This is a very thought-filled piece about the times a corporate buyout goes bad. Christopher J. Allen, DVM, JD, offers many things to think about, including patient records, liability, controlled substances and more. Take special note of the discussion about whose name is on the orders for controlled substances.
Source: DVM 360, August 5, 2016.
Allen suggests that if a veterinarian takes a position with a multi-practice corporate clinic, she should request the identity of the doctor or doctors with final responsibility for the medical decision-making at the practice. This is especially important if it’s a “consolidated” clinic organized and operated under a pair of legal entities—one legally owned by a licensed veterinarian and another (the “management company”) owned by non-veterinarians.
INSIGHTS: Representatives and their management need to be familiar with some of the scenarios Dr. Allen presents. While the direction is on corporate practices, multi-site private practices can have similar dynamics. The consequences shared are definite considerations for new practice programs and the veterinarian of record for billing and accounting.