RCVS can still register EEA vets post Brexit

The House of Lords has passed the Veterinary Surgeons and Animal Welfare (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 which will permit the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to continue to recognise European vet degrees and to register vets from the European Economic Area post Brexit. The change to the legislation allows RCVS to introduce the Statutory Examination for Membership for EEA and Swiss nationals, who hold a degree that does not meet RCVS requirements.
Lord Gardiner of Kimble, who introduced the new law to the House of Lords, said: “If the RCVS is satisfied the degree the applicant holds meets this requirement and is equivalent to one from a UK veterinary school, there is no further assessment of their skill and knowledge. The college estimates a large majority of applicants from the EEA will meet this requirement. If the applicant does not hold such a degree, they must undertake and pass an examination administered by the RCVS. This would help ensure consistency of approach to the regulation of veterinary standards. These changes do not affect those already registered to practise veterinary surgery in the UK. Transitional arrangements also ensure that those who are in the process of registering with the RCVS on exit day are entitled to have their application considered under the current rules.”