The Importance of Medical Organisations in Europe The role of professional self- government (chambers of physicians and dentists) in Poland Dr. Maciej Hamankiewicz President Polish Supreme Chamber of Physicians and Dentists Bratislava, 25 September 2010

The Importance of Medical Organisations in Europe Contents  Organization of the professional self-government of physicians and dentists in Poland  Regulatory tasks and activities of the chambers - licensing, - professional liability, - continuing medical education)  Represantation of the interests of the professions

The Importance of Medical Organisations in Europe Chambers of Physicians and Dentists in Poland Public law organisations of professional self-government (Law on the medical chambers) )35.231) Represent and associate two professions: all ( ) medical doctors and all ( ) dental practitioners Organizational structure: - -Polish (Supreme) Chamber of Physicians and Dentists regional chambers, 1 chamber of military physicians and dentists

The Importance of Medical Organisations in Europe The right to practice the profession in Poland  The right to practice the profession of a physician or dental practitioner is in Poland awarded by a regional (or military) chamber  Conditions to be fulfilled for the award of the right to practice are laid down in the Law on the professions of a physician and a dentist  Conditions for the award of the right to practice relate to: citizenship, professional qualifications, impeccable ethical attitude, appropriate health

The Importance of Medical Organisations in Europe Register of physicians and denitsts The chambers are by law entitled to run a register of physicians and dentists which contains data regtarding those professionals.  regional (and military) chambers run regional registers  on the basis of regional registers a Central Register of Physicians and Dentists is run The Central Register holds information about every physician and dentist who has or had in the past the right to practice the profession in Poland.

The Importance of Medical Organisations in Europe Recognition of professional qualifications in the EU The chambers are the competent authorities in Poland within the meaning of EU law on recognition of qualifications of physicians and dentists: recognize professional qualifications obtained in other EU Member States issue certificates for Polish doctors/dentists act as information centres

The Importance of Medical Organisations in Europe Individual and group medical (dental) practices A physician or dentist who wants to run an individual or group practice must register it with the regional chamber. Chambers:  check fulfilment of the requirements specified by law (premises, technical and sanitary regulations)  run registers of medical and dental practices  supervise the activities of the practices (may conduct inspections etc.)

The Importance of Medical Organisations in Europe Medical Code of Ethics The General Assembly of the Polish Chamber of Physicians and Dentists adopts the Medical Code of Ethics. The Medical Code of Ethics is by virtue of the law binding for all physicians and dentists in Poland and its breach may be a basis for disciplinary action.

The Importance of Medical Organisations in Europe Disciplinary proceedings Basis of professional liability: - conduct contrary to the rules of ethics and professional deontology - breach of legal regulations on exercising the profession. Medical disciplinary courts: - regional medical courts, - Supreme Medical Court. Members of medical courts are elected at the Regional and Supreme Assemblies among members of the chamber.

The Importance of Medical Organisations in Europe Disciplinary proceedings Medical court may impose:  warning;  reprimand;  financial sanction;  suspension of the right to practice for a period of 1 to 5 years;  deprivation of the right to practice. Against the judgment of a regional medical court an appeal may be filed in the Supreme Medical Court; against the judgment of the Supreme Medical Court the punished physician or dentist may appeal the Supreme Court.

The Importance of Medical Organisations in Europe Continuing Professional Development Physicians and dentists in Poland are by law required to take active part in continuing medical development. A credit points system is applied points have to be collected in a period of every 4 years. CPD may be conducted in the form of various events regulated by law and the points are awarded according to the scale.

The Importance of Medical Organisations in Europe Continuing Professional Development The chambers play an important role in CPD: 1. Register CPD providers; 2. Accredit CPD events; 3. Supervise CPD events; 4. Confirm and register the credit points collected by professionals. In addition, Chambers themselves provide CPD events

The Importance of Medical Organisations in Europe Chambers as representatives of physicians and dentists One of the main tasks of the professional self- government is to represent and protect the profession. -expression of opinions on draft legislation and health issues (obligation for public authorities to ask for opinion) -integration of the medical professionals (meetings, excursions, sporting events) -social assistance for the medical professionals -co-operation with scientific organizations and medical universities

The Importance of Medical Organisations in Europe Performance of regulatory tasks and representation of the profession’s interests The professional self-government in Poland is at the same time performing public tasks as a regulatory authority for the profession and acting as a representative of the profession in the interest s of the professionals It is important, although not always easy, to give enough attention to both spheres of activity so that regulation of the profession is secured and the interests of our profession are well represented

The Importance of Medical Organisations in Europe Thank you very much for your attention