New rules to compel doctors to take refresher training

ALL DOCTORS will be legally obliged to undertake refresher training and have their skills assessed from next year, under new rules which come into force today.

Doctors will have to do at least 50 hours a year of continuous professional development under the rules which will take effect from May 2011.

Minister for Health Mary Harney yesterday signed an order bringing Part 11 of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 – Maintenance of Professional Competence into effect from today.

The provision of continuous professional development for all doctors was a central recommendation in the Lourdes Hospital Inquiry report into the activities of Dr Michael Neary, published in 2006.

The change means that all registered medical practitioners will be legally obliged to demonstrate they are maintaining professional competence from May 1st, 2011.

Doctors will have to register with a professional competence scheme provided by one of the training colleges and begin continuing professional development and clinical audits within the next 12 months.

The Medical Council said the new rules would deliver many benefits, by ensuring doctors maintained their knowledge and skills and ensured their patients were getting the best possible care.

The council said it had made every effort to ensure the new demands placed on doctors, employers, training bodies and the health system were realistic and likely to enhance the delivery of clinical care.

The schemes would be closely monitored and, if necessary, modified, it said.

Doctors are advised to contact the training body they believe is most relevant to the area of their clinical practice to begin the process of applying for a professional competence scheme.