Veterinary Board of Governors communication on issues related to the COVID-19 outbreak

During the COVID-19 crisis, the Washington State Veterinary Board of Governors (board) is working to assist the veterinary community by sharing information about governmental actions and by developing messages, policies, or rules to further support the profession.

 

Special Meetings:

The board is holding weekly special meetings on Fridays from April 3 through May 1, 2020, as needed, to discuss and act on issues related to the COVID-19 outbreak. We will share information and agendas for the meetings through this email distribution list.

 

Essential Procedures:

In a previous communication, the board provided information about the governor’s proclamation that COVID-19 Non Urgent Medical Procedures should be delayed to preserve medical equipment and supplies and that the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has published guidance on this topic.

 

The board would like to further communicate that each patient and situation is unique. Therefore the veterinarian must exercise sound professional judgement to determine which situations may be safely managed via telemedicine, which may be safely postponed, and which can only be appropriately managed in-person without postponement. Consideration should be given to the state of emergency and the need for compliance with any active executive orders while also protecting patient and public health.

If there is a concern about a practitioner performing non-essential procedures, a complaint may be filed with the governor’s office.

 

Thank you,

Loralei Walker

Program Manager

Office of Health Professions

Health Systems Quality Assurance

Washington State Department of Health

Loralei.Walker@doh.wa.gov

360-236-4947 | www.doh.wa.gov

Gender Pronouns: she/her