Government Agencies in Veterinary Practice

Nota:

• U.S. Dept. of Labor governs issues that affect workers on the job. 
• A Department of Labor agency is charged with enforcing the standards known as the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations.

1. OSHA

   Nota:

   • Occupational Safety and Health Administration division of the US Department of Labor.
   • OSHA’s charge is to enforce laws protecting workers from workplace hazards.
   • OSHA’s requirements can be summarized as follows: 1) Display job safety and health protection posters. 2) Record occupational injuries and illnesses. 3) Display warning and identification signs. 4) Provide written plans for job safety and health. 5) Train employees in proper procedures. 6) Provide protective equipment for employees.

Nota:

• Dept of Health and Human services govern various aspects of animal health

1. FDA

   Nota:

   • The Food and Drug Administration  an agency of the US Department of Health and Human Services, was created to ensure safe and effective food, drugs, and medical devices. 
   1. CVM

      Nota:

      • The Center for Veterinary Medicine
      • FDA branch that monitors the animal health industry, administering the sections of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act that pertain to animals.
   2. Food Drug and Cosmetic Act

      Nota:

      • the primary law that the FDA exists to enforce. 
2. NIH

   Nota:

   • National institutes of Health
3. PHS

   Nota:

   • Public Health Service

Nota:

• USDA departments also oversee import and export of animals and develop programs to control disease in food animals. 
• Several other USDA agencies also deal with veterinary issues, such as the Agricultural Research Service and the Extension Service. 
• Veterinarians are required to obtain and maintain USDA accreditation in order to legally write health certificates for animals traveling across state and international borders.

1. APHIS

   Nota:

   • Animal and Plant Inspection Service
   • division of the US Department of Agriculture, is charged with enforcing the Animal Welfare Act. 
2. FSIS

   Nota:

   • Food Safety Inspection Service charged with ensuring that meat and poultry products are safe and correctly labeled
3. Animal Welfare Act

   Nota:

   • a group of federal laws designed to ensure that laboratory animals receive the best possible care

1. DEA

   Nota:

   • The Drug Enforcement Agency
   • A division of the US Department of Justice
   1. Controlled Substance Act

      Nota:

      • Controlled Substance Act is a federal law that controls the manufacture, purchase, and distribution of certain medications. 
      • The Controlled Substances Act requirements can be summarized as follows: 1) Veterinarians must obtain a license to purchase, use, or dispense controlled substances. 2) Controlled substances must be kept in a double-locked area. 3) Any controlled substance used or dispensed must be logged. 4) Written records must be kept for five years. 5) Inventory must be taken every two years.

Nota:

• AVMA: American Veterinary Medical Association Veterinary Practice Act: Set of lawns for State's veterinary medicine to abide by (written by state legislators, based on veterinary board's recc'mds)

1. Education

   Nota:

   • The International Council for Veterinary Assessment—formerly the (NBVME) National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners—oversees the national licensing exams for veterinarians and licensed or registered veterinary technicians.
   • AVMA: American Veterinary Medical Association  COE: Council on Education®  CVTEA: Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities ASPA: Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors
   • Vet Tech (Registered, Licensed, or Certified): Different states use the terms registered, licensed, or certified to identify veterinary technicians who have met state practice act requirements. Each state chooses its particular identifying term.

Nota:

• EPA-enforced regulations primarily aim to reduce environmental pesticide contamination.