CPD compliance to become a pre-requisite for annual registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
Qualifying in any profession is an important personal responsibility, and, as a practitioner, there are several legal obligations. Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is a pre-requisite for professional practice, and it is also a legal requirement to keep all personal details up to date at all times. As practitioners, we are used to paying our annual fee for the continuation of our registration status, and we are fully aware that failure to pay this fee could result in suspension from the register. Similarly, non-compliance with Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements can lead to suspension or revocation of your registration, which could significantly impact your professional practice and reputation as you will be prohibited to practise your profession.
The HPCSA CPD programme is implemented under the legislative authority of section 26 of the Health Professions Act, 1974 (Act 56 of 1974). CPD is essentially the process of documenting and tracking the skills, knowledge and experience gained both formally and informally as health practitioners work beyond any initial training. Since October 2021, the HPCSA has amended the submission process of evidence of CPD activities completed by practitioners. The amendment’s purpose was to ensure effective management of the CPD database and improve the optimal efficiency of the CPD process. With the introduction of the HPCSA’s online self-service platform on its website, all registered health practitioners can submit enquiries and/or upload the required evidence of CPD compliance. This online platform provides a convenient and efficient way for practitioners to submit their CPD evidence, reducing paperwork and processing time. This has effectively made it a reality for HPCSA tomonitor CPD compliance and implement CPD compliance as a pre-requisite for annual registration.
Practitioners are aware of their legal obligation to be compliant with the HPSCA’s CPD programme. Unfortunately, the analysis of the rate of CPD compliance of the practitioners from all twelve Professional Boards is below 100%. The CPD compliance rate of the Professional Board for Dietetics and Nutrition (DNB) was 56 % in June 2024. On a positive note, this rate has been on the increase since the HPCSA and the DNB embarked on regular communication with practitioners through Roadshows, e-Bulletins and the DNB newsletter to raise awareness amongst practitioners regarding the risk and implications of being non-CPD-compliant.
The CPD requirements for Dietitians and Nutritionists are:
- A minimum of 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) per year inclusive of 5 CEUs on ethics, human rights and health law, as per CPD guidelines.
- Each CEU is valid for 24 months from the date on which the activity took place.
- This means that practitioners should aim to accumulate a balance of 60 CEUs by the end of their second year of practice and thereafter top-up on an ongoing basis to remain CPD-compliant.
Practitioners are advised to regularly check their CPD status on the HPCSA’s practitioner portal. Your commitment to CPD compliance ensures that you stay updated with the latest developments in your field and enhances your professional skills and the quality of care you provide, benefiting your patients and your career. Likewise, it is a responsibility we all share and a commitment we must uphold to ensure the highest standards of professional practice in line with the mission and vision of the HPCSA.
Any questions regarding CPD compliance can be raised by logging a service request on the HPCSA website.
Last Updated on 3 December 2024 by HPCSA Corporate Affairs