CAS

Competence Assurance Structures (CAS)

The Medical Council commenced the process of Competence Assurance Structures (CAS) for all doctors on the Specialist Division of the Register in 2003 under the Medical Practitioners Act 1979. For the past six years General Practitioners were invited by the Medical Council to participate in CAS on a voluntary basis.
The Medical Practitioners Act 2007 includes provision for the introduction of compulsory Professional Competence procedures (PC in lieu of CAS), subject to the signing of the appropriate statutory instrument by the Minister for Health & Children. It was anticipated that this would be undertaken with effect from January 2009, however, this is now unlikely and hence the date for the introduction of compulsory PC is unknown.
There are currently approximately 1200 GPs on the Specialist Division of the Register for General Practice. Please refer to the Medical Council website at www.medicalcouncil.ie for further details.

ICGP Policy

The Council of the ICGP has adopted as long standing policy that the role of the College is to facilitate and assist members to meet the requirements, as set by the Medical Council, to remain in the Specialist Division of the Register for GP. The College recognises that there are still many outstanding issues to be addressed relating to the introduction of compulsory PC. We have had extensive feedback from members on a range of issues and complexities which we have raised with the Medical Council and await clarification. Presumably these issues will be clarified under the new compulsory process when decided.

PC is an important quality initiative by the medical profession. It represents an opportunity to document and to demonstrate that the public faith in GP to provide not just competent, but also high quality medical care, is well founded. The recognition of GP as a 'Specialty' by the Medical Council was an important landmark in the development and recognition of GP in Ireland. We must ensure that we continue to demonstrate an ongoing quality and high standard commensurate with our status as a specialty, by our participation in this process.

Current Voluntary Structure and Participation from 2009

In relation to the current voluntary structure, information and summary (or recording) sheets are available for download at www.icgp.ie/CAS (->Folder & Summary Sheets for Participants commencing in 2009). The summary sheets will assist you to document your educational activity during the coming year and the information provided should guide you in this regard. If for any reason you are unable to download these forms please advise Carol White, ICGP (carol.white@icgp.ie).

The College will keep you informed regarding any further developments, and continue to assist you in maintaining your Specialist Registration.