Confidentiality......would you file a complaint with the vet board? - Page 1

Ok so here is the story. I have a dog in my rescue that is my sole and legal responsibility. The dog has been under vet care for his prostate. This month I had planned to have him neutered but after being out of work for 4 months, I got my first check after 5 weeks and I had to choose to eat or neuter the dog. I chose to eat.

I have a contract with the rescue who pulled him to have this dog neutered in 60 days (which is not up). The rescue contacted the vet without my knowledge and discussed the dog with the vet. The vet, without contacting me, talked to the rescue about this dog telling them the dog was ok to neuter not even knowing how the dog was doing. The neuter is one issue.....but does the vet have the right to discuss this dog with a third party without my consent? Supposedly the rescue told the vet, the dog was at the shelter but again he didn't verify this information or what the rescue said was even true (which it isnt as he is sleeping right in front of me)

What confidentially does a vet have to his own client to give information to a third party? This information was given to the rescue over the phone. The vet even said that he sent a letter to the rescue ok'ing the dog for surgery.

Barb

Personally, having worked for a vet in the past, I am horrified.  I would fire that vet immediately, I would report him to the Review board in your local area, and I would be on the internet and posting reviews on every review source possible.
 

I don't know about the States, but over here I believe there
are no LEGAL constraints on a Vet to observe client confidentiality;
they usually do, anyway, as a conventional courtesy - but don't
have  to, so I can see a similar case occurring.

Reckon its 'bad form', but not sure what redress you would have.
I certainly think it is worth making a complaint to the Veterinary
professional body, because within the professions own voluntary
codes - if that's all you have - they could still censure, or take
some disciplinary action, if they felt it was justified.

Seems to be a case of 'crossed wires' in this particular instance,
and I think, Barb, that I would be taking the matter up with the
Rescue people first, if this was my situation.

My understanding is the same as Hundmutter, animals don't have the same confidentiality rights.  Most vets respect privacy but I'm not sure they are obligated too.  I've given my vet reference for rescues in the past and my vet has never asked me if they can release info, then the rescue responds and says my vet references checked out so I know they talked about my dogs and their care.  I suppose if I didn't want a certain animal discussed I'd contact my vet and have them put that in the file.

It varies state-by-state. Sorry, can't make this clickable, you'll have to copy and paste.

https://www.avma.org/Advocacy/StateAndLocal/Pages/sr-confidentiality-patient-records.aspx






 

I don't think there is any confidentiality agreement for animals and it's a dog in rescue.  

IMO this is an issue that might be better resolved by not reporting the vet.  Unless this is one of those areas of the country where vets are anxious to work with rescues usually charging reduced fees, it's the rescue that will suffer if this vet decides it's not worth the hassle to continue to work with them.

The rescue that contacted him is in another state and has absolutely no working relationship with him. I don't have anything to hide. It is what it is. But I'm angry that the vet didn't even take the time to contact me or even know what the rescue said was factual. He said they told him the dog was at the shelter. I've been going to him for YEARS. I will be writing him a letter over this. If we cant have confidentiality with our vets over the care we provide our animals, then what's to stop anyone from getting info on YOUR own dogs and using it to their advantage.

Ill be looking for a vet that will honor confidence because it obviously isn't him.

Barb

Very Interesting.
I've always assumed that vets are held to some degree of client confidentiality.....at least here in New Mexico.
I know PetPlan (insurance company) requires a signed records release document from the owner as part of their claims paperwork.
Also, I've had to sign other such documents when I've transferred between vets and after being referred to specialists.

I think that both the rescue and your vet handled your case unprofessionally.
They (the rescue) should have told you that they would be contacting your vet about the dog. Your vet "of many years", as a courtesy, should have contacted you before giving out information to the rescue, especially since they (the rescue and your vet) do not have a working relationship.
If it were me and I liked my vet I would not write a letter, I would speak to him/her face to face about their policy. 

Cheri
 

Well and being that the dog is labeled a "rescue" maybe the vet felt he/she had the right to discuss the case openly.  Not really my cup of tea as I do not feel I want my dogs discussed by my vet with anyone other than how well behaved they are and how beautiful they are...

However, I would discuss this point with the vet openly as you might need this vet in the future for other rescues or your own dogs...  Food for thought.  Nan