Standards & Advice update: August 2024

Following a recent review, the RCVS Standards Committee has agreed a package of new guidance in relation to use of professional status and qualifications.

The new guidance covers:

• Referencing individual qualifications obtained outside of the UK containing the word ‘specialist’ when not on the RCVS Specialist list;
• use of the term ‘specialist’ in practice names;
• the information to be provided when making referral recommendations to clients; and,
• how to describe experience or seniority i.e., focusing on recognised titles such as RCVS Specialist/Advanced Practitioner rather than generic terms such as ‘consultant’ or ‘referral surgeon’.

By way of background, since 2016 the RCVS Specialist list has existed to promote specialisation within the veterinary profession, and to identify to the public and the profession those veterinary surgeons who have specialist knowledge and skills; who are active practitioners within a recognised field of specialisation; and who maintain specialised competence through continuing professional development. In order to join the list, a veterinary surgeon must hold a postgraduate qualification at diploma level or above, demonstrate an active contribution to their specialty, have national and international acclaim and publish widely in their field. Veterinary surgeons therefore must not refer to themselves as a 'Specialist’ unless they are on the RCVS Specialist list.

The new guidance is explored in more detail below:

Referencing individual qualifications obtained outside of the UK containing the word ‘specialist’ when not on the RCVS Specialist list

Given the RCVS’ general position on the use of ‘specialist’ by veterinary surgeons, the Committee considered how those with overseas qualifications containing ‘specialist’ should refer to those qualifications if they are not on the RCVS Specialist list. Whilst the Committee felt the RCVS could not prevent those holding legitimately earned qualifications from referencing them, it was clear that reference to such qualifications should not impact the integrity of the RCVS Specialist list. The Committee was also mindful of the RCVS’ role to ensure that members of the public and the profession are not misled. For these reasons, the Committee decided to include a requirement that, when referring to these qualifications, a clarification should be added that the qualification does not equate to being on the RCVS Specialist list.

To be clear, this amendment only allows for reference to the qualification itself and does not allow individuals to refer to themselves as specialists generally. The guidance can be found in Chapter 23, at paragraphs 29 and 32 (new guidance shown in bold), as follows:

23.29 Veterinary surgeons do not have to join the RCVS Specialist list to practise any particular specialty, but they must be registered with the RCVS and included on the Specialist list if they want to practise in the UK and use the title ‘Specialist’, or imply they are a Specialist. This includes veterinary surgeons seeking to use such titles, or allowing others to use such titles, in connection with their business, trade, employment, or profession. Please note there are specific requirements for veterinary surgeons who wish to refer to ‘specialist’ qualifications obtained outside of the UK (see paragraph 23.32, below). 

[…]

23.32 Exceptionally, veterinary surgeons not on the RCVS Specialist list may refer to qualifications obtained outside of the UK containing the word ‘specialist’. However, when making reference to such a qualification, veterinary surgeons must make clear that they are not an RCVS recognised Specialist. This clarification should be prominent and immediately follow the reference to the relevant qualification. It is not acceptable to include the clarification as a footnote or to attempt to hide or disguise it. An example of an appropriate clarification is: [title] [name] [qualification] (not an RCVS recognised specialist).

Use of the term ‘specialist’ in practice names

Practice names are a form of advertising and as such, should comply with Chapter 23 of the supporting guidance to the Code of Professional Conduct: Advertising, endorsement, and publicity.

Although not formally included in the guidance, when asked about use of ‘specialist’ in practice names, the RCVS has generally advised that there should be at least one RCVS Specialist in each discipline in which treatment is offered to ensure that the public is not misled. The Committee considered this position and agreed that it is a reasonable and proportionate approach which also maintains the integrity of the RCVS Specialist list. To provide clarity to the profession, the Committee decided to add supporting guidance to this effect.

The Committee was mindful that the level of involvement may vary based on the clinical service provided but made it clear that the oversight of case management in each discipline by an RCVS Specialist should be genuine and meaningful, as opposed to tokenistic or symbolic.

This guidance can now be found in Chapter 23 of the supporting guidance, at paragraph 33, as follows:

23.33 Veterinary surgeons may only use ‘specialist’ in the name of their practice where there is genuine and meaningful involvement, and oversight, in case management by at least one RCVS Specialist in all disciplines where any clinical services are offered under this business name.

The information to be provided when making referral recommendations to clients

The Committee discussed concerns that clients may not be provided with enough information at the time of referral to know the level of expertise of the veterinary surgeon accepting the referral. This issue was identified as being closely linked to the potentially unclear or misleading use of terms such as ‘consultant’ or ‘referral surgeon’ (see more below).

It was agreed that a more contextual discussion at the point of referral should be encouraged as this would ensure that clients were better informed of the options available and reduce confusion as to the qualifications or status of those being referred to.

The new guidance on referrals can be found in Chapter 1, at paragraph 6, as follows:

1.6 The referring veterinary surgeon has a responsibility to ensure that the client is made aware of the level of expertise and/or status of appropriate and reasonably available referral veterinary surgeons. In particular, veterinary surgeons should identify whether the possible referral surgeons are on the RCVS Specialist list or the RCVS Advanced Practitioner list and, where relevant, explain the difference between the two, as well as what sets them apart from other veterinary surgeons who might be willing to accept the referral. Where referral to a practice rather than a specific individual is being considered, the referring veterinary surgeon should explain the experience and status of the veterinary surgeons working within that referral practice to the client in the same way. This context is crucial for clients seeking to make an informed decision about what is best for their animal. Veterinary surgeons must not describe a referral veterinary surgeon as a Specialist, or as an Advanced Practitioner, unless they are on the respective RCVS list. Where requested, veterinary surgeons accepting referrals should provide information to referring veterinary surgeons regarding the experience and status of those likely to be responsible for any given case.

1.7 When referring cases, veterinary surgeons should explain any links to the referral practice that could be considered a conflict of interest to the client, including where the practice being referred to is owned by the same group.

How to describe experience or seniority in titles

The Committee also discussed the use of the terms ‘consultant’ or ‘referral surgeon’ in veterinary medicine. These are terms familiar to the public in the context of human healthcare but have no defined meaning in the veterinary sphere. The use of these terms in clinical practice can therefore be misleading or unclear, resulting in clients thinking they are being referred to an RCVS Specialist or Advanced Practitioner, or someone with other further qualifications, when they are not.

In light of this and to ensure clarity, the Committee decided that use of terms such as ‘consultant’ and ‘referral surgeon’, or similar, should be avoided in clinical practice, and guidance be added to this effect. Instead, veterinary surgeons should focus on recognised terms such as ‘RCVS Specialist’ and ‘RCVS Advanced Practitioner’ where appropriate.

The new guidance on use of terms such as ‘consultant’ and ‘referral surgeon’ can be found in Chapter 23, at paragraph 38, as follows:

23.38 When describing the experience or seniority of those working within their practice, veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses in clinical practice should focus on recognised veterinary terms such as ‘RCVS Specialist’ and ‘RCVS Advanced Practitioner’. Use of other terms, such as ‘consultant’ and ‘referral surgeon’, should be avoided to prevent confusion and/or the implication that individuals hold further qualifications (RCVS recognised or otherwise) when they do not.

It should be noted that the Committee did recognise that some veterinary professionals may be acting as business consultants and in those circumstances, use of ‘consultant’ might be appropriate as the risk of confusion was reduced.