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Review of the VSA
A review of the future regulation of the veterinary profession
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 and was reported in latest news.
A separate consultation paper, sent to all listed VNs on 12 March 2003, raised questions about the regulation of veterinary nursing and was also reported in latest news.
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 RCVS Working Party was considered by Council at an extraordinary meeting on 2 March 2005, the discussions on which were reported in latest news.
A further consultation was sent to all RCVS members, listed veterinary nurses and other interest groups on 24 June 2005 and subsequently reported in latest news.
The RCVS Council considered the outcome of the consultation at its meeting on 3 November 2005 and their decisions were reported in latest news.
A summary of Council's proposals for the regulation of veterinary service providers was prepared.
In April 2008 the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee of the House of Commons published a report following a review of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. The report includes evidence submitted by RCVS and other bodies.
In June 2009, Council considered a report from a working party, the Veterinary Legislation Group, which was set up to review the 2005 proposals. Council agreed to consult on the recommendations and a consultation paper was issued the following month.
Latest
At its meeting in November 2009, Council considered the outcome of the consultation and decided to invite the Government to amend the Act in order to allow changes in the composition of the Preliminary Investigation and Disciplinary Committees. Members of the RCVS Council would cease to be eligible to serve on the Disciplinary Committee. Other possible changes in the Act will be considered further.
Further information
The reports and documents referred to above may be viewed or downloaded via the following links (most recent first):
RCVS consultation on the Veterinary Legislation Group's recommendations (July 2009)
Veterinary Legislation Group report and recommendations - June 2009
EFRA Committee report of VSA review - April 2008
Council proposals for the regulation of veterinary service providers - November 2005 (PDF file - 67Kb)
RCVS consultation paper - 24 June 2005
Working Party report - 2 March 2005 (PDF file - 171Kb)
RCVS response to DEFRA consultation (PDF file - 76Kb)
RCVS Council minutes - 3 March 2004 (PDF file - 78Kb)
Working Party report - 11 February 2004 (PDF file - 166Kb)
DEFRA public consultation paper - 24 September 2003
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