What must occur for another vet in the practice to refill a prescription from the first vet?

For a veterinarian in the practice to refill a prescription written by another veterinarian, it is essential that the first veterinarian has established a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) with the patient. This relationship is crucial because it ensures that the prescribing veterinarian has taken the necessary steps to thoroughly evaluate the patient and understand its medical needs before writing a prescription.

The established VCPR implies that the veterinarian has seen the patient in a clinical setting, performed an appropriate examination, and made informed clinical decisions. This is necessary for the integrity and legality of the prescription. If the first veterinarian has not established this relationship, the second veterinarian may not have the necessary clinical information to safely refill the prescription.

In contrast, needing a formal referral, obtaining new client consent, or requiring agreement from all staff members do not address the fundamental requirement of having an established VCPR, which serves as the basis for ethical and responsible veterinary practice. Without this foundational relationship, the safety and well-being of the patient could be jeopardized, making it imperative that the first veterinarian be involved in the decision to refill any medication.