RCVS Council has voted to make it a requirement that remote prescribing (without physically examining the animal) can now only be carried out by veterinary surgeons who can 'provide [an out-of-hours] follow-up service involving physical examination, plus or minus further investigation, if required’. 

The follow up service ‘can be provided personally by the veterinary surgeon or practice, or by written agreement with a veterinary services provider which is local to the client (as with the current situation for [out-of-hours] care provision)’.

The new rule comes into force on the 1st November, to allow practices to make any necessary arrangements.

The RCVS Council also decided that the temporary derogation from the usual requirement to conduct a physical examination before an animal is regarded as ‘under care’ be reviewed as a standing item at each subsequent Standards Committee meeting, until the normal guidance provisions are fully restored.

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