January 2024 37 Monitoring and accreditation of CPD activities CPD activities are all monitored by the SAVC and subject to accreditation by the SAVC. Before any points are allocated to an activity it must be submitted to the SAVC and accredited by them. Structured CPD activities that will be accredited include courses and conferences presented by universities, accredited service providers, regulatory bodies, and veterinary professional associations. Written assessment tests on veterinary literature can also be accredited. A detailed system for the allocation of points is provided in the Regulations for both structured and unstructured activities. Readers are referred to the Regulations for more details in this regard. How to record CPD points Veterinarians are obliged to retain documentary proof of their participation in CPD activities. These records must be kept for at least five years. A summary of CPD activities must be submitted to the SAVC on an annual basis when payment of the maintenance fee is due. The SAVC performs random audits and veterinarians selected for these audits must provide the information to the SAVC. If a veterinarian does not submit the CPD records or does not comply, the veterinarian will automatically be included in the next CPD audit. What can veterinarians do if there have been circumstances that prevented them from complying with the CPD requirements? In cases where there have been exceptional circumstances that prevented a veterinarian from complying with the CPD requirements, such as a lengthy serious illness, the veterinarian can apply for deferment. The veterinarian must apply for deferment to the SAVC. Detailed adequate reasons must be provided. The SAVC will consider such an application and may impose further requirements on an applicant. Deferment is only valid if it has been approved by the SAVC. Consequences of Non-Compliance The SAVC may impose one of the following conditions on a veterinarian if the veterinarian has not complied with the CPD requirements: • The veterinarian may be granted deferment for a period determined by the SAVC; • The veterinarian may be required to follow training or a remedial program of continuous education determined by the SAVC; • The veterinarian may be required to write an exam; • The veterinarian may be deregistered. Veterinarians should adhere to the CPD requirements since failure to do so can lead to deregistration. However, continuous education also has the added benefit that it improves veterinary service provision and helps to prevent potential complaints of unprofessional conduct against veterinarians. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at trudie@legalvetservices.co.za. (Endnotes) 1 Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act, No. 19 of 1982 2 Regulations relating to continuing professional development of veterinary professions. v Legal Mews
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