Doctors' professional competence to be assessed

The professional competence of all doctors will assessed every year under a new law launched today.

The Medical Council revealed that within 12 months, GPs and medics nationwide will be legally obliged to maintain a minimum set of standards to continue to practise.

President Professor Kieran Murphy said while the majority of doctors already fulfil the measures voluntarily, the annual monitoring would be an important milestone for enhancing patient safety.

“It will ensure that all doctors are helped to maintain and develop their knowledge and skills during the course of their professional lives and will help ensure that patients are getting the highest possible standards and quality of care,” he added.

Health Minister Mary Harney formally launched Part 11 of the 2007 Medical Practitioners Act, which stipulates all medical practitioners must register with a professional competence scheme within the next 12 months.

The process will include continuing professional development and clinical audit of patient files.

Where an area of concern is highlighted, a doctor will be assisted, but any a medic who refuses to co-operate will be subject to a complaint to the Medical Council and could be brought before a Fitness to Practise Committee.

Minister Harney said the provisions will, for the first time, set a statutory requirement for doctors to maintain their professional competence.

“This is a significant step in implementing a modern, reformed system of regulation for the medical profession which will satisfy the public and the profession that medical practitioners are appropriately qualified and competent to practise in a safe manner on a continuing basis,” said Minister Harney.