Services of Public Interest
Managing the register of doctors
The Council provides the public with a searchable database of registered doctors. It is here where the public is able to verify that their doctor is registered to practise medicine in Ireland as well as checking their qualifications and registration status.
Lifelong learning and skills development
In May 2011, the Medical Council introduced requirements for all registered doctors to maintain their professional competence. This means that it is now a legal duty to engage in formal arrangements for lifelong learning and skills development, and the Council oversees doctors to ensure that they fulfil this duty.
Handling complaints
Anyone can make a complaint against a doctor to the Medical Council. There is an online complaint form located on their website which can be completed and sent to the Medical Council. The Council then begins the formal complaint procedure by forwarding it to the Preliminary Proceedings Committee of the Medical Council, which considers each and every complaint made to the Council. After the Committee receives enough information about the complaint it then decides whether to take further action. If so, the complaint will be referred to the Fitness to Practise Committee for a Fitness to Practise inquiry. Alternatively, the Council could decide to take no further action, refer the complaint to another body or authority, or for mediation, or could refer the doctor for a performance assessment. More information on the complaints process can be found at: http://www.medicalcouncil.ie/Public-Information/Making-a-Complaint-/
Setting ethical standards
The Medical Council gives guidance on all matters related to professional conduct and ethics for registered doctors. Its guidance document is regularly updated - see Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Doctors.pdf.
Read more about this topic: Irish Medical Council
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