press releases
Press releases included in this month's highlights:
Draft 2011 General Pharmaceutical Council Rules lack
evidence
On 18 August 2010 the National Pharmaceutical Board expressed
concern about the lack of data presented by the General
Pharmaceutical Council in support of the proposed fees they have
set. According to the National Pharmaceutical Board, the lack of
evidence makes it extremely hard to justify the proposed increase
in regulatory fees and the Board is unconvinced that the fees
accurately reflect the true cost of regulation.
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Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons committed to statutory
regulatory framework
On 13 August 2010 the RCVS confirmed that it remained committed
to the introduction of a statutory regulatory framework for the
veterinary nursing profession. In addition it confirmed the ongoing
review of the regulatory framework which seeks to ensure:
- proper separation of client functions
- wider jurisdiction and more flexible powers of the
committee
- modification of the composition of the RCVS Council
- to secure statutory regulation for Veterinary nurses
Taking into account the fact that most of the changes envisaged
by the RCVS would require DEFRA to introduce new legislation, and
the indication from DEFRA that they do not have the resources to
introduce such legislation, the RCVS is prioritising reforms to the
membership of the Preliminary Investigation and Disciplinary
committees independent of council. According to the RCVS it may be
possible to introduce such reforms by means of a legislative reform
order which the RCVS hoped to discuss with DEFRA soon. RCVS intends
to use its Charter powers to put in place a regulatory framework
for veterinary nurses with the respective processes being completed
by the introduction of disciplinary procedures in 2011.
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Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons seeks comments on draft
health protocol
On 6 August 2010 the RCVS indicated that it was inviting
comments on a new draft health protocol the introduction of which
is necessary in order for the RCVS to fulfil its regulatory
responsibilities. The protocol encourages those who have concerns
about veterinary surgeons health to report such concerns to the
RCVS, and it is envisaged that the same process would be introduced
for veterinary nurses once the equivalent disciplinary system for
nurses comes into force in 2011. The draft protocol together with
recommended changes to the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct is
available in the consultation section of the RCVS website.
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Nursing & Midwifery Council consultation report on new
standards for pre-registration
On 30 July the NMC published its findings in respect of its
consultation on the proposed new standards for
pre-registration nursing education. The consultation was part of a
wider engagement process seeking views regarding the standards and
competencies that future nurses will need to demonstrate in order
to become a registered nurse. The responses received indicated
overall support for the proposals. Further work is underway to
finalise the standards for publication in September.
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Nursing & Midwifery Council introduces new policy in
respect of cautions or convictions received for alcohol or drug
related offences
At the end of July the NMC announced a new policy in respect of
nurses and midwives who had received a caution or conviction for an
alcohol or drug related offence which now requires them to submit
to a medical assessment when re-applying for registration. This new
policy took immediate effect during the last week of July and will
extend to individuals whose fitness to practise is under
investigation for such offences.
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