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RCVS Welcomes Government White Paper On Reform Of Veterinary Regulation
1 month ago 
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The RCVS has welcomed today’s publication of a white paper setting out the government’s proposals for new legislation that would replace the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (VSA) and revolutionise veterinary regulation to the benefit of animal health and welfare, the public, and the professions.
Following the government’s public consultation earlier this year, the publication of the white paper by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is another significant milestone on the road to much-needed reform of the VSA.
Welcoming Defra’s white paper, ‘Our vision for a thriving veterinary sector’, RCVS President Tim Hutchinson MRCVS said:
"These are the biggest reforms to the veterinary sector since 1966 and, while we welcome the CMA's pricing and transparency recommendations being incorporated into this white paper, it’s no overstatement to say that Defra's proposals are even more significant for the public interest and animal health and welfare.
"They will provide stronger powers for the RCVS to regulate all veterinary and animal healthcare businesses, ensure the title ‘veterinary nurse’ is used only by properly qualified professionals, allow for the regulation of the wider veterinary team, and introduce a modern fitness to practise framework. These changes are essential for protecting animal health and welfare and maintaining public confidence in the veterinary professions.
"These changes will be a step-change in how we regulate, but we remain confident in the College's capacity to do so alongside our other public interest activities; we already have experience of regulating multiple professions, and of accrediting veterinary practices under our voluntary Practice Standards Scheme. We look forward to working with Defra and stakeholders across the sector to help turn these recommendations into a regulatory framework fit for the 21st century."
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