Vets Warned Don't Abuse New Prescription Rules

The three year ban that has prevented vets from charging for prescriptions comes to an end on 31 October. Veterinary surgeons will once again be allowed to charge pet owners for writing prescriptions. Vets have been warned however, not to take advantage of this relaxation of the rules.

The Supply of Relevant Veterinary Medicinal Products Order was introduced to implement recommendations from a Competition Commission inquiry into unfair trading in prescription-only veterinary medicines. The inquiry found, among other things, that veterinary prescription charges were acting against the public interest.

Although veterinary practices will be able to make a charge for writing a prescription from the end of October, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, (RCVS) is trying to reassure pet owners that practice charges will be fair and reasonable.

Jill Nute, RCVS President says:

"The Office of Fair Trading, (OFT) will monitor the reintroduction of prescription charges and has asked the RCVS, as the regulatory body for vets in the UK, to monitor complaints that relate to prescription charges. Our Guide to Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons advises vets only to make reasonable charges for prescriptions, which affords the public protection against excessive or inappropriate costs."

The RCVS points to guidance for members of the public which is available online at the Government's Consumer Direct website.

The OFT has warned that veterinary practices must not agree between themselves what constitutes a suitable fee: this is strictly prohibited by competition law.

Andrew Bucher, Chief Veterinary Officer at the independent online prescription pet medicines site MedicAnimal.com says he has no objection to the reintroduction of animal prescription charges as long as effective controls are implemented and that there is effective monitoring by the Government.

He warns that the re-introduction of prescription charges will not be welcomed by pet owners saying:

"If this change is not handled with the utmost care, vets may end up losing customers, and will once again face a removal of the prescription fee in October 2009."