Supervisory cases

-Automatic translation

A supervisory case is established when there is a reason to follow up on something that can lead to disciplinary measures. The mere fact that a supervisory case is established does not necessarily need to be bad.

One of the Directorate of Health's main roles is monitoring health services and healthcare practitioners, as well as supervising medicinal product prescriptions. The Directorate of Health's investigation of supervisory cases aims to ensure the quality and safety of health services. In case of failure to provide such services, an assessment shall be made of whether there is a reason for further follow-up, guidance, or disciplinary action in accordance with Chapters III and IV of the Medical Director of Health and Public Health Act.

The disciplinary measures against individual healthcare practitioners can include recommendations, reprimands, revocation of licenses (e.g. limited authorisation to prescribe medicinal products), and suspension of licences.

When does a supervisory case begin?

A supervisory case at the Directorate of Health begins:

• following a tip-off to the Directorate of Health

• following a complaint about health services

• following a serious unforeseen incident in the health service

• in monitoring the activities of a healthcare practitioner or healthcare institution

• in monitoring prescriptions

• following the conviction of a healthcare practitioner as a punishment, whether due to violations of the law relating to healthcare services or other laws

Processing of supervisory cases

The Directorate of Health may require that a healthcare practitioner undergo a specialist examination if it is necessary to assess whether they are fit to perform their work.

Such examination could include:

• Independent experts are assigned to review certain aspects of a healthcare practitioner's work.

• Independent experts make a medical assessment of whether a healthcare practitioner is fit to perform their work.

A supervisory case may conclude without penalty after an investigation by the Directorate of Health. For example, it may be the case that information turns out to be incorrect, that there is no reason for sanctions, or that the validity of sanctions is not demonstrated.

Suppose a healthcare practitioner is subject to a restriction or revocation of license. In that case, they may apply for a re-granting of the licence if the reasons which led to the revocation or surrender of the license no longer apply. The same applies to restrictions or suspension of the right to prescribe medicines.

The Directorate of Health also reacts if the professional title of a health professional is used without the person in question holding a license to practice. There may be a misunderstanding or mistake; for example, a job title is specified without the person's knowledge and consent. There are also examples of those who have completed the required education and identify themselves with the professional title of a health professional without receiving a licence from the Directorate of Health.