Procedure for Re-registration

References
The European Register for Specialists in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine: Guide to the Register, Version 3-2010
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010: 48:999-1008
Download as a PDF file

Re-registration login

Introduction

The Register commenced in 1998. Since then over 2000 EurClinChem applications have been approved. The Guide to the Register states that registration should be renewed every 5 years and documents the procedure. Re-registration commenced in 2006.

Six Elements of Re-registration

There are six elements of re-registration:

1. Continuing equivalence of standards

Re-registration of an individual will normally be via the National Clinical Chemistry Registration Committee (NCCRC). At five yearly intervals, or sooner if change occurs, each NCCRC shall seek formal approval from EC4RC that equivalence of standards for the national and European register has been maintained. EC4RC can only confirm re-registration by NCCRCs when it has evidence of continuing equivalence of standards.

2. Continuing registration with national registration body or with NCCRC

It is a condition of re-registration that each applicant must remain a member of his/her own national register (if one exists). The signature of the applicant and the NCCRC representative are taken as confirmatory evidence.

3. Continuing in active practice

It is a condition of re-registration that each applicant continues to be an active practitioner in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. This will be met if the practitioner is in appropriate full-time employment. There may be circumstances when an individual in part-time employment or between jobs may be considered to be an active practitioner but it is the responsi-bility of the applicant to produce evidence to this effect. The signatures of the applicant and the NCCRC representative are taken as confirmatory evidence.

4. Continuing professional development

It is a condition of re-registration that each applicant is actively engaged in continuing professional develop-ment (CPD). There are many different approaches and the applicant should be following the national guidance. A minimum time commitment should be 50 hours per year. The signatures of the applicant and the NCCRC representative are taken as confirmatory evidence.
See below for further information

5. Continuing observance of the Code of Conduct

It is a condition of re-registration that the applicant continues to observe the EC4 Code of Conduct. This question is asked on the re-registration application form. The signatures of the applicant and the NCCRC representative are taken as confirmatory evidence.

6. Payment of fee

It is a condition of re-registration that the applicant pays the re-registration fee. This fee is fixed at 80% of the original registration fee and the current fee is specified on the re-registration application form. Collection of this fee (by Bank Transfer or other approved means) is evidence of compliance with this element of re-registration. Proof of payment should be submitted with the paper copy of the application form.

7. Re-registration Application Form and Process

The re-registration application form is on this website. This is very similar in content and design to the application form for initial registration, the main difference being the need to produce evidence of CPD rather than of education, training and experience.

The EC4 Register Commission will notify individual registrants of the need to re-register on expiry of their 5-year registration period. The registrant should then proceed as follows:

• Click on the Member login icon on the website
• Enter Registration number (printed on the registration certificate) and password
• If the password is not known click “No or forgotten password?”
• Follow the instructions – enter last name, registration number and email address
• A password will be sent automatically to that email address
• Click again on the Member login icon and enter your details
• You can now edit and change your details if required, and change your password
• You should then follow the instructions for re-registration
• When you have completed the application form, PRINT IT OUT AND SIGN IT, and then send it with proof of payment and evidence of CPD to your National Representative.
• You will receive a new registration certificate valid for a further 5 years

The handling of re-registration applications is the same as for initial applications via the NCCRC and the EC4 Register Commission, as are non-standard applications and appeals against decisions on re-registration.

Re-registration login

Continuing Education (CE) or Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

It is suggested that there should be two principles underpinning programs of CE or CPD that are suitable for meeting the requirements of re-registration with the European Clinical Chemist Register.

Content of CE or CPD programs

The content of CE or CPD programs will vary between countries. Therefore, the list of activities given below should be seen as purely illustrative:

• Oral presentation of research findings
• Poster presentation of research findings
• Attendance at approved scientific meetings
• Publication of research paper
• Research grants obtained
• Serving as a referee or editor for a scientific journal
• Postgraduate teaching including supervision of re-search students/fellows
• Participation in journal clubs (or similar)
• Evidence of regular reading of relevant scientific or management journals
• Attendance at approved CE or CPD training courses
• Attendance at relevant management courses
• Completion of approved distance learning exercises
• Completion of relevant computer-aided learning programs
• Completion of relevant clinical audit projects
• Completion of CE or CPD targets in personal devel-opment plans (appraisal)
• Being an office bearer in a relevant national or international professional body
• Serving as external examiner or inspector for a uni-versity or laboratory
• Being an appointed advisor for government or a sci-entific or regulatory body
• Participating in a successful laboratory accreditation (or similar)
• Etc.
• See below for further information

Documentary evidence

At a national level there may be a formal CE or CPD scheme that complies with the two principles isted above. In such circumstances the only evidence re-quired for re-registration would be a certificate (or a similar document) confirming ongoing participation in the scheme. In the absence of a formal CE or CPD scheme the NCCRC should specify the level of evi-dence that it requires for re-registration and include this as part of the application for approval from EC4RC.