Buoy's Law
Buoy’s Law Made Easy
On first glance, Buoy’s law might look like it requires a lot of time and effort. Many members have figured out how to comply with hardly any extra time.
And if you get on board with some of the latest AI-driven note-taking tools, it may take no extra time at all.
AI tools to make it effortless
The technology of medical record-keeping has been transformed by artificial intelligence. Find out how this can make Buoy’s law a sinch. We’ve given some information below.
Essential reading
See how it all fits together. You can avoid worrying about many details by understanding how Buoy’s law is enforced.
5 Quick Tips to save time with Buoy’s Law
If you are finding that Buoy’s law is still taking a lot of time, take a look at our quick tips. Maybe one of them will help
1. The risks may be lower than you think
Sometimes people take a lot of time to keep bullet-proof records that prove exactly what they disclosed. It may be driven by the fear the consequences if a client claims they didn’t get the required information.
But disciplinary action will not be taken unless there are multiple occurences of non-compliance (unless in cases of gross negligence). You are unlikely to be found at fault for one client who claims they didn’t receive the information. And even if you are, the penalties for this type of offence are relatively low, compared to those for gross negligence.
2. Saying if might be quicker than printing it
This is especially true if you are using an AI record-keeping tool. You most likely know the common reasonably anticipated side-effects, so just advise the client. (See the section below for more info). If you are doing medical record the traditional way just make a note that you mentioned the side-effects. That’s all you need to do. The law doesn’t require you to provide a written list of side-effects.
3. "Common Reasonably Anticipated" may be a short list
The language of Buoy’s law asks you to disclose “common reasonably anticipated” adverse effects. For most drugs, that should be a short-list. You don’t need to cover all the less-common side effects that may be lower down in the literature.
4. For OTC - the packaging usually has all you need
Over-the-counter medications usually have packaging that includes all the information required for Buoy’s law.
5. Extra-label isn't covered by Buoy's law
Buoy’s law just requires the adverse effect information if it is available for that species and for the condition if it is prescribed for.
That means it doesn’t apply for a wide-range of the medications you prescribe that are extra-label.
How AI record-keeping apps help you comply with Buoy’s law – and save time
A year or so ago, people were very excited about dictation apps that could help you keep medical records more efficiently.
But a more recent approach is even quicker and easier to use. You simply use the microphone on your phone to capture the entire conversation you have with the client, as well as your SOAP notes. Just mention the common reasonably anticipated side-effects while you are at it. Or mention that they are written on the bottle, or in the packaging, or that they will be given a sheet at check-out.
Current phones are extremely good at picking up the conversation and transcribing it accurately. And the latest AI systems can convert the transcription into structured medical records in your chosen format. Save the transcript too, if you like, or even the recording.
Here’s some apps to look at. We haven’t tested any, but most offer a demo or trial. There are others available – just do a google search. Or let us know and we will add it to the list below. You could get started for around $50 to $100 a month depending on what features you want.
HappyDoc
HappyDoc is an AI Scribe for Veterinarians Focused on Care.
Automate your notes and focus on what matters—your patients. They currently integrate with Cornerstone, Avimark, ImproMed, ezyVet, and Vetspire. More coming soon! https://www.happydoc.ai/
Scribble Vet
Scribble Vet offers a 14-day free trial. Their website makes it easy to copy-paste the sections you need into your systems. Since their draft notes require minimal editing, they claim it only takes 30 seconds to go from appointment to completed record. https://www.scribblevet.com/
Co-vet
CoVet’s easy Ai writes your records, and automates your admin work so you can focus on the things that matter most. They also offer a free trial.
They have an export center that could help your team copy the records to the practice software. They also integrate directly to EZvet. https://www.co.vet/
Your Practice Management System
Some practice management systems, like Digitail, are providing their own AI tools like SOAP notetakers right into the software. Check-in with your provider to make sure there aren’t already tools available you can take advantage of.
Providers of information sheets
Here are some of the places you can obtain information sheets on side-effects to provide to your clients.
Many members have successfully integrated these services with their practice management system. The typical setup is to link the products in your PIM system to the materials provided by one of the companies below. That makes it easy to print out or email a client handout every time the drug is prescribed or dispensed. Usually the person who is providing the handout would also need to note that in the medical record to be compliant.
Lifelearn
Lifelearn provides client education resources including datasheets on pet medication that are intended to meet the requirements of Buoy’s law. They offer a discount to NYSVMS members. Take a look at their blog article. They also published an infographic to help you comply.
Lifelearn can integrate with most cloud-based practice-management systems to help you automate the process of providing handouts.
Plumbs
Plumbs also provides client handouts that meet the requirements of the law. They have published a blog that describes how they can help you comply. We don’t have any discounts available from Plumb’s at this time.
Veterinary Information Network
VIN members can access Buoy’s Law compliant Client Information Sheets directly or linked to drug monographs in the VIN Veterinary Drug Handbook. These are available at VIN.com and the VVDH app in the Google and Apple app stores. The drug information sheets on VIN’s VeterinaryPartner.com site for clients are not intended to be compliant.
Veterinary Practice Reference
We have good reports from a member who uses the Veterinary Practice Reference. They integrate with some of the major systems, and are very affordable. The product includes information on drug interactions