NAVLE prep questions with correct answers

A person calls to to say she adopted a friend's dog and requests a copy of the dog's medical record and radiographs. The former owner is a client at your clinic. Which one of the following choices is the most appropriate action to take? A - Require original owner consent or court order to release information B - Give caller a copy of medical record only C - Give caller a copy of medical record and radiographs D - After physical exam, start a new medical record documenting previous issues E - Give a summarized record with personal identifiers (vet, owner names) blocked out - Answer A According to the AVMA's Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics (2008 revision) "Ethically, the information within veterinary medical records is considered privileged and confidential. It must not be released except by court order or consent of the owner of the patient. Veterinarians should secure a written release to document that request." A 5 year old domestic short-haired spayed female cat is presented with the complaints of anorexia, chronic vomiting, and weight loss. Physical examination reveals icterus, dehydration, and fever. Thickened small intestinal loops are appreciated with abdominal palpation, and serum biochemistry shows increased bilirubin and liver enzymes.