Revalidation is a mechanism for UK doctors 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.[1]
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 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.[2]
The General Medical Council and UK Department of Health propose to implement revalidation for all practising doctors from late 2012.[3]
Process of Revalidation
The Process of revalidation will be planned by the UK Revalidation Programme Board[4]
Responsible Officers
The Health and Social Care Act 2008 created the role of the Responsible Officer.[5]