In order to practice veterinary medicine, a veterinarian must be engaged in a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. A veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists when a veterinarian:

1. 1. Engaged by client Has been engaged by the client;

   [PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).]

2. 2. Assumed responsibility Has assumed responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the patient;

   [PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).]

3. 3. Knowledge of patient Has sufficient knowledge of the patient to initiate a preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the patient and has personal knowledge of the keeping and care of the patient as a result of:

   1. A. A timely examination of the patient by the veterinarian; or

      [PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).]

   2. B. A medically appropriate and timely visit or visits by the veterinarian to the patient while that patient is under the care of the veterinarian's practice;

      [PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).]

   [PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).]

4. 4. Follow-up evaluation Is readily available for follow-up evaluation or has arranged for veterinary emergency coverage and continuing care and treatment; and

   [PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).]

5. 5. Records Maintains patient records.

   [PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).]

PL 2015, c. 209, §21 (NEW).