RCVS to lead consultation process across veterinary profession
The BVA has welcomed outline plans for a wide-ranging review of guidance on the concept of ‘under care’ and out-of-hours cover.
On Friday (13 September), the RCVS published further details on the review, which includes a broad timetable for its three key phases of evidence gathering, policy drafting, and public consultation. The review, which was announced earlier this year, was recommended to RCVS Council by its Standards Committee and will consider the implications of new technologies for both animal health and welfare and veterinary regulation.
“We’re very pleased to see that the details of this major review have been set out in a comprehensive and timely way,” said BVA president Simon Doherty. “The concept of ‘under care’ and the future role of telemedicine are very live topics within the veterinary profession at the moment, and BVA is making it one of our key priorities over the next 12 months to gauge our members’ views and further develop our own position on these areas.
“It’s really important that all views are heard on such a complex and sensitive area and we look forward to seeing RCVS leading an open and collaborative consultation process across the veterinary community.”
The review will comprise several key stages and is expected to take around 12 months to complete. The initial timeline, which may be subject to change, is as follows:
- October – January: six-week Call for Evidence, followed by independent qualitative analysis of all evidence received
- February – March: Select Committee-style meetings and independent qualitative analysis of additional evidence gathered [NB this stage is subject to Standards Committee requirements, depending on the evidence gathered.]
- April – June: Consider all evidence and draft any new policy
- July – August: six-week public consultation on draft policy
- September – October: independent review of consultation responses, and production of any proposals for change
- November: Finalise any proposals for change and publish any new guidance.
“This is set to become one of our most fundamental reviews of RCVS guidance in recent years,” said RCVS standards committee chair Melissa Donald.
“Considering the complexity of the issues in question, and their importance to animal owners and the professions alike, it is vital that we allow ourselves enough time to ensure this review is as thorough and comprehensive as possible.
“We have a clear responsibility to seek, understand and, where we can, accommodate the opinions and experiences of as many different people from within and around the professions and the public as possible. I would urge my fellow vets and vet nurses to please find some time to consider these issues very carefully over the coming weeks and months, and to send us their views.”
To support the review, the College is planning a programme of stakeholder engagement and will provide regular updates on progress to both Council and the wider profession.
Members of the profession will be able to follow the progress of the review at www.rcvs.org.uk/undercare.
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. 
