Why are there no specific requirements for a Principal Officer to be a medical doctor? If the Principal Officer is not a medical doctor, who will be held responsible for medical decisions?
The Principal Officer (PO) is an individual who is involved in the day-to-day management of the provision of the licensable healthcare service provided. The PO has to have the organisational position and influence to assist the licensee to ensure compliance to the Act e.g., a hospital CEO or COO or Chief Compliance Officer.
For the intent and purposes of the Act, the PO is the authorised person to represent the licensee in the provision of the licensable healthcare service.
There will be safeguards to ensure appropriate medical decision are made. For example, MOH will require that POs act on the medical opinions and recommendations surfaced to them by their CGOs, designated medical advisors or healthcare professionals in the area of patient safety, welfare and continuity of care.
At the same time, licensees are expected to empower clinical staff to carry out their duties in accordance with safety standards and ethical codes they are required to abide.
Related questions
What is the difference between the roles of the Principal Officer (PO) and Key Appointment Holders (KAHs)?
Why are licensees required to seek approval from MOH for the appointment of a CGO, but not for a PO?
Does the PO report to the licensee?
If the PO consults the CGO for clinical matters but eventually makes a decision that deviates from the CGO’s advice, who would be held responsible if a non-compliance occurs?
