Professional Indemnity Insurance Update
The Veterinary Defence Society (VDS) has been working closely with BVNA to ensure veterinary nurses are continually updated on legal issues, in particular professional indemnity, and have released the following statement:
"There is a requirement that Registered Veterinary Nurses must ensure that all their professional activities are covered by professional indemnity insurance or equivalent arrangements. Such cover may be held individually or through an employer.
The VDS can confirm that their Professional Indemnity (PI) policy, held by the veterinary surgeons in a practice, extends to indemnify the practice for the negligent acts of any veterinary nurse working directly under the supervision or control of those insured veterinary surgeons.
Registered Veterinary Nurses working in ‘non-VDS' practices should check their PI position with their employers.
In relation to the stated intention of RCVS that from late 2010 onwards RVNs could face Disciplinary Committee investigations, VDS can confirm that it is progressing well with its efforts to provide an appropriate policy. Provided the terms of the proposed policy are met, this will provide RVNs with representation, support and legal costs at Criminal and/or Disciplinary Hearings.
Discussions have been underway for some time between VDS, its lawyers and the RCVS, with the intention that cover will be in place for the beginning of 2011."
Donna Lewis BVNA President commented "The BVNA fully supports the efforts of the VDS in working towards providing this vital service for the RVN and welcomes its introduction at the beginning of next year."