The IBMS has responded to the Academy for Advancing Practice proposal by Health Education England (HEE).
It proposes to create an Academy for Advancing Practice and has drafted documents describing plans for its operation, standards for education and training and an equivalence route for recognition of advanced practice.
The IBMS said there does not appear to be a good general level of awareness of the plans for this academy and the consultation was only open for a very limited period of time.
The stated intention is to standardise routes into advanced clinical practice (ACP), recognise registered health and care practitioners who demonstrate the capabilities set out in the ACP or consultant practitioner framework, and take on responsibility for accrediting ACP education programmes.
While the IBMS does not wish to be negative of any measure that is intended to raise standards or provide a safer service for patients, it has raised a number of points, which are mainly based around a lack of clarity in the document.
In light of its concerns, the IBMS has recommended that the documentation is revised to more clearly define the role of the academy and the targeted levels of practitioner in the workforce, with clearer recognition of the differences of the different levels of posts and the qualifications required by healthcare employers.
To view the IBMS response, visit bit.ly/BS_response
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