BVA Welcomes New Professional Code For Vets
12 years ago
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14th April, 2012 14h39
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed the new Code of Professional Conduct, launched this week by the veterinary profession’s regulator, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
The Code has been designed to replace the previous Guide to Professional Conduct, following an extensive review and consultation by the RCVS, which BVA members contributed to throughout.
One of the important changes is the move from “should” to “must” in many areas of the Code to enhance professional responsibility.
One element that BVA strongly advocated during the consultation is the inclusion of specific advice to ensure UK veterinary surgeons prescribe veterinary medicines responsibly, in particular antimicrobials and anthelmintics to reduce resistance.
Commenting on the launch, Carl Padgett, President of the BVA, said:
“In developing the new Code the College has consulted extensively and the result is a clear set of standards for the future for veterinary surgeons to uphold.
“Changing much of the language from ‘should’ to ‘must’ will help underline the profession’s accountability to clients who rightly expect the very best.
“These changes, coupled with the ongoing consultation on a Legislative Reform Order to update the disciplinary processes of the RCVS, will ensure our profession continues to be held to the highest standards.
“The new focus in the Code on individuals’ fitness to practise is welcome in order to ensure animals are not put at risk and that the interests of the public are protected.”
On the inclusion of specific supporting guidance on the responsible use of antimicrobials and anthelmintics, Mr Padgett added:
“As the scrutiny on veterinary use of these vital medicines continues to increase it is incumbent on every veterinary surgeon to be seen to be acting responsibly.”
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