Vet won't write script for Fortaz but sells it at 10x the price. Is this legal?

[leocrespo]

From avma.org:

Q: If I choose to get my pet's prescriptions filled elsewhere, can my veterinarian refuse to give me a prescription?

A: AVMA’s Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics require that veterinarians provide prescriptions to clients upon request in lieu of dispensing a drug when a veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists and the veterinarian has determined that the drug is medically necessary. Additionally, most states have laws requiring veterinarians to provide prescriptions upon request.

-- Not sure what state you live in OP? Nevermind, just saw Nevada.

This is gold! Thanks for finding!

[leocrespo]

So, leocrespo (OP): if you like this vet & wish to stay with them, I'd remind them of the above guidelines & see if that doesn't change their mind & limber up the hand they write with. But if you've "left the building" just report this incident...but it's usually better not to burn any bridges. Perhaps they just need reminded...

I didn't like the vet from the get go (antibiotics without culture), and disliked the manager even more as she forbid the vet to write the script for bullhooey reasons, so I am 100% going to write a complaint to this clinic thanks to the fine research you guys did on avma.org!

[Bogertophis]

I didn't like the vet from the get go (antibiotics without culture), and disliked the manager even more as she forbid the vet to write the script for bullhooey reasons, so I am 100% going to write a complaint to this clinic thanks to the fine research you guys did on avma.org!

We all make a pretty good team, eh?

[leocrespo]

Working in the veterinary profession I'd like to add some things...

(1) Office managers should not have the power to over-rule the veterinarian, but some vets are basically bullied by practice managers/owners - it is not as common in a good practice (From my own experience I will only work or take my pets to AAHA Certified Vets [~15% of the nations clinics]. AAHA clinics go through a rigorous credentialing process and every 3 year inspections)

(2) Legally they can't force you to buy from them, unfortunately it sounds like the management has decided not to adhere to ethics in this case and hopes no one questions them too much- a vet can loose their license for refusing treatment unless the reasons are explicitly unethical and in these cases it has to be documented extensively for legal reasons - de-barking dogs, euthanizing a healthy pet for convenience, removing teeth / claws for biting or furniture scratching - though declawing cats is still legal in the US some refuse to do it due to the immense pain the cats go through and how unnecessary it is

Thanks for your added comments!

[leocrespo]

Source for

Q: If I choose to get my pet's prescriptions filled elsewhere, can my veterinarian refuse to give me a prescription?


A: AVMA’s Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics require that veterinarians provide prescriptions to clients upon request in lieu of dispensing a drug when a veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists and the veterinarian has determined that the drug is medically necessary. Additionally, most states have laws requiring veterinarians to provide prescriptions upon request.

https://www.avma.org/prescriptions-a...pet-owners-faq

Thanks again WhompingWillow

[Bogertophis]

BTW, leocrespo...I'm so glad you asked about this. My gut told me it was wrong when it happened to me & I just changed vets, but it's been a couple years since
then- I mostly forgot about it (I had a lot going on at the time), so if you hadn't brought it up, I (& all the others reading this forum) would not have learned the
whole story. That's why I was immediately interested...it's easy to wonder if we're the only one this happens to.

[CALM Pythons]

I'm glad we agree! I will file the complaint with the vet boards and local consumer laws centers too. I'll update this post with new info. If you do more research please update this topic too.

I bring animals to a Vet to diagnose, test but not treat my animals. I buy wormer, distemper shots etc..for my dogs and do it myself.
I am limited for reptile Vets. I already need to travel 2 hours as it is so I wouldn’t have choices to find another vet if the only one within 4 hours was a Crook.
I do think this situation is unethical. That Vet is obviously a crook. You paid him for the office charge and diagnosis I’m sure, but it is not mandatory you buy prescriptions from him. Without the script for his diagnosis you cannot treat your animals. If I were you everyone would know about this Vet and the story. Make sure to give facts only so that you are in no way slandering him. I would also contact your attorney general and take the time to fill out the paperwork.
I bet there are a bunch of people that would listen to you about his practices. I am all for a business owner running his business as he wishes, However Dr’s need to have a ethical code, you do not turn people away that can not afford to be gouged on prescription prices so that living things would not get the treatment they need IMO.



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[Bogertophis]

Very well-said, CALM Pythons What's shocking though is that not all states are on the AVMA's list as being required to provide a prescription instead of the
medication if requested. Contacting the state's attorney general is a good idea...no excuse for vets to rip people off just because they can get away with it.

[WhompingWillow]

Nevada has a state veterinary association as well.
https://www.nevadavma.org/

[leocrespo]

BTW, leocrespo...I'm so glad you asked about this. My gut told me it was wrong when it happened to me & I just changed vets, but it's been a couple years since
then- I mostly forgot about it (I had a lot going on at the time), so if you hadn't brought it up, I (& all the others reading this forum) would not have learned the
whole story. That's why I was immediately interested...it's easy to wonder if we're the only one this happens to.

you're welcome, thank you for contributing too! I will update this post with more info from avma, I am pushing for disciplinary action against the vet and the clinic.