Certification of healthcare workers: what has changed in the procedure

The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine has registered a new Procedure for the Certification of Healthcare Workers. In this regard, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine has prepared answers to the most frequently asked questions.

The new Procedure introduces an updated attestation model: instead of five separate regulations, there will be a single nomenclature of specialties and a common attestation procedure for all healthcare professionals and specialists (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, rehabilitation specialists, professionals with higher non-medical education, and others).

For the first time, a single document is being introduced - a Certificate of Professional Qualification, which will be valid for the entire period of a person's professional activity.

The certification of healthcare professionals will be resumed six months after the termination or lifting of martial law. If the validity period of the current specialist certificates or qualification category certificates expired during the period of martial law, it will be extended for up to six months from the date of termination or lifting of martial law.

Where will the medical certification take place?

From now on, the certification will take place at the medical institution (individual entrepreneur) where you work.

Do I need to apply for the next certification of medical workers?

No, it is not necessary. All employees undergo regular certification automatically at their place of work. Only those who apply for advanced training need to submit an application.

Who performs the appraisal in the healthcare facility?

At a healthcare facility, appraisals are conducted by an appraisal committee. The attestation commission consists of 6 people. The composition of the appraisal committee is approved by the head of the healthcare institution (individual entrepreneur).

How is the attestation of heads of healthcare institutions conducted?

The appraisal procedure for heads of healthcare facilities does not differ from the appraisal procedure for all other employees.

When do healthcare workers need to undergo an extraordinary appraisal?

An extraordinary appraisal is conducted by the appraisal committee in case of documented violations in professional activities.

Is the attestation of healthcare professionals carried out during martial law?

No, the attestation is not conducted during the period of martial law and within 6 months from the date of its termination or cancellation. The validity of existing certificates of specialists/certificates of assignment/confirmation of categories is automatically extended for this period for all healthcare workers.

When do the new requirements for continuing professional development (CPD) points come into effect?

Until June 30, 2025, all categories of healthcare workers (not only doctors) will be subject to the criteria for calculating points in accordance with Annex 4 to the Procedure for Certification of Doctors, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine No. 446 on February 22, 2019.
3 On July 1, 2025, the new requirements, according to the updated procedure, will come into effect.

How many CPD points you need to get during the year

50 points - for healthcare professionals(doctors, pharmacists and others - sections "Managers (with medical education)", "Professionals" of the Handbook of Qualification Characteristics of Healthcare Professions).

30 points - for healthcare professionals (nurses/medical assistants, paramedics and others - sections "Specialists", "Specialists with non-medical education" of the Qualification Description of Healthcare Professions)

How often do healthcare workers need to undergo regular attestation?

The next attestation is required once every 5 years

Is there an appraisal for employees who are in the Armed Forces and other military formations?

The appraisal of physicians who are in the Armed Forces and other military formations is not conducted during martial law and within 6 months after its completion. They are not required to collect CPD points and maintain an educational portfolio.

How can a healthcare worker return to work after a long break in employment?

Healthcare professionals who have had a break in their professional activities for more than 3 years can return to work only after completing the specialization cycle.

Олена Болган