Relicensure + Recertification = Revalidation
Revalidation is the single outcome of two linked processes: relicensure and specialist recertification. These processes are linked through appraisal, which is fundamental to both processes and to the revalidation outcome. Doctors will undergo annual appraisals and be revalidated once every five years.
Recertification
The Royal Colleges have been charged with the responsibility of providing a "positive statement of assurance".
This applies to the GMC of a doctor's fitness to practice in his or her specialty, and we are working to develop the infrastructure to undertake that important role.
Relicensure
The GMC has been charged with the responsibility for issuing licenses to practise (this will commence in November 2009), and for developing the infrastructure for relicensure, which will happen every five years.
Revalidation
The GMC will have final responsibility for making a decision about a doctor's revalidation, based on recommendations for relicensure and specialist recertification made by each doctor's responsible officer.
Role of the RCP
The RCP continues to play a leading role in defining how the process of revalidation will work in practice by participating in key lobbying and piloting activities. The College believes that it should participate in quality assuring revalidation as well as setting specialist standards and supporting physicians within the process. It will achieve this by developing tools for use in the revalidation process, by being involved in the training and support of appraisers and, where needed, by providing support to physicians where remediation is recommended or where a physician may feel unfairly treated.
Please note: position papers will be published shortly.
Timeline
| RCP projects and pilots |
July 2008 - December 2009 |
| GMC Affiliates pilots |
January-December 2009 |
| 'Whole system' revalidation pilots |
Start early 2010 |
| GMC to issue licenses to practice |
November 2009 |
| Enhanced Appraisal |
April-November 2010 |
| Recertification roll out |
October 2010 onwards |
| Responsible Officers appointment |
April to October 2010 |
Patients and the Public
From the perspective of the RCP, revalidation should have three fundamental objectives:
- to improve the quality of medical practice for all practicing doctors
- to encourage proactive patient engagement with our revalidation processes
- increasing the quality of healthcare for patients and the public