Resources and updates

The first of the new twice-yearly updates on Code/guidance changes, this article provides information on written prescription validity periods and ‘repeats’, changes to Chapter 23 regarding the use of ‘specialist’ when promoting veterinary services, and Chapter 2 updates on maintaining professional boundaries with clients.

The Standards Committee provides guidance on whether vets can remotely prescribe CDs for the euthanasia of wildlife, and whether lay people from wildlife rescue centres can administer CDs to euthanise wildlife.

Standards and Advice update: April 2024 – new guidance on compulsory microchipping of cats

This update covers changes to Chapter 29 of the supporting guidance, in which cats will now be subject to compulsory microchipping in the United Kingdom, in line with the introduction of Microchipping of Cats and Dogs (England) Regulations 2023. It also covers updates to Chapter 8, regarding the scanning of microchips when a healthy cat is brought in for euthanasia.

This update covers changes to Chapter 2 that give greater clarity to veterinary surgeons or nurses who wish to exercise a conscientious objection to certain procedures or services. It also highlights that the temporary remote prescribing dispensation introduced at the start of the coronavirus pandemic has now come to an end.

Standards and Advice update: August 2021 – rules and responsibilities around recommending pet/animal insurance to clients

This update reminds veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses about the rules and responsibilities around pet/animal insurance, particularly when recommending, promoting, or even setting up, a particular insurance policy for clients.

Standards and Advice update: July 2021 – VMD guidance on the destruction of controlled drugs

This update covers VMD guidance on who is able to witness the destruction of controlled drugs. It also points to FAQs 4 and 5 of the RCVS Common Medicine Pitfalls guidance for further information on the safe disposal of controlled drugs.

Standards and Advice update: May 2021 – guidance on monitoring anaesthesia during small animal procedures, and electronic veterinary certification via use of electronic signatures and online forms

This update covers changes to Chapters 2 and 18 of the supporting guidance in relation to having a suitably trained person monitoring anaesthesia alongside a veterinary surgeon during procedures. It also provides a reminder to veterinary surgeons completing electronic veterinary certification, to ensure security measures are in place when using electronic signatures and online forms.