California Veterinary Medical Association Reacts to Supreme Court Decision

California Veterinary Medical Association Reacts to Supreme Court Decision

The following statement may be attributed to Jeff Smith, DVM, president, the California Veterinary Medical Association:

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- "The Supreme Court's denial of CVMA's petition for review is certainly a disappointment. The decision of the Court of Appeals -- which will now stand unaltered -- has the potential to directly impact the delivery of veterinary services in California. The regulatory authority of the California Department of Consumer Affairs and the Veterinary Medical Board may well change with the decision.

"We still believe it is important to have one set of rules regulating the practice of veterinary medicine in California. In our view the appellate decision may have an enormous impact on all licensed professionals in our state, as well as have national implications.

"The wide-ranging ramifications of the appellate and California supreme courts' decisions can hardly be overstated. Now it will be considered permissible for cities and counties to regulate veterinary medicine and other licensed professions. In the future what will prevent West Hollywood or another municipality from using their 'police power' to restrict other legitimate activities of licensed persons? This is an awkward and unwieldy solution to one city council's personal beliefs, especially in healthcare-related professions, where science and technology are dynamic and ever-changing.

"Of course, the veterinary profession will continue to abide by all laws that affect the profession. We will continue to advocate for high quality and responsible veterinary medicine that is in the best interests of pets, owners and the veterinary medical community. This decision will not deter us from our position, nor will it deter us from our larger mission of promoting excellence in the Veterinary Profession."

The California Veterinary Medical Association is the largest state veterinary medical association in the United States, with more than 6,000 members. Founded in 1888, its mission is to serve its membership and community through innovative leadership and to improve animal and human health in an ethically and socially responsible manner.

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Source: California Veterinary Medical Association

CONTACT: Phil Boerner of California Veterinary Medical Association,
+1-916-649-0599

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