KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
What Is the Difference Between a Regulatory Body and a Professional Association?
As with all major healthcare professions, veterinary nurses and technicians have a distinct need for both regulatory and representative organisations in New Zealand. These organisations must be separate to avoid the inherent conflict of interest that can arise with the distinct roles.
Regulation
A regulatory body is a type of professional association that is typically regulated by law and is primarily concerned with the public more than its members. It focuses on the minimum standard required by law to practice as a professional. It is focused on standard setting, scopes of practice, compliance (auditing), and protecting the public/animal welfare.
The Allied Veterinary Professional Regulatory Council (AVPRC) is a voluntary regulatory body, the only regulatory body for allied veterinary professionals in New Zealand. It acts in a role similar to the Veterinary Council of New Zealand (VCNZ) with an aim to amalgamate with the VCNZ once the Veterinarians Act has been changed to reflect statutory regulation of AVPs.
The AVPRC is a Charitable Trust, empowering trust in the veterinary sector by safeguarding animal welfare and the public interest through regulation and standard setting for veterinary nurses, technicians, and allied animal healthcare practitioners.
Representation
A professional association is an entity dedicated to promoting and advocating for the specific profession, fostering the professional development of individuals within the field, and offering services that benefit the community. It manages the knowledge and resources essential for the advancement of the profession, all while balancing the needs of its members, the wider sector, and the general public.
The New Zealand Veterinary Association is an example of a representative association for veterinarians in New Zealand.
Here are some representative organisations for allied veterinary professionals in New Zealand:
Know the Difference between AVPRC and NZVNA
Click here to download a summary document showing the difference between AVPRC and NZVNA.