1. Judy Currie DVM Western College of Veterinary Medicine
Private companion animal practice – 16 years
Canadian Food Inspection Agency – veterinary inspection – 9 years
SVMA – CEO, Registrar, Secretary/Treasurer – 5 years

2. Annual Renewal Annual renewal fees due November 30th
Late payment fee of $75.00
CE is reported for 2 year reporting period with 30 hour requirement
Short hours must be made up in next 2 year block at 2x the number they are short plus the 30
Progress to complaint if non-compliant
$1,000,000 liability insurance is required for all practising members

3. Practising without a licence
Very infrequent
onus on the member but employer bears responsibility as well; insurance coverage needed
Practising without a licence - prosecution through the courts – very costly
Usually an out of province licensed vet crossing over to SK
Contact the individual and strongly suggest they apply
SVMA contacts VMA where presumed licence is held and lays a complaint
Benefits and protection of holding a licence – no jail time!!
Access to drugs by veterinarians

4. Legislation applying to Veterinarians
Saskatchewan The Veterinarians Act,1987 SVMA Bylaws and Practice Standards The Animal Protection Act The Pharmacy and Pharmacy Disciplines Act Canada The Food and Drug Act & Regulations The Health of Animals Act & Regulations The Controlled Drugs and Substances Act Feeds Act and Regulations Narcotic Control Act and Regulations Pest Control Products Act and Regulations Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances Regulations

5. Code of Ethics Sections 31, 32 & 33 of SVMA bylaws
Section 15 of The Act requires compliance with bylaws
Members and students shall comply with the provisions of this Act and the bylaws.
Periodic update not required – part of the BLs - all members know they must be in compliance

6. SVMA complaints process
Registrar receives the complaints
Only written complaints are addressed
Professional Conduct Committee reviews and investigates if deemed necessary
Decision to - dismiss, settle by ADR, refer to a Discipline Committee for hearing

7. Possible penalties Expel from the association
Suspend for a defined period
Practise with restrictions – scope of practice, CE, medical treatment
Reprimand
Any other order that seems just
Fine up to $10,000
Pay costs of investigation and hearing - $4,000 to > $100,000
Suspend if noncompliant with DC order

8. Notifications post hearing
DC decision, with names, posted to public side of the SVMA website
Summary, also with names, published in the SVMA Newsletter
Notice of suspension/expulsion to all other VMAs (no longer in good standing) , Health Canada (access to narcotics/controlled substances), CFIA (export certification) , pharmaceutical suppliers (access to prescription medication)
Will follow us around forever!!

9. Within 30 days of the DC order Through the Court of Queen’s Bench
Appeals
Within 30 days of the DC order
Through the Court of Queen’s Bench

10. Complaints - 5 year totals
78 complaints from members of public or vets against other vets
62 dismissed for various reasons
5 settled by alternate dispute resolution
11 referred to a discipline committee for hearing

11. “Best practice” in discipline
Prevention is best
Teach members to communicate effectively
Client education - be certain they understand
Written records - document everything from in person conversations to phone calls

12. Communication SVMA website Newsletter published quarterly
Clinic resources, Act, BLs, Practice Standards, classifieds
Newsletter published quarterly
Social, science, changes within the SVMA
Annual conference and regional CE events
blasts
Disease outbreaks, product recalls
Social media – SaskVets on Facebook, Twitter, website