CPR to become part of recertification?

The Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board (ODOB) is currently canvassing opinion on two proposals: to include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the annual recertification process for both dispensing opticians (DO) and optometrists; and the revision of the professions’ ethical standards.

Ethical standards review

Following a review by the former health and disability commissioner Professor Ron Paterson into the Board’s current ethical standards, the Board is proposing revised standards prioritising patient respect and care, while also setting standards for collaborative care and improved community health.

CPR

“CPR is a competence that all health practitioners should be expected to have and maintain for the safety of the public,” said the Board adding CPR competence is best monitored by professionals skilled in this area which is why it also proposes to withdraw CPD points for CPR. The change is proposed from 1 April 2022.

Other Board news

Acknowledging the difficulties of the past few months given the pandemic, ODOB chair Jayesh Chouhan said it has been a busy period for the Board, which has also undergone some changes. “As we entered the nationwide lockdown we saw the departure of our long serving registrar Lindsey Pine and welcomed Antony McFelin to the role.” The Board also appointed two new members: Ravi Dass, an optometrist based in Wellington; and Zoe Ross, an Auckland-based DO.

The ODOB welcomes submissions on both the CPR and ethics proposals, said Chouhan, and has now returned its attention to reviewing the scopes of practice for both professions and an evaluation of current cultural competency standards. The Board has also been exploring social media platforms and will be launching a Facebook and LinkedIn page shortly, he said.

The Board continues to have ongoing communication with education providers for both professions as well as the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand (OCANZ) to understand and review mitigation strategies regarding the impact of Covid-19, said Chouhan. “The Board also continues to work collaboratively with professional bodies, ADONZ and NZAO, addressing common matters of interest and is pleased to be signing a MoU with NZAO in the near future.”

Submissions on the CPR and ethics proposals close at 5pm on 7 August 2020.