In order to practice veterinary medicine, a veterinarian must be engaged in a veterinarian-client- patient relationship. A veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists when a veterinarian: [PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).] 1. Engaged by client. Has been engaged by the client; [PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).] 2. Assumed responsibility. Has assumed responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the patient; [PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).] 3. Knowledge of patient. Has sufficient knowledge of the patient to initiate a preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the patient and has personal knowledge of the keeping and care of the patient as a result of: A. A timely examination of the patient by the veterinarian; or [PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).] B. A medically appropriate and timely visit or visits by the veterinarian to the patient while that patient is under the care of the veterinarian's practice; [PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).] 4. Follow-up evaluation. Is readily available for follow-up evaluation or has arranged for veterinary emergency coverage and continuing care and treatment; and [PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).] 5. Records. Maintains patient records. [PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).] A licensed veterinarian who in good faith engages in the practice of veterinary medicine by rendering or attempting to render emergency care to a patient when a client cannot be identified and a veterinarian-client-patient relationship is not established is not subject to any disciplinary sanctions authorized by Title 10, section 8003, subsection 5-A based solely upon the veterinarian's inability to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. [PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).]
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