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This code of practice
is published to aid Veterinary Fellows, Members or Associates of the Faculty of
Homeopathy, in their practice of veterinary homeopathy. It is not in any way to
act as a substitute for any provisions of the Guide to Professional Conduct,
published by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, rather to amplify
particular points with especial relevance to the ethical delivery of veterinary
homeopathy.
This paper may be
used to guide any deliberations of the Faculty's Disciplinary Committee, should
that body ever be called upon to report to the Faculty Council or to the RCVS on
any issue relating to veterinary homeopathy and its clinical practice.
Since members of the
BAHVS have all been given the opportunity to make input to this document or to
raise objections, it is assumed that all members will adhere to its provisions.
Adherence to this
code is likely to ensure that the good name and honour of veterinary homeopathy
and those of the Faculty of Homeopathy and the BAHVS are upheld.
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1. Veterinary
Fellows, Members and Associates shall be guided by the Guide to Professional
Conduct,
published by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, in their practice of
veterinary homeopathy. Use of
homeopathy does not alter professional obligations to client and patient.
2. It is expected
that veterinary surgeons will operate within the bounds of competence relevant
to their level of
qualification.
3. Veterinary
surgeons should meet their clients and patients prior either to embarking on a
course of treatment
or to giving specific advice.
4. A full and proper
examination and history-taking/anamnesis should be performed and good clinical notes
should be kept.
5. A full clear and
accurate record of all dealings with a client and patient should be maintained.
6. Communications
with the client should be clear and unequivocal.
7. It is useful, in
the case of those clients new to homeopathy, to ensure that they take on a
basic understanding
of the principles of veterinary homeopathy and how this differs from conventional therapy.
8. In the case of a distant client, or a
client coming with a patient already attended by another veterinarian,
professional communication with the attending veterinary surgeon should be
established. This is in order both to learn the medical history of the case with
any laboratory or diagnostic findings and to ensure that the attending
veterinary surgeon is aware of the veterinary homeopathic involvement, should an
emergency later arise. A proper referral is the correct way to achieve this.
It is important to remember that it is difficult to care properly for an ill
animal at a distance, so local veterinary help may be necessary. If an animal
is seriously ill, local veterinary help is essential.
9. In the case of an
animal previously attended by another veterinary surgeon, a letter should be
sent to that
veterinary surgeon, reporting on the homeopathic input.
10. Whatever means of
diagnosis are deemed appropriate to the case should be employed in each case. All the
member's veterinary skills should be brought into play for each case, where appropriate.
11. Veterinary
homeopathic skills should be applied with due reference to the principles,
philosophy and theory
of veterinary homeopathy.
12. Follow-up of
cases should be appropriate to each case.
13. It is not
anticipated that animals, which are brought for homeopathic or other alternative
or complementary
medicine but which are not part of the member's practice, should be treated with
conventional drugs by
the member. If such work is deemed necessary, it should be referred back to the original
referring veterinary surgeon, who is better able to monitor the treatment.
14. In the case of
animals unable to travel to the clinic, it is imperative that those clients are
directed to closer
veterinary homeopathic help if appropriate. If that option is not open, by
virtue of no one
practising near to the client, then such animals shall only be remotely
treated with the consent
of and via the attending veterinary surgeon, unless he/she declines
that latter option.
15. Advertising of
veterinary services should not propose ‘postal/telephone’ treatments.
16. Care should be
taken not to make claims about services, abilities or medicines, which cannot
fully be supported.
17. It is advisable
to proceed with great caution, and with the client's express permission, in
those species or in
those clinical areas with which the member is not familiar.
18. It is recommended
that cases which prove difficult and in which animal welfare implications are involved, should
be referred to a VetMFHom or equivalent, if the client still wishes to
pursue a homeopathic
option.
19.
As in all veterinary
practice, all therapeutic options should be presented to the client, so that
an informed choice
can be made.
20.
Endorsement of
commercial products or services is not condoned.
21. When manning a commercial stand, at a
show, exhibition or other event, as a result of involvement in or with a commercial
organisation, it is essential that this opportunity is not used by a practising
member to promote or advertise his or her own practice or professional skills.
22. When manning a
stand at a show, exhibition or other event, for an organisation, business or
charity, for the
purposes of promoting homeopathy for animals, it is essential that this opportunity is not
used by a practising member to promote or advertise his or her own practice or
professional skills.
23. It is likewise important, in line with
the RCVS ‘Guide’, that one’s position in veterinary practice is not used as an endorsement of
any commercial products or services.
24. In dealings with
the media, when articles or other media items are describing the work of a
member or quoting a
member, that member must take appropriate steps to ensure that all material is
professional and accurate. This important interface with the public should not
run the risk of bringing
either veterinary homeopathy or the Faculty of Homeopathy into disrepute.
25. No disparaging
remarks should be made to the client about the work of another veterinarian
or about the previous
treatment given to the patient by another veterinarian.
26. In line with the
principles of ‘open government’, it is suggested that it is not in any way
reprehensible to
refer a colleague’s conduct to an appropriate body, should it be felt that this
conduct may reflect
adversely on the welfare of animals or be otherwise unprofessional, illegal or
unethical.
27. For the purposes
of this paper, ‘member’ shall be taken to imply Fellow, Member or
Associate of the Faculty of
Homeopathy.
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Please bear in mind
that, should litigation or professional conduct proceedings be brought against a
member of the BAHVS who is not a Member or Associate of the Faculty, the
presence of these guidelines is likely to form an important consideration in
those proceedings nonetheless.
The Disciplinary
Committee of the Faculty of Homeopathy has veterinary representation, in order
to deliberate on any matters of conduct by veterinary members, which are brought
to its attention by a member of the public or by another veterinarian. That body
also exists to offer advice to any who require it.
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