In light of the enhanced precautions on social distancing we must take as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has relaxed the enforcement of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR) to allow SQPs to prescribe and authorise supply of veterinary medicines remotely for the categories of veterinary medicines they are allowed to prescribe and supply under the VMR.
The VMD will not issue an improvement notice if there are breaches of the relevant provisions of the VMR that require SQPs to prescribe and authorise the sale of veterinary medicines in person and from certain premises.
This decision has immediate effect and will last until 31 August and then cease.
All other requirements of the VMR on the Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) as the person responsible for the prescription and supply of certain veterinary medicines continue to apply. The SQP must:
- be the person that has the conversation/consultation with the animal owner
- be the person that makes the prescribing decision
- be satisfied that the person handing over or dispatching the prescribed product is competent to do so
More information is availble on the .