<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".10-1" citation="COMAR 15.14.01.10-1" title_num="15" subtitle_num="14" chapter_num="01" heading="Client Consent for Companion Animals and Hospitalized Animals.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>For a non-emergency presentation, a veterinarian shall inform the client, in a manner that is understandable by a reasonable person, of the diagnostic and treatment plan. The veterinarian shall provide a written estimate of the charges for veterinary services, and obtain the client’s signature indicating acknowledgement and approval, before a veterinarian performs the following for a companion animal:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Surgery; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Hospitalization.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>For an emergency presentation, a veterinarian shall make a reasonable effort to comply with the requirements set forth in §A of this regulation.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Euthanasia. Consent for euthanasia shall be documented in the medical record by the veterinarian. Consent may consist of the following:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A form signed and dated by the client or an individual authorized by the client; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If authorization for euthanasia is given orally, the veterinarian shall note this in the medical record, with a witness to the conversation.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>A veterinarian shall maintain a written copy of the client consent and estimate of charges in the patient’s record and shall provide a copy to the client.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>