Comments OPINION
This trust may be further developed through VNP consultations, as RVNs form different relationships with clients compared with VSs; a client may be more open with a VNP and more comfortable asking questions if they do not understand something [ 9 ].
By having a VNP facilitate the care of chronic conditions, with extended consultation times where needed, the relationship between the client and both the RVN and the practice is likely to strengthen. This will lead to better owner adherence to medical management and home care, and better animal welfare as a result.
Concerns about RVNs ' entitlement to prescribe
While some veterinary professionals may be hesitant about RVNs being entitled to prescribe medicines or concerned about prescribing errors, the evidence from human medicine does not support these concerns.
One study found that nurse practitioners had a lower error rate in prescribing( 14.22 %) than GPs( 21.37 %) in 8,359 consultations observed over 6 months [ 10 ]. It is worth noting that GPs usually see more serious conditions, but this should not dilute the finding that nurse practitioners ' prescribing errors are lower.
In addition, Cooper et al. [ 11 ] showed that patients and doctors who interacted with or worked with nurse practitioners were confident in their prescribing capabilities. Doctors who worked with nurse practitioners expressed that they were satisfied with their prescribing capabilities and believed they prescribed within their competency.
It is important to acknowledge concerns that some nurse prescribers may not prescribe appropriately and, while this concern is understandable, there is limited evidence to support it. Moreover, the stringent regulatory framework and the serious consequences of inappropriate prescribing provide additional safeguards.
Although the existing literature primarily pertains to human healthcare and is limited, it does not support the notion of widespread prescribing errors. Should the role of VNP be introduced, it would be governed by stringent regulatory frameworks, similar to those in place for nurse prescribers in human medicine, to minimise the risk of error.
Safeguards and educational pathways for the VNP
When introducing a role such as that of a VNP, safeguards would be vital to ensure patient care does not deteriorate while any initial problems are resolved. The role comes with increased responsibility, so the duty of care and safeguarding must also increase to ensure a continuously high standard of care.
In human medicine, on completing the required certificate, nurses enter a probation period during which a senior prescriber monitors them, ensuring there is little chance for overreach and prescribing errors.
If the VNP role were to be introduced into veterinary medicine, a similar step-by-step approach should be adopted, with a master ' s-level certificate being a requirement for an RVN to attain before being entitled to prescribe. Their qualification would be recorded in the register, providing clarity about their prescribing capabilities and ensuring full visibility of their qualification. The new role should also have professional accountability to mitigate any rogue prescribing, with disciplinary hearings run by the regulator.
The new role should also entail an increase in continuing professional development( CPD) hours, with it being mandatory for VNPs to complete CPD relating to prescribing to ensure their knowledge stays up to date with current evidence-based practice.
Similar to the model in human medicine, an RVN seeking to become a prescriber would need to show evidence that they understand the importance of the autonomy that comes with this role and adhere to the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct( CoPC).
Vocational training, which could require a VS to supervise and mentor the RVN initially( in the future, experienced VNPs could supervise) for up to 100 hours, would ensure the RVN was competent in prescribing [ 12 ]. This could be further assessed through a prescribing audit, which would be conducted to ensure safe practice. Then, they would also be subject to a year ' s probation, overseen by a VS, to ensure they remain within the professional boundaries of the role and adhere to the guidelines.
The SVNP role could be open to all RVNs regardless of their route of qualification( Level 3 diploma or degree), as long as they have been in practice for at least 6 months post-registration. This entry requirement would ensure that a newly qualified RVN does not have prescribing capabilities upon graduation, they understand the role of the RVN before developing within that role, and they have been able to demonstrate working in accordance with the RCVS CoPC.
Because IVNPs would be able to work more autonomously than their SVNP counterparts, stricter regulations and safeguards must be implemented. For example, an RVN wishing to undertake the IVNP certificate must first hold a Level 6 qualification( SCQF Level 10 in Scotland) before progressing to the master ' s degree / Level 7 qualification( SCQF 11 in Scotland). To ensure consistency in regulation and legislative clarity, a defined academic threshold must be established. Additional eligibility criteria would include a minimum of 6 months in clinical practice and a 1-year probationary period following completion of the IVNP programme.
Volume 40( 5) • October 2025
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