Informed consent plays an important role when practicing veterinary medicine along the spectrum of care.

Abstract

Practicing along a spectrum of care means providing a full range of recommendations, including those tailored to contextual factors such as a patient's needs and a client's preferences, abilities, goals, and resources. Some veterinarians have concerns that practicing along a spectrum of care, rather than adhering to "gold standard" medicine, endangers their license or risks discipline from a veterinary regulatory board. To meet the needs of the regulatory boards while practicing along a spectrum of care, veterinarians should provide a full range of options that are at or above a minimum standard of care and obtain and document informed consent. This paper introduces veterinary regulatory boards, disciplinary processes, and expectations for informed consent. The concept of standard of care is presented, in addition to the importance of maintaining complete medical records. Hypothetical examples drawn from disciplinary cases are presented. Although there may be crossover, this paper does not specifically address civil lawsuits. Furthermore, it should not be construed as legal advice.