AVBC moves towards increased regulation of veterinary paraprofessionals

Following the results of a nationwide survey of industry stakeholders, which showed there was strong support for increased regulation of veterinary nurses and technicians, the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) has agreed to move towards increased regulation of veterinary paraprofessionals. Via its Sustainable Practice Committee (SPC), the AVBC identified potential benefits as being improvement in animal welfare, increasing the sustainability of workforce capacity, and maintaining Australia’s international recognition as leaders in the veterinary field.

Official recognition of veterinary nurses and technicians via registration is supported by the vast majority of stakeholders. The aforementioned survey showed that 88% of the more than 2300 responses were in favour of increasing regulations.

This move is supported by the AVA. Our policies, Regulation of animal health service providers, and Veterinary nursing state that:

• Paraprofessionals should be regulated under the veterinary practice Acts. 
• Obligations and responsibilities should rest with both the paraprofessional and the supervising veterinarian.
• Qualifications and training for all paraprofessionals should be of an appropriate standard
• All persons using the title ‘Veterinary Nurse’ should possess veterinary nurse qualifications and conform to standards appropriate to professional veterinary practice.
• Veterinary nurse training should be of an international standard and take into consideration the specific work, health and safety aspects of the veterinary workplace. 

Moving towards registration of veterinary nurses and technicians in Australia will safeguard the profession and provide more career satisfaction, career progression, and help to maintain the exceptionally high standards of veterinary care in this country. AVA President Dr Bronwyn Orr says, “The AVA welcomes the AVBC’s decision to move towards the regulation of veterinary nurses, in consultation with the AVNAT Registration Scheme. We are of the opinion that this will benefit the veterinary profession.”

At the November 2022 Council meeting, the AVBC also agreed to consider a role as an independent national body representing veterinary nurses and technicians for the purposes of registration. The Council also agreed to consult with the Australian Veterinary Nurse and Technician Registration Scheme (AVNAT) about progressing the registration of veterinary nurses and technicians.