Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association

Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association Complaint Process

The Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association (NSVMA) licenses veterinarians and regulates the practice of veterinary medicine in the province of Nova Scotia. The responsibilities of the NSVMA are set out in the Veterinary Medical Act. The objectives of the Association are to serve and protect the public interest.

One of NSVMA's responsibilities is to oversee the professional conduct of Nova Scotia veterinarians. Through its Complaints Committee, the NSVMA investigates specific complaints about veterinarians related to the practice of veterinary medicine.

How does the complaints process start?

In order for the NSVMA to review and investigate complaints from the public, the complaint must be received from the complainant in writing. The complaint should clearly and precisely set out the following information:

the name (s) of the veterinarian (s) being complained about
the name of the veterinary facility
a description of the problem
an outline of the concerns or issues for the committee to consider
the dates on which the events occurred
copies of invoices or other documentation that may aid the committee in its review of the issues
the complainant's full name and mailing address

What happens next?
A copy of the letter of complaint is forwarded to the veterinarian (s) along with a letter from the Registrar requesting the veterinarian to submit a written explanation, pertinent medical records, etc. to the NSVMA. If other veterinarians are involved, they are contacted for their comments, records, etc. for the Complaints Committee to review.

The entire investigative file is then forwarded to all members of the Complaints Committee.

Who are the members of the Complaints Committee?
The committee consists of seven members. Six are veterinarians and one is a public member.

How does the Complaints Committee Function?
The committee reviews all of the material and discusses it at a meeting. The committee may arrive at a decision based only on the correspondence received or it may request further information or expert advice.

What decisions can the committee make?
Possible decisions are:

The veterinarian should receive advice or be requested to participate in some form of re-education, mentoring, etc.
The veterinarian met acceptable standards.
A formal hearing may be held where evidence is taken under oath.
The complaint was frivolous and vexatious.

Can the Complaints Committee award money or damages?
No, only the courts can do this.

The decision of the Complaints Committee will be prepared in writing and sent to the complainant (s) and the responding veterinarian (s) following the decision and approval of the NSVMA Council.

Menu