The Veterinary and Veterinary Technologist Locums Working in BC Food Animal Practices Pilot Program is a significant initiative aimed at supporting the availability of veterinary professional locum services across British Columbia, particularly in practices serving food animals. This guide provides an overview of the program, its goals, funding, eligibility criteria, application process, and key timelines.
The program's primary objective is to establish a locum bank consisting of veterinarians and registered veterinary technologists (RVTs) who are willing to provide their services to BC veterinary practices, with a special focus on those located outside the lower mainland. This initiative is funded by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
Support and Enhance Veterinary Services: The program aims to increase the availability of locum services for veterinary practices offering food animal services in British Columbia. The emphasis is on supporting practices outside the lower mainland to ensure they have access to necessary veterinary care.
Establish a Locum Bank: The program intends to create a bank of approximately 15 veterinarians and 15 RVTs who can provide locum services, prioritizing geographical regions across the province that have limited access to veterinary professionals.
The program offers financial support to participating locums:
Upon acceptance into the locum bank, veterinarians and RVTs can submit a claim for reimbursement of their annual registration or membership fees. Additionally, locum veterinarians and RVTs will receive compensation for services rendered, with rates set at $300 per day for veterinarians and $150 per day for RVTs. For telemedicine services, the rate is $50 per day.
To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Veterinarians: Must hold full active registration with the College of Veterinarians of BC or meet specific requirements under the Provisional Supervised Active (PSA) registration.
RVTs: Must hold active membership with the BC Veterinary Technologists Association.
The veterinary practices where the locum services are provided must be accredited by the College of Veterinarians of BC and actively offer food animal services.
Interested veterinarians and RVTs can apply by completing an application form, which will take approximately 15 minutes. The application requires detailed information, including the applicant's professional qualifications, availability, and willingness to provide at least 10 days of service per year, including at least 5 days outside the lower mainland.
Applications will be evaluated based on the applicant's ability to provide in-person services for food animal species across different regions of BC. If the number of applicants exceeds the program's capacity, a waitlist may be established.
Approved locums can submit claims for reimbursement of their annual registration fees and for services provided. Claims are processed quarterly, with specific deadlines for submission based on the service period. The program supports locums for up to 30 service days per year, with a maximum of 15 days per veterinary practice.
For further details or questions regarding the application process or eligibility, locums and veterinary clinics can contact the program staff at chief.veterinarian@gov.bc.ca or call AGRIServiceBC at 1-888-221-7141.
Leave a comment