PVMA Keystone Veterinarian Summer 2020 - 8

Advocating for You,

OUR members
By Mary Jane McNamee, JD, VMD

Chair of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Committee (LRAC)

I think we can all agree that the last few months
have been a roller coaster ride. The way we think
about delivery of veterinary services, and how to
keep ourselves and our staff safe, while continuing
to provide the best care possible to our patients, is
challenging. Concurrently, our profession wants to
support our human medical doctor counterparts in
any way we can, but how were we to do it? From
the onset, we sought answers to these questions from our State
Government.
This has been a test of patience. Nothing in government seems
to move quickly enough, and adaptation to change is a grinding
process. Getting clear answers regarding public policy and how
veterinarians are to adapt was not a linear journey. Responses
were not always forthcoming or fully considered.
The process was impeded by conflict from both sides of the
aisle. While conflict may be part of a healthy democracy, this
politicization was not helpful in the midst of a public health
crisis. I think we are all aware of concerns about business
classification issues, the waiver process, and the granting of
waivers. Through it all, PVMA advocated for you, our Members,
and did not get drawn into fighting anyone else's battles.
The advancement and standing of the veterinary profession
remained our top priority. Our Members represent a wide array
of personal and political beliefs, geographic regions, and diverse
areas of practice and expertise. Similarly, our association works

8 | Keystone Veterinarian

with legislators and government officials on both sides
of the aisle. A friend of veterinary medicine is a friend
of the PVMA, and we cultivate those alliances. As
always, throughout this pandemic our focus remained
on the profession as a whole, guided by science, facts
and common sense.
On May 8, after many PVMA asks, we did receive
some answers via "Guidance on Veterinary Practices Amid
Covid-19 Pandemic" - a joint effort of the PA Departments of
Health, State and Agriculture. More recently, during a PVMA
sponsored tele-townhall, Dr. Betsy Schroeder, veterinarian with
the PA Department of Health, further clarified these guidelines.
My message to you is that the Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
Committee and PVMA leadership are working on revisions
and additions to the guidelines, so that they can be added to
and corrected prior to the next public health crisis. The list will
address the clarifications and specifics that you contacted the
PVMA about over the last few months. We heard you and, as
always, we will continue to act on your behalf. Thank you.
If you would like to join the effort or have questions
about joining the PVMA Legislative and Regulatory
Affairs Committee, or how you can help, please contact
the office at 717.220.1437 or email me directly at
MJMcNamee@PaVMA.org.
PVMA Keystone Veterinarian Summer 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of PVMA Keystone Veterinarian Summer 2020
