The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed the ‘Veterinary Nurses (Protection of Title) Bill,’ submitted to the House of Lords by Professor the Lord Trees, Council Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), as a fantastic step in recognising the unique contributions of veterinary nurses.

Lord Trees submitted the ‘Veterinary Nurses (Protection of Title) Bill’ to the ballot of the House of Lords yesterday (Tuesday 19 May) through a Private Member’s Bill.

If passed the Bill would prohibit use of the title ‘veterinary nurse’ for any person whose name is not on the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses.

Any non-registered person who used the title veterinary nurse or a name, title or description that implied they were on the Register would be guilty of an offence and may be fined or convicted under the Veterinary Surgeons Act.

Commenting John Blackwell, BVA President, said: “Lord Trees’ submission of a Private Members’ Bill to the House of Lords which would legally protect the title ‘veterinary nurse’ will undoubtedly help place the issue on the new Government’s agenda and BVA will do everything it can to promote and support the Bill.

“BVA has long supported full recognition of the role of veterinary nurses, who are an essential part of the veterinary team. The new RCVS Charter was a historic step that established a regulated veterinary nursing profession. Now we need to go one step further and protect the title of RVN. 

“We fully support RCVS on this Bill and commend the work of Lord Trees as we are hearing loud and clear from our members that this is an issue they are passionate about, and they want to see this title protected. 

“Not only will this recognise the skills of qualified veterinary nurses and the unique contribution they make to the veterinary team, it will give clients confidence in the professional roles of all team members caring for their animals.

“We’ll be doing our best to ensure the Bill progresses through the various stages required – including being drawn sufficiently high in the ballot and debated in the Lords and Commons – before it is enshrined into law.”