Supervisory cases

-Automatic translation

A supervisory case is established when there is a reason to follow up on an issue that could lead to disciplinary measures. The mere fact that a supervisory case is established does not necessarily mean it is bad.

One of the Directorate of Health's main roles is to monitor health services and healthcare practitioners, as well as to supervise 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 licenses.

When does a supervisory case begin?

• 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 a healthcare practitioner to undergo a specialist examination if 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 be concluded without penalty following 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 their license. In that case, they may apply for a re-granting of the license 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 takes action if a health professional's title is used by someone who does not hold a license to practice. There may be a misunderstanding or mistake; for example, a job title may be specified without the person's knowledge or consent. There are also examples of those who have completed the required education and identify themselves as health professionals without holding a license from the Directorate of Health.