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RCVS releases response to CMA issues statement
RCVS says an MPR could be the key change to improve consumer protection and veterinary standards.

The regulatory body wishes to introduce ‘mandatory practice regulation’.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has published its response to the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA’s) issues statement into the veterinary sector.

The regulatory body has called for reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 to allow it to implement mandatory practice regulation (MPR).

RCVS says that it has been pushing for new veterinary legislation for many years, referring to the existing legislation as ‘out of date’. It proposes that these changes would enable it to make changes it believes would bring benefits to animal health and welfare.

Among the changes it suggests is regulation of the ‘vet-led team’. This means that RCVS would not only be able to regulate veterinary surgeons and nurses, but also other members of the team such as physiotherapists.

The college also proposes a transformation of its complaints and disciplinary system, to keep it in line with best regulatory practice.

RCVS suggests that a more modern ‘fitness to practise’ model is not only in the public interest, but also more proportionate for veterinary professionals.

Furthermore, the college is calling for a new Veterinary Surgeons Act to strengthen and develop the role of veterinary nurses in practice. It believes that this would result in a greater range of services in both primary care and referrals settings.

RCVS hopes that these changes will enable it to introduce an MPR for all veterinary practices.

It says that this could be the ‘key change’ required to improve consumer protection, the standards in practice and the support available for veterinary professionals.

The college's position to regulate veterinary practices as well as individual veterinary surgeons has similarly been supported by the British Veterinary Association.

RCVS currently offers a voluntarily regulatory scheme for practices, called the Practice Standards Scheme (PSS). It has also established a Register of Veterinary Nurses under its Royal Charter, as well as an independent Veterinary Client Mediation System (VCMS), which offers an alternative dispute resolution service.

In a blog post from June, RCVS senior vice president Sue Paterson writes: 'As part of its package of recommendations for legislative reform, the RCVS is asking for statutory powers to create an MPR scheme to ensure that all practices are assessed, similar to how human hospitals, GP practices and care settings are regulated by the Care Quality Commission.

'This would align us with our core mission to enhance society through improved animal health and welfare, while also shifting us into the 21st century alongside other healthcare profession regulators.'

Image © RCVS

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VMD responds to Solensia injection concerns

News Story 1
 The VMD has added anaphylaxis to the SPC of Solensia 7 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cats.

It says that this is a rare side effect, with such adverse events affecting fewer than three animals for every 1000 doses of Solensia sold.

Solensia is used to alleviate osteoarthritis pain in cats. It contains the active ingredient frunevetmab.

Anaphylaxis joins effects such as alopecia, dermatitis, pruritus on the list of adverse effects.

The VMD says that is constantly reviewing adverse event data for all medicines. 

Click here for more...
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Applications open for RCVS Fellowship

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has opened applications for veterinary surgeons to join the RCVS Fellowship.

The RCVS Fellowship is a learned society which works to advance veterinary standards and promote scientific excellence.

Veterinary surgeons can enter the RCVS Fellowship through three routes, each with different criteria. This enables people with a range of expertise and experience to join the society.

The routes are: Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice, Meritorious Contributions to Knowledge and Meritorious Contributions to the Profession.

Applicants must share a summary of their contributions to the profession, including examples of significant works produced throughout their career. The application will then be assessed by a panel of judges against a set of criteria.

Veterinary surgeons have until 4pm on Friday, 14 March to submit applications. More information, including requirements and guidance can be found here.