How Online Veterinary Advice Could Put Your License at Risk

The internet provides a wealth of information for people seeking veterinary advice before going to a veterinarian in person.  Online forums and Q&As can be extremely helpful for answering those questions that many pet owners have.  However, online advice has opened the door to potential misconduct according to Kansas state law.  In Kansas, a veterinary-patient relationship requires that a veterinarian has personally seen and examined an animal.  Such a personal examination allows the veterinarian to make informed medical judgments specific to a particular animal.  This makes it risky for veterinarians to provide any kind of advice online, no matter how simple the advice may be.

What’s at Risk?

Online veterinary advice has been extremely helpful for many pet owners.  But, if a particular pet owner is not happy with a veterinarian’s online advice, or if the pet owner relied on that veterinarian’s advice completely, the veterinarian is at risk for being accused of negligence.  For example, if a pet’s condition worsens or the pet passes away after a pet owner adheres to the veterinarian’s online advice, that pet owner may blame the veterinarian for harm caused to the pet.  This is not something many veterinarians consider when posting information online.  Some veterinarians do have disclaimers that attempt to absolve them of any liability, but it is still a slippery slope that should be avoided.

If a pet owner complains to the Kansas Board of Veterinary Examiners, the situation will be evaluated and you could be facing some form of disciplinary action, including the potential loss of your license.  While Kansas veterinarians should be aware that they need to see a pet in person before making a medical diagnosis and providing advice, it is understandable that some veterinarians believe basic online advice is acceptable.  Technology has simply moved too fast, and it is difficult to keep up with the changing laws, rules and regulations governing your profession.

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney Right Away

No matter what your profession is in Kansas, facing the loss of a license or certificate could mean one’s career is over.  This is a substantial road block that may lead a Kansas professional to start over.  While there are situations where the loss of one’s license is unavoidable, there are numerous instances where a Kansas professional should be able to keep his or her license or certificate.  Even if your Kansas veterinary is not at risk, speaking with an attorney to simply get questions answered could prevent you from losing your license in the future.

Contact Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you are a Kansas veterinary professional and you are facing the loss of your Kansas veterinary license, you undoubtedly have many questions and concerns about what your future holds.  You may have feelings of uncertainty and a significant amount of stress looming over your head.  Facing the loss of your Kansas veterinary license alone can be tricky as you may not be aware of what rights you have.  As such, when facing potential disciplinary action that could result in the loss of your license, you should consider speaking with a Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney as soon as possible.  As a former Assistant Attorney General of Kansas, Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office provides excellent and well-rounded legal representation to Kansas professionals.  You need a true advocate standing by your side to demonstrate why you should be able to keep your Kansas veterinary license.  If you would like to speak with Danielle Sanger, contact the Sanger Law Office today by calling (785) 979-4353 to schedule your free consultation.


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