Code Of Professional Conduct Flashcards
What are the 2 main actions of The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966?
Provides provision for the management of the veterinary profession
Defines who can treat animals
Schedule 3 of The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 defines who can treat animals (registered vet surgeons), who are the exemptions to this?
Owners
Veterinary nurses (including students)
Animal husbandry trainees
Farriers
Emergency first aid
Treatment in agriculture that doesn’t enter a body cavity for animals used in agriculture
Under The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 what is the practice of veterinary surgery defined as?
Diagnosis of diseases or injuries in animals (including any diagnostic tests performed on animals)
The giving of advice based upon a diagnosis
The medical or surgical treatment of animals
The performance of surgical operations on animals
What is the purpose of The Veterinary Surgeons (Practice by Students) (Amendment) Regulations 1995?
Defines what veterinary students at an appropriate stage in training are able to do
What are the 2 key legislations governing veterinary surgeons?
The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966
The Veterinary Surgeons (Practice by Student Amendment) Regulations 1995
What are students able to do under The Veterinary Surgeons (Practice by Students) (Amendment) Regulations 1995?
Examine animals
Carry out diagnostic tests under the direction of a registered vet
Administer treatment under the supervision of a registered vet
Perform surgical operations under the direct continuous personal supervision of a registered vet
What do the terms direction, supervision and direct personal continuous supervision mean under The Veterinary Surgeons (Practice by Students) (Amendment) Regulations 1995?
Direction is defined as a vet instructing the student as to the tests or treatment to be administered
Supervision means that the vet is on the premises and able to respond to a request for assistance
Direct personal continuous supervision means the vet is present and providing the student with their undivided attention
How does the RCVS relate to The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966?
The RCVS exercises the Veterinary Surgeons Act
How does the RCVS exercise The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966?
By regulating the education of veterinary students, the registration of veterinary surgeons (and veterinary nurses) and the professional conduct of those groups
What is the Code of Professional Conduct?
It provides responsibilities and standards that are expected of veterinary surgeons
What are the Principles of Practice under the RCVS’ Code of Professional Conduct?
Professional competence
Honesty and integrity
Independence and impartiality
Client confidentiality and trust
Professional accountability
What are a vet surgeons professional responsibilities under the RCVS’ Code of Professional Conduct?
Animals
Clients
The profession
The veterinary team
The RCVS
The public
What is involved in student professionalism? (7)
- Pay attention/engage
- Attendance
- Be prompt and prepared
- Social media use
- Respect classmates and staff
- Be aware of mobile phone use
- Seek assistance when needed
Define the RCVS Fitness to Practice for Students.
Is about students demonstrating, in both their professional and private life, that they can practise their profession properly, safely and with respect for the trust and responsibility placed upon them.
What 3 things does fitness to practise consist of?
- People
- Practice
- Private and Student Life
When respecting others what should you consider? (6)
- Diversity
- Culture
- Values
- Beliefs
- Skills of staff
- Experience of staff
What is the top priority in practice?
Animal Welfare
What should you consider when using social media regarding anonymous content?
Even anonymous content can be traced back to the original author
What concerns can the RCVS investigate? (2)
- Concerns affecting fitness to practice
- Behaviour which has fallen far short of that expected by a vet
Who can the RCVS investigate regarding fitness to practice?
Veterinary Surgeons
Who handles concerns of Veterinary students?
The University
Which 4 behaviours can the RCVS look at regarding fitness to practice?
- Serious departures from the COPC
- Fraud/dishonesty
- Criminal conviction or caution
- Major health problems affecting your ability to work
What are the possible sanctions the RCVS can carry out? (3)
- Removal from the RCVS register
- Suspension for up to 2 years
- Formal reprimand
What can the RCVS not do? (5)
- Issue fines
- Order vet to give additional treatment or to apologise
- Order the practice to provide a refund
- Give clinical advice
- Resolve business disputes between practices, employment issues or issues of negligence
When are you more likely to make mistakes? (HALT)
H = hungry
A = angry
L = late
T = tired
What is the role of the RCVS?
They are responsible for regulating the profession through:
- Education
- Registration
- Conduct
- overseeing the education of UK veterinary students
the registration of UK veterinary graduates and overseas veterinary surgeons
overseeing the fitness to practice (conduct, health & performance) of veterinary surgeons
What is The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966?
What are the 4 exemptions?
Defined who can treat animals
Owners
Veterinary nurses
Animal husbandry trainees over 17
First aid
What are students able to do under The Veterinary Surgeons (Practice by Student Amendment) Regulations 1995?
Diagnostic test - direction of a registered vet
Administer treatment - supervision of a registered vet
Perform surgical operations - continuous supervision of a registered vet
What is the Code of Professional Conduct?
It provides responsibilities and standards that are expected of veterinary surgeons
what responsibilities do vets have to people?
professional accountability
honesty & integrity
independence & impartiality
client confidence & trust
respect
not breaching client confidentiality without proper justification
no inappropriate behaviour towards others
should not fail to respect a client’s instructions or go beyond the scope of consent
what do the RCVS day 1 competencies describe?
The knowledge, skills, and attributes required of veterinary students upon graduation to ensure they are prepared for their first role in the profession and safe to practice independently
what are the 5 principles of practice?
professional competence
honesty & integrity
independence & impartiality
client confidentiality and trust
professional accountability
outline the stages of the RCVS complaints procedure
assessment and investigation
preliminary investigation committee
disciplinary committee hearing
what is outlined as serious professional misconduct in the RCVS code of professional practice?
causing serious harm (or causing a risk of serious harm) to animals or the public, particularly where there is a breach of trust
offences of a sexual nature
offences involving violence and/or loss of human life
evidence of a deep seated harmful personality or attitude problem
dishonesty (incl false certification) particularly where consistent or concealed
