24.08.12
GMC publishes guidance for revalidation
New revalidation guidance for responsible officers has been published by the GMC. Revalidation is expected to begin later this year, subject to approval by health secretary Andrew Lansley.
The guidance has been published ahead of implantation so that responsible officers, employers and doctors can familiarise themselves with how recommendations should be made.
Responsible officers will make one of three recommendations; positive, a request for the date of revalidation to be deferred, or a notification of ‘non-engagement’.
A recent publication of the NHS support team’s ORSA report showed that 80% of doctors in England are now linked to organisations that can support them with revalidation.
Niall Dickson, chief executive of the GMC, said: “We’ve worked with responsible officers from across all four countries of the UK to develop this guidance and make sure it supports them in their role. We’re committed to ensuring that the guidance remains a practical and up to date resource, and we will keep the guidance under review once revalidation has been introduced to ensure it remains so.
“Publication of this guidance and the recent ORSA report of readiness in England are significant milestones, reflecting the considerable progress that has been made in preparation for the introduction of revalidation.
“Over time, revalidation will not only provide greater assurance to patients about the competence of their doctors, it has the potential to enhance patient safety and improve the quality of medical care in the UK.”
The guidance can be found at www.gmc-uk.org/static/documents/content/Responsible_Officer_Protocol.pdf
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