Recertification: A new way forward

16 December 2011

Recertification: A new way forward

The Medical Council in partnership with bpacnz Ltd has established a recertification programme to provide doctors registered in a general scope of practice with a framework for their continuing professional development.

Dr John Adams, the Council’s chairperson says, ‘Doctors working in New Zealand are respected for the high standard of care they provide. Over many years, the expectations of the public have increased with more questioning of the medical advice and care people receive. The Council is taking the lead in providing assurance to the public and patients that their trust and confidence in doctors is warranted by setting and recognising a strengthened recertification programme for these doctors.

‘A TNS Research survey undertaken for the Council in August 2010 indicated that three quarters of patients stated their confidence in doctors would be increased if they knew that doctor’s performance is subject to a regular review.

‘This recertification programme will further improve the standards of practice of doctors in New Zealand and provide an assurance to the public and patients that practising doctors are competent and fit to practise’, says Dr Adams.

In December 2011, approximately 2,000 affected doctors will be informed by the Council of the new requirements.

Each quarter when a doctor’s practising certificate expires they will need to join the programme before applying for a practising certificate. Implementation will begin when applications are sent to doctors whose practising certificates expire on 31 May 2012.

‘All doctors registered in a general scope of practice who are not taking part in a vocational training programme or who are not vocationally registered and want to retain their practising certificate will be required to take part in the recertification programme,’ said Dr Adams.

The recertification programme will consist of:

• a professional development plan
• a collegial relationship
• peer review activities
• clinical audit
• regular practice review
• multisource or patient feedback
• continuing medical education activities

A record of participation in these activities will be recorded in individual, web-based ePortfolios

More information on the bpacnz Recertification Programme can be found online at www.inpractice.org.nz

ENDS

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