What medicines can't a vet nurse administer?

RE: What medicines can't a vet nurse administer?

Laura Kidd — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 07:57:45 GMT

I suspect having read through all the BSAVA guidance in relation to the wording of the various medicines laws, the situation relating to administration of CD's by RVN's was less clear when the text book was written.

Good to have such a quick, clear response from RCVS.

RE: What medicines can't a vet nurse administer?

Beats — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 07:26:51 GMT

Thanks Laura - I think that clarifies that the textbook is definitely out-of-date / incorrect on this one!

RE: What medicines can't a vet nurse administer?

Laura Kidd — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 19:03:19 GMT

Hi,

RCVS have clarified that in accordance with schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeon' s Act 1966, RVN's and SVN's could legally administer controlled, schedule 2 drugs but recommend having a SOP in place.

Laura

RE: What medicines can't a vet nurse administer?

Laura Kidd — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 13:04:37 GMT

Hi,

I think it may be due to difficulty interpreting the legislation, especially the Misuse of Drugs Act re definition of 'supply and administration'

Taken from BSAVA https://www.bsava.com/Resources/BSAVAMedicinesGuide/ControlledDrugs.aspx

'The legislation

In the UK there are a number of legislative documents that describe how CDs must be regulated. However, interpretation of information contained within these documents can be difficult and time consuming and much of the recent legislation does not apply to veterinary practitioners.'

According to the VMD document supply and administration are linked suggesting VN's are not allowed to administer (21); but the VS responsible (31) which in accordance with schedul3 of the VSA 1966 would seem to suggest that it is acceptable for RVN to administer as long as VS happy that capable of doing, under normal schedule 3 requirements.

I wonder if similar to the anaesthesia situation where should always be a VS, unless the RVN is acting as the VS hands by administering under direct supervision.

https://www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/pdf/vmgn/VMGNote20.pdf

21. Veterinary nurses are not permitted to possess or supply Schedule 2 CDs under the

misuse of drugs legislation unless under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon.

31. The misuse of drugs legislation allows for the physical task of completing the CDR to

be delegated by the prescribing veterinary surgeon. However the responsibility for

the supply remains the responsibility of the prescribing veterinary surgeon.

34. For each CD supplied (including by way of administration) the following details must

be recorded in the Register:

• Date supplied

• Name/address of person or firm supplied

• Details of the authority to possess - prescriber or licence holder’s details

• Quantity supplied

• Person collecting a Schedule 2 CD (patient/patient’s rep/healthcare professional)

and if a healthcare professional, their name and address

• Was proof of identity requested of patient/patient’s rep (yes/no)

May need to RCVS for clarification on this?

Laura

RE: What medicines can't a vet nurse administer?

bob lehner — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 12:56:29 GMT

Sounds to me a bit out of date.

The VMD Guidance on Controlled Drugs says: 'Veterinary nurses are only legally permitted to possess or supply Schedule 2 CDs under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon.' Can't see any mention of administration of CDs.

Plenty of RVNs daily inject Buprenorphine (Sch 3 CD) with premeds. However Sch 2 CDs, where the vet signs the CD Register, would I guess normally be administered by the v.s. - although I know people do sometimes leave a measured dose of a Sch 2 CD to be given by the RVN at night to an in-patient.

RCVS Guidance says RVNs can admin 2nd part of a primary vaccine course.

(All 'under supervision' of the v.s).

And of course owners administer prescribed CDs like phenobarb, tramadol etc. orally to their own animals

RE: What medicines can't a vet nurse administer?

Rob Loxley — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 12:51:44 GMT

[quote user="Beats"]is there a prohibition on veterinary nurses administering controlled drugs[/quote]

Not that I've ever heard of