VMD plans "rebalance" of VMR fees
The VMD has proposed 14 key changes to the Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMRs), concentrating largely on what the directorate calls a "rebalancing" of fees and charges. According to the VMD, around 80 per cent of its expenditure is recovered from industry through these charges, thus it wishes to avoid over or under-charging.
The majority of the monetary changes are reductions, as several of the VMD's tasks have become more efficient due to new systems. The annual fee for Veterinary Practice Premises (VPPs) to be on the RCVS VPP register, for example, is to decrease from £40 to £34, a change which the college says it is "pleased to see."
However, the VMD has also proposed a 40 per cent increase in its charge for inspecting veterinary premises. This change means that VPPs not under the RCVS practice standards scheme, who are subject to routine inspections, will see their fee rise from £250 to £350 if the proposal goes ahead. According to the VMD the current fee of £250 does not cover the cost of the inspection, necessitating an increase.
Other changes to the regulations centre on the storage and supply of veterinary medicines. The proposals will grant the VMD more powers when it comes to penalising those who import unauthorised medicines, and also those in possession of or associated with the medicines. It is proposed that the directorate will be able to seize medicines "where they have reason to suspect" an illegal product. According to the VMD some inspectors have previously been unable to act in cases where products have been poured into different bottles and relabelled.
Currently the VMD cannot revoke the licenses of veterinary premises if they do not meet required standards. The directorate hopes be able to remove VPPs from the RCVS register if they are found to be "unsuitable for the storage and supply of veterinary medicines." The VMD has stated that any practice falling below the required standard will be given plenty of opportunity to improve things before being removed from the register. This change is part of the VMD's "escalator" approach to inspections, whereby those flouting the rules will receive more inspections, and those in line with regulations will receive fewer.
Peter Green, director of operations at the VMD has encouraged veterinary professionals to submit their comments: "We would welcome comments on specific aspects of the proposals set out in the consultations package." The VMD's consultation on changes to the proposal closes on 18 February, and approved changes will come into force by October this year. Further information on the changes are available on the directorate's website.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
