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Revalidation
What is revalidation?
Revalidation is a new process of regulation for all doctors that practice medicine in the UK. Every five years doctors will need to show that they are still fit to practise. The Government outlined plans for the revalidation process in the February 2007 White Paper: Trust, Assurance and Safety – The Regulation of Health Professionals in the 21st Century. It is hoped that revalidation will begin in 2010.
The GMC is consulting on revalidation until 4 June 2010. The consultation covers four themes:
- How revalidation will work
- What doctors and employers need to do
- How patients will be involved
- How and when revalidation will be introduced
The consultation process is open to individuals to respond and we hope that many surgeons will take this opportunity. www.gmc-uk.org/thewayahead
What is the College doing?
The Medical Royal Colleges have been given the responsibility for setting standards for the recertification of doctors in their specialty. The College is working with the surgical specialty associations, the Department of Health, the GMC, and the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges to set appropriate standards for surgeons.
The College is also looking at ways in which its members and fellows can be supported throughout the revalidation process. Revalidation is still in its early stages, but we are keeping our members and fellows up to date as the project progresses.
What if I have additional questions?
The General Medical Council has published a Frequently Asked Questions document on their website which should answer many of your questions about revalidation. They have also produced this information in a PDF which can be downloaded from our website here. The revalidation process is still being developed and the document will be updated as new details emerge. If you have any questions, or would like further information, please contact the College on recertification@rcseng.ac.uk
