How do I obtain a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for my private practice?

Whether you're just starting out as a private GP or transitioning from NHS practice, ensuring that you have a valid Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is non-negotiable. It safeguards your patients and is a critical compliance requirement. But how do you go about obtaining one for your private practice?

Understanding the DBS Check

The DBS check (formerly known as CRB checks) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups. In the context of private practice, it ensures that doctors have not been barred from practicing. You might be familiar with this process from your days in the NHS, but there are some nuances as you venture into private practice.

Applying for a DBS Check

The DBS check application process is relatively straightforward. If you're working independently, you cannot apply for a standard or enhanced check yourself directly. However, you can use an "umbrella organisation," typically a recruitment or service agency authorised to submit checks on behalf of others. Alternatively, if you're setting up a private clinic, you might decide to register your clinic as an entity that processes DBS checks. This would allow you to apply directly on your behalf and for any staff you might employ.

Choosing suitable partners to handle your compliance needs is crucial. Here, services like Blue Stream Academy can be valuable. They not only support with staff management and compliance but can guide you through training processes relevant to DBS requirements. For further details, you can learn more about them here.

Types of DBS Checks

There are three types of DBS checks: basic, standard, and enhanced. For most private GPs, an enhanced DBS check is required because it includes the most thorough vetting process, checking for any legal restrictions on working with vulnerable groups.

Using Your DBS Check

Once you've received your DBS certificate, it's important to safeguard it. Many GPs choose to subscribe to the DBS Update Service for an annual fee. This service keeps your DBS certificate up-to-date and allows for a speedy online status check by future employers or partners, making it particularly handy if you're doing locum work or setting up multiple contractual agreements.

Final Thoughts

While the process of obtaining a DBS check might seem like an administrative hurdle, it's a fundamental aspect of running a compliant private practice. Considering systems that can support both your administrative and patient care needs, such as EMIS Web or Hero Health, might help streamline your services further. These platforms not only facilitate secure patient records and communication but also align well with the regulatory standards expected of private GPs in the UK.