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Vet-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR)

The FDA has issued Guidance for Industry (GFI) 263, which requires all remaining over-the-counter (OTC) medically important antimicrobial drugs used for food-producing animals to be brought under veterinary oversight. 

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A prescription from a licensed veterinarian will be required to access antibiotics for treating farm animals. 

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In order for a veterinarian to write prescriptions a Veterinary Client Patient Relationship (VCPR) is required. WAC 246-933-200 lists the requirements to establish and maintain a valid VCPR.

As part of a VCPR: the veterinarian is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal(s) by virtue of an examination and/or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises and has assumed responsibility for making clinical judgments regarding animal care.

Additionally the veterinarian shall not establish a veterinary-client-patient relationship solely by phone or other electronic means.

By expanding the VCPR program throughout the Northwest I hope to ensure farmers and ranchers have access to a farm animal veterinarian. 

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There is an annual fee for this VCPR program. The VCPR program includes unlimited appropriate RX for medications, access to consulting and triage for sick animals, guaranteed response to phone/email questions concerning animal health, and access to veterinary laboratories and testing services. Exams, treatments and veterinary services for sick animals are often performed and are billed separately.

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As the feed and farm stores will no longer be allowed to sell antibiotics OTC I am seeing that large drug supply companies will now be offering direct-to-farm shipping for antibiotics, supplies, and other prescriptions. With an appropriate prescription on file the drug supply companies can print RX labels and ship directly. 

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Contact us today for more information

We are no longer scheduling farm calls. Existing clients should contact by phone or website for case consults and prescription refills.

 

(509) 646-2185

veterinarynorthwest.com

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Consider one of these trusted veterinarians for equine, farm, and companion animal care: 

 

Central Washington Equine (509) 859-2933

WSU (509) 335-0711 

Mid Columbia Pet Emergency Clinic (509) 547-3577

Tieton Drive Animal Clinic (509) 966 4000

Summitview Cowiche Veterinary Clinic (509) 678 4971

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