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The RCVS Council approved plans to carry out a wide-ranging review of the guidance amid ongoing discussions about telemedicine.

Concerns over wide-ranging review agreed in closed session

The RCVS has responded to a request for “urgent clarification” from the BVA, after announcing plans to conduct a wide-ranging review of the supporting guidance to the Code of Professional Conduct.

During a recent closed session, the RCVS Council approved plans to carry out the review, which covers key areas such as 24-hour emergency care and the interpretation and application of the term 'under veterinary care'.

The proposals came in response to ongoing discussions about the development of telemedicine services, including remote prescribing, in UK veterinary practice.

“Disappointing and unexpected”
BVA president Simon Doherty wrote to RCVS president Amanda Boag, to express concern that the college has ‘increasingly approached this complex and divisive issue in a manner that appears to exclude the veterinary profession from the debate,’ the BVA said in a statement.

Mr Doherty sought urgent clarification on the reasoning behind the college’s decision, as well as confirmation that the RCVS remained committed to pan-professional consultation and engagement. He also requested a meeting with Ms Boag to discuss the matter in greater detail.

Commenting further, Mr Doherty said: “Friday’s announcement of this review came as something of a surprise, and we know that several members had voiced concerns that the decision was made in a closed session at RCVS Council.

“RCVS had given us assurances that there would be high levels of stakeholder engagement in discussions on telemedicine, so it’s both disappointing and unexpected that some seven months later the first update is a large scale review, agreed behind closed doors.

“Telemedicine presents both challenges and opportunities for the veterinary profession and we need to strike the right balance between being open to change and new technologies while ensuring that animal health and welfare remains paramount.

“It’s essential that all views are heard on such a wide-ranging and sensitive area, so we have asked RCVS to clarify their plans for ensuring the required wide engagement from all relevant sectors is achieved in an open, collaborative, and timely manner.”

RCVS response
The RCVS issued a statement in response, explaining that it held the session ‘in committee’ in order to examine confidential legal advice.

‘We recognise fully that this is a complex issue, with strong views held on all sides,’ the statement said. ‘However, it is entirely right and proper for RCVS Council members to be able to discuss and debate such topics in detail, before reaching a decision through a vote. In the course of such discussions, issues may arise that had not previously been identified, and which may alter the original direction of thinking.

‘We appreciate that Council’s decision was perhaps unexpected, especially as the original topic had been under consideration for some time. This is why we announced it as soon as possible, along with an indication of what Council would like to happen next.’

The college confirmed that the review ‘will be open and inclusive’ in parallel with previous consultations. Full details on the plans for the review are expected over the coming weeks.

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