The Competition and Markets Authority’s Martin Coleman has described a ‘significant milestone’ as the group publishes its Orders and Undertakings.
The files, published on 22 September, set out the specific requirements of practices and the RCVS. These documents effectively mean that the CMA’s remedy package has become law.
One significant change following its draft consultation was to its controversial Standard Written Prescription Notice and its accompanying flyer.
The poster had received backlash from a number of organisations, including the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP). The FIVP had described the original poster as ‘poorly phrased, potentially inflammatory, and generally damaging to the viability of independent practices’.
A final draft of the poster has seen the CMA change the wording of these documents noticeably.
The large text on the poster now reads ‘You could save money by shopping around for your pet’s medicines’. In smaller text underneath, the CMA writes ‘The same medicines may be significantly cheaper elsewhere. Compare prices online and at other retailers to see the savings you might make’.
Under the new law, the CMA orders that the Standard Written Prescription Notice must be displayed in A3 size in each practice’s waiting room and consultation rooms.
Meanwhile the standard flyer for ongoing medication will need to be supplied when a pet is prescribed with an ongoing medication. It can be supplied with medication as an A5 flyer, displayed on the prescription bag or, if a client requests, sent by email.
The file also sets out expectations of practices regarding price lists, Pet Care Plans and the RCVS’ forthcoming Find a Vet platform.
Included in the additional files is a ‘price list schedule’, which sets out exactly how practices must set out their price list. Under CMA rules, this list must be a maximum of one click away from the homepage and use their pre-approved wording.
Meanwhile, its list of deadlines confirms that practices will not need to supply information for RCVS’ Find a Vet platform until 22 September 2027 at the soonest.
The Orders and Undertakings, and their accompanying documents, can be accessed
here.
Image © AnnaStills/Shutterstock
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
