The NMC has updated its revalidation standards and guidance following feedback from a range of sources which pointed out areas where small changes to detail or structure would provide greater clarity.
These updates also reflect the changes made as a result of the S.60 – that is, the NMC has removed references to Intention to Practise forms and Supervisors of Midwives.
There are no changes to revalidation policy. The key updates are:
Practice Hours
The NMC has provided some specific examples in How to revalidate of circumstances which would not count towards practice hours:
- Work as a healthcare assistant
- Placements undertaken as part of a shortened midwifery training course
Reflective discussion
The NMC has made changes to How to revalidate and the guidance sheet to explain why the reflective discussion partner must be a registrant and why the discussion must be a single discussion with one other person.
CPD
The NMC has changed How to revalidate and the guidance sheet on CPD examples to clarify that CPD is separate and different from everyday learning. Coaching and mentoring counts when it involves a specific skill. Group meetings should be outside of everyday practice.
Confirmation and appraisal
The NMC has amended How to revalidate to explain how confirmation differs from appraisal and clarified that confirmation is not an assessment against the requirements of the registrant’s current/former employment.
Exceptional circumstances
The NMC has amended the alternative support arrangements guidance sheet to explain that applications for exceptional circumstances due to lack of time will not generally be accepted if nurses and midwives have been practising for more than six months since the guidance was launched, and that the NMC expect registrants to meet the requirements in a timely manner and on an ongoing basis.
The NMC has also clarified that where applicants declare they are not able to meet the revalidation requirements due to health reasons that these applications may be referred to the Assistant Registrar for consideration in line with the NMC’s guidance on health and character.