Revalidation set for launch in 2012

The General Medical Council (GMC) has announced that revalidation will be in place from late 2012.

In a joint statement with the health departments in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, the GMC set out key milestones that will need to be in place before revalidation can be implemented across the UK; one of which is the appointment of Responsible Officers.

Under the current plans, Responsible Officers will recommend to the GMC which doctors should be revalidated. However, all doctors will be involved in an annual appraisals process, and will be required to provide material to prove they have made efforts to keep their medical knowledge up to date.

In its statement, the GMC confirmed its commitment to revalidation and pledged to work with the health departments to ensure it will be ready for launch in summer 2012.