Important Updates to the Vet Industry 2024
Every day, veterinarians build trust with pet parents through patient consultations. Staying up to date on industry standards and new developments is crucial for delivering top-notch care and ensuring client satisfaction. As new regulations emerge across different states, even if it is not yet applicable in your area, it may signal future changes. This article explores recent U.S. regulatory updates and breaks down some practical advice for veterinarians to stay informed.
Recent Industry Updates
New York state veterinarians have been listening to the recent regulation updates required by Buoy’s law, named after a Labrador Retriever who tragically died from renal failure due to a prescribed painkiller. This new law means veterinarians will be required to provide pet medication details to pet owners when initially prescribing or dispensing a drug to a dog, cat, or rabbit for use outside of the clinic. Learn more here.
A similar law in California requires veterinarians to conduct in person or electronic consultations with pet owners or their agents each time they provide or prescribe medications for pets in outpatient settings. This change followed the tragic case of Lizzie, a Yorkshire Terrier who received a long-acting antibiotic injection for an infection. Lizzie had kidney disease, which resulted in irreversible complications and death due to the long-acting antibiotic. Learn more here.
Different Ways Vets Can Stay Up to Date
1. Attend Conferences
Every year, veterinary conferences take place across the world, inviting veterinarians to come together for their common passion. Attending conferences allows veterinarians to stay current with new advancements in their field. These events often feature notable speakers who share cutting-edge research and insights in their field.
2. Follow Professional Blogs & Journals
A common place to find great information and stay up to date can be found right on your phone or laptop! Professional blogs and journals provide access to detailed information on current topics in the veterinary field. Sites such as LifeLearn and DaySmart Vet have a goal to keep practices in the know!
3. Professional Associations & Colleagues
Engaging with professional associations and your fellow colleagues allows veterinarians to listen to trusted voices within the industry and gain valuable insights into what current trends they may be seeing. It’s a great way to stay updated and exchange ideas that can enhance your practice and patient care.
4. Continuing Education Courses
Continuing Education courses for veterinarians cover a wide range of topics and they are an important way for vets to stay current with trends and regulations. These courses provide great information to help vets keep their practice up-to-date and encourage keeping their skills sharp.
Conclusion
Staying up to date with new veterinary regulations and standards is essential for providing the best care for your clients and keeping them informed. Keeping yourself updated not only benefits your practice, but also helps strengthen the trust between you and your clients. By regularly visiting trusted resources like LifeLearn, you can ensure your practice aligns with the latest standards.