The final CPD framework has been published today following a consultation on the concluding part of the CPD framework and final agreement by Council.
This composite framework brings together the previously published CPD framework part 1 (May 2013) as well as the second part of the Framework, which was consulted upon earlier this year.
This newly published composite CPD framework details the CPD requirements for registrants as well as the consequences of CPD non-compliance. In addition, it deals with the application process for extenuating circumstances, the process for restoration to the register after removal for CPD non-compliance and an appeals process.
Following the most recent phase of consultation on the CPD Framework (part 2) the Council agreed some key changes. Amongst these are:
- A registrant on maternity, paternity or adoption leave can undertake up to 10 statutory KIT days without any requirement to undertake CPD. If this limit is exceeded the registrant will be liable to undertake CPD and make a CPD submission.
- Up to 15hours of CPD will be required from registrants within 6 months of their return to the register and will be treated as an early submission and a component of the 30hour compulsory annual submission, and not in addition to 30hours as proposed in the consultation.
- The unrestricted use of simulation and/or ‘future application of learning’ in the evaluation stage of a CPD cycle should a registrant be unable to describe an actual application of their CPD learning.Mark Nelson, Chair of the Education, Standards and Registration Committee said:‘I would like to thank all those who took part in the consultation. As a result of the consultation feedback, we have made some changes which we consider are fair and proportionate, will ensure processes work efficiently and are in the public interest.
‘This is the first time all 2100 registrants are required to submit their portfolios in order to maintain registration with the Pharmaceutical Society NI.
‘Evidence indicates that pharmacists in Northern Ireland have embraced and are engaged in the new CPD processes. Approximately 1150[1]pharmacists have created CPD cycles for the June 13/14 CPD cycle and we are pleased to report that 99% of registrants passed CPD assessment for the CPD year 2012/13.
‘As we approach the end of the first year of statutory CPD and the submission deadline 31 May 2014, I am confident that these high levels compliance will continue and pharmacists will meet these new requirements.’
The final CPD framework comprising part 1 and part 2 has now been consolidated into a single document and is available on the website www.psni.org.uk
The CPD framework and Standards (April 2014) outlines the requirements that must be met by pharmacists in order to meet the CPD standard and includes information about:
- The amount and type of information to be recorded as CPD
- How a CPD portfolio record will be called for assessment
- The records kept by the Pharmaceutical Society of registrants’ CPD
- The criteria that we use to evaluate whether or not the CPD requirements have been met
- The application process for extenuating circumstances
- The CPD requirements for registrants returning to practice
- What constitutes CPD non-compliance
- Outlines the appeals process.Mark Nelson concluded:‘I would remind registrants that CPD is mandatory and all pharmacists who intend to remain on the register must have submitted their CPD portfolio for the year 2013/14 on or before 31 May 2014. Non-compliance with the CPD framework may result in a pharmacist’s removal from the register.‘If a registrant does not successfully complete their CPD after first assessment a further two opportunities are given before any decision is made to invoke the removal process and an appeals process is also in place for those not satisfied with our decisions.
‘I would strongly encourage registrants to ensure they understand their responsibilities and requirements. We have several resources available on the website along with facilitation support available via the Pharmacy Forum.
‘If you remain unsure about certain aspects of the CPD process and requirements please contact the office.’
ENDS
For further information please contact Mark Neale or Gráinne Magee at the Pharmaceutical Society NI on 028 9026 7933 or mark.neale@psni.org.uk or grainne.magee@psni.org.uk
Notes to Editors
- The Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland is the regulatory body for pharmacists in Northern Ireland. Our primary purpose is to ensure practicing pharmacists in Northern Ireland are fit to practise, keep their skills and knowledge up to date and deliver high quality safe care to patients.
- The CPD framework and Standards (April 2014) is available on the Pharmaceutical Society NI website CPD Framework and Standards COMPOSITE Council 10 April 2014
- Since January 2005, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) has been a professional requirement of registration with the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland. From 1 June 2013, with the enactment of new legislation (‘The Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (Continuing Professional Development) Regulations 2012’) CPD will become a statutory legal requirement of registration.
- The Pharmaceutical Society NI produced a CPD framework and standards (part 1) for consultation, which was held for 14 weeks from 1 November 2012 and closed on 7 February 2013. The CPD framework part 1 was published in May 2013.
- A further consultation was held in November 2013 on CPD framework part 2 to address issues not covered in part 1 of the framework following necessary amendments to the CPD regulations which came into operation on 31 May 2014.
- The consultation closed on 23 January 2014. In the consultation on the CPD framework part 2 we sought views on:
- How the Pharmaceutical Society NI will manage application process for extenuating circumstances
- Requirements necessary for restoration to the Register after non-compliance with CPD requirements.
- Where it is not possible to close a CPD cycle by applying to practice, the CPD cycle can be closed using simulation and/or future applied learning.
- A summary of the consultation responses is available on the Pharmaceutical Society NI website Report on the responses to the Consultation on the CPD framework part 2
[1] At 10 April 2014