The Veterinary Council Of New Zealand Adopts A New System For CPD

The Veterinary Council has adopted a new system for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Janet Eden, Registrar of the Veterinary Council, said: “From 2014, veterinarians will be required to declare what CPD activities they have been doing to maintain and enhance their performance in order to be eligible for the issue of an Annual Practising Certificate.” “This brings veterinary practice into line with other professional bodies in New Zealand and meets public expectations that veterinarians should, like other health professionals, ensure they keep up to date.” “For most veterinarians, this will require no change, since the majority already take the need to maintain and enhance their performance very seriously.” The CPD Framework is designed to ensure veterinarians maintain and enhance their performance by requiring them to undertake and record their professional development through continuing veterinary education and collegial activities as well as self-directed learning. The Veterinarians Act, 2005, requires the Veterinary Council to protect the public interest by ensuring that veterinarians are competent and fit to practise on an ongoing basis. The right to practise is recertified each year through the issue of an annual practising certificate. Before issuing practising certificates the Council must be satisfied that veterinarians meet the minimum practising standards of the Act, which now include participation in CPD activities. The Veterinary Council is also leading the development of a new Code of Professional Conduct which will be launched in August. Dr Nick Twyford, the chair of the review working party which developed the new draft Code, said: “The Code sets out the ethical standards which veterinarians are required to adhere to and may be measured against.” “It will provide veterinarians with clear guidance on the ethical standards expected of them.”

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