Referred to the Clinical Competency Committee: what it means and what to do

A Clinical Competency Committee referral is often the first formal step on the path to remediation, probation, or dismissal. It is also one of the easiest points to get the record right.

If you have been referred or called to a meeting, tell us the date: start a confidential intake.

What the committee does

The ACGME Common Program Requirements require every program to have a Clinical Competency Committee, appointed by the program director. It reviews every resident's evaluations at least twice a year, assesses progress on the Milestones, and advises the program director on each resident's progress, including promotion, remediation, and dismissal. The program director makes the decision.

What a referral can lead to

A committee discussion can end with nothing, an informal plan, a formal remediation plan, probation, or a recommendation of non-renewal or dismissal. Each carries different rights. See what each word means.

Before the meeting

• Ask in writing what concerns are under review, and for the evaluations and incident records the committee will consider.
• If notice is short, ask for more time and the documents. Notice can be as short as 48 hours.
• Download your evaluations, milestones, and logs while you have access. See get your file before you leave.
• Gather the program's own favorable records: prior satisfactory evaluations, completed remediation, and praise from faculty.

In the meeting

Listen, take notes, and do not agree to anything on the spot. See what to say in the first meeting.

After the meeting

• Ask in writing for the committee's recommendation and the date it was made.
• Submit a short, factual written response to any concern you dispute.
• If a remediation plan follows, read it like a contract. See put on a remediation plan.
• If the recommendation is dismissal or resignation, the clocks get short. See deadlines you cannot miss.

If this is happening to you

Facing a deadline from your program? Tell us what you have received and when your meeting is. We will review your situation confidentially and point you to the right next step: start a confidential intake.

Resident Help is not a law firm, and submitting an intake does not create an attorney-client relationship. If your situation needs a lawyer, we will tell you and help you find one.