How to join the Scheme
- Ensure all premises within the practice group are registered for the purposes of the Veterinary Practice Premises Register. (For further information please visit the Register of Veterinary Practice Premises (RVPP) section of the website.)
- Complete the PSS Application Form, available to download from the 'Related documents' box - right, and make payment; all practice premises within the practice group must be inspected.
Preparation
- The Practice Standards Manual and Rules of the Scheme should be read before applying to join the scheme. Please note the PSS Manual was updated in February 2012. For further information please view the Additions to PSS Manual document, in the 'Related documents' box on the right.
- The Manual lists the requirements for each type of accreditation and where paperwork is required this is indicated with an icon.
- To help the inspector it is recommended that the required paperwork is collated into a folder and arranged by clause number.
- Ensure routine maintenance and testing of equipment has been undertaken.
The Practice Standards Application Form, Manual and Rules can be found in the 'Related documents' box, top right.
The inspection process
- 2-3 weeks after receiving the application the PSS team will write to the practice with details of the proposed inspector.
- Inspector will contact the practice to arrange a mutually agreeable date for the visit which must take place within 3 months of the application form being received.
- During the visit the inspector will check paperwork, tour the premises, look at equipment and talk to staff.
- The inspection report is referred to the Chairman/Review Group of PSS for approval.
- 8-10 weeks after the visit confirmation of the outcome of the inspection will be sent. This will detail any evidence that needs to be supplied which is usually requested to be supplied within 1, 3 or 6 months of the outcome being issued. Exceptional circumstances may require immediate rectification of deficiencies.
- Evidence received from the practice will be forwarded to the inspector to review and if any evidence is incorrect/has not been supplied. The PSS team will then write to the practice.
- Once the inspector has confirmed compliance a certificate pack will be issued to the practice and Find a Vet will be updated to show that the premises are accredited.
Who are the Inspectors?
- All inspectors must be at least five years qualified as an MRCVS; be in full or part-time veterinary practice (or to have been so within the previous three years) and be approved as having suitable experience in the species area for undertaking inspections of each appropiate accreditation.
- A list of the current inspectors can be downloaded from the 'Related documents' box, top right.
Fees
- The application fee covers one inspection day, should the inspection take more than one day to complete the RCVS will issue an invoice to cover the costs of the additional days.
- Once all premises are accredited, an annual Practice Standards Scheme fee becomes due commencing in the January following accreditation, this annual fee includes the Register of Premises renewal.