The Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board’s (ODOB’s) certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) requirement has been extended by 12 months to 1 April 2023, due to the impact of Covid-19.
Compliance with the recertification programme will also be relevant to the renewal of a practitioner’s APC, while those who already have their CPR qualification may need to renew it before April 2023, said the ODOB. “Even with the extension, the board encourages you to be proactive in obtaining this qualification well in advance. No additional extensions will be provided.”
The board cautioned that any practitioner’s failure to satisfy the requirements of the recertification programme (which includes CPR certification), may lead to steps under section 43 of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCAA), including limiting their scope of practice, or in some circumstances suspending a practitioner’s registration.
