated to the client by the original veterinarian, then the designated veterinarian must attempt to communicate the necessary changes with the client in a timely manner.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 16, § 2032.15
1. New section filed 9-27-2013; operative 1-1-2014 (Register 2013, No. 39).
2. Amendment of subsections (a)-(a)(1) and (a)(3) filed 2-11-2021; operative 4-1-2021 (Register 2021, No. 7). Note: Authority cited: Section 4808, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 4883, Business and Professions Code.
1. New section filed 9-27-2013; operative 1-1-2014 (Register 2013, No. 39).
2. Amendment of subsections (a)-(a)(1) and (a)(3) filed 2-11-2021; operative 4/1/2021 (Register 2021, No. 7).