The Department of Health has today launched a four week public consultation on legislation which will require doctors practising in the Isle of Man to be revalidated as fit to practise by the General Medical Council (GMC) every five years.
The move, which will bring the Island into line with the UK, is essential for the Isle of Man to be able to continue to have doctors practising on-Island, as revalidation is now required by the GMC which, although UK based, also regulates doctors in the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey. The legislation, if passed by Tynwald, will also see tighter regulation of chiropractors and osteopaths practising in the Isle of Man, making registration with the General Chiropractic Council and the General Osteopathic Council respectively, a mandatory requirement to practise.
The consultation on the Health Care Professions Bill 2014 runs from Monday 4 November to Monday 2 December, during which time practitioners, regulators, professional bodies and the public are invited to provide feedback and comment on the Bill.
Minister for Health, David Anderson MHK, said:
'The revalidation of doctors is an important step in increasing the level of confidence that the public can have in doctors at all levels. It has the added benefit of raising standards further and therefore improving the safety of patients, which is the Department’s number one priority. The revalidation process, which is governed by the General Medical Council but operated locally, will ensure by law that all doctors work within an appropriate system of clinical governance and appraisal under a local Responsible Officer. This is to ensure that doctors remain up to date with their skills and are regularly checked as fit to practise. Much of the work involved already happens, but this puts it on a more formal footing, with the backing of primary legislation.
'We have worked very closely with the GMC on this matter and they are happy with the approach the Department is taking, but they have made it clear that without legislation in place to legally require the revalidation of doctors every five years, they would not be in a position to maintain a doctors registration, leaving them unable to practise on the Island. Although we’re confident this is the best and most appropriate way forward, it’s important that we consult widely, which is why we’re raising awareness about the Bill with this public consultation. I would welcome feedback from any interested parties who may have a view on this proposed legislation.'
Following consultation and any amendment to the draft Bill, it will be presented to both the House of Keys and the Legislative Council, with a view to receiving Royal Assent in time for Tynwald’s summer recess in July 2014, meaning that the revalidation process can begin next summer.
Bill Henderson MHK, political member for the Department of Health said:
'I have long campaigned for the regulation of chiropractors on the Island, and I am delighted that we’re now able to bring this Bill forward. It will ensure that all chiropractors and osteopaths practicing in the Isle of Man are registered with their regulating body, adding better safeguards and protection for the public who use their services.'
