Chapter 7 - CODE OF ETHICSSummary: This chapter defines the code of ethics in the practice of veterinary medicine in the State of Maine.
The Board adopts the following code of ethics for Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians.
1. Knowingly make any false or fraudulent statement, written or oral, in connection with the practice of veterinary medicine;2. Refuse to divulge to the Board upon demand, the means, methods, device or instrumentality used in the treatment of a disease, injury, ailment or infirmity of any animal;3. Commit fraud or dishonesty in the application or reporting of any test for disease in animals or make a false report of any contagious or infectious disease;4. Commit fraud or deceit in obtaining a license;5. Falsify or misrepresent education or experience of an applicant;6. Falsify or misrepresent a recommendation from a consultant or peer;7. Cheat on a licensure examination;8. Intentionally withhold or misrepresent any information requested on the application, including any information regarding criminal or disciplinary action taken by any state against an applicant;9. Impersonate another applicant;10. Commit fraud or deceit in connection with services rendered as a Veterinary Doctor or Veterinary Technician;11. Intentionally practice or attempt to practice, or aid another to practice, beyond the scope of the license held;12. Intentionally misrepresent the type or status of license held or qualifications to practice;13. Committing or aiding another to commit fraud, deceit or corruption in billing, payment or insurance reimbursement procedures;14. Intentionally engage in false, misleading or deceptive advertising or impersonate another licensee;15. Knowingly supervise or provide consultation to an unlicensed person representing him/herself as licensed, or a licensed person practicing beyond the scope of his or her license;16. Knowingly making referrals to an unlicensed person representing him/herself as licensed, or a licensed person practicing beyond the scope of his/her license;17. Intentionally or recklessly cause physical or emotional harm to a client or patient;18. Practice veterinary medicine when physical or mental ability to practice is impaired by alcohol or drugs;19. Practice veterinary medicine when physical or mental ability to practice is impaired by physical, psychological or mental impediment;20. Negligently fail to provide adequate supervision of a technician by a Veterinary Doctor with supervisory responsibility over that technician;21. Pay, accept or solicit any payment or consideration for the referral of a client or patient;22. Falsify or inaccurately record client or patient records; or23. Engage in conduct which evidences a lack of knowledge, or inability to apply principles or skills to carry out the practice of veterinary medicine. Any violation of the code of ethics constitutes "unprofessional conduct" which is subject to discipline pursuant to 32 MRSA §4864(11). However, unprofessional conduct is not necessarily limited to actions specifically set forth in the code of ethics.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
October 7, 2000 - replaces Ch. 3, "Standards and Guidelines for Practice"
NON-SUBSTANTIVE CORRECTION:
November 27, 2000 - spelling in Section 15STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 32 MRSA §§4859(2) and (3) , and 4864(11)