GMC produces licensing resource pack for employers

The GMC is today distributing an essential information pack for organisations that employ doctors.

The ‘licensing resource pack’ aims to help employers prepare for the introduction of the licence to practise, which is the first step towards the introduction of revalidation; the biggest change to medical regulation in 150 years.

From 16 November 2009, all doctors who wish to practise medicine in the UK will not only have to be registered with the GMC, they will also have to hold a licence to practise. 

The pack explains how organisations can go online to check the GMC status of their doctors and provides information about important changes the GMC is making to the certificates it issues to doctors. 

To help organisations prepare for the change, the pack contains a checklist  including:

• reviewing and updating policies, procedures and guidance for making pre-employment checks on doctors
• providing training and information for staff.

Neil Roberts, Director of Registration and Resources at the GMC said: “Licensing has important implications for employers and we hope the information in the ‘licensing resource pack’ will help them to prepare ahead of 16 November.”

The ‘licensing resource pack’ can be downloaded from www.gmc-uk.org/licensing or by emailing licensingpack@gmc-uk.org. Posters, postcards and summary leaflets are also available to help employers communicate important licensing information within their organisations.