S.L. 437.47 Art. 59APrescribing by veterinary surgeons.

(1) In the territory of Malta veterinary surgeons can only prescribe veterinary medicinal products in accordance with the provisions of this regulation.

(2) In the territory of Malta, the prescribing of veterinary medicinal product or medicinal product to animals shall be conducted only by Veterinary surgeons.

(3) The prescribing of veterinary medicinal product or medicinal product for animals shall be made only on the veterinary prescriptions.

(4) Veterinary surgeons may only prescribe a veterinary medicinal product or medicinal product for animals which they have examined themselves and shall accept clinical responsibility for the treatment of the animal under their care.

(5) Veterinary medicinal product or medicinal product may not be used for more than one treatment under the same prescription.

(6) Before prescribing a veterinary medicinal product or medicinal product which requires a prescription, veterinary surgeons shall carry out a clinical assessment of the animal under their care.

(7) The clinical assessment by the veterinary surgeons shall be carried out recently enough for the veterinary surgeons to have personal knowledge of the condition of the animal or current health status of the herd or flock to make a reliable diagnosis or start empirical treatment.

(8) Before prescribing a veterinary medicinal product or medicinal product the veterinary surgeons must first satisfy themselves that:

(a) the use of the veterinary medicinal product or medicinal product is justified for the species concerned on veterinary grounds;

(b) the administration of the veterinary medicinal product or medicinal product is not incompatible with a previous treatment or use and that there is no contra-indication or interaction where several pre-mixes are used;

(c) the veterinary medicinal product or medicinal product are prescribed only in such quantities as are necessary for the purpose of the treatment;

(d) all necessary precautions have been taken to minimise the risks of antimicrobial resistance and that the prudent use of the antimicrobial agent have been taken in consideration, in particular to the use of critically important antimicrobials.

(9) When prescribing a veterinary medicinal product or medicinal product veterinary surgeons must be satisfied that the person who will use the product is competent to do so safely and intends to use it for a purpose for which it is authorised.

(10) When prescribing antimicrobial agents veterinary surgeons shall consider the latest guidelines issued by the Veterinary Services, and other relevant national, European and International organisations with regard to critically important antimicrobials.

(11) When preparing a veterinary prescription the prescribing veterinary surgeon shall advise the receiver of the prescription on the safe administration of the product and on any warnings or contra-indications associated with the product.

(12) A veterinary medicinal product classified as subject to veterinary prescription may be administered without a veterinary prescription by a veterinary surgeon personally. This does not preclude veterinary surgeons from the record keeping obligations referred to in regulation 59(5).

(13) The veterinary prescriptions shall be in line with the guidelines that may be issued by the veterinary Services.