CLEAR

England: new CPD requirements for social workers proposed

Social Work England, the new regulator for social workers effective December 2, is proposing to require licensed practitioners to record evidence of at least one continuing professional development activity in the new online CPD account within the first year renewal period. Those who do not comply could be removed from the register or have conditions placed on their registration. The online system will offer flexibility with both structured and free-text templates and a variety of file types able to be uploaded. Consultation on the proposal is open until October 17.

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Illinois licensure laws effective January 1, 2019

Several new licensure laws have gone into effect in Illinois, including

• streamlining licensure by endorsement for social workers, therapists and counselors
• allowing for a Tax Identification Number instead of Social Security Number for license applications
• allowing barber, cosmetology and esthetics students to take the licensure exam while still a student
• requiring at least one hour of sexual harassment prevention training for CE requirements

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Update: Philippines PRC reviewing CPD Law

The Philippines legislature has requested the Professional Regulation Commission to reduce the requirements necessary to comply with the Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016. Lawmakers agreed that the mandatory requirements should be less onerous. The PRC also noted that lack of funding was causing issues with implementation of the Act.

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New opioid therapy e-learning program for healthcare professionals

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada has launched a case-based e-learning program for healthcare professionals on the topic of opioid therapy. "The program was developed based on a needs assessment of medical and surgical specialists who identified a number of recurring, complex issues that they face when managing or prescribing opioids for patients with acute or chronic pain." The course focuses on screening practices, identifying patients at risk of harm, ongoing monitoring, and determining how to discontinue or taper opioids appropriately.

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Rhode Island medical board makes changes to CME audit

The Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline has partnered with the American Academy of Family Physicians to allow AAFP members to be exempted from the biennial continuing medical education 9CME) audit for license renewals. This is a first-of-its-kind collaboration, intended to reduce the burden on physicians and also make the Board's audit process more efficient. AAFP will report to the Board physicians that are compliant with CME requirements.

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UK: revalidation of nurses and midwives has positive impact

The Nursing and Midwifery Council in the UK commissioned an independent evaluation of the revalidation program. About two-thirds of nurses and midwives have revalidated with the NMC, and the recent report shows positive attitudes towards the process and a feeling of improved quality of practice. The recent evaluation suggests that revalidation is "encouraging nurses and midwives to analyse the care they give by reflecting on their practice and seeking feedback from colleagues, patients and service users. Reflective practice in particular is viewed as a likely driving force behind changing attitudes and behaviours among nurses and midwives."

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Australia: ACT to require test for builder license renewal

The ACT Government, starting in 2019, will put in place new testing requirements for builders to renew their licenses. Up to 20% of license renewal applicants will need to pass an exam to prove up-to-date skills and technical knowledge, particularly those who have been the subject of complaints or building quality issues. Applicants will have only two attempts to pass the exam. The test requirement will also be in place for those applying for a Class A, B, or C license for the first time. The changes come in response to an increase in complaints about building defects, particularly related to apartment buildings.

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American Nurses Association launches next-gen learning experience

The American Nurses Association, responsible for continuing education and professional development of registered nurses, has launched a next-gen learning experience platform based on the latest principles of brain-based science. Constant changes in the healthcare industry necessitate continuous learning, but reports have indicated that only 57%of registered nurses are involved, excited and engaged in their work. In order to improve engagement, the ANA has created a learning environment "where learners want to be, where they can see the value of their participation and get feedback, and create a sense of community that brings learners together." Key elements of the new program include content delivered in short bursts, coursework that ties in with a learner's experience and social networks, online discussion boards for connectedness with peers, and supplementary videos and articles for in-depth knowledge.

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Update: Philippines to review CPD law

The Professional Regulation Commission has announced that it will review the operational guidelines of the new Continuing Professional Development law in response to a growing number of complaints. CPD Councils from some of the 43 regulated professions have already made adjustments to make CPD more accessible and affordable. A grace period for complying with the new requirements had already been established. Complaints against the new law relate to the added cost to practitioners to undergo CPD training and activities.

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New position statement on nurse fatigue

The American Academy of Nursing has released a position statement promoting emphasis on sleep health for nurses, given the damaging effect long and irregular shifts can have on the natural sleep cycle and thus nurses' ability to function in the delivery of patient care. The statement recommends self-education about the health risks on long shift hours, the establishment of work policies and practices that promote sleep health, and the development of continuing education courses related to workplace interventions to promote sleep health and alertness.

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