SQP Code of Practice
The current SQP Code of Practice that AMTRA RAMAs must follow is that dated April 2017. AMTRA RAMA assessments are always based upon the Code of Practice currently in force.
The SQP Code of Practice is, in legal terms, issued by the DEFRA Secretary of State, which in practice means the VMD.
It's a document which does a number of things:
- it sets out what VMD expects of AMTRA
- it quotes a few (but not all) relevant bits of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR) which are legal obligations on RAMAs/SQPs
- it clarifies or amplifies or adds to some of those legal requirements
- it then adds a few other potentially relevant bits and pieces as further background
Over the years AMTRA has produced various bits of clarification and interpretation, often in response to queries from students or qualified RAMAs/SQPs, as well as seeking further clarification on some points direct from VMD.
We’ve decided to bring all this together into a single document which we hope will be more useful as a reference source whether you are studying to gain your AMTRA qualification, or are an experienced RAMA/SQP.
- The 2017 SQP Code of Practice with AMTRA guidance and interpretation
- The original SQP Code of Practice (April 2017) (also in the front of the AMTRA RAMA Compendium)
See also the inspection criteria, below, that were formerly published as part of the Code.
VMD guidance
In addition to abiding by the terms of the Code of Practice, RAMAs should follow the VMD's guidance, notably that offered on Retail of veterinary medicines (December 2018) - also in the front of the AMTRA RAMA Compendium.
Other guidance notes may also be of relevance and should be studied - see the full VMD list on the gov.uk website.
Inspection criteria
- Inspection Criteria for SQP Retailers' Premises (September 2017) - also in the AMTRA RAMA Compendium
- Inspection Criteria for Veterinary Practice Premises (September 2017)
Guidance on responsible use of medicines
- Control of Cattle Parasites Sustainably (COWS) - including technical manual for vets and advisors including RAMAs
- Sustainable Control Of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) guidance
- Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) guidelines on antiparasitics, vaccines and antimicrobials
Pharmacovigilance (adverse events)
- AMTRA pharmacovigilance reporting questionnaire/form
- SCOPS/AMTRA Protocol Following Suspected Lack of Efficacy to an Endectocide
- Report direct to VMD