Medical Records
Another vet hospital has called to alert that they are taking over care of a patient and asked for records. Do we ~legally~ need the client's authorization to send the copies of the records?
NO- Vet records may be shared WITHOUT written authorization of the client
Can a VA/VT administer anesthesia or sedation without a veterinarian supervising?
No!!!
In Florida, a veterinarian can legally tell a client that CBD treats or cures their pet's problem. (True/False)
FALSE- Veterinarians should not make unsubstantiated claims that CBD products diagnose, treat, or cure diseases. CBD products marketed with therapeutic claims may be considered unapproved animal drugs under federal law.
Veterinarians can discuss CBD with clients, including potential risks, limited evidence of effectiveness, and possible drug interactions, without promising therapeutic benefit
Who is allowed to give Rabies vaccines?
Do we need to see a pet within 12 months to dispense RX food?
~Legally~ there is no such thing as "Prescription Food", so there are no Federal warnings attached to them. It is OK to dispense RX food without VCPR.
How long does a medical record need to be completed by after seeing the patient?
Within 24 hours of seeing the patient
Under FL law, there are no actual distinctions between a vet tech and a vet assistant. (True/False)
True- Florida law does not necessarily assign different scopes of practice based solely on whether someone is called a VT or VA. Delegation, supervision, and the particular procedure matter.
A veterinarian in Florida can legally recommend a CBD product for a pet if the client signs a liability waiver acknowledging that the product is not FDA-approved. (True/False)
False. Client consent does not make an unapproved CBD product an approved veterinary medication or permit unsupported claims that it treats or cures disease. Veterinarians can discuss CBD's potential risks, benefits, and limitations without guaranteeing its effectiveness.
Can a pet's rabies titer replace legally required vaccination?
NO. A rabies antibody titer is not a legally accepted substitute for current vaccination in FL. A qualifying medical exemption is a separate process under FL law.
A prescribing vet is on PTO and a client has requested a refill. Can a different vet within the same hospital authorize a refill without examining the animal?
~Legally~ YES- if the other vet has access to the patient's records and can confirm the animal is on the medical for a legitimately diagnosed condition, they may prescribe.
When you give a drug in-hospital what needs to be included?
Drug name, route, strength, dosage, time given
Ex. Diphenhydramine 50mg/ml injectable solution: 0.5 ml given IM R cranial thigh at 3:00pm
Can a veterinary technician perform a surgical procedure under a veterinarian's supervision?
No, not independently as the surgeon. A veterinary technician may provide surgical assistance under appropriate veterinary supervision, but supervision alone does not grant unrestricted authority to perform surgery.
Florida veterinarians are legally required to report every suspected case of animal cruelty. (True/False)
Florida generally permits veterinarians to report suspected animal cruelty without client authorization, but does not impose a universal mandatory-reporting requirement.
Even when reporting is not legally mandatory, promptly documenting suspected abuse and reporting credible concerns is an important animal-welfare practice.
Can a sick animal be exempt from getting a rabies vaccine?
Yes, with a licensed veterinarian's examination and written certification that vaccination would endanger its health.
What are the refill limitations on Controlled Substances?
Schedule II: No refills permitted. (Methadone)
Schedules III–V: Maximum of five refills within six months of the original prescription.
What must be documented when a medical record is corrected or an addendum is added? (3 things)
The date and time of the correction, who made the correction, and what information was changed.
The original entry should remain visible and should not be deleted or obscured.
In Florida, a veterinary technician or assistant can legally extract a loose tooth during a dental cleaning as long as the veterinarian is present and supervising. (True/False)
False! Veterinary technicians and assistants may assist with dental procedures, but supervision does not automatically authorize them to perform surgical tooth extractions.
Where can you anonymously report a Florida veterinarian or veterinary professional suspected of violating veterinary laws or regulations?
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which handles complaints involving professionals regulated by the Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine
By what age does Florida law require dogs, cats, and ferrets to receive their first rabies vaccination?
A Florida veterinary clinic only needs to inform clients about their right to an outside prescription if the client specifically requests one. (True/False)
False! The clinic must proactively disclose the options before dispensing prescription medication, subject to the statutory exceptions.
What needs to be included in a medical record (9 things) ?
1. Date of each service, 2. Name of client, 3. Patient ID, 4. Vaccines given, 5. Presenting Complaint, 6. History, 7. Physical exam w/ TPR!! (or note why not collected), 8. Illnesses/Injuries, 9. Provisional diagnosis or health status determination. Bonus- If performed, then should also include any diagnostics and treatments.
What can a VA/VT, intern, or other employee of a licensed veterinarian perform without a vet on premises but under their direction?
1. Administer medications and treatments (except vaccines), 2. Perform diagnostic tests (collect samples, take radiographs)
In Florida, a veterinarian can legally euthanize a healthy animal simply because the owner requests it. (True/False)
True—with important qualifications! Florida law does not categorically prohibit owner-requested euthanasia of a healthy animal. However, a veterinarian is not legally obligated to perform the procedure and may decline based on professional judgment or ethical concerns.
In Florida, a dog that bites a person must undergo a 10-day rabies observation period, even if the dog is currently vaccinated against rabies. (True/False)
True! A dog that bites a person is generally subject to a 10-day rabies observation period regardless of its vaccination status.
The 10 days begin on the date of the bite, not the date the animal is brought in for observation. Local animal control or the county health department determines the appropriate confinement arrangements.
What ~legally~ needs to be on an RX label? (9 things)
1. the date of issuance, 2. full name & address of animal & client, 3. drug name, 4. drug strength, 5. drug dosage form, 6. quantity prescribed, 7. directions for use, 8. name/address/registration # of vet, 9. species of animal