5 Ways to Ready Your Practice for June 11, 2023

June 11, 2023, is a Sunday and the day Guidance For Industry (GFI) 263 goes into effect. 

Your phone could start blowing up with calls and text messages from producers and pet owners you never or rarely hear from. Or, maybe not.

That’s the thing about FDA’s GFI 263 – no one knows how it’s going to play out at the producer level and for your practice.

Maybe it’ll be just a hiccup in the marketplace, the veterinary industry equivalent of Y2K. (That problem was expected to create havoc in computers and computer networks around the world at the start of 2000, but it was practically a non-event.)

When GFI 263 takes effect, food animal producers and pet owners will need a valid veterinarian-client-patient-relationship (VCPR) to buy and use what the FDA describes as all “medically important antimicrobials” currently available over the counter (OTC).

Products In The Supply Chain 

There is one caveat. Any of these antimicrobials already in the supply chain will continue to be sold OTC at farm supply stores and other retailers until they’re sold out – which probably won’t take long.

There are more details you need to know about GFI 263, and my concern for you and your practice is whether you’ll be informed and prepared. Your state veterinarian and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners are great resources to guide how you prepare. 

A Different Perspective

In addition to that, I would encourage you to put on your communications hat at this point.

Think about how to get out ahead of the guidance, so it doesn’t disrupt your business. Better yet, figure out how to turn it into a business opportunity.

Here are five things you might consider doing between now and June:

1.    Figure out what you need to communicate about the guidance and with whom. Don’t overlook current customers. They could help you reach and educate their friends, relatives and neighbors about the guidance. Talk to your local newspaper and radio media, so they get the word out. Maybe host a community forum in-person or online. 

2.    Involve your entire staff in the process. Educate them and establish the protocols you want to implement. Consider appointing a veterinary technician or support person internally on your staff as the go-to for more information.

3.    Contact industry members for help. It bears repeating – reach out to those individuals and organizations who can help you. The AABP, NIAA, NCBA and various product manufacturers offer a variety of free resource tools.

4.    Establish a peer group. Find three or four other rural veterinarians you can talk and text with about what they’re doing. Work cooperatively, if possible.

5.    Start now. The clock is ticking, but the good news is you have time to figure this out and work your plan. Please don’t delay.