In a regulatory step aimed at enhancing the quality of healthcare and ensuring patient safety, the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties the new procedural guide for reassessing healthcare practitioners. This step complements the Commission's ongoing efforts to develop the healthcare sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and aligns with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program , one of the programs of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which focuses on raising the efficiency of medical services and implementing the highest standards of quality and safety.
Organizational context to enhance professional competence
This guide represents a significant leap forward in professional oversight and evaluation mechanisms, establishing clear frameworks for addressing cases of poor performance or professional misconduct. Its primary aim is to regulate the reassessment procedures for those registered with the Authority, based on precise regulatory principles that ensure verification of scientific and practical competence, as well as the practitioner's physical fitness when warranted. These procedures are of paramount importance given the substantial expansion of the healthcare sector in the Kingdom, necessitating robust mechanisms for regulating professional practice.
Cases requiring reassessment
The new procedural guide identifies specific, unambiguous cases that require the practitioner to undergo reassessment, most notably:
- A final court ruling has been issued proving that medical malpractice occurred.
- Reports documented with evidence have been received proving the poor professional performance of the practitioner.
- Decisions issued by the competent authorities indicate a lack of competence.
The authority explained that these observations are dealt with according to a strict timetable to ensure speed of completion, as the competent department is committed to recording the observations in the practitioner's record within only two working days, and then studying them to ensure that their justifications are complete within a period not exceeding five days.
Transparency of procedures and practitioner rights
To reinforce the principle of transparency, the new regulations require the relevant department to notify healthcare practitioners of any observations or decisions issued against them through officially registered communication channels within a maximum of five working days. This ensures their prior awareness and enables them to take the necessary actions. The Secretary-General of the Authority issues a reasoned decision for reassessment, including all regulatory and professional grounds, which obligates the practitioner to undergo the approved reassessment procedures immediately and without delay.
The Authority guaranteed the health practitioner the right to defend himself and to object, as he is given a period of ten working days to submit his comments or objection to the reassessment decision before the actual implementation begins, which reflects a balance between the public interest and the rights of individuals.
A five-member committee to ensure impartiality
To ensure the accuracy and impartiality of the results, the guidelines stipulate the formation of a specialized committee of five members with proven experience and integrity. 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 a comprehensive evaluation of the practitioner's competence.
The guidelines emphasize the committee's obligation to maintain complete impartiality and avoid any conflict of interest, while preserving the confidentiality of deliberations and information. These controls are subject to annual review, or more frequently as needed, to ensure they remain aligned with regulatory developments and evolving global professional standards in the healthcare sector, thereby reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a safe and reliable medical environment.
