Purpose

The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to our veterinarian clinician researchers on what is appropriate regarding the clinical management of teaching/research animals.

Standard

We understand that most of you are board certified specialists in your field. We know that you are all advocates of animal welfare, but sometimes it is difficult to keep teaching/research aims from influencing your decision making on the case. Unlike patient-owned animals who have an owner to approve/deny treatment plans, university-owned animals have federal and institutional regulations/policies to ensure unbiased case management.

In accordance with the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWAR) (9 CFR 2.33(2)), an institutionally appointed Attending Veterinarian of record must have final authority and responsibility to ensure the provision of adequate veterinary care. At NCSU this position is titled the University Attending Veterinarian (UAV), and this authority can be delegated to the named Primary Site Veterinarian (PSV), which includes the LAR Clinical Veterinarians.

The table below describes what you as a veterinary clinician can do (DOS) to provide care for your teaching/research animals and what you cannot do (DON’TS).

Dos	Don’ts
Include all drugs you think you may need to administer as it relates to your protocol (this may include rescue drugs and additional sedation).	Use a drug that is not on your protocol without the approval of the UAV or designee (PSV reporting to the UAV).
Describe circumstances by which you may need to use routine drugs.	Include a blanket statement about “at clinician discretion”.
Check your protocol to make sure any drug you intend to use has been approved.	Assume that if you submitted an amendment, that it has been approved.
Administer emergency drugs/procedures in a life or death situation.	Perform activities not described in your approved protocol if it is not an emergency.
Collaborate on diagnostic/treatment plans with the UAV/PSV/LAR veterinary staff. We love to learn from you.	Initiate a treatment plan prior to consulting with the UAV/PSV/LAR veterinary staff.
Contact your PSV or UAV if you have any questions.	Don’t make assumptions, if you are unsure, please contact the UAV/PSV/LAR veterinary staff, we want to help.