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Telemedicine debate prompts Code of Conduct review
Discussions on telemedicine, including remote prescribing, have prompted a review of the supporting guidance.

‘Anomalies’ found in supporting guidance, RCVS says

Discussions on the development of telemedicine services have prompted a wide-ranging review of the supporting guidance to the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct.

RCVS Council approved the review this week. It will cover several key provisions of the supporting guidance, including 24-hour emergency cover and the interpretation and application of an animal being ‘under the care’ of a veterinary surgeon.

The review was recommended by the Standards Committee, which explored the implications of new technology for animal health and welfare, as well as veterinary regulation.

Committee meetings, a public consultation and external legal advice revealed a number of anomalies in the existing guidance, which could affect how the code is applied across a range of scenarios.

Chair of the Standards Committee, Dr Kate Richards, said: “It became clear to us that we could not consider telemedicine and remote prescribing in isolation and that it raised broader questions around the appropriateness of, and justification for, certain elements of existing RCVS guidance.

"I’m therefore pleased that RCVS Council has decided that the right and responsible approach is first to conduct a full review of these provisions.”

The review is expected to require wide engagement from all relevant sectors and could include a select committee-style hearing in certain areas.

In the meantime, the college stressed that the current Code and guidance remain in full effect. 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.