Client Rights & Responsiblities

 

 

 

 

1. Considerate, respectful, and impartial care from every doctor, staff member, and volunteer at the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC)

 

1. Ensuring healthy habits in your animal, such as exercise and a healthy diet.

 

 

 

2. Accurate and easily understood information about your animal's health and VMC policies, including payment policies.

 

2. Disclosing relevant, accurate, and complete information about your animal's health and history.

 

 

 

3. If English is not your native language, if you have a physical or mental disability, or if you don't understand something, assistance will be provided so you can make informed decisions.

 

3. Minimizing the risk of bites, scratches, etc., and avoiding the spread of diseases by limiting you and your animal's interactions with other animals.

 

 

 

4. Know the names and positions of all the staff members and students involved in the care of your animal.

 

4. Using client feedback processes to address issues that may arise and clearly communicating your wants and needs.

 

 

 

5. Receive care from properly licensed veterinarians and properly trained technicians. All clinicians, interns and residents hold active Minnesota veterinary licenses. Students who participate in caring for animals at the medical center receive oversight from licensed veterinarians.

 

5. Abiding by administrative and operational procedures, including visiting hours, leashing requirements, payment and appointment scheduling and cancellation policies.

 

 

 

6. Know your animal's diagnosis, prognosis, treatment alternatives, and the risks and benefits of each alternative.

 

6. Maintaining awareness of the Veterinary Medical Center's obligation to provide timely, equitable care to other patients.

 

 

 

7. Participate in decisions about your animal's care.

 

7. Showing respect for other clients, patients and personnel.

 

 

 

8. Decline treatment, and to receive a full explanation of decisions on the part of veterinarians to decline treatment.

 

8. Working collaboratively with providers to develop and carry out agreed-upon treatment plans.

 

 

 

9. Talk in confidence with staff members and veterinarians and have your animal's health care information protected.

 

9. Meeting financial obligations.

 

 

 

10. Fair, fast, and objective review of any complaint you have regarding the Veterinary Medical Center

 

10. Recognizing the reality of risks and limits of the science of veterinary medicine.