Saudi Arabia: New regulations for reassessing healthcare practitioners
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing the safety of the healthcare sector and raising the efficiency of its workforce, the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties has approved the new procedural guide for reassessing healthcare practitioners. This step complements the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to regulate professional healthcare practice and ensure the provision of safe, high-quality medical care that meets international standards.
The context of health transformation and Vision 2030
This decision cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader context of the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia, specifically within the framework of the Health Sector Transformation Program, one of the programs under the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, as the regulatory body for professional healthcare practices, seeks to address any gaps that could compromise patient safety. This guide represents a natural evolution of previous regulations, moving from initial classification and registration to continuous quality control, reflecting the growing maturity of the Saudi healthcare system.
Precise mechanisms and strict standards
The authority explained that the new guide establishes a precise regulatory framework for the reassessment procedures for those registered with it, based on clear legal principles. The guide specifies particular cases that necessitate this procedure, most notably a final court ruling establishing medical malpractice, documented reports demonstrating poor professional performance by the practitioner, or binding decisions from the competent authorities.
Regarding the speed of procedures, the Authority indicated that dealing with observations is done according to a strict timetable; the competent department is committed to recording the observations in the practitioner’s record within two working days, and studying them to ensure that their elements are complete within five days, with the obligation to notify the health practitioner of any decisions issued against him through official communication channels within a maximum period of five working days to ensure his prior knowledge.
The five-member committee and guarantees of neutrality
To ensure the highest level of professionalism, the guidelines stipulate the formation of a specialized committee of five experienced and impartial members. This committee is responsible for determining the appropriate assessment methods for each case, which may include theoretical and practical tests, or personal interviews, to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness. The guidelines emphasize the committee's commitment to complete impartiality and avoidance of any conflict of interest, while maintaining the confidentiality of its deliberations.
The right to object and the expected impact
To uphold the principles of fairness, the Authority guarantees healthcare practitioners the right to appeal, granting them a ten-day period to submit their observations and defenses regarding the reassessment decision before its actual implementation. The Secretary-General of the Authority issues a reasoned decision outlining the regulatory and professional justifications, thus ensuring the procedure's legal soundness.
This guide is expected to have a tangible positive impact at both the local and regional levels, enhancing public trust in the healthcare system and reducing medical errors resulting from inefficiencies. This measure also positions the Kingdom among the leading nations that implement rigorous standards for Continuous Competency Assurance, thereby increasing the global competitiveness of the Saudi healthcare sector.
