We are examining possible changes to our database and website to improve the efficiency and effectiveness with which we interact with the profession and we are looking for your suggestions.

Currently, veterinarians are able login to our website to submit registration renewal payments, Annual Returns, change their contact details, and check the amount of CPD they reported to the Board during their current 3 year CPD cycle.

Other possible services the website could provide include records of invoices and payment receipts and an option to record CPD activities during the year.

It is also important that these submissions and changes are available in real time from the website rather than the current delays created by our existing systems.

Along with the above the Board is also looking at the option of developing an app to make the above processes easier if using a smart phone or tablet and to potentially provide additional services such as a photo identification function.  An app would also allow the Board to more easily connect with you during disease outbreaks or for other tasks such as registration renewal.

Registration Renewals

It is registration renewal time for veterinary practitioners who are registered in NSW so please remember to submit your Annual Return and registration payment before 30 June.  Here are five important points to remember:

1. Registration renewal is a two-step process (submission of Annual Return and payment of the registration fee) both steps can be easily completed using your Vet Login.

2. Alternatively, you or your employer can pay your registration renewal using your website reference number (contained in your emailed letter of renewal) and you can submit your Annual Return using your Vet Login. 

3. If you do not have a Vet Login just go to the website www.vpb.nsw.gov.au, click on the large Vet Login button  to the right of screen and then click on the Forgotten your password link.  An email will be sent to the address held on our database enabling you to create your secure password.  Any problems please just call our office for assistance.

4. Before you go to the website to submit your Annual Return please work out your structured and unstructured CPD points for the return period (1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018).

5. If you do not plan on remaining registered in NSW after 30 June this year please complete a Voluntary Removal from the Register Form.  If you do not renew and do not remove yourself from the Register and then wish to restore yourself at a later date you will be charged a penalty fee.

If your contact details change during the year it is vital that you advise the Board.  You can check that we have the correct contact details for you using your Vet Login. Changes to these details can be made using your Vet Login or by completing our Notification of Change of Details Form and by emailing admin@vpb.nsw.gov.au or posting this completed form to the Board’s office.

It is important to note that failure to submit both the payment and the Annual Return by 30 June will attract a late fee ($50) and failure to complete either of these steps by the Board meeting in July will result in your removal from the Register and requirement to pay a restoration penalty fee equal to the cost of registration for a full year (currently $300) should you wish to return to the Register in NSW.

Please contact our office if you have not received your annual registration renewal notice by email or if you experience any difficulties with your Vet Login.

CPD Cycles

As noted elsewhere in this edition of Boardtalk, the Board is moving from providing veterinarians with a specified 3 year CPD cycle to using a rolling 3 year CPD cycle.

This change will simplify the administration and tracking of CPD requirements and align NSW with other Australian and New Zealand jurisdictions.  A rolling 3 year CPD cycle simply means that all veterinarians in NSW (except those with non-practising conditions) will be required to complete their CPD requirements during any given 3 year period. 

Once our website is updated veterinarians will login and be able to see CPD point submissions for the previous 2 years so that the amount of CPD that must be completed during the current return period will be clear.

Licence Renewals

Hospital licence renewals must also be paid by 30 June and email renewal notices have been sent to hospital superintendents or a nominated email address for hospital accounts.

It is a condition of all hospital licences that the Board must be notified within 14 days of any change of details regarding the licence. Future changes to the website and database will enable the Board to ensure improved compliance with this requirement.

As noted in previous issues of Boardtalk, the Board’s database has now been updated to include licence holder type (individual, partnership, company or other body), names of veterinarians with a controlling interest, and website address. 

A confirmation details form will be created for the website to allow licence holders to check details we hold and update the Board as appropriate.  This will be available after the renewal period.

John Baguley
Registrar