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Frequently Asked Questions

Consumers

1. How can I get a copy of my pet's medical records?
   You must request the records from your veterinarian - a written request is recommended. Under Business and Professions Code section 4855, the veterinarian is obligated to provide you with a summary of the patient record. The expectation is that the records will be provided within a "reasonable" amount of time. There may be a cost for duplication.
2. My veterinarian has moved or closed down, how can I get my records?
   Each managing licensee of a veterinary facility is required to maintain a current address of record. If the facility has moved or closed down, the VMB recommends that you contact the Board for the most recent address of record and then send a written request for a summary of your animal's records to that address. If there is no response, then you should file a complaint with the Veterinary Medical Board.
3. If I asked my veterinarian for my pet's x-rays and he refuses, what can I do?
   California Code of Regulation section 2032.3 states that radiographs are the property of the facility that originally ordered them to be prepared. Radiographs shall be released to another veterinarian upon request of another veterinarian who has the authorization of the animal owner. Radiographs shall be returned to the veterinary facility which ordered them to be prepared. If the veterinarian refuses to provide the radiographs requested by your new veterinarian, you can file a complaint with the Board.
4. If I have a balance owing at my veterinarian's office, can the vet hold my pet for payment?
   There is a Lien Law, which allows a veterinarian to hold your pet until the bill is paid. Boarding charges may be added for the time an animal is held under this law.
5. Is it legal for my veterinary bill to be significantly higher than my original estimate?
   The VMB does not have jurisdiction over fees. A veterinarian is not required legally to provide a written estimate, but estimates are strongly recommended. If you feel that you have been charged unjustly, you may be able to obtain a remedy in small claims court.
6. How can I obtain my veterinarian's license number?
   Business and Professions Code section 4850 requires a veterinarian to display the license in his or her principal place of business. Also, you can check on the Board's web site and look up your veterinarian's licensing information under "License Lookup."

Veterinarians

1. Am I required to provide a copy of the records to my client? If so, what information must I provide?
   Under Business and Professions Code section 4855, you are required to provide clients with a summary of the medical records upon request. The information that must be included in that summary is outlined in the California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Division 20, Section 2032.3. Record Keeping; Records; Contents; Transfer:
   (1) Name and address of client and animal
   (2) Age, sex, breed, species and color of animal.
   (3) History or pertinent information as it pertains to each animal's medial status.
   (4) Data, including that obtained by instrumentation, from physical examination.
   (5) Treatment and intended treatment plan, including medications, their dosage and frequency of use.
   (6) All medications and treatments prescribed and dispensed, including, strength, dosage, quantity, and frequency.
   (7) Daily progress, if relevant, and disposition of case.
2. How long do we need to keep medical records? Is it the same for x-rays?
   California Code of Regulation section 2032.3 requires that the patient medical records be maintained for three years after the date of the last visit. Radiographs are part of the patient medical records and shall be maintained for three years after the date of the last visit.
3. Who can administer rabies vaccinations?
   A licensed veterinarian can administer the rabies vaccine without supervision. If a veterinarian chooses to delegate the administration of the rabies vaccine, it can be administered by either by a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) or other support personnel. A RVT or unregistered assistant can administer the rabies vaccination under either direct or indirect supervision of the veterinarian.
   The veterinarian can delegate supervision of rabies administration to an RVT, but under the supervision of an RVT, an unregistered assistant can administer the rabies vaccination only under direct supervision. The level of supervision of support personnel depends on whether the person is a RVT or an unregistered assistant and is governed by the requirements the California Code of Regulations, sections 2034 - 2036.5. For additional information regarding rabies requirements, please contact Department of Health Services, Veterinary Public Health Unit at (916) 522-9740
4. Under Section 2030 (g)(1) the law requires veterinarian who are performing aseptic surgery, to maintain a room, separate and distinct from all other rooms reserved for aseptic surgical procedures. What are the requirements for maintaining the aseptic environment in the surgery room?
   - Can I have a sink in the surgery room?
   No. An open drain is a viable source of bacteria. Sinks and floor drains are not allowed in the room reserved for aseptic surgery.
   
   - Can I have an x-ray machine be in the surgery room?
   Radiographic equipment can be in the surgery room only if it is used exclusively for surgical patients only. General office radiographic equipment must be housed outside the surgery room.
   
   - Are there requirements on the doors leading into the surgery room?
   To achieve and maintain an aseptic environment with, as closely as possible, a bacteria free environment, in the surgery room, traffic flow through the room must be restricted. Therefore, in a practice that has a surgery room with two doors and both lead to traffic areas, one of the doors will need to be eliminated. In a surgery room where there is one entry door with a second door leading to a dead end preparation room or small room for storing surgical equipment or supplies, the second door may be in compliance. As for the type of doors that are acceptable, Solid and swinging doors that fill the entire door areas are acceptable. Pocket doors that slide into the wall, and thus could collect bacteria, are not acceptable. The means by which the aseptic environment is achieved and maintained may vary from practice to practice. If you are inspected, the Board's hospital inspectors will assist you in determining the means by which you can achieve an aseptic environment in your hospital.