Introduction to the Life Science Industry National Credentialing Register

WHY IS THIS REGISTER NEEDED?

Staff from the Life Science industry engage with NHS staff and patients on a daily basis. It is important that these interactions take place within a professional, ethical and safe framework.
We know that Trusts are looking to confirm the identity, credentials and training status of individuals who visit their sites.

Currently the responsibility for this lies with each individual Trust and they have sought a variety of means to address this challenge. This has led to variable practices in the standards and processes used within the NHS to check the status of industry staff on site – there has been a lack of consistency.

WHAT DOES THE REGISTER DO?

The LSI National Credentialing Register, in collaboration with the NHS and the Academy for Healthcare Science provides a route to protect the public and assure the NHS that company representatives admitted to sensitive areas are properly trained and are fully aware of their responsibilities.

In turn this will ensure the NHS and private sectors fulfil its duty of care to protect patients and ensure safe surgical and clinical outcomes.

The LSI National Credentialing Register is an efficient and effective national solution for industry and the NHS.

IN PROVIDING A ROUTE TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC AND ASSURE THE NHS, THIS REGISTER;
  • Establishes, and periodically validates against, minimum acceptable standards for registrants and training provision
  • Maintains the required standards of conduct, education, training and health & safety criteria
  • Provides a single point for NHS staff and the public to verify an individual’s status against agreed criteria and eligibility to engage with the NHS
  • Supports Trusts with regard to credentialing and management of conflicts of interest
  • Supports the improvement of standards without restricting access to approved individuals

To ensure the highest standards of governance, the Register has been independently accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. This is the same Body that accredits other significant registers: https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Medical Industry Accredited (MIA) require their members to join the LSI Credentialing Register and be compliant with its standards. MIA members who chose not to join the LSI Credentialing Register, or do not achieve standards will not be able to join the MIA appointment system.

Medical Industry Accredited (MIA) members will be issued with a joint credentialing badge confirming registration, once register standards and have been achieved, and the MIA appointment system access.

Work is underway to develop a register only route and will be open to industry shortly.

We are also working with GS1 colleagues to link up with the Scan4Safety work that many Trusts are already signed up to.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
  1. Current and new MIA members will initially be identified by the Register at Tier X. This is a transitional tier which demonstrates they are working towards meeting Register standards. Once Register standards are met, MIA members will then be identified as Tier 1, 2 or 3 on the Register.
  2. Due to the continuing challenges we are all facing from Covid 19 the LSI National Credentialing Register have agreed to extend the deadline for transitioning from Tier X in extenuating circumstances. Whilst we cannot extend the deadline indefinitely we do recognise the challenges some representatives have faced due to furlough and other Covid related issues. We will constantly monitor the situation and be as flexible as we can.
  3. It is up to each individual to decide which tier is relevant for them in their role, and for training managers (or equivalents) to deem what is appropriate by way of product training.
  4. Training can be provided by companies in-house or purchased from any recognised training provider.

For current MIA members, the annual fee is £95 + vat (plus £20 non-vatable LSI National Credentialing Register fee).

For any specific queries relating to the LSI National Credentialing Register, its standards, governance or training requirements, please call the Academy for Healthcare Science team on 01455 244 640.