RCVS and Regulations

• Transparency

  regulators should be open and regulations simple with consequences for non-compliance clear
• Two Distinguishing Features of a Profession

  autonomy - independence to act

  accountability - being responsible and answerable for ones actions
• Targeting

  regulations should be aimed at the issue and minimise side effects
• Accountability

  regulators should be able to justify their actions and conduct fair and effective complaint and appeal procedures
• Schedule 3

  allows vets to delegate tasks to RVNs/SVNs under their directive, the RVN should be deemed competent enough to complete the task and SVNs should be supervised
• Disciplinary Stage 3

  disciplinary hearing - formal hearing, similar to court, if found guilty can be suspended or struck from the register
• Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966


  makes it an offence for an individual to call themselves a vet if their name is not on the register
• Profession

  prolonged education that takes place in a college or university that results in the acquisition of a body of knowledge based on theory and research
• RCVS Registration Role

  hold and maintain the register

  council prescribes fees and lets the registrar know who is eligible

  ensure the register is up to date and accurate
• Day One Skills

  regulatory benchmark of essential clinical skills based on the day one competences for veterinary nursing
• The Royal Charter

  feb 2015 - recognised vet nursing as a profession which made the college keep a register of vet nurses
• How are standards maintained?

  CPD minimum hours

  online CPD log

  post-qualification training and development
• What are the key principles associated with regulation?

  proportionality

  accountability

  consistency

  transparency

  targeting
• Regulation

  a set of rules or directives made and maintained by an authority
• What is the primary purpose of regulation?

  to protect those who use the service offered
• Proportionality

  regulators should only get involved when necessary and should consider education over punishment where possible
• Consistency

  regulations should be predictable to allow stability to those being regulated
• RCVS Education Role

  setting of day one skills

  setting of day one competences

  monitoring course providers and clinical placement

  setting requirements to become a training practice
• Disciplinary Stage 1

  preliminary investigation committee - case manager provided and information gathered, consists of 1 vet, 1 lay person and 1 other, if there is no realistic prospect the case is closed
• Disciplinary Stage 2

  preliminary investigation committee - more information may be requested, discussing if there is realistic prospect that what you did or did not do will affect fitness to practice