Circular 6/2024 –
Notification of a phased-in implementation of CPD for nurses and midwives by SANC
TO: NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH
NURSING PRACTICES/SERVICES
NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
ALL STAKEHOLDERS
SUBJECT: NOTIFICATION OF A PHASED-IN IMPLEMENTATION OF CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD) FOR NURSES AND MIDWIVES BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL (SANC)
- PURPOSE
The purpose of this Circular is to notify the National Department of Health (NDoH), Provincial Departments of Health, Nursing Practices/Services, Nursing Education Institutions, and all Stakeholders regarding the phased-in implementation of CPD for nurses and midwives by the SANC.
- BACKGROUND
The SANC is a statutory body operating in terms of the Nursing Act, 2005 (Act No. 33 of 2005) to set and maintain the standards of nursing education and practice in the Republic of South Africa. Section 39(a)(b) of the Nursing Act, 2005 (Act No. 33 of 2005) mandates the SANC to determine conditions, nature, and extent of CPD to be undergone by practitioners.
In line with the mandate above, the SANC developed systems and processes for CPD implementation. The Council further conducted CPD pilot roll-out in all provinces in the last two years. The purpose of the pilot roll-out was to test the processes developed and determine their applicability in practice.
- APPROACH TO CPD IMPLEMENTATION
- The SANC’s 17th Council has, in its Annual Performance Plan 2024/2025, prioritised a phased-in approach to CPD implementation.
- In the first year of implementation, CPD will be implemented in all nine provinces in three hospitals per province i.e. Tertiary Hospital, Provincial/Regional Hospital and District Hospital. Provinces will, through Nursing Services Directorates, identify and submit names of the three hospitals.
- Furthermore, CPD will be implemented in Private Hospital Groups namely, Mediclinic, Life Healthcare, Netcare, National Hospital Network and Clinix Group, in one hospital from each of these hospital groups across all the provinces, or in provinces where they have such hospitals.
- Operational Managers (on permanent posts as well as those in acting capacity) in suggested hospitals will be used as a sample. They will be required to have accrued 15 CPD points at the end of the CPD Cycle. The cycle starts from June 2024 and end in July 2025 the following year. In the first year of implementation, CPD will not be a pre-requisite for or attached to Annual Practising Certificate (APC) renewal.
- With regards to the evaluation of CPD programs: The SANC will use the approach that was used during the CPD pilot roll-out phase with regards to Criteria and Process for Recognition of Service Providers, e. use of non-accredited organizations or Institutions, as outlined in the SANC’s Criteria for Recognition of CPD Providers, which means that respective provinces/private hospital groups will apply to the SANC for evaluation of the programs to be offered (details on this will be communicated further during preparatory meetings).
- PLEASE NOTE that Council has not yet commenced with the process of inviting applications for interested parties who wish to be accredited as CPD providers. Communication will be issued in future when the Council is ready to undertake this process.
- IMPLICATIONS
This Circular must be brought to the attention of all nurse practitioners and relevant stakeholders.
- IMPLEMENTATION
This Circular shall become effective on the date of issue. For further clarity that might be required, kindly contact Dr NJ Muswede, Senior Manager: Professional Practice on e-mail:jmuswede@sanc.co.za or Tel: 012 420-1008.
Yours sincerely
________________
PROF NG MTSHALI
REGISTRAR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)
DATE: ___________________________________
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