Supply of Veterinary Medicinal Products
In this section you can find out more about the supply of veterinary medicinal products in the UK and the requirement to register dispensing premises
Prescription charges
From 1 November 2008 veterinary surgeons have been able to charge for providing prescriptions. The level at which a fee is set is a business decision for members, however SPVS working with BVA have produced
advice to practitioners on prescription fees including sample charging mechanisms.
In a letter to The Veterinary Record in November 2008, then BVA President Nicky Paull advised members to "make any changes in their charging clear to customers" and that "it is also important that reasonable and transparent systems for prescription charging are put in place by practices".
Registration of premises for the supply of veterinary medicines
From April 2009 vets are required by law to register their premises if used for supply or storage of medicines.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons will provide registration forms to all members. Annual registration costs are £40 per premises. Practices accredited under the Practice Standards Scheme will be covered through their existing fees for the Scheme.
All registered premises will be subject to inspection
- for Practice Standards Scheme accredited practices this will occur as part of existing inspections
- for other practices inspections will take place every 4 years at a cost of £250 per premise.
To assist members prepare for inspections, the BVA has a check list of what inspectors are likely to be looking for.