Patient Welfare Deficiency Policy
The faculty of the LMU-CVM programs work hard to ensure ample hands-on experience for students using live animals. Students have a responsibility to provide daily enrichment, feedings, medical, and any additional care to the live animals we house within our college. To ensure the optimal respect, care, and health of these animals we have developed Patient Care Guidelines to hold each student accountable during their time at LMU-CVM. The Patient Care Guidelines are made available to students at the beginning of each semester that outlines what constitutes expectations of care and patient neglect. If a student does not properly care for their patient, a patient welfare deficiency will be recorded.
Welfare deficiencies will be documented as part of a points system. If a student accumulates >2 points in a semester, they will meet with the Professional Conduct Committee.
All Patient Welfare Deficiencies will be documented in writing. Depending on the number and severity of these deficiencies, the student will be required to meet with any or all of the following LMU representatives:
- The Clinical Skills Course Directors and/or the Attending Veterinarian
- The Professional Conduct Committee
The following are examples of potential level 1-4 patient welfare deficiencies: .
Level 1 Animal Patient Welfare Deficiency:
- Failure to notify Animal Care Supervisor and kennel team at
least 30 mins prior to tardy or absence from a shift
- Incomplete/missing information on charting (ex: Instinct, vet checks)
- Charting must be completed within 30 minutes of the end of the kennel shift
- Failure to:
Work cooperatively as a team member
Focus on patient during the shift (e.g. on cell phone during shift)
Approve shift exchange by Animal Care Staff or CVM Faculty
Complete animal care duties
Complete all charting (patient and cleaning)
Each Level 1 deficiency will be considered as 1 point towards the outcomes described in section 6 of this document.
Level 2 Animal Patient Welfare Deficiency:
Failure to:
- Provide and ensure proper care and daily needs of an animal. This includes but is not limited to proper medication administration, feeding, ensuring hygiene of kennel facility, enrichment etc.
- Promptly report a sick, injured or aggressive animal to Animal Care Supervisor
- Use appropriate mechanical restraint (harness fit, muzzles, closure of kennel door, etc.)
- Place both required leads (slip lead and harness) for walking the dog.
- Place the additional clip on the kennel door.
Each Level 2 charge will be considered as 2 points toward any of the outcomes described in section 6 of this document.
Level 4 Animal Patient Welfare Deficiency:
- Abuse, such as physically striking, rough handling, or tormenting a caged animal, in any way or endangering the animal’s life
- Fabrication of any aspect of kennel care including medical records
Each Level 4 charge will be considered as 4 points and require a meeting with the Professional Conduct Committee (see PCC).
By enrolling in a DVM or VMT program, the student agrees to all conditions stated in the Patient Care Guidelines.