All doctors registered with the Medical Council of Ireland are legally obliged under the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 to maintain their professional competence by enrolling in a Professional Competence Scheme and following requirements set by the Medical Council.

The following HSE Guidance Document is aimed specifically at non‐consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) working in the public health service and focuses specifically on the development of Professional Development Programmes (PDPs).

These PDPs are being commissioned and funded by the HSE to facilitate NCHDs to maintain their professional competence in line with Medical Council requirements. The development and delivery of these PDPs will be concomitant with the requirements of a Professional Competence Scheme as established by the Medical Council.

Professional Competence Schemes are operated by the Irish postgraduate medical training bodies that have been specifically approved by the Council for this purpose. For information about RCPI Professional Competence, please see here.

Professional Development Programmes Guidance Document for NCHDs