Update for Practices February 2023

17 February 2023

Welcome to our February update. In this edition, we have some information and resources regarding Cyclone Gabrielle. We have also an update on the upcoming annual practising certificate renewals.

We hope that wherever you are in the country you and your teams are keeping safe and well.

If you need help, you can contact us

Efforts are underway around the country to help those who have been adversely affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and we particularly acknowledge the hard work veterinarians and veterinary clinics are doing.

If you or your clinic need support please feel free to contact us and we will do our best to help.

Restricted Veterinary Medicines and Authorisation During Major Disruptive Events and Emergencies

We have prepared a statement to assist veterinarians to meet standards for the authorisation of restricted veterinary medicines and prescription medicines during major disruptive events, disasters, or emergencies. This includes provision for the use of telemedicine to prescribe medicines in these extreme circumstances. Please have a read and share this with your teams.

We consider that it would be appropriate to use this if it is needed by those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

Use of Dry Cow Therapy in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle

We understand that production animals veterinarians will be facing challenging conditions on farm and will be making the best possible decisions they can in relation to the authorisation of antibiotic dry cow therapy, including the provision of whole herd treatments where appropriate, given the circumstances.

The Dairy Cattle Veterinarians branch of the NZVA have circulated some useful advice for veterinarians in this situation.

DCV advice

Getting remote assistance from other veterinarians

If your practice is facing additional pressure from the cyclone and is considering getting help from remote veterinarians, there are activities that can be done within the scope of the Code, such as tele-triage. This can be readily provided by remote veterinarians to clinics that are strapped for resource, and triaging could be a significant draw on those resources currently.

If you are considering getting remote assistance, we suggest having few things in place in advance, where possible:

some form of recorded “arrangement” between the remote veterinarian and your clinic (at least an email trail). It could also be more formal such as a locum employment agreement,
appropriate record keeping systems in place so that the information captured by the remote veterinarian can be sent to the appropriate clinic,
the remote veterinarian may wish to contact their professional indemnity insurer to confirm they are covered.

When it comes to authorising RVMs the situation is more complex but achievable. For example, we would suggest a more formal “arrangement” should be in place e.g. a locum agreement. It would be prudent to have readily available information such as access to clinical records and we would emphasise the importance of ensuring the aspects of informed consent are included in conversations with clients.

It would also be useful to for them to understand the capability of your clinic as far as resources, etc for emergencies, and it’s important to be in regular communication with local veterinarians to manage risks. Professional Insurance indemnity is again important to consider.

Renewing Annual Practising Certificates for 2023-24

We’re currently finalising the application form for this year’s Annual Practising Certificate (APC) renewals, and invitations will be sent to veterinarians within the next few weeks to apply.

As always, there will be an early payment discount for vets who apply and pay the APC fee early. All renewals need to be completed by 1 April. Please check in with your vet teams before and after the 1 April deadline and remind them to complete their APC renewal on time to ensure they are not practicing unlawfully.

Here are some useful APC resources from our website:

Read our guidance on completing the APC application.
VCNZ’s Continuing Professional Development requirements .
Check the fees payable this year.

We’re aware that many businesses will be disrupted by Cyclone Gabrielle and we will be extending the early payment discount to give a bit more time. Unfortunately the 1 April deadline for renewal is set by law and we can’t change it.

Messages from others

The items below come from other organisations. We have agreed to share them with practices because they may be of interest. If you have any questions or concerns about them, please contact the organisation directly.

2023 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards

Entries have opened for the 2023 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards. The awards are run by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT).

The awards celebrate food and fibre sector employers who demonstrate exceptional employment practices. You can find the announcement here: Entries open for the 2023 Good Employer Awards | NZ Government (mpi.govt.nz)

We’d appreciate your help in spreading the word about the awards and encouraging eligible employers in your networks to apply. Please apply yourself, if applicable. Entries can be self-made or on behalf of others in one or more of the award categories.

Entries are now open until 5pm, Friday 17 March 2023.

More information about the awards

The awards are open for all primary sector employers and those businesses that provide services to the primary sector.

This year there are six award categories:

1. Employee Development

2. Safe and Healthy Work Environment

3. Inclusive and Diverse Workplace

4. Small Business Recognition

5. Māori Agribusiness

6. The Supreme Award - presented by the Minister of Agriculture.

The Supreme Award recognises the employer that stands out above all the other winners in their commitment to being an exemplary employer. This employer will be selected by the judges. To find out more go to www.mpi.govt.nz/gea or email [email protected]

Thank you

We hope you found this newsletter interesting and informative. If you’d like to provide feedback or send us a topic or story for next time, please email [email protected]

Please also contact us if you have any questions or need support.