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Healthcare Practice | HPCSA Guidelines
HPCSA Revises Accreditation Guidelines – Here’s What You Need to Know
The deadline for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) submissions is fast approaching. Are you compliant, and are you aware of the new HPCSA Accreditation Guidelines? We've got you covered.
Many healthcare practitioners may not be fully aware that the deadline for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) submissions is fast approaching: March 31, 2025.
It's crucial to get everything in order ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress or potential penalties.
What’s more, at the end of last year, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) introduced several key changes to its accreditation guidelines. These updates are significant, and if you want to stay compliant with the latest requirements, you’ll need to be well-informed about the new rules.
If all of this sounds overwhelming, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
To help unpack these changes, we recently sat down with Lisa Reid, CPD Accreditation Officer at the South African Medical Association.
In this insightful interview, we dive into the latest amendments to the HPCSA guidelines, addressing the most common questions and concerns we receive from healthcare professionals here at the network. We also cover some special cases, including how to ensure you earn your CPD points if you attend an overseas conference or event.
This conversation is packed with valuable information, and I guarantee that you’ll come away with a better understanding of how to navigate these updates and ensure you remain compliant as we head into the new year.
Whether you’re feeling confident or uncertain about the changes, this interview is a must-listen. Take a few minutes to tune in and make sure you’re up to date with everything you need to know.
Stay Safe, Stay Sane, Stay CPD Compliant
Linda
Editor
If you have any queries regarding your CPD status, Lisa and her team are on hand at the South African Medical Association to assist you. You can contact them at +27 (0)12 481 2000
Quick Check
In case you don't have time to listen to the podcast, here's a quick guideline of the main changes
Validity Period
All CEUs are now valid for 12 months from the date that the activity took place/ ended, and not 24 months as per the previous guidelines.
CEUs or CPD activities may not be allocated or accredited retrospectively.
Points Allocation
The total number of points you now need to obtain within 12 months are:
| Minimum Number of TOTAL CEUs/Yr Year | Minimum Number of Clinical CEUs/ Yr | Minimum CEUs for Ethics, Human Rights or Health Law |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 20 | 5 |
Certificate of Attendance
Practitioners no longer need to submit their certificates to the HPCSA. This will be done on your behalf by the CPD service providers who is responsible for your activity.
Deferment
Health practitioners may apply for deferment of CPD and the Board will review such applications individually on an ad hoc basis. The application should be strongly motivated with appropriate evidence/ documentation.
DefermentCommunity Service & Registrars
Health practitioners in community service and registrar training do not have to comply with CPD during community service but are encouraged to engage in relevant CPD activities and may accrue CEUs, which will be credited for the full 12 months from the date of accrual.
However, you should note that any health practitioner who registers for the first time as a health care professional after January of a particular year will commence with his or her CPD programme immediately.
Important Documents
The following documents and website links may help you navigate your CPD requirements.
Compliance Reminder and How to Guide
Health Professions Council of South Africa | CPD Program and Compliance Reminder ( Includes a How to Guide relating to accessing your profile)
New Guidelines
Health Professions Council of South Africa | Continous Professional Development Guidelines | Ammended 2024
CPD Point requirement by Profession
Health Professions Council of South Africa | Core Operations
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