The AVMA policy on Informed Consent states

“Informed consent better protects the public by ensuring that veterinarians provide sufficient information in a manner so that clients may reach appropriate decisions regarding the care of their animals.”

Veterinarians per the policy should inform the client in a manner that would be understood by a reasonable person…risk assessment, and prognosis.

“The client or authorized agent should indicate that the information is understood and consents to the recommended treatment or procedure.”

One must ask would a reasonable person want to be told that a student would be working with their furry family member.  Most of the public comment here would support that the reasonable person would want to know about any care that a student is providing to their pet.

Part of the client’s decision making for informed consent involves knowing what the risks are to their animal.  The AVMA position includes providing a risk assessment to the client.  Does is increase the risks if a non-licensed student is working on my pet?  Yes, maybe only minimally in some case or maybe significantly in other cases.  But that is valuable information that I as a pet owner need.

“Documentation of verbal or written informed consent and the client’s understanding is recommended.”

I would think as a minimal to protect the public, who pay the vet’s bills, and to protect our pets, this board should follow the policy of their own professional organization.

The remaining question is why the board, the vet school, vets and vet students oppose such a simple requirement of informing the pet owner and obtaining the consent from for services that a student provide to our pets beyond simple observation. What is wrong with being completely open and transparent with the client, not to mention honest?

Respectfully submitted

Molly Mittens Mom