Standards Committee agrees new FAQ surrounding mutual clients in the farm sector

Following discussions with individual veterinary surgeons working in the farm sector and the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA), the Standards Committee has agreed a new frequently asked question and answer.

We recognise that many vets have collaborative and positive relationships with both their clients and other vets involved in the animals’ care. However, the aim of the FAQ is provide guidance on what to do where this is not the case and to help those who are having difficulty ensuring RCVS’ guidance is upheld. 

In addition to the FAQ, the Standards Committee has agreed two important updates namely:

1. An update to Chapter 3 of the supporting guidance (24-hour emergency first aid and pain relief) requiring veterinary surgeons to make information about their 24-hour emergency cover provision publicly available, either on the practice website or via other public means. This change will come into effect immediately.
2. An update to Core Standards of PSS requiring that details of the prescribing veterinary surgeon be included on the label of medicines, as opposed to only the practice supplying the medicines. This change will come into effect as part of the next update to PSS towards the end of this year.

These updates are intended to allow veterinary surgeons to identify each other more easily, as well as making it easier for the RCVS to investigate concerns where issues are raised with us. If you have any questions about the issues raised in the FAQ, please contact the RCVS advice team 020 7202 0789 9:15-5pm Monday to Friday, or by emailing [email protected].

FAQ

I suspect another vet has prescribed medicines to animals belonging to one of my farm clients, what should I do?

A fundamental part of providing appropriate veterinary care to animals is building good relationships with owners/keepers and any other vets involved in the care of those animals. Healthy relationships between all those involved in the animals’ care reduces risks such as giving conflicting advice and adverse reactions from unsuitable combinations of medicines. Good communication also means that vets can accurately and confidently certify in relation to medicine use on farms.

These are the reasons behind the RCVS’ guidance on mutual clients, which requires veterinary surgeons who treat the same animals to share relevant clinical information with each other. Whatever service you provide to the animals, the obligation applies to all involved equally.

Since the change to RCVS guidance on prescribing POM-Vs in September 2023 (also known as ‘under care’), vets who have an animal under their care must be able, on a 24/7 basis, to visit the premises and be prepared to carry out necessary investigations where required. Vets are expected to provide this service within an appropriate timeframe depending on the circumstances, which could be immediately. If they are not able to provide this service themselves, another veterinary service provider may do so on their behalf however, vets are obliged to agree this arrangement in advance and have it confirmed in writing (see paragraphs 4.13-4.14 of the guidance for full details). Where this kind of arrangement is in place, details of the service should be made publicly available. It is no longer sufficient to only provide details to clients. 

Where clients share the details of other vets involved in the care of the animals, you should contact the other vet as soon as possible so that you can share information and vice versa. If a client is reluctant to share this information, you should explain the professional obligations under which all vets work and the reasons behind them.

If you are not able to find out who the other vet is, or are having difficulty getting in contact with them, you may wish to consider the following:

• Looking at the labels of medicines prescribed for details of the prescribing vet and supplier
• Ensuring your attempts at contact with other vets treating the animals are in writing so that you can show your own efforts to comply with the guidance
• Including reference to RCVS guidance on mutual clients and the requirement for 24/7 in person follow up care (including that the details should be publicly available) in your contact attempts
• Seeking advice from the RCVS advice team on 020 7202 0789 9:15am-5pm Monday to Friday, or by emailing [email protected]
• Whether you should (or indeed are willing to) continue to provide services, including certification, without knowing all relevant clinical information

If you would like to raise a formal concern, as distinct from seeking advice/information, you can find more information about this on our website. Alternatively, you can discuss the process via our confidential reporting line on 020 3795 5600 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday, or by emailing [email protected].