‘Under care’ – new expectations from the RCVS
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) regulates veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses in the UK. It does this using a Code of Conduct (mandatory obligations) and supporting guidance (expectations) which must be read alongside our legal obligations (the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 etc.)
On 1st September 2023 new expectations were published by the RCVS which impacted how we prescribe prescription-only veterinary medicines (POM-Vs). This included changes to the way we prescribe and supply anti-parasitic (flea and worm treatment) POM-Vs.
Before prescribing POM-Vs a veterinary surgeon must carry out a clinical assessment by law. The RCVS now says this clinical assessment should include a physical examination in the following circumstances:
- Where a notifiable disease is suspected
- When prescribing controlled drugs (unless there are exceptional circumstances)
- When prescribing antibiotics, antifungals, antiparasitics or antivirals (unless there are exceptional circumstances). The RCVS states that “it is our view that these medicines should be treated differently to other POM-Vs because the risk of uncontrolled use is greater, for example, resistance and environmental impact.”
We want to reassure you that the new expectations have not changed how much can be prescribed at any one time. Following a physical examination the veterinary surgeon,as a matter of practice policy, can issue a prescription for antiparasitics for up to a year (if in their judgment it is responsible to do so). This is provided a valid record of the prescription is made, at the time of the physical examination, in the system.
It is our intention that a discussion regarding anti-parasite treatment be undertaken during every annual vaccination appointment, and this is to be recorded in the clinical notes so as to conform with the new expectations.
We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding whilst we adjust to these new expectations.
