Proposals to update legislation covering veterinary surgery were unveiled by Defra today.
The consultation paper recognises that the Veterinary Surgeons Act
(1966) is in need of modernisation and it invites comments on proposed changes.
Significant developments have occurred within the profession over the past four decades, including developments in veterinary procedures, skills and equipment. Public expectations have also changed and are now more demanding in terms of the services provided. The profession also needs to be more transparent in the way it operates.
Among a range of issues, the consultation invites views on:-
- Greater lay representation on the RCVS Council and disciplinary committees;
- The registration of newly qualified veterinary surgeons and the assumed omni- competence of veterinary surgeons;
- Current disciplinary procedures, the composition of the statutory committees and disciplinary powers;
- Whether veterinary surgeons should be required to undertake Continued Professional Development (CPD) or whether periodic re-accreditation should be introduced;
- Deregulation of designated acts of veterinary surgery' to trained and competent paraprofessionals.
