The DVM + CCRP Relationship

Veterinary Referral Form

Veterinary Collaboration & Legal Compliance (Connecticut and Rhode Island)

East Coast Canine Rehab provides mobile canine rehabilitation services in collaboration with licensed veterinarians throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island. Our practice is structured to fully comply with the Connecticut Veterinary Practice Act, Rhode Island Veterinary Practice Act, and applicable regulations governing the practice of veterinary medicine.

Legal & Regulatory Framework

Connecticut:

Under Connecticut General Statutes §20-197, the diagnosis and treatment of animal disease and injury constitute the practice of veterinary medicine and must be performed by, or under the supervision of, a licensed veterinarian. Connecticut does not maintain a separate administrative rule for “alternate” or “integrative” therapies; therefore, rehabilitation and physical therapy services are provided as part of a veterinarian-directed treatment plan within an established Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR).

Rhode Island:

Under Rhode Island General Laws Title 5, Chapter 25, the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of animal disease and injury constitute the practice of veterinary medicine and must be performed by a licensed veterinarian. Rhode Island does not maintain a specific administrative rule addressing “alternate,” “complementary,” or “integrative” therapies, nor a separate framework for non-veterinary providers. Accordingly, rehabilitation and physical therapy services are delivered as part of a veterinarian-directed treatment plan within an established Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR), with the attending veterinarian retaining responsibility for medical decision-making.

Our Collaborative Model of Care

We operate under a veterinarian-led model to ensure continuity of care, regulatory compliance, and optimal clinical outcomes:

  • VCPR Required:
    Services are initiated only after confirmation that a valid VCPR exists between the referring veterinarian, client, and patient.

  • Veterinarian-Directed Plan of Care:
    All rehabilitation services are performed pursuant to a written or documented referral and treatment plan established or approved by the attending veterinarian.

  • Defined Scope of Practice:
    We do not diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, or alter medical treatment plans. Our role is limited to implementing therapeutic exercises, mobility training, conditioning, and recovery protocols as directed by the veterinarian.

  • Supervision & Communication:
    We maintain open communication with the referring veterinarian and provide progress updates, outcome data, and clinical observations to support ongoing case management.

  • Documentation:
    Treatment notes and rehabilitation progress reports are available to be incorporated into the patient’s medical record upon request.

Professional Standards

Our services are designed to:

  • Support the veterinarian’s medical diagnosis and treatment objectives

  • Improve functional outcomes and quality of life

  • Maintain compliance with Connecticut and Rhode Island statutes and professional standards

  • Protect the integrity of the veterinarian-client-patient relationship

We welcome collaboration with referring practices and are happy to discuss case suitability, treatment protocols, documentation standards, or communication preferences prior to referral.