1. The Veterinarian-Client Relationship as Defined by AVMA
2. Need to check the credentials of a veterinarian or technician?
3. Need to file a complaint?
1. Veterinarian-Client Relationship defined: the AVMA has a Web site about the Veterinarian-Client Relationship. More on the Vet-Client Relationship from The Horse.
2. Checking Credentials: Go to the American Association of State Veterinary Boards (AASVB) Web
site. It will direct you to the veterinary medical board in your state.
What is the role of state veterinary boards in protecting the public?
See "What is a State Medical Board" /agvet/veterinary/veterinary/what_is_a_state_medical_board.pdf on the Web site of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB).
It explains the structure of (human) state medical boards, how physicians are regulated, responsibility of consumers ("First and foremost, an educated consumer" from the brochure above), due process, etc.
Substitute the word veterinarian for the word physician when reading the brochure for a guide to how states regulate health care professionals in plain language.
As of February 2010, no comparable explanatory brochure about state veterinary boards was found. Please check with the veterinary board in your state for specific information about regulatory processes and procedures and/or check with the veterinary association in your state.
3. How to file a complaint: Here is how the complaint process works in Tennessee from the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association Web site.
