Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council has developed the first ever scope of practice for general specialist and sub-specialist medical practitioners: general specialist and sub-specialist dental practitioners and diploma community oral health officers practicing. The new policy was adopted during the 132nd Full Council Meeting held on the Friday 25th March, 2022.

Application of the scope of practice is an important milestone in ensuring provision of quality healthcare. The scopes of practice provide the procedures, actions and processes that a medical/dental and community oral health officers is lawfully permitted to undertake in the course of discharging their duties. According to Dr Margret Mbugua the KMPDC Director, Standards and Professional Practice the scope of practice will also enhance the governments agenda towards the achievement of Universal Health Coverage one of the major developmental pillars of the country.

The general expectations of all medical practitioners as per the guidelines include: the need to take appropriate and adequate clinical history, undertake appropriate physical examination, ensure accurate and up to date documentation in a manner that facilitates continued and safe patient care and advocate effectively for patients among others.

By providing these guidelines the scopes among other benefits works to protect practitioners from taking actions that may result in concerns of medical malpractice Development of the scope of practice was done through an inclusive and consultative process. Various healthcare stakeholders including medical/dental practitioners, community oral health officers, medical facilities, training institutions and various cadres and specialties represented by their respective medical associations were involved in the process. The Council will continue to periodically collect feedback regarding the scopes for the various cadres to ensure that they remain relevant and effective at all times.