BVNA and BSAVA commend CMA’s VN remedy
The BVNA has campaigned for the veterinary nurse title to be protected, and their responsibilities to be expanded.
The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) and British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) have each addressed the CMA’s approach to veterinary nursing.
In its final decision report, published 24 March 2026, the CMA confirmed its support for the protection of the veterinary nurse title. It also calls on the government to formally expand veterinary nurses’ remit.
The CMA has recommended that this regulation is incorporated in a new Veterinary Surgeons Act, for which the public consultation period closed on 25 March 2026.
The BVNA has long campaigned for a new Veterinary Surgeons Act, with particular focus on statutory protection of the veterinary nurse title. It also called for better clarity surrounding Schedule 3 and delegation, as well as potential expansion of the scope of tasks.
Sarah Holliday, BVNA president, said: “We particularly welcome the CMA’s recognition that the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 must be modernised, alongside their recognition of the value that veterinary nurses bring to both patient and client care.
“We are therefore greatly encouraged to see the CMA will be asking UK Government to consider protection of the ‘veterinary nurse’ title and future expansion of the profession’s scope of practice within future reforms. We feel this will be key to ensuring veterinary nursing skills can be fully utilised within the veterinary team.”
Both the BVNA and the BSAVA have welcomed measures which they say will support ‘greater transparency’ for pet owners. The BSAVA also welcomed the CMA’s change in approach to prescription fees, which it says ‘reflects a professional responsibility that should not be taken lightly or undervalued’.
The BSAVA says it is important that pet owners do not vent frustrations at veterinary professionals.
Julian Hoad, BSAVA president, said: “The BSAVA has long advocated on behalf of its veterinary nurse members and indeed the wider veterinary nursing profession to protect the veterinary nurse title and the expanded range of tasks they can undertake. It is therefore heartening to see the CMA also being supportive of these initiatives.
“We recognise that there is more to be done before the reforms can be implemented but our members, and indeed the wider profession, can be assured that we will continue to fully engage in the process.”
Image © BVNA
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