Introduction

This article examines Georgia statutes concerning the Georgia Veterinary Practice Act in the context of veterinary medical procedures.

Scenario

A pet owner brings their dog to a veterinary clinic on Forsyth Road in Macon, Georgia, for routine dental cleaning requiring anesthesia. The veterinarian administers anesthesia without conducting a full pre-operative examination or blood work. During the procedure, the dog experiences severe complications from the anesthesia, resulting in permanent neurological damage. Medical records show the dog had underlying health conditions that proper screening would have revealed.

Georgia Law

Georgia Veterinary Practice Act

Georgia Code § 43-50-21: “It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person: (1) To practice veterinary medicine without a license; (2) To practice veterinary medicine under a false or assumed name; (3) To practice veterinary medicine without having displayed in a conspicuous place in his or her office the license to practice veterinary medicine; (4) To practice veterinary medicine in an incompetent or negligent manner.”

Standard of Care

Georgia Code § 43-50-20(1): “‘The practice of veterinary medicine’ means: (A) To diagnose, treat, correct, change, relieve, or prevent animal disease, deformity, defect, injury, or other physical or mental conditions, including the prescription or administration of any drug, medicine, biologic, apparatus, application, anesthetic, or other therapeutic or diagnostic substance or technique.”

Professional Negligence

Georgia Code § 51-1-27: “In all cases involving allegations of professional malpractice, the plaintiff shall be required to file with the complaint an affidavit of an expert competent to testify, which affidavit shall set forth specifically at least one negligent act or omission claimed to exist and the factual basis for each such claim.”

General Duty of Care

Georgia Code § 51-1-2: “Every person owes a duty to all other persons to exercise ordinary care not to injure them by any act or by any failure to act.”

Conclusion

The scenario describes a pet injured by improper anesthesia administration in Macon, Georgia. Georgia Code § 43-50-21 prohibits practicing veterinary medicine in a negligent manner. Georgia Code § 43-50-20 defines veterinary practice including anesthetic administration. These statutes establish the framework for veterinarian liability under Georgia law.

FAQ

Q: What does Georgia Code § 43-50-21 prohibit? A: Georgia Code § 43-50-21 prohibits practicing “veterinary medicine in an incompetent or negligent manner.”

Q: How does Georgia Code § 43-50-20 define veterinary practice? A: Georgia Code § 43-50-20(1) includes “the prescription or administration of any drug, medicine, biologic, apparatus, application, anesthetic, or other therapeutic or diagnostic substance or technique.”

Q: What does Georgia Code § 51-1-27 require for malpractice claims? A: Georgia Code § 51-1-27 requires “an affidavit of an expert competent to testify” setting forth “at least one negligent act or omission.”

Q: Where are veterinary practice laws found in the Georgia Code? A: Veterinary practice laws are found in Georgia Code Title 43, Chapter 50.

Q: Does Georgia Code § 51-1-2 apply to veterinarians? A: Georgia Code § 51-1-2 states: “Every person owes a duty to all other persons to exercise ordinary care not to injure them by any act or by any failure to act.”

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, recommendation, or guidance. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. No actions should be taken based on the content of this article. For any specific legal matter, consult with a qualified and licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Scenario Disclaimer

The scenario described is entirely fictional and intended solely for illustrative purposes. Any resemblance to real persons, events, or situations is purely coincidental.