The RCVS is preparing to present a mini-bill to MPs with the aim of getting the veterinary nurse title legally protected through the Veterinary Surgeons Act (VSA).
The VN and RCVS council have both approved this new move which is set to go to DEFRA imminently.
The VSA currently refers to LVNs and SVNs in a section relating to Schedule 3 procedures, stating: “Veterinary nurse means a nurse whose name is entered in the list of veterinary nurses maintained by the college.” However, the new proposal wishes to change references to the old style list to “the register”.
This new mini-bill would make it a legal requirement for the description “veterinary nurse” to relate only to RVNs and will alter the VSA to state they are professionally accountable.
If it receives DEFRAs backing, the next step is for the RCVS to find an MP willing to present it in Parliament as a private member’s bill.
So veterinary nurses, be sure to watch this space…
More information can be found at VN Online.