Revalidation

Revalidation is a mechanism used to 'affirm or establish the continuing competence' of health practitioners, whilst strengthening and facilitating ethical and professional 'commitment to reducing errors, adhering to best practice and improving quality of care.' Medical practitioners, nurses and midwives practicing in the UK are subject to revalidation to prove their skills are up-to-date and they remain fit to practise medicine. It is intended to reassure patients, employers and other professionals, and to contribute to improving patient care and safety. The Medical Board of Australia is currently engaged in a review and trial of revalidation of medical registration in Australia. Revalidation is a mechanism used to 'affirm or establish the continuing competence' of health practitioners, whilst strengthening and facilitating ethical and professional 'commitment to reducing errors, adhering to best practice and improving quality of care.' Medical practitioners, nurses and midwives practicing in the UK are subject to revalidation to prove their skills are up-to-date and they remain fit to practise medicine. It is intended to reassure patients, employers and other professionals, and to contribute to improving patient care and safety. The Medical Board of Australia is currently engaged in a review and trial of revalidation of medical registration in Australia. In the UK, nurses and midwives will need to revalidate every three years. A doctor will undergo revalidation every five years. A recommendation to revalidate a doctor will go to the UK medical regulator, the General Medical Council, from a local 'Responsible Officer'. The Responsible Officer will usually be a senior doctor in the healthcare organisation which employs the doctor, such as the medical director. The Responsible Officer's recommendation will usually be based on the doctor's history of annual appraisals. Doctors and nurses will need to keep a portfolio of evidence showing how they are meeting relevant standards, which will form the basis for discussion at their annual appraisals. It is not an examination process.