Section R3-11-501. Ethical Standards

Under A.R.S. § 32-2232(12), a veterinarian practicing under a license or permit shall practice according to the following standards of professional ethics, which are based on the Principles of Veteri- nary Medical Ethics of the American Veterinary Medical Associa- tion.. The breach of any of the following standards constitutes grounds for disciplinary action against a veterinary license or per- mit under A.R.S. §§ 32-2233 and 32-2234.

1.        A veterinarian shall show respect for the veterinarian’s colleagues, the owner of an animal to whom veterinary medical services are being provided, and the public through courteous verbal or written interchange, consid- erate treatment, professional appearance, professionally acceptable procedures, and use of current professional and scientific knowledge.

2.        A veterinarian shall not slander or injure the professional standing or reputation of another member of the profes- sion or condemn the character of that individual’s profes- sional acts in a false or misleading manner.

3.        A veterinarian shall offer or seek a consultation or a refer- ral whenever it appears that the quality of veterinary med- ical service provided by the veterinarian will be enhanced.

4.        When a veterinarian agrees to provide veterinary medical services to an animal, the veterinarian shall comply with the standards of practice in R3-11-502 regardless of the fees charged.

5.        A Responsible Veterinarian employed by a partnership, corporation, or individual that is not licensed by the Board shall ensure that the veterinary judgment and responsibility of each veterinarian employed by the part- nership, corporation, or individual is neither influenced nor controlled by the partnership, corporation, or individ- ual to the detriment of an animal.

6.        A veterinarian shall ensure that emergency services are consistent with A.R.S. § 32-2201 through § 32-2296, this Chapter, and the needs and standards of the locality where the emergency medical services are provided.

7.        A veterinarian is free to choose whom the veterinarian will serve within the limits of the law. A veterinarian who agrees to provide veterinary medical services to an ani- mal is responsible for the welfare of the animal until the animal is released, referred, or discharged by the veteri- narian or the veterinarian is dismissed by the animal owner.

8.        A veterinarian shall provide records or copies of records of veterinary medical services, including copies of radio- graphs, to an animal owner or another licensed veterinar- ian currently providing veterinary medical  services within 10 days from the date of the animal owner’s or other licensed veterinarian’s request, or in less than 10 days if the animal’s medical condition requires.

9.        A veterinarian shall not make a false statement on or alter any document, record, or report concerning treatment of an animal.

Historical Note

Adopted effective March 23, 1979 (Supp. 79-2).

Amended effective November 18, 1982 (Supp. 82-6). Former Section R3-11-50 renumbered without change as Section R3-11-501 effective February 24, 1988 (Supp. 88-1). Section repealed; new Section adopted by final rulemaking at 6 A.A.R. 3918, effective September 20,

2000 (Supp. 00-3). Amended by final rulemaking at 11

A.A.R. 5455, effective February 4, 2005 (Supp. 05-4). Amended by final rulemaking at 14 A.A.R. 3596, effec- tive November 8, 2008 (Supp. 08-3). Amended by final rulemaking at 19 A.A.R. 1886, effective October 7, 2013

(Supp. 13-3).