Background
As this review hinges on the legal interpretation of the terms ‘clinical assessment’ and ‘under care’, we sought legal advice to ensure that the basis of the guidance that governs the profession is correct and reliable.
- The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is both the Royal College and regulatory body for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses in the UK. As a regulator, we set, uphold and advance veterinary standards and, as a Royal College, we promote, encourage and advance the study and practice of the art and science of veterinary surgery and medicine. We do all these things in the interests of animal health and welfare, and in the wider public interest.
- Our review of telemedicine, ‘under care’ and 24/7 first-aid and pain relief began in 2016 with the Vet Futures initiative. This then led to the ambition in the RCVS Strategic Plan 2017-2019 to ‘review the regulatory framework for veterinary businesses to ensure a level playing field, enable a range of business models to coexist, ensure professionalism in commercial settings, and explore the implications for regulation of new technologies (eg telemedicine)’. This led to consideration of ‘telemedicine’ in its narrowest sense, ie in relation to remote prescribing, including the possibility of ‘trialling’ remote prescribing.
- A key theme that emerged through these discussions was that remote prescribing and out-of-hours care were closely linked. The reason being that if a medicine is prescribed without a physical examination, consideration needs to be given to where owners go to seek help for their animals in the event of an adverse reaction or deterioration.
- All the of the above ultimately resulted in the current, broad-ranging review of under care and out-of-hours guidance that began in 2019, conducted by the RCVS Standards Committee. As this review hinges on the legal interpretation of the terms ‘clinical assessment’ and ‘under care’, we sought legal advice to ensure that the basis of the guidance that governs the profession is correct and reliable. That legal advice is discussed further below and underpins the recommendations made.
- The Standards Committee presented its findings to Council in spring 2022, and we now wish to consult on the changes proposed as a result.