Healthcare Credentialing & RTW Updates for Recruiters (2023)

Since 2022, there have been some changes to healthcare credentialing and compliance, and it's crucial you’re able to stay ahead of these changes. In this updated guide, we will explore the latest trends and updates in medical credentialing, focusing on the changes introduced by the General Medical Council (GMC), digital identity verification and right to work.

GMC's Expanded Scope

As a healthcare recruiter, you are at the heart of this transformation. The GMC's expanded scope now includes physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs) within its regulatory framework. This expansion recognises the vital role these professionals play in our healthcare system and, by extension, the significant impact you have in ensuring the right professionals find their places in our medical teams.

Beyond Qualifications

The introduction of new credentialing standards by the GMC is not just about checkboxes and qualifications; it's about enhancing patient safety and service standards. A GMC credential now signifies more than ever – it's a formal acknowledgement of a doctor’s expertise, including areas like pain medicine, rural and remote health, and cosmetic surgery. By understanding these evolving standards, you're not just selecting candidates; you're shaping a workforce that embodies excellence and compassion, values that define our healthcare system.

Your Pivotal Role: Understanding the Process

In this evolving landscape, your role as a healthcare recruiter is pivotal. Understanding the intricacies of these changes is essential. Credential development bodies (CDBs) now hold a central role in shaping curricula and assessment programs for GMC credentials. Entities like the Curriculum Oversight Group (COG), the Curriculum Advisory Group (CAG), and the COPMeD representative ensure the credibility and relevance of these programs. Moreover, statutory education bodies (SEBs) are entrusted with managing and delivering training for GMC credentials. They oversee critical aspects such as signoff panels and recognition routes, ensuring doctors meet the necessary capabilities in practice.

Credentially is proud to assure our clients that we are always in lockstep with regulatory changes, such as those from the General Medical Council (GMC). When policies shift, our integration effortlessly aligns, ensuring your credentialing processes remain smooth and worry-free.

Changes in UK Right-to-Work checks

Understanding the Shift:

As of 1st October 2022, the Home Office implemented significant changes, bringing an end to the temporary adjustments made during the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand that clarity is key, especially amidst the evolving nature of regulations.

Employers must now conduct right-to-work checks in one of three ways:

1. An online check (mandatory for all Biometric Residence Permits/Cards and Frontier Work Permit holders)
2. A manual check (for example checking the original, physical document, in the presence of the individual. This should only be used for those who are not within the scope of the online service)
3. Using an identity service provider (IDSP) that offers identity document validation technology (IDVT)

Clarifying the Details:

Some confusion has arisen regarding the new system. While Digital IDs are expected to streamline the checking process significantly, it's essential to note a few key points:

‍Verification Responsibility:

Utilising an Identity Service Provider (IDSP) does not absolve the hiring party of the responsibility to verify a person’s identity. The onus remains on you, although this can be as simple as matching the person’s image against the returned IDSP result, even during a Zoom interview.

Post-September 30th, 2022

The COVID-adjusted checks, which were in place, have been removed. The face-to-face and postal routes remain valid options. Additionally, the Online Checking Service (OCR) for in-date visas remains unchanged.

Coverage and Verification

Right to Work checks using Digital IDs specifically cover UK and Irish citizens with an in-date passport.

A Note of Assurance:

Importantly, no retrospective checks are required for employees hired between 30th March 2020 and 30th September 2022, provided the checks were executed correctly. Adherence to the prescribed standards during this period safeguards against civil penalties, offering you peace of mind in your recruitment processes.

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