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Posted: 17th May 2013

MPs called on to protect VN title
RCVS calls for a private member's bill

 The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has announced that a letter has been sent to MPs appealing for legislation to protect the title of veterinary nurse (VN).

The college is calling for an effective regulatory system to ensure veterinary nurses who are found guilty of serious profession conduct can no longer carry out surgical procedures or administer medical treatment to animals.

Currently, anyone can legally refer to themselves as a VN, regardless of their training or education, and VNs are not subject to statutory regulation.

In 2007, the RCVS in introduced the non-statutory Register of Veterinary Nurses, meaning registered VNs (RVNs) must follow a code of professional conduct, submit to a disciplinary system and maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills.

However, while the RCVS can suspend or remove RVNs from the register if they are found guilty of serious professional misconduct, they cannot remove them from the published list of qualified VNs. Therefore, legally, they can continue to prescribe medical treatment and carry out minor surgery.

Having developed a framework for the regulation of VNs, the RCVS leading counsel has drafted a bill, which has been sent to the MPs drawn in the private member's bill ballot on May 16.

Nick Stace, RCVS CEO, said: “I urge MPs selected in today’s Ballot to take forward legislation for the statutory regulation of veterinary nurses and the protection of the title veterinary nurse. The nation’s animals and owners deserve better than the current situation.

Statutory regulation of VNs has received support from the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) and British Veterinary Association (BVA). An HM Government e-petition last year also called for statutory regulation, receiving 2,500 signatures.

Mr Stace added: "There is widespread support amongst the public and profession for such legislation, so the RCVS has had a Bill drafted by leading Counsel and is prepared to offer significant support to any MP willing to pick up this worthy cause."

Image: Nick Stace, RCVS



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