The Purpose of Recertification

The purpose of recertification for general practitioners was defined by Professor Mike Pringle as part of his review of Good Medical Practice for General Practitioners, and agreed by RCGP Council in February 2008.

Primary Purpose:

• To demonstrate that doctors on the GP register continue to meet standards that apply to the discipline of general practice.

Secondary Purposes:

• To promote continuous professional development among GPs.
• To encourage improvement in the quality of care, patient safety, team working, communications and appropriate behaviour of general practitioners.
• To identify general practitioners, as far as is practicable, for whom  there are significant concerns about their fitness to practise and to alert for early signs of deteriorating performance.
• To reassure, as far as is possible, individual patients, the public, colleagues and the NHS that individual general practitioners are up to date and fit to practise.

Webpage Updated: August 2009