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RCVS Disciplinary Matters

Currently the RCVS only handles disciplinary hearings against veterinary surgeons but from 2010 veterinary nurses will be subject to non-statutory regulation and will also be subject to such action.

If a complaint is made against you it is important to reply to the initial letter from the RCVS promptly and carefully. Failure to reply may itself be a disciplinary matter. Your response may be presented in evidence at any subsequent hearing and an ill-thought-out and incautiously worded response sent in haste may be repented at leisure.

Your professional indemnity insurer may also cover you in the event of RCVS disciplinary action. If so, it is important to contact them at the earliest opportunity and take their advice as to the wording of your response. The Veterinary Defence Society Ltd do provide such cover. In the absence of such cover you may need to obtain your own legal advice.

Select from the left information about the RCVS’s role as a regulator, getting advice from the RCVS, their complaints procedure and their contact details.

In addition, the following resources may prove helpful if you are deeply distressed by the allegations made against you or you think you may need confidential help with addictive and mental health issues. See also the section of this website that covers depression and stress.

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