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Review of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966
Current Consultation
A consultation paper on the review of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 was sent to all listed veterinary nurses, veterinary surgeons and other interested groups on 24 June 2005.
Amongst other issues it outlines changes and possible structures for regulating the veterinary team - veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and other groups providing a service to animals. This is the key area in which the RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council seeks the views of VNs.
The primary motive for regulation of VNs is to protect the public and their animals, but it would also give VNs a professional status. Registered VNs will not only have been appropriately trained but will be accountable for their actions to their regulatory body.
We hope the title "Veterinary Nurse" will become protected so that it can only be used by a registered VN. VNs have indicated strongly that they wish to be regulated. This may be for a variety of reasons, but perhaps chiefly because regulation will make veterinary nursing a true profession.
With the privilege of becoming a professional comes responsibility. There will be competence requirements for anyone wishing to become a registered VN, just as there are now for entry to the VN List, and there will be a requirement for registered VNs to maintain their competence throughout their working life.
Every profession has a code or guide to professional conduct and registered VNs will be no exception. Going against the rules or guidance could result in suspension or removal from the Register, meaning the person is no longer a registered VN.
Regulation will be a big step for listed VNs and it is important to RCVS VN Council that VNs are able to make an informed decision about their future. With this in mind VN Council members have posed a number of questions and offered answers, to help clarify the implications and benefits of regulation (available below).
The paper puts forward proposals from the RCVS Council and invites comments by 1 August 2005.
Download the consultation paper (PDF file - 208Kb)
Download the Q&A document (PDF file - 58Kb)
Comments should be emailed to Jeff Gill or posted to:
Jeff Gill
External Affairs Department
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Belgravia House
London
SW1P 2AF
Background
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons was set up by Royal Charter, but most of its responsibilities are defined in the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. The RCVS is considering what changes may be desirable to bring the Act up to date.
A consultation paper went to all members of the profession on 5 February 2003 seeking views on a number of issues.
A separate consultation paper sent to all listed VNs on 12 March 2003 raised questions about the regulation of veterinary nursing.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) launched its own public consultation on 24 September 2003 putting forward proposals for changes in the Act.
A report from an internal RCVS working party was debated at a special meeting of the RCVS Council on 3 March 2004. Following the meeting a response was sent to the DEFRA consultation.
A further report from the VSA Working Party was considered by Council at an extraordinary meeting on 2 March 2005, the discussions on which were reported in latest news.
View the previous consultation and subsequent information
Latest News
Regulation of Veterinary Services Under Review - 28 June 2005
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