BVNA urges greater role for RVNs in CMA response
“We are particularly encouraged that the CMA is continuing to consider the outdated legislation surrounding the veterinary sector” – Lyndsay Hughes.
The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) has called for the role of veterinary nurses to be expanded in its response to the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA’s) consultation on its issues statement.
Welcoming the CMA’s intention to explore whether the regulatory framework for the veterinary sector could be updated, the BVNA argued that permitting veterinary nurses to do more tasks would help address some of the issues faced by the veterinary sector.
In its response, the BVNA said that allowing RVNs to see patients with common disorders could help address veterinary surgeon shortages.
The association wrote: ’Implementing standard operating procedures created by the veterinary team, identifying all predicted outcomes for a patient will enable the RVN to see and treat patients. This frees the veterinary surgeon to do what only a veterinary surgeon can do; diagnose, prescribe and perform surgery.’
The BVNA also suggested allowing RVNs to induce anaesthesia ‘based on patient specific protocol driven procedures’. This would enable veterinary nurses to complete diagnostic imaging, suturing wounds, and dental work (excluding extractions), allowing veterinary surgeons to focus on more complicated surgeons and making clinical assessments.
Expanding the role could also help improve staff retention among veterinary nurses by increasing job satisfaction, the association argued.
The CMA’s issues statement set out the areas in the veterinary sector that the authority wants to look at further and suggested some potential remedies for issues it has initially identified. The consultation closed on 30 July.
Lyndsay Hughes, BVNA president, said: “BVNA welcomed the opportunity to respond to this consultation from the CMA. Throughout the CMA’s ongoing market investigation, BVNA has championed the integral role of the veterinary nurse within both animal welfare and client care, along with the significant value this role brings to veterinary practice.
“We are particularly encouraged that the CMA is continuing to consider the outdated legislation surrounding the veterinary sector, and will continue to call for expansion of the veterinary nursing role along with protection of its title.
“We will continue to work with the CMA to inform its Inquiry Group’s understanding of the sector, and the potential impact of its proposed remedies.”
The BVNA's full response can be read here.
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