Section 173. Informed consent for surgery

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A. Before surgery is performed, informed consent shall be obtained from the owner and documented in the patient record. Veterinarians shall inform an owner of the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the recommended surgery that a reasonably prudent practitioner in similar practice in Virginia would tell an owner.

B. An exception to the requirement for consent prior to performance of surgery may be made in an emergency situation when a delay in obtaining consent would likely result in imminent harm to the patient.

C. If a veterinary student is to perform the surgery, the informed consent shall include that information.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 32, Issue 22, eff. July 27, 2016.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

                    
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