WAC 260-70-555. Veterinarian practices

(1) A prescription drug may only be administered with a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) between the attending veterinarian, the horse owner, or their representative, and the horse. A drug may only be administered following a veterinarian exam providing treatment recommendations. The relationship requirements of a VCPR are:

(a) The veterinarian, with the consent of the owner, or their representative, has accepted responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the horse;

(b) The veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the horse to make a preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the horse;

(c) The veterinarian has performed an examination of the horse and has knowledge of the care of the horse;

(d) The veterinarian is available to evaluate and oversee treatment outcomes, or has made appropriate arrangements for continuing care of the horse;

(e) The relationship is maintained by veterinary visits as needed; and

(f) The veterinary judgments of the veterinarian are independent and are not dictated by the trainer or owner of the horse.

(2) The trainer and veterinarian are both responsible to ensure compliance with the requirements on drug treatments of horses, except the medical judgment to recommend a drug treatment or to prescribe a drug is the sole responsibility of the veterinarian and the decision to proceed with the drug or treatment is the responsibility of the horse owner, or their representative.