Defra launches RCVS Public Consultation
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched a public consultation on proposals which would authorise the RCVS to reconstitute its mandated disciplinary committees independently of the RCVS Council. It is hoped that such reforms would prevent potential conflicts of interest during the hearing of cases, as the RCVS Council is also responsible for formulation of rules and the investigation of complaints.
The proposed changes would be made by a Legislative Reform Order that will amend a specific part of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, to require the RCVS Preliminary Investigation and Disciplinary Committees to be made up of veterinary surgeons and lay members who are not RCVS Council members, and who are appointed at arm’s length.
Commenting on the announcement, RCVS President Dr Jerry Davies declared that “I am delighted that Defra is consulting on these long-anticipated proposals, which would allow the RCVS to deliver better, fairer and more effective regulation. I would urge members of the profession and the public to respond to this important consultation and to support the changes.”
Also responding, President of the BVA Carl Padgett said “The BVA has long believed that the disciplinary functions of the RCVS could be improved and we welcome the publication of this consultation. The veterinary profession is well regulated but it is essential that our regulatory system is seen as transparent, open and fair by animal owners, other members of the public, and veterinary surgeons alike. These proposals aim to bring the veterinary profession in line with best practice in professional regulation."
He added an appeal to the profession: "The BVA is urging members to discuss the proposals and feed their views into us for our consultation response.”
Under the proposals, the Committees would cease to include Council members. The bodies which consider allegations of misconduct on the part of veterinary surgeons would thus be independently constituted and detached from policy discussions. The proposals would also improve the independence of the disciplinary processes by formally bringing lay people into the relevant Committees.
In addition, the changes would increase the pool of people available to investigate complaints and sit on disciplinary hearings, thus allowing the case-load to be more efficiently handled and ensuring that complaints are heard swiftly.
The full details of the proposals can be found here and the deadline for consultation responses is 10 April 2012.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
