Regulations & Information For Candidates: MFFLM

MFFLM
MembershipoftheFacultyofForensic&LegalMedicine
Regulations & Information for Candidates
FacultyofForensic&LegalMedicine 3 Floor,116GreatPortlandStreet LondonW1W6PJ

rd
RoyalCollegeofPhysicians 11StAndrewsPlace LondonNW14LE
Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine July 2011. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,recordingorotherwisewithoutthepriorpermissionofthecopyrightowners.
Foreword
The Membership of the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine (MFFLM) Examination Regulations 2011 apply from 1 May 2011 and cover the MFFLM Part 1 Examination (Knowledge Test) and the MFFLM Part 2 WrittenExaminationandtheMFFLMPart2Clinical/PracticalExamination(OSCE/OSPE).
NoticeoffutureamendmentstotheRegulationsandrevisionsfollowingpublicationofthe2011 Regulations
The MFFLM Examination will continue to change to reflect developments in forensic and legal medicine. While every attempt has been made to ensure that the MFFLM Examination Regulations 2011/12 are accurate, further changes to the MFFLM Examination, the Regulations and closing dates may be implementedduringthistime.CandidatesshouldrefertotheFFLMwebsite(www.fflm.ac.uk)forthemost uptodate information, where any such changes will be detailed. In addition, wherever changes are made notices will be issued indicating the nature of these changes and will be available with the relevant ExaminationApplicationForms.Inorderthatcandidatesarefullybriefedaboutthestatusofanyproposed changes,theyareadvisedtoreadthesenoticesalongwiththispublication.
ContactDetails
AdministrativeOffice TheFacultyofForensicandLegalMedicine: 116,GreatPortlandStreet LondonW1W6PJ http://www.fflm.ac.uk TheRoyalCollegeofPhysiciansofLondonisat: 11StAndrewsPlace Regent'sPark LondonNW14LE Tel:+44(0)2079351174 Fax:+44(0)2074868401 http://www.rcplondon.ac.uk
MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011
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Contents
Contents ..................................................................................................................................................2 1. DutiesofaDoctor............................................................................................................................. 3 2. Introduction......................................................................................................................................3 3. Purposeoftheassessment............................................................................................................... 4 4. ConstitutionalFramework:FacultyofForensicandLegalMedicine...............................................4 5. AcademicFramework:TheAimsandObjectivesoftheMFFLMExamination.................................5 6. MFFLMPart1Examination ............................................................................................................... 7 7. MFFLMPart2WrittenExamination............................................................................................... 16 8. Attendanceat,andconductduring,theMFFLMPart1andPart2WrittenExaminations...........23 9. MFFLMPart2Clinical/PracticalExamination(OSCE/OSPE)...........................................................26 10. Qualitycontrol................................................................................................................................28 11. AftertheMFFLMPart2Clinical/PracticalExamination(OSCE/OSPE) ............................................30 12. Appeals...........................................................................................................................................32 13. Compliancewithdiversitylegislation............................................................................................. 34 14. Complaints......................................................................................................................................34 15. Academicmisconduct..................................................................................................................... 34 16. RegistrationwiththeUKGeneralMedicalCouncil........................................................................ 35 17. LanguageRequirements................................................................................................................. 35 18. PreparationfortheMFFLMExamination....................................................................................... 36 Schedule1..............................................................................................................................................37 SyllabusforPart1MFFLMExamination................................................................................................. 37 Schedule2..............................................................................................................................................42 Part2ExamSyllabusMedicolegalAdvisors.......................................................................................... 42 schedule3...............................................................................................................................................49 Part2ExamSyllabusGeneralForensicMedicine ................................................................................... 49 Schedule4..............................................................................................................................................51 Part2ExamSyllabusSexualOffenceMedicine...................................................................................... 51
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ThefollowingRegulationsapplytoallcandidatesenteringtheMFFLMExamination. 1.
DutiesofaDoctor
All registered medical doctors have a duty placed on them by the General Medical Council (GMC) to be honest and trustworthy. Candidate performance in MFFLM assessments is reviewed by doctors who themselves have a duty to notify the GMC if they have concerns. Misconduct before, during or after assessments or evidence of lack of competence may be referred to the GMC. Candidates whose GMC registration (or its equivalent overseas) is subject to suspension, referral or any condition must provide the FFLM with full details in advance of sitting any component of the assessment.
2. 2.1
Introduction
PurposeoftheseRegulations These Regulations relate to the assessments undertaken by doctors training in Forensic and Legal Medicine in the UK from October 2009 onwards. The assessments are known collectively as the assessmentforMembershipoftheFFLM(MFFLM).
2.2
Dateofpublication The MFFLM Regulations first come into effect on 1 October 2009. They will change over time. Candidates should ensure that they familiarise themselves with the Regulations current at the time they are taking the MFFLM. The current version will always be downloadable from the FFLM web site.TheFFLMwillgiveappropriateadvancenoticeofanychangewhichmayhaveamaterialeffect oncandidatestoensurethatcandidatesarenotdisadvantagedasaresult.
2.3
Dataprotection The personal data and test data of MFFLM candidates will be stored with the consent forms signed by candidates and processed by the FFLM in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. Candidates wishing to exercise their data subject rights under the Act should contact the FFLM's Administrationoffice.
2.4
Testsecurityandcopyright Material relating to MFFLM assessments is confidential, protected by copyright and subject to non disclosure requirements which candidates must observe. It must not be placed on the World Wide Web, disclosed to or discussed with any unauthorised person under any circumstances except with the express, written permission of the FFLM. Candidates who are found to have infringed these requirementswillbepenalisedinaccordancewiththeguidanceonmisconductintheseRegulations.
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3. 3.1 3.2 4. 4.1
Purposeoftheassessment
The MFFLM is an assessment system and successful completion of its components is required of doctorswhowishtoobtainqualificationofeligibilityfortheFacultyofForensicandLegalMedicine.
A doctor who successfully completes the MFFLM and has a licence to practise is eligible to be consideredforMembershipoftheFFLM.
ConstitutionalFramework:FacultyofForensicandLegalMedicine
TheFacultyofForensicandLegalMedicinehasthepowerunderStandingOrders: 4.1.1 4.1.2 tosetprofessionalstandardsforadmissiontomembershipoftheFFLM;and to conduct examinations and award the MFFLM qualification and the MFFLM Diploma of Membership.
4.2
TheFacultyofForensicandLegalMedicinehasthepowerto: 4.2.1 determine the terms and conditions of entry to the MFFLM Examination. The Faculty of ForensicandLegalMedicinereservestherighttorefuseadmissiontoanypartoftheMFFLM Examination; recognise appropriate periods of training, in fulfilment of the entry requirements of the MFFLMExaminationPart2,andreservestherighttodeterminewhenthistraininghasbeen completedsuccessfullybycandidates;and
4.2.2
4.3 To maintain the academic quality of the Examination, the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine is responsiblefor: 4.3.1 4.3.2 4.3.3 4.3.4 4.4 In the exercise of these powers and responsibilities, the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine will complyandensurecompliancewiththerequirementsofrelevantlegislation,suchasthe: 4.4.1 4.4.2 4.4.3 4.4.4 4.4.5 RaceRelations(Amendment)Act2000; DisabilityDiscriminationAct1995; SpecialEducationalNeedsandDisabilitiesAct2001; EmploymentEquality(Age)Regulations2006;and DataProtectionActs1984and1998.
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appointingexaminerswithappropriatequalificationsandexperience; producingsyllabusesforappropriatepartsoftheExamination; monitoringcandidateperformance;and arrangingsuitableexaminationfacilities.
4.5
TheFFLMBoardbelievesthatequalityofopportunityisfundamentaltothemanyandvariedwaysin which individuals become involved with the FFLM, either as members of staff and Officers, as advisors from the medical profession, as members of the FFLM's committees or as doctors in trainingandexaminationcandidates.Accordingly,itwarmlywelcomes,andactivelyseekstorecruit, contributors and applicants from as diverse a population as possible, regardless of race, religion, ethnicorigin,disability,age,genderorsexualorientation.
5. 5.1
AcademicFramework:TheAimsandObjectivesoftheMFFLMExamination
It is the aspiration of the FFLM that the MFFLM Examination will play an essential role in the overall educationalexperienceandcontinuingprofessionaldevelopmentofforensicphysiciansandmedico legal advisors in the United Kingdom. It is hoped that it will become a prerequisite for physicians wishingtopursueacareerinforensicandlegalmedicineintheUnitedKingdom.
5.2 The MFFLM Examination will play an important role in the international arena of postgraduate medical education. It will provide a professional standard against which physicians working outside the United Kingdom can measure their level of attainment. It may also be used by medical educationalistsinothercountriesinrespectoftheirlocalpostgraduateassessments.
5.3 Aim The aim of the MFFLM Examination is to demonstrate those physicians who, having undertaken a period of general training, have acquired the necessary professional knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable them to practise as independent practitioners within the specialty of forensic and legal medicine. 5.4 Objectives 5.4.1 5.4.2 The MFFLM Examination evaluates the professional competence of medical graduates havingcompletedthreeyearsofforensic/legaltraining(withinthepreviousfiveyears). The standard of the various parts of the examination will reflect the development in the knowledge,skillsandattitudeswhichcanbeexpectedduringtraining,andisinkeepingwith theprincipleoflifelonglearning.
5.5 Assessmentmethodology The MFFLM Examination includes questions and assessments that require an understanding of the legal framework that underpins medicine in general and that of forensic and legal medicine in particular. Candidates will also have to demonstrate particular expertise in their chosen sub specialtiesinLegalMedicineand/orGeneralForensicMedicineand/orSexualOffenceMedicine.
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5.6
MFFLMPart1Examination 5.6.1 Purpose The purpose of the MFFLM Part 1 Examination which is a Knowledge Test is to identify those physicians who have knowledge of the legal infrastructure that governs forensic and legalmedicine. 5.6.2 Aims The aim of the MFFLM Part 1 Examination is to test the acquisition of a representative sampleofmedicolegalknowledgeasspecifiedinthepublishedSyllabusfortheExamination MFFLM(Schedule1:MFFLMPart1Syllabus). 5.6.3 Validity Apassinpart1oftheMFFLM(theknowledgetest)isvalidforthreeyears.
5.7
MFFLMPart2WrittenExamination 5.7.1 Purpose The MFFLM Part 2 Written Examination can be taken by physicians who have passed the MFFLMPart1Examination.Successin thisExaminationdemonstratestheattainmentofthe minimum level of knowledge expected of a physician in training and the ability to apply this knowledge to problemsolving in the candidates sub specialty of either/and/or medicolegal advisor(MLA),generalforensicmedicine(GFM),andsexualoffencemedicine(SOM) 5.7.2 Aims The MFFLM Part 2 Written Examination for MLAs will test understanding of medicolegal principles and the ability to apply medicolegal theory to practical problems. The MFFLM Part 2 Written Examination for GFM and SOM will test medicolegal principles as well as testing clinical and forensic understanding, making clinical and forensic judgments and formulatingappropriatemanagementplans.
5.8
MFFLMPart2Clinical/PracticalExamination(OSCE/OSPE) 5.8.1 Purpose To demonstrate in a practical setting the knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate for a practitionerineitherorallofthesubspecialtiesnamely:MLA,GFMandSOM. 5.8.2 Aims TheMFFLMPart2Clinical/PracticalExamination(OSCE/OSPE)willtesttheabilityto: (a) demonstratetheskillsofhistorytaking; (b) examineapatient/clienttoobtainappropriatefurtherinformation; (c) interpretfindingseitherfactualorphysical/forensicsigns;
(d) makeappropriatediagnoses/interpretations;
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(e) developanddiscussimmediateandlongtermmanagementplans;and (f) appreciatetheethicalissuesthatrelatetotherelevantspecialty.
6. 6.1
MFFLMPart1Examination
TheFormat 6.1.1 6.1.2 The MFFLM Part 1 Examination is designed to assess a candidate's knowledge and understandingoflegalmedicinerelevanttomedicalpractice. The MFFLM Part 1 Examination has a onepaper format. The paper will consist of a 22.5 hour examination in a best of five format (where the candidate is asked to select the best answer from five possible answers). Candidates are tested on a wide range of topics in ForensicandLegalMedicineassetoutinthepublishedSyllabusSchedule1. The Examination may include pretest questions (trial questions that are used for research purposes only). A small number of pretest questions may appear in any paper. Responses to them do not count towards a candidate's final score. The use of pretest questions is in linewiththeassessmentcriteriasetoutbythePostgraduateMedicalEducationandTraining Board (PMETB). Candidates are directed to http://www.pmetb.org.uk/pmetb for further information. DrugsarealmostinvariablyreferredtobytheirrecommendedInternationalNonProprietary names(rINN)ratherthanbytheirtradenames. Biochemical and other measurements are expressed in SI units and normal or reference rangesareprovided. TheMFFLMPart1Examinationiscriterionreferenced.BeforetheExamination,thedifficulty of each question is considered by the MFFLM Chief Examiners Committee. The standard setters assess the difficulty of the questions against the level of knowledge expected of candidatesusingaprocedureknownasthemodifiedAngoffmethod. All judgments by all standard setters on all questions are then analysed and a criterion referenced pass mark is established. In order for wild fluctuations in the pass rate to be avoided, there are limits outside which it has been decided the pass rate may not fall. As a resultofthestandardsettingandtherestrictionsonpassrates,thepassmarkandpassrate canvaryslightlyfromoneExaminationtothenext. ThemarkingsystemfortheMFFLMPart1Examinationisasfollows: (a) onemarkisawardedforacorrectanswer; (b) nomarkisawardedordeductedifaquestionisleftunansweredordon'tknow; (c) no mark is awarded if more than one response is recorded or if the answer is not sufficientlyclear;and
6.1.3
6.1.4 6.1.5 6.1.6
6.1.7
6.1.8
(d) nomarkisawardedforanyanswerthatthescannerqueriesas: (i) insufficientlyerased;
(ii) smudged;or
MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011 Page 7
(iii) adoubleresponsetoaquestion. In these circumstances the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine does not consider it isappropriatetointerpretacandidate'sintentions. (e) The final mark for each candidate is the mark obtained in the examination paper expressedasapercentage. 6.2 HowtocompletetheMFFLMPart1Examinationanswersheets 6.2.1 ExaminationPaperswillbeprintedtoincludecandidatenumbers.Candidatesshouldensure thatthecandidatenumberwhichappearsontheirpapermatchestheoneissuedatthetime ofapplication. The answer sheets for the MFFLM Part 1 Examination contain a row of rectangles for each question. Candidates should indicate the single correct answer in accordance with the instructionsgivenontheExaminationPaper. Papers may be marked by an Optical Mark Reader (OMR). The OMR output is processed by computer and marks are allocated according to the candidate's responses. Scores are then calculated and statistical data across candidates are calculated relating to individual questions. This information is produced in printed form for the MFFLM Part 1 Examining Board. As the completed answer sheets may be computer marked, candidates must comply fully with the instructions given on each answer sheet, otherwise answer sheets may be rejected bythemachineorthecandidate'sintentionmisinterpreted. The Faculty reserves the right to mark the examination papers manually if the numbers of candidateswarrantsthismethod. Candidates should use only the pencil (Grade 2B) supplied in the Examination. Answers in ink or a different grade of pencil cannot be read by the OMR and will therefore result in a zeroscore. Candidates may erase an answer by using the rubber provided. To avoid too many erasures on the answer sheet, they may indicate their choices in the question book in the first instance, before transferring them to the answer sheet. Candidates should remember to allowsufficienttimetodothis,asadditionaltimewillnotbeallowed. Theanswersheetmustnotbefoldedorcreased. It is important that candidates fully understand how to complete the answer sheet before sittingtheExamination.
6.2.2
6.2.3
6.2.4
6.2.5 6.2.6
6.2.7
6.2.8 6.2.9 6.3
Entryrequirements 6.3.1 6.3.2 Every candidate for the Examination must hold a medical qualification recognised by the FacultyofForensicandLegalMedicine. Candidates will not be admitted to the MFFLM Part 1 Examination until 2 years after the date of graduation given on their diploma of medical qualification unless they hold a
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previous qualification in law and they intend to gain Part 2 in medicolegal medicine in which case they may write to gain exemption from this 2 years from the Chief Examiner at theAdministrationOffice. 6.3.3 Atthestageofbeingawardedaffiliateship,membershiporfellowshipofthe FFLM,itwill be necessaryfortheindividualtosignaDeclarationofFaith(seeFFLMwebsite)thattheyarein goodstandingwiththerelevantregulatorybody.Iftheapplicantbelievestheymayhaveany difficulty in this respect, then they should discuss the matter, in confidence, with the Registrar in advance so that they may make an informed decision on whether or not to proceedwiththeirapplicationatthattime.
6.4 Exemptions Therearenoexemptionsotherthanasstatedin6.3.2. 6.5 HowtoentertheMFFLMPart1Examination 6.5.1 6.5.2 Candidates can apply for the MFFLM Part 1 Examination by completing and submitting the applicationformavailableontheFFLMwebsitehttp://fflm.ac.uk/education/mfflmexam/. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that their application is completed by the required deadline. Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will be returned to the candidate. In the case of paper applications, the application form(s), complete in every detail and accompanied by the appropriate fee and any other documents required, must reach the appropriateAdministrationOfficeby5p.m.onthepublishedclosingdate.
6.5.3
6.6 Fees 6.6.1 Details of fees (which are subject to annual revision), method of payment, Examination dates and opening and closing dates for applications, are published annually and can be checked on the MFFLM Examination website (www.fflm.ac.uk/education/mfflmexam). They can also be obtained directly from Administration Office. Cheques should be made payable to"TheFacultyofForensicandLegalMedicine"orFFLM. Candidates transferring fees from outside the UK should remember that banks deduct their charges from the sum transferred. The Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine must receive the full Examination fee in pounds Sterling, so candidates must themselves pay any additional bank charges. Please contact the Office if you require account details to make a transfer.
6.6.2
6.7 Visas 6.7.1 The FFLM Office is aware of the difficulties encountered by some candidates in obtaining visasinsufficienttimetoattendtheMFFLMExaminationintheUK.Ifacandidaterequiresa visa to sit an examination in the UK, it is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that
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the visa application is made in sufficient time before the examination date for which it has beensought.ArefundwillnotbegivenifacandidateisunabletoattendtheExaminationas aresultofvisarelatedproblems. 6.7.2 MFFLMVisaStatementforcandidatesvisitingtheUK: (a) Ifyouareapplyingfromacountrywheretheprocessingofvisasisknowntotakesome time, we encourage you to apply early (up to and no earlier than six weeks before the official closing date). Your application will then be stored at the Administration Offices and processed as soon as possible after the official opening date. No correspondence willbeenteredintobeforetheofficialopeningdate.Toavoiddelaysinprocessingyour application, please ensure that you have read the MFFLM Regulations and submitted allrelevantdocumentation,asoutlinedontheapplicationform. (b) If applications from candidates who are likely to encounter visa problems are received prior to two weeks before the official closing date with an attached letter detailing the reasons for the need of early processing then we will try and accommodate such requests ensuring that such applications will be entered on the system and an acknowledgement letter will be produced and dispatched by the examination closing date. If such applications are not received by the above closing date, then we cannot guarantee that they will be processed in due time and no special arrangements will be madefortheirearlyprocessing. 6.8 It is ultimately the candidate's responsibility to ensure that they can meet the requirements concerning entry to the UK for attendance at the MFFLM Examinations. This is a matter over which the FFLM has no control and can accept no responsibility. We therefore ask each candidate to consider carefully whether there is a possibility of having their visa application rejected or not processed in time as we cannot guarantee that we will be able to refund Examination Fees if we do notreceivenotificationofwithdrawalbeforetheexaminationclosingdate.Pleasealsobearinmind that the MFFLM Administration Office may be asked by immigration authorities to verify details of examination attendance and status of applications. It is therefore not advisable to make any false statementtotheseauthoritiesasthisislikelytoseeanyvisaapplicationrejected.
6.9 Applyingviapaper(manual)method 6.9.1 Candidates applying via paper (manual) method must complete the appropriate form(s) which, together with the Examination Calendar, are available to download from the Examination website (http://fflm.ac.uk/education/mfflmexam/). If for any reason you are unable to download a form, please contact the Administration Office and one will be emailedorpostedtoyou. Faxedapplicationswillnotbeaccepted. Applicationswillnotbeacceptedearlierthanthepublishedopeningdate. Applicants are advised to submit their applications at least two weeks before the closing date:allowancescannotbemadeforpostalorotherdelays,andlateapplicationscannot be accepted.
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6.9.2 6.9.3 6.9.4
6.9.5 6.10
Firsttime entry candidates who are not registered with the UK General Medical Council mustsubmitanappropriatelyauthenticatedcopyoftheirprimarymedicalqualification.
Applyingonline Electronic applications may be submitted by emailing your completed application form to info@fflm.ac.uk. Your email will be accepted as an electronic signature. Fees can be paid at http://fflm.ac.uk/shop.
6.11
Payments 6.11.1 Chequepaymentmethodmayincreasetheapplicationprocessingtime. 6.11.2 Candidates paying fees online, who do not successfully complete the credit or debit card payment, will have their application marked as incomplete. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that the payment is made and their application is completed promptly. Candidatesareadvisednottopaybycash.
6.12
Submissionofdocumentaryevidenceofprimarymedicalqualification 6.12.1 Photocopies of certificates and/or official translations (in English) will be accepted only if theyhavebeenpreparedand/orauthenticatedbyoneofthefollowing: (a) theissuingUniversityorMedicalSchool; (b) aBritishConsulateorBritishCounciloutsidetheUK; (c) theBritishEmbassy;
(d) theBritishHighCommission; (e) thecandidate'sownEmbassyorHighCommissionintheUnitedKingdom;or (f) aFelloworMemberoftheCollegeoraChairoftheExaminingBoardoftheawardbody (verification of the Fellow or Member will be sought to ensure that they are affiliated with the issuing University/Medical School and the attested copy should be submitted withanaccompanyingofficialstamp/letterfromtheFellow,MemberorChair).
6.12.2 Candidates must submit an authenticated translation if their primary medical degree certificateisnotinEnglish. 6.12.3 The Faculty reserves the right to request to see the original documents if there is any doubt astotheauthenticityoftheattestedcopiesofdocuments. 6.13 Names 6.13.1 Candidates with registration (be it full, limited, or provisional) with the UK General Medical Council (GMC) do NOT need to submit documentary evidence of their primary medical qualification, only their GMC number. This regulation is dependent on the primary medical qualificationappearingontheGMCwebsite(www.gmcuk.org).
6.13.2 Candidates must ensure that the relevant section of the application form is completed to includetheirGMCnumber,theyearandmonththeyobtainedtheirdegreeandthecategory ofregistrationtheyhaveobtained. 6.13.3 Candidates who are not registered with the UK General Medical Council must submit documentaryevidenceoftheirprimarymedicalqualification(authenticatedcopy). 6.13.4 Ifthenameunderwhichcandidatesareapplyingisdifferentfromthenamethatappearson the original diploma of their primary medical qualification or the GMC register, they will need to submit a certificate from the issuing university or an affidavit stating that the candidate (in his or her full name) is the same person as that named on the diploma. This requirementalsoappliestoinitialsandabbreviations. 6.13.5 Entries will not be accepted if there is any discrepancy in the spelling, order or number of names given and candidates must retain the same surname or family name in any further applications. 6.13.6 It is the candidate's responsibility to resolve any discrepancies, including the expansion of initials, by obtaining a statement from the issuing authority certifying that the candidate, in hisorherfullandcorrectname,isthesamepersonasthatnamedonthediploma. 6.13.7 Candidates who change their names by marriage or deed poll must submit authenticated documentary proof of this if they wish to be admitted to the Examination in their new names. 6.13.8 Names are phonetically translated into English from some languages and this can lead to spellingvariations.Thus'Mohammed'mayappearas'Mohamed','Mahammed','Mahamed', 'Muhammed' and so on. Some candidates are inconsistent in the spelling of such translations and must realise that this does not allow accurate identification and is not acceptabletotheFacultyofForensicandLegalMedicine.Candidatesshouldensurethatthe spellingagreesonalldocumentssubmitted. 6.13.9 The records of the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine will show forenames followed by thefamily name,forexample,AlanJohnSmith.Correspondence willbeaddressedusingthe candidate's medical title followed by initials in place of each forename, and then the family name as it appears on the candidate's diploma of medical qualification, for example, Dr A J Smith. 6.13.10 Candidates, particularly those based outside the UK, are recommended to provide authenticated copies of any original documentation. Do not send original documents as the FFLMcannotbeheldresponsibleforanyitemslostintransit. 6.14 Centres The MFFLM Part 1 Examination may be held in various centres within the UK. Candidates should refer to the MFFLM Examination website (www.fflm.ac.uk/education/mfflm) for the most upto dateinformationaboutthewhereaboutsofthecentreholdingtheMFFLMPart1Examination.
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6.15
ApplicationchecklistfortheMFFLMExamination 6.15.1 Paperapplications Candidatesshouldsend: (a) applicationform; (b) Diploma of Primary Medical Qualification (authenticated copy only) or UK General Medical Council (GMC) Registration Number (meaning that your details appear on the GMCwebsite); (c) fee in pounds Sterling (please check current amount as detailed on the MFFLM Examination website: www.fflm.ac.uk/education/mfflm or from the Administration Office).
6.15.2 Candidates with registration (be it full, limited or provisional) with the UK General Medical Council do NOT need to submit documentary evidence of their primary medical qualification, only their GMC number, so long as their primary medical qualifications appear on the GMC website (www.gmcuk.org). Candidates must ensure that the relevant section of Form A is completed to include their GMC number, the year and month they obtained theirdegreeandthecategoryofregistrationtheyhaveobtained. 6.15.3 Candidates who are not registered with the UK General Medical Council must submit documentaryevidenceoftheirprimarymedicalqualification(authenticatedcopy). 6.15.4 Candidates, particularly those based outside the UK, are recommended to provide authenticated copies of any original documentation. Do not send original documents as the FFLMcannotbeheldresponsibleforanyitemslostintransit. 6.15.5 Allcandidates (a) No candidate will be permitted to take any part of the Examination unless all fees are paidinfull. (b) Candidates should check carefully that they have enclosed all relevant documentation before sending their applications. Applications that are not complete in every detail and/or arrive after 5 p.m. on the closing date will be returned. Allowances cannot be madeforpostalorotherdelays. 6.15.6 Specialarrangements Any candidate who has a special need that could affect their performance in the Examination is advised to inform, at the time of application, the Administration Office to which they apply, by completing the Special Needs area on the application form. Medical report/documentaryevidencewill berequired tosupportsuchanapplicationandshouldbe submitted either with the application or as soon as possible thereafter. Failure to include this information at the time of application may affect the arrangements that can be put in placeintimefortheexamination.
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6.16
WithdrawalfromtheExaminationandrefundofExaminationfees 6.16.1 Notice of withdrawal from any part of the Examination must be given in writing to the Administration Office. Candidates are asked to quote their FFLM candidate number (if known),fullnameanddateofbirthintheirwithdrawalnoticetoallowFacultystafftoeasily identify candidates. In addition, the withdrawal request must be accompanied by the acknowledgementletterand/oradmissiondocument,ifreceived. 6.16.2 Onlywrittenrequeststowithdrawwillbeacceptedasofficialwithdrawalrequests. 6.16.3 Under no circumstances can Examination applications and/or fees be transferred from one Examinationtoanother. 6.16.4 Candidates who submit their withdrawal request on or before the UK closing date of that respective Examination will be refunded 90% of the Examination fee paid. Where possible thisrefundwillbepaidinthesamewayastheoriginalpaymentwasmade.Refundswillnot be made where candidates submit their withdrawal request after the closing date unless there are circumstances deemed exceptional which can be substantiated. Further, such requests (accompanied by supporting evidence) must be submitted within 4 weeks of the Examination date if they are to be considered. Decisions on these cases will be made by the ChiefExaminerinconsultationwiththeChiefExaminersCommitteewhosedecisionisfinal.
6.17
Discountingofattempts 6.17.1 Candidates who are prevented from attending the Examination owing to the following circumstancesmayapplytohavethatattemptdiscounted: (a) illness; (b) involvementinanaccident;or (c) deathofacloserelative(parent,sibling,spouse,child).
6.17.2 Documentaryevidenceisrequiredinallcases. 6.17.3 Any request for discounting of an attempt must be submitted to the Administration Office withinone monthofthedateoftheExamination. Requestsreceivedatalaterstagewillnot beconsidered. 6.17.4 DecisionsaboutdiscountingattemptsaremadebytheChiefExaminerwiththeExamination SubCommittee. 6.18 AftertheMFFLMPart1Examination 6.18.1 ReviewoftheExamination (a) Results are released when the Chief Examiner and the Academic Dean of the FFLM are satisfied that the Examination has been conducted appropriately and in accordance withtheproceduresoftheFacultyofForensicandLegalMedicine. (b) TheChiefExaminersCommitteeconsiderseachquestioninthe MFFLMPart 1priorto its appearance in the Examination and reviews the question's performance after every
Examination, as well as reviewing the Examination as a whole. In addition to the final scores obtained by the candidates, the MFFLM Part 1 Chief Examiners Committee will also note the mean score for the Examination and the mean scores for, and the discriminatorypowerof,thequestionsthatcompriseeachpaper.Adetailedanalysisof the responses to each item (including a separate index of discrimination for every item),anda coefficientindicating the internalreliabilityofthe Examinationas awhole, arealsoconsideredbythe Committee.Inthelightoftheseanalyses,theMFFLMPart1 Examining Board makes modifications to the questions and answers that it deems desirabletoensurethatthequalityoftheExaminationismaintained. 6.18.2 Results (a) Results will be published on the website within two weeks of the date of the Examination, subject to 6.18(a). Confirmation and details of results will be posted by first class mail or airmail within 3 weeks. Results cannot be collected from FFLM or givenoverthetelephoneorbyfaxoremail. (b) TheFFLMcandidatenumbersandresultsofallcandidates,bothpassesandfails,willbe published in the public area of the FFLM Examination website (www.fflm.ac.uk). Candidates will not be identified by name. Candidates are advised to take careful note of both their FFLM candidate number upon receipt of their admission documents. Candidates may opt out of this facility when making their application, and are required todosooneachoccasiontheyapplyfortheExamination. (c) 6.18.3 Passresult CandidatespassingthePart1ExaminationcanproceedtositthePart2WrittenExamination andOSCE/OSPEatthenextdateoftheExamination,ifeligible(see7.3). 6.18.4 Failresult A candidate not achieving the pass mark in the MFFLM Part 1 Examination will be deemed tohavefailedtheExamination. 6.18.5 Queriesonresults (a) Candidates may request that their Examination answer sheets are remarked. There is achargeof100.00perExaminationpaperforthisservice.Thischargewillberefunded ifanerrorisidentified. (b) Requests for the remarking of Examination answer sheets should be addressed in writing to the Chief Examiner, MFFLM Administration Office and must be received withinsixweeksofthedispatchofresults. (c) CandidatesareremindedthattheirExaminationscriptsareheldforoneyearonly. CandidatesshouldnotifytheFFLMofanychangeofaddressassoonaspossible.
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7. 7.1
MFFLMPart2WrittenExamination
TheFormat 7.1.1 7.1.2 AllCandidateswillhavea3hourpaperwith8compulsoryquestions. Medicolegal Advisors (MLA), General Forensic Medicine (GFM) and Sexual Offence Medicine (SOM) candidates will have a specialty specific paper. Candidates wishing to gain qualificationinmorethanonespecialtywillhavetositthequestionpapersspecificfortheir choice.SeeSchedules2,3and4forSyllabus. ThepassmarkwillbesetbytheAngoffMethod(recognisedstandardsettingmethod).
7.1.3 7.2
HowtocompletetheMFFLMPart2WrittenExaminationanswersheets 7.2.1 Examinations Papers will be printed to include candidate numbers. Candidates should ensure that the candidate number which appears on their Paper matches the one issued at thetimeofapplication. A single question and answer booklet will be provided, with appropriate space allocated for eachquestionandanswer. Candidatesshoulduseink. Itisimportantthatcandidatesfollowtheinstructionsgivenwitheachquestion. Theanswerbookletmustnotbefoldedorcreased.
7.2.2 7.2.3 7.2.4 7.2.5 7.3
Entryrequirements 7.3.1 7.3.2 7.3.3 Candidates for the MFFLM Part 2 Written Examination must have passed the MFFLM Part 1 Examinationwithintheprecedingthreeyears. Candidates must be currently working in, and have worked in their chosen field for three years(withinthepreviousfive)onthedateofthePart2Examination. Atthestageofbeingawardedaffiliateship,membershiporfellowshipofthe FFLM,itwill be necessaryfortheindividualtosignaDeclarationofFaith(seeFFLMwebsite)thattheyarein goodstandingwiththerelevantregulatorybody.Iftheapplicantbelievestheymayhaveany difficulty in this respect, then they should discuss the matter, in confidence, with the Registrar in advance so that they may make an informed decision on whether or not to proceedwiththeirapplicationatthattime. GFM and SOM Candidates will be required to produce a current (obtained within the previous12months)basiclifesupportcertificateonthedateofthePart2Examination.
7.3.4 7.4
Exemptions Therearepresentlynoexemptions.
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7.5
MFFLMPart2WrittenExaminationRegistrationPeriod AnycandidatewhoisunsuccessfulinpassingtheMFFLMPart2Examinationwithinaperiodofthree years of passing the MFFLM Part 1 Examination will be required to take and pass the MFFLM Part 1 Examination again. Candidates who reenter the MFFLM Part 1 Examination and pass will have a furtherthreeyearsinwhichtopasstheMFFLMPart2Examination.
7.6
HowtoentertheMFFLMPart2Examination 7.6.1 Methodofapplication (a) Candidates can apply for the MFFLM Part 2 Examination by completing and submitting theapplicationformavailableontheFFLMwebsite:fflm.ac.uk/education/mfflmexam. (b) It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that their application is completed by the required deadline. Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will be returnedtothecandidate. (c) In the case of paper applications, the application form(s), complete in every detail and accompanied by the appropriate fee and any other documents required, must reach theAdministrationOfficeby5p.m.onthepublishedclosingdate.
(d) Detailsoffees(whicharesubjecttoannualrevision),methodofpayment, Examination datesandopeningandclosingdatesforapplications,arepublishedannuallyandcanbe checked on the MFFLM Examination website (www.fflm.ac.uk/education/mfflm). They can also be obtained directly from the Administration Office. Cheques should be made payableto"TheFacultyofForensicandLegalMedicine"orFFLM. (e) Candidates transferring fees from outside the UK should remember that banks deduct their charges from the sum being transferred. The Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine must receive the full Examination fee in pounds Sterling, so candidates must themselves pay the bank charges. Please contact the Office if you require account detailstomakeatransfer. 7.6.2 Visas If a candidate requires a visa to sit an examination in the UK, it is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that the visa application is made in sufficient time before the examination date for which it has been sought. A refund will not be given if a candidate is unabletoattendtheExaminationasaresultofvisarelatedproblems. 7.6.3 MFFLMVisaStatementforcandidatesvisitingtheUK: (a) Ifyouareapplyingfromacountrywheretheprocessingofvisasisknowntotakesome time, we encourage you to apply early (up to and no earlier than six weeks before the official closing date). Your application will then be stored at the Administration Office and processed as soon as possible after the official opening date. No correspondence willbeenteredintobeforetheofficialopeningdate.Toavoiddelaysinprocessingyour application, please ensure that you have read the MFFLM Regulations and submitted allrelevantdocumentation,asoutlinedontheapplicationform.
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(b) If applications from candidates who are likely to encounter visa problems are received prior to two weeks before the official closing date with an attached letter detailing the reasons for the need of early processing then we will try and accommodate such requests ensuring that such applications will be entered on the system and an acknowledgement letter will be produced and dispatched by the examination closing date. If such applications are not received by the above closing date, then we cannot guarantee that they will be processed in due time and no special arrangements will be madefortheirearlyprocessing. 7.7 It is ultimately the candidate's responsibility to ensure that they can meet the requirements concerning entry to the UK for attendance at the MFFLM Examinations. This is a matter over which the FFLM has no control and can accept no responsibility. We therefore ask each candidate to consider carefully whether there is a possibility of having their visa application rejected or not processed in time as we cannot guarantee that we will be able to refund Examination Fees if we do notreceivenotificationofwithdrawalbeforetheexaminationclosingdate. Please also bear in mind that the MFFLM Administration Office may be asked by immigration authorities to verify details of examination attendance and status of applications. It is therefore not advisabletomakeanyfalsestatementtotheseauthoritiesasthisislikelytoseeanyvisaapplication rejected.
7.8 Applyingviapaper(manual)method 7.8.1 Candidates applying via paper (manual) method must complete the appropriate form(s) which, together with the Examination Calendar, are available to download from the Examinationwebsite(www.fflm.ac.uk/education/mfflm).Ifforanyreasonyouareunableto download a form, please contact the Administration Office, and one will be emailed or postedtoyou. Faxedapplicationswillnotbeaccepted. Applicationswillnotbeacceptedearlierthanthepublishedopeningdate. Applicants are advised to submit their applications at least two weeks before the closing date:allowancescannotbemadeforpostalorotherdelays,andlateapplicationscannot be accepted.
7.8.2 7.8.3 7.8.4
7.9 Applyingviaonlinemethod Electronic applications may be submitted by emailing your completed application form to info@fflm.ac.uk. Your email will be accepted as an electronic signature. Fees can be paid at http://fflm.ac.uk/shop. 7.10 Payments 7.10.1 Cashorchequepaymentmethodsmayincreasetheapplicationprocessingtime.
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7.10.2 Candidates paying fees online who do not successfully complete the credit or debit card payment will have their application marked as incomplete. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that the payment is made and their application is completed promptly. Inthecaseofcashpayments,candidatesareadvisednottosendcashbypost. 7.11 Submissionofdocumentaryevidenceofprimarymedicalqualification 7.11.1 Photocopies of certificates and/or official translations (in English) will be accepted only if theyhavebeenpreparedand/orauthenticatedbyoneofthefollowing: (a) theissuingUniversityorMedicalSchool; (b) aBritishConsulateorBritishCounciloutsidetheUK; (c) theBritishEmbassy;
(d) theBritishHighCommission; (e) thecandidate'sownEmbassyorHighCommissionintheUnitedKingdom;or (f) aFelloworMemberoftheCollegeoraChairoftheExaminingBoardoftheawardbody (verification of the Fellow or Member will be sought to ensure that they are affiliated with the issuing University/Medical School and the attested copy should be submitted withanaccompanyingofficialstamp/letterfromtheFellow,MemberorChair).
7.11.2 Candidates must submit an authenticated translation if their primary medical degree certificateisnotinEnglish. 7.11.3 The Faculty reserves the right to request to see the original documents if there is any doubt astothevalidityoftheauthenticatedcopiesofdocuments. 7.12 Names 7.12.1 For information regarding how the candidates' names are used for application purposes, pleaserefertoclause6.13above. 7.12.2 TherecordsoftheFacultyofForensicandLegalMedicineandtheMFFLMDiplomawillshow forenames followed by the family name, for example, Alan John Smith. Correspondence will be addressed using the candidate's medical title followed by initials in place of each forename, and then the family name as it appears on the candidate's diploma of medical qualification,forexample,DrAJSmith. 7.13 Centres TheMFFLMPart2ExaminationmaybeheldinvariouscentreswithintheUK. 7.14 ApplicationchecklistfortheMFFLMPart2Examination 7.14.1 Paperapplications (a) Part2Examinationcandidatesshouldsend: (b) completedapplicationform;
(c)
BasicLifeSupportCertificate[GFMandSOMcandidatesonly]
(d) areferenceconfirmingthecandidatehasthreeyearsexperienceintheirspecialty; (e) fee in pounds Sterling (please check current amount as detailed on the MFFLM Examinationwebsite:(www.fflm.ac.uk). 7.14.2 Candidates with registration (be it full, limited or provisional) with the UK General Medical Council do NOT need to submit documentary evidence of their primary medical qualification, only their GMC number, so long as their primary medical qualifications appear on the GMC website (www.gmcuk.org). Candidates must ensure that the relevant section of Form A is completed to include their GMC number, the year and month they obtained theirdegreeandthecategoryofregistrationtheyhaveobtained. 7.14.3 Candidates who are not registered with the UK General Medical Council must submit documentary evidence of their primary medical qualification (original or authenticated copy). 7.14.4 Candidates, particularly those based outside the UK, are recommended to provide authenticated copies of any original documentation. Do not send original documents as the FFLMcannotbeheldresponsibleforanyitemslostintransit. . 7.14.5 Allcandidates (a) No candidate will be permitted to take any part of the Examination unless all the fees arepaidinfull. (b) Candidates should check carefully that they have enclosed all relevant documentation before sending their applications. Applications that are not complete in every detail and/or arrive after 5 p.m. on the closing date may be returned. Allowances cannot be madeforpostalorotherdelays. 7.14.6 Specialarrangements Any candidate who has a special need that could affect their performance in the Examination is advised to inform, at the time of application, the Administration Office to which they apply, by completing the Special Needs area on the application form. A medical report / documentary evidence will be required to support such an application and should besubmittedeitherwiththeapplicationorassoonaspossiblethereafter.Failuretoinclude this information at the time of application may affect the arrangements that can be put in placeintimefortheexamination. 7.15 WithdrawalfromtheExaminationandrefundofExaminationfees 7.15.1 Notice of withdrawal from any part of the Examination must be given in writing to the Administration Office. Candidates are asked to quote their FFLM candidate number (if known),fullnameanddateofbirthintheirwithdrawalnoticetoallowFacultystafftoeasily identify candidates. In addition, the withdrawal request must be accompanied by the acknowledgementletterand/oradmissiondocument,ifreceived. 7.15.2 Onlywrittenrequeststowithdrawwillbeacceptedasofficialwithdrawalrequests. 7.15.3 Under no circumstances can Examination applications and/or fees be transferred from one Examinationtoanother.
7.15.4 Candidates who submit their withdrawal request on or before the UK closing date of that respective Examination will be refunded 90% of the Examination fee paid. Where possible thisrefundwillbepaidinthesamewayastheoriginalpaymentwasmade.Refundswillnot be made where candidates submit their withdrawal request after the closing date unless there are circumstances deemed exceptional which can be substantiated. Further, such requests (accompanied by supporting evidence) must be submitted within 4 weeks of the Examination date if they are to be considered. Decisions on these cases will be made by the Chief Examiner, after consultation with the Chief Examiners Committee, whose decision is final. 7.16 Discountingofattempts 7.16.1 Candidates who are prevented from attending the Examination owing to the following circumstancesmayapplytohavethatattemptdiscounted: (a) illness; (b) involvementinanaccident;or (c) deathofacloserelative(parent,sibling,spouse,child).
7.16.2 Documentaryevidenceisrequiredinallcases. 7.16.3 Any request for discounting of an attempt must be submitted to the appropriate Administration Office within one month of the date of the Examination. Requests received atalaterstagewillnotbeconsidered. 7.16.4 Decisions about discounting attempts are made by the Chief Examiner in consultation with officersoftheMFFLMChiefExaminersCommittee. 7.17 AftertheMFFLMPart2Examination 7.17.1 ReviewoftheExamination (a) ResultsarereleasedwhentheChiefExaminerandAcademicDeanoftheMFFLMPart2 inconsultationwiththeChiefExaminersCommittee aresatisfiedthatthe Examination has been conducted appropriately and in accordance with the procedures of the FacultyofForensicandLegalMedicine. (b) The Chief Examiners Committee considers each question of the MFFLM Part 2 prior to its appearance in the Examination and reviews the question's performance after every Examination, as well as reviewing the Examination as a whole. In addition to the final scores obtained by the candidates, the MFFLM Part 2 Examining Board will also note the mean score for the Examination and the mean scores for, and the discriminatory powerof,thequestionsthatcompriseeachpaper. A detailedanalysisoftheresponses to each item (including a separate index of discrimination for every item), and a coefficient indicating the internal reliability of the Examination as a whole, are also considered by the Chief Examiners Committee. In the light of these analyses, the MFFLM Part 2 Chief Examiners Committee makes modifications to the questions and
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answers that it deems desirable to ensure that the quality of the Examination is maintained. 7.17.2 Results (a) All Part 2 Results (SAQ and OSCE/OSPE) will be published on the website within two weeks of the date of the Examination, subject to 7.17.1(a). Confirmation and details of results will be posted by first class mail or airmail within 3 weeks. Results cannot be collectedfromFFLMorgivenoverthetelephoneorbyfaxoremail. (b) The candidate numbers and results of all candidates, both passes and fails, will be published in the public area of the FFLM Examination website (www.fflm.ac.uk/education/mfflm). Candidates will not be identified by name. CandidatesareadvisedtotakecarefulnoteoftheirFFLMcandidatenumberwhenthey receive their admission documents. Candidates may opt out of this facility when makingtheirapplication,andarerequiredtodosooneachoccasiontheyapplyforthe Examination. 7.17.3 Passresult A pass in the MFFLM Part 2 Written Examination and Clinical/Practical Examination will confer the qualification only. Successful candidates will be eligible to apply and be considered for Membership oftheFacultyofForensicandLegalMedicineoftheRoyalCollegeofPhysiciansofLondon. 7.17.4 Failresult A candidate not achieving the pass mark in the MFFLM Part 2 Examination will be deemed to have failed the Examination. To achieve the MFFLM qualification, candidates must pass boththewrittenpaperandtheOSCE/OSPE.Acandidatewhofailseitherorbothpartsofthe Part 2 Examination will be deemed to have failed. Candidates will be required to resit both parts of the Part 2 Examinations should they wish retake the examination, and remain withinthreeyearsofpassingPart1. 7.17.5 Queriesonresults (a) Candidates may request that their Examination answer sheets are remarked. There is achargeof150.00perExaminationpaperforthisservice.Thischargewillberefunded ifanerrorisidentified. (b) Requests for the remarking of Examination answer sheets should be addressed in writingtotheAdministrationOfficeoftheFFLMandmustbereceivedwithinsixweeks ofthedispatchofresults. (c) CandidatesareremindedthattheirExaminationscriptsareheldforoneyearonly.
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8. 8.1 8.2
Attendanceat,andconductduring,theMFFLMPart1andPart2WrittenExaminations
Candidates presenting themselves for the MFFLM Examination must have complied fully with all admissionrequirements,includingthepaymentoffees. Candidates are warned that any breach of MFFLM Examination Rules and Regulations will result in severe penalties, including the risk that the relevant Examining Board will permanently debar the candidatefromtakinganyfurtherExaminations. Candidates should note that, owing to issues of heightened security, the Examination start times mightvary.Consequently,candidatesareadvisednottomaketravelplansthatcouldbejeopardised iftheExaminationstartslateorisinterrupted.
8.3
8.4 Monitoringcandidatebehaviour 8.4.1 Candidates are advised that the MFFLM Chief Examiners Committee may employ various systems to identify those candidates who attempt to copy, collude or perform some other act that may be regarded as academic misconduct in MFFLM Examinations. Set out below is an update on the system that is currently in use in RCP examinations which the Faculty may use and an explanation of what the Faculty would intend to do with the information it collects. The Anomaly Monitoring System (AMS) seeks to detect instances of copying or collusion by looking for anomalous patterns of responses by candidates, the answers of one candidate being more similar to those of another candidate than would be expected by chance alone. There are many different combinations of answers by which candidates can achieve a particular score. If two candidates have an unusually high number of exactly the same answersthenthismayberegardedasananomaly.AMSsystematicallyconsidersallpossible pairsofcandidatesandlooksatthesimilarityoftheiranswers. In comparing candidate responses, the AMS programme takes into account the expected numberofanswersincommon,relativetothecandidate'sperformanceontheassessment. Candidatesshouldnotethatindoingthis: (a) the programme does not know the centre at which candidates are sitting the exam; and (b) theprogrammedoesnotknowtheseatingplanofthecandidatesatthecentre. 8.4.5 The programme is therefore inherently conservative in its detection of anomalous candidates. If a pair (or group) of candidates is identified as having an unusually high proportionofsimilaranswersthenafurtherindependentinvestigationiscarriedoutlooking atthecentrewherethecandidatessat,theseatingplanandanyotherinformationthatmay be provided by the invigilators and staff administering the examination. Should it be agreed that the matter requires full investigation the candidates concerned will be contacted and askedtoattendaninterview. The MFFLM Chief Examiners Committee is fully aware that candidates could be implicated in an act of academic misconduct through the conduct of others. In order to avoid such allegations being levied, candidates identified at one sitting to be part of an anomalous pair
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8.4.2
8.4.3 8.4.4
8.4.6
mayberequestedtositinspecificlocationsintheexaminationhallatthenextsitting.There willbenoassumptionofguiltinmakingthisrequest;itissimplyapreemptivemeasure. 8.4.7 8.5 ExaminationRulesandRegulations 8.5.1 8.5.2 Any infringement of the following Rules and Regulations may be reported to the Academic Dean,MFFLMAdministrationOfficeforconsiderationbytheBoard. Candidates are advised to allow for any transport delays when planning their time of arrival at the examination hall as, for security reasons, we cannot guarantee that they will be permittedtoentertheexaminationhallafterthestartoftheExamination. Candidates should assemble outside the examination hall at least 30 minutes before the startoftheExaminationandshouldnotenteruntilinstructedbytheinvigilator(s). Candidates will not be admitted to any paper if they arrive more than 30 minutes after the Examinationhasstarted,unlessinexceptionalcircumstanceswiththeexpresspermissionof theinvigilator(s). Candidates will not be admitted unless they produce suitable identification in addition to theadmissiondocument.Thiswillnormallybeapassport.Wherecandidatesdonotpossess a passport, some other form of identification may be acceptable, providing that it includes both the photograph and signature of the candidate. Alternatively, two forms of identification, one with a photograph and the other with a signature, will be accepted. Admission to the Examination will be at the discretion of the invigilator(s). The FFLM observes sensitivity in the visual identification of candidates, but advance notice should be givenbycandidatesofanyanticipateddifficulties. Candidates must not bring into the Examination hall any papers, bags, calculators, mobile phones, pagers, PDAs (or any electronic audio or communication device), textbooks or documents, or items of any kind other than those specifically allowed for that particular Examination and previously notified to them. The possession of calculators, mobile phones, pagers, personal stereos or electronic wrist watches or any other such devices that are audible, make calculations, store information or can be used for communication in the Examination venueisstrictlyforbidden.Anyunauthorisedmaterialwillbeconfiscatedanda report detailing the incident and identifying the candidate will be submitted to the Chief Examiner. Where Examination halls do not have secure areas to store personal items, any coats, bags or other item(s) brought into the Examination hall should be deposited as directed by the invigilator(s). Electronic items must be deactivated and placed away from the candidate's desk. Withpriorapproval(viasubmissionofspecialneedrequirementsatthetimeofapplication), candidates may bring into the Examination hall aids that will enable them to remedy a disabilitye.g.ofsightand/orhearing. AMSisonetoolthatthe MFFLMChiefExaminersCommitteemayusetomonitorcandidate behaviourintheMFFLMExaminations.
8.5.3 8.5.4
8.5.5
8.5.6
8.5.7
8.5.8
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8.5.9
If a candidate has unwittingly brought any unauthorised paper or item into the Examination hall, this should be handed to the invigilator(s) before the Examination starts or at the earliestpossibleopportunitythereafter.
8.5.10 Question papers are individually numbered (with candidate numbers) in the top righthand corner. Candidates must sit at the desk where the question paper is marked with their candidatenumber. 8.5.11 Candidates must not start reading or answering the Examination questions until the start of theExaminationisannouncedbytheinvigilator(s). 8.5.12 Candidates must use only the stationery approved by the FFLM. Any rough work must be completedontheapprovedstationeryandhandedinwiththecompletedpapers. 8.5.13 Candidates must comply with all instructions given to them by invigilator(s). Such instructions may include the instruction to leave the Examination hall and not to return during the period of the Examination. It is the duty of a candidate to comply with an invigilator's instruction even if they judge the instruction to be unreasonable (there is the right of appeal if a candidate considers that the invigilator has not acted in accordance with theseRegulations). 8.5.14 Whilst in the Examination hall, a candidate must not attempt to read the work of any other candidateorcommunicateinanywaywithanyothercandidateoranyotherpersonwithout theexpresspermissionoftheinvigilator. 8.5.15 Where an invigilator suspects a candidate or candidates of infringing FFLM Examination Regulations/Examinationhallruleshe/sheshall: (a) confiscateanyunauthorisedmaterialinthepossessionofthecandidate; (b) endorse the front cover of the candidate's script with a note of the time when the alleged infringement was discovered. In cases of suspected collusion, invigilators should endorse the script of each candidate suspected of being involved. Wherever possible an invigilator will invite another invigilator to act as witness by countersigning theendorsement; (c) allowthecandidatesinquestiontocontinuetheExamination;
(d) informthecandidate(s) in questionattheendoftheExamination thatawrittenreport oftheincidentwillbesubmittedtotheChiefExaminer;and (e) prepare within three working days a written report on the alleged incident and send it withanyconfiscatedmaterialstotheFFLMAdministrationOffice. 8.5.16 Anyinvigilatororexaminerpresentisempoweredtorefusetoallowacandidatetocontinue with the Examination on grounds of misconduct. Ejection from the Examination hall should normally take place only in the event of a candidate's conduct causing disruption to other candidates. 8.5.17 Candidates who wish to attract the attention of the invigilator(s) during the Examination shoulddosobyraisingahand. 8.5.18 Candidates should bring to the attention of the invigilator any factor (e.g. distracting noise) that is adversely affecting them during the Examination. Where necessary they should
communicatethesameinwritingtotheChiefExaminerMFFLMattheAdministrationOffice immediatelyfollowingtheExaminationconcerned. 8.5.19 OnceadmittedtoeachpartoftheExamination,candidatesmuststayforthefulldurationof each paper. Candidates may not leave the Examination hall as a result of finishing the Examination paper early. Those who attempt to do so will be deemed to have breached the ExaminationRegulations. 8.5.20 Candidates must not leave the Examination hall temporarily, during the period of the Examination, unless given express permission by the invigilator(s) to do so. If such permission is given, they must not attempt to contact any other person or consult any materialrelating tothe Examinationwhilstoutside the Examinationhall.Theyshouldreport totheinvigilator(s)onreturningtotheExaminationhall. 8.5.21 Candidates may not temporarily leave the Examination hall during the first 30 minutes of anypaperorinthe10minutesbeforethescheduledendofeachpaper. 8.5.22 Candidates should stop writing when instructed to do so and remain in their seats in silence whilepapers,emptyanswerbooks,continuationsheetsorotherpapersarecollected. 8.5.23 Candidates should not remove from the Examination hall any papers or examination materials. Question papers or any part of them, or any individual questions, must not be copied or removed from the Examination hall. All FFLM Examination questions are confidential and are copyrighted by the FFLM. A candidate may not communicate any question or part of a question to any other person or organisation. To do so would be a serious breach of copyright and of these Regulations, and Misconduct Procedures may be invoked. 8.5.24 Whenauthorisedtodosobytheinvigilator(s),candidatesshouldleavetheExaminationhall inanorderlymanner. 8.5.25 SmokingisnotpermittedinanypartofanFFLMExaminationcentre. 8.5.26 Candidates are asked to note that any allegation of academic or professional misconduct that is sustained against a candidate is likely to be reported to employers, sponsors and relevantprofessionalbodies,suchastheUKGeneralMedicalCouncil. 8.5.27 Candidates should note that if any information comes to light at a later stage that indicates thatExaminationRegulationshavebeenbreached,theFFLMreservestherighttoinvokethe MisconductProceduresretrospectively.
9. 9.1
MFFLMPart2Clinical/PracticalExamination(OSCE/OSPE)
FormatPracticalAssessmentSkills(OSCE/OSPE) 9.1.1 The Observed Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) or Observed Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) assesses the ability to integrate and apply clinical, professional, communication and practical skills appropriate for forensic and legal medicine. It simulates patient/client consultations that are relevant to forensic and legal medicine using simulated patients/clients. A range of scenarios drawn from forensic and legal practice are used and
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eachconsultationismarkedbyadifferentassessor.Theroleofthepatient/clientistakenby atrainedroleplayer. 9.1.2 The OSCE/OSPE is composed of 812 stations for each of the specialties (medicolegal advisor,generalforensicmedicineandsexualoffencemedicine)overaperiodofaminimum of 2hrs. Medicolegal advisors will only have OSPE stations; all other candidates may have OSCE and OSPE stations. A candidate wishing to specialise in more than one of these sub specialties will need to sit the sets of stations for that specialty some of the stations may be common to more than one specialty. Each station is assessed by one independent examiner. Candidates will start at any one of the twelve stations and then move round the carouselofstationsat51020minuteintervalsuntilthecyclehasbeencompleted. The MLA OSPE examination consists of a mixture of telephone and written stations. The telephone stations will involve simulated calls from healthcare professionals requesting medicolegal advice. The writtenstationswillinvolveanalysisof complexand oftenmultiple paperspriortoprovidingwrittenmedicolegaladvice. An external examiner may be present at an OSCE station at any time to observe and review stations.
9.1.3
9.1.4 9.2
Entryrequirements 9.2.1 Before candidates can enter the MFFLM Part 2 Clinical/Practical Examination (OSCE/OSPE), theymusthave: (a) passedtheMFFLMPart1WrittenExamination; (b) a current (obtained within 12 months) certificate of basic life support training on the dateofthePart2Examination(unlessanMLAapplicant);and (c) completed a recognised equivalent period of training and produce a verification that they have worked in the field of their expertise for a minimum of three years (within thepreviousfiveyears)onthedateofthePart2Examination.
9.3 AttendingtheMFFLMPart2Clinical/PracticalExamination(OSCE/OSPE) 9.3.1 9.3.2 Candidates should allow for any transport delays when planning travel to the Examination centreasadmissionwillnotbepermittedoncetheExaminationhasstarted. Candidates will not be admitted unless they produce suitable identification in addition to the Admission Document. This would normally be a passport. Where candidates do not possess a passport, some other form of identification may be acceptable, providing that it includes both the photograph and signature of the candidate concerned. Admission to the ExaminationwillbeatthediscretionoftheChiefExaminerortheirnominee. TheFacultyofForensicandLegal Medicineobservessensitivityin thevisualidentificationof candidates,butadvancenoticeshouldbegivenbycandidatesofanyanticipateddifficulties. Arrival after the Examination has started constitutes absence from the Examination and therefore counts as an attempt. Because of the restricted number of clinical places, no
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9.3.3 9.3.4
guarantee can be made of a later place at the same Examination centre, or alternative centre,foracandidatearrivinglate. 9.3.5 9.3.6 9.4 Procedure 9.4.1 The examiner is required to record their mark for each candidate on the marksheet independently and without consultation. Examiners do not have any knowledge of the marksgivenbyotherexaminersatotherstations. Clinical scenarios must not be copied or removed from the clinical examination centres. All MFFLMExaminationquestionsandclinicalscenariosareconfidentialandarecopyrightedby the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. No person may communicate any question or part of a question to any other person or organisation. To do so would constitute a serious breach of copyright and of these Regulations, and may result in misconduct procedures beinginvoked. Candidates presenting themselves for the MFFLM Examination must have complied fully withalladmissionrequirements,includingthepaymentoffees. Candidates may not carry electronic devices, including telephones, pagers, PDAs or other formsofcommunicationdevices,whileattheExamination.
9.4.2
9.5 Methodofassessment 9.5.1 9.5.2 9.5.3 Themarksheetsintotalarecompletedbytheexaminers: The marks awarded on all marksheets determine the candidate's overall MFFLM Part 2 Clinical/PracticalExamination(OSCE/OSPE)score. Each station of the MFFLM Part 2 Clinical/Practical Examination (OSCE/OSPE) is marked according to a structured marking scheme. The pass mark for the MFFLM Part 2 Clinical/Practical Examination (OSCE/OSPE) is determined using the Angoff method by the Chief Examiners Committee and other coopted persons that they consider necessary to determine a fair and accurate pass mark. This is determined for each sub specialty and a passmarkconfirmedbytheMFFLMChiefExaminersCommittee.
10. 10.1 10.2 10.3 Assessorsandroleplayers 10.3.1 MFFLM examiners are formally recruited and trained and regularly retrained in assessment techniquesandequalityanddiversity.
Qualitycontrol
TheFFLMoverseesthedeliveryandqualitycontroloftheMFFLMexamination.
Bestpractice standardsetting techniques are used to ensure that pass/fail levels are applied equitablyandrigorously.
10.3.2 Theperformanceofexaminersismonitoredandreviewed. 10.3.3 The roleplayers used in the OSCEs and OSPEs are trained both generically and in preparationforeachcasesothattheydeliverastandardisedtest. 10.3.4 The performance of roleplayers is monitored and reviewed by experienced assessors and roleplayerfacilitators. 10.4 10.5 Academicandprofessionalmisconduct 10.5.1 Candidates should note that it is an offence for candidates to seek to gain prior knowledge of the clinical cases or scenarios used in the Examination. A candidate will be prevented from proceeding with the MFFLM Part 2 Clinical/Practical Examination (OSCE) if it is the examiners' view that his/her conduct is likely to endanger the safety of patients, cause distressordisruptothercandidates. 10.5.2 Where an examiner considers that a candidate is acting in an unprofessional, improper or inappropriate manner during the MFFLM Part 2 Clinical/Practical Examination (OSCE/OSPE) theyshall: (a) ask the candidate to stop that particular part of the MFFLM Part 2 Clinical/Practical Examination(OSCE/OSPE); (b) endorse the candidate's clinical marksheet with a note of the time when the alleged infringement was discovered. Wherever possible an examiner should invite another examinertoactaswitnessbycountersigningtheendorsement; (c) decide whether the candidate in question may continue with the MFFLM Part 2 Clinical/PracticalExamination(OSCE/OSPE); Assessmentoutcomestatisticsareusedtoqualityassurecases.
(d) inform the candidate in question at the end of the MFFLM Part 2 Clinical/Practical Examination (OSCE/OSPE) that a written report of the incident will be submitted to the ChiefExamineroftheMFFLMExamination;and (e) prepare within three working days a written report on the alleged incident and send it withanyconfiscatedmaterials(ifapplicable)totheMFFLMExaminationOffice. 10.5.3 A yellow card system will be applied where an examiner has identified unprofessional, improper or inappropriate practice by a candidate. Candidates for whom a yellow card has been submitted will be written to by the Chief Examiner or Academic Committee to advise onthecandidatesfurthertrainingneeds. 10.5.4 Candidates are asked to note that any allegation of academic or professional misconduct that is sustained against a candidate is likely to be reported to employers, sponsors and the relevantprofessionalbodies,suchastheUKGeneralMedicalCouncil.
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11. 11.1
AftertheMFFLMPart2Clinical/PracticalExamination(OSCE/OSPE)
Results 11.1.1 TheMFFLMChiefExaminersCommitteehasoverallresponsibilityforpolicyandprocedures relating to, and the organisation of, the MFFLM Part 2 Clinical/Practical Examination (OSCE/OSPE). 11.1.2 The MFFLM Chief Examiners Committee will consider reports from Examiners (and others as necessary) on the delivery of the MFFLM Part 2 Clinical/Practical Examination (OSCE/OSPE) at the examination centre. The MFFLM Chief Examiners Committee is responsible for confirming the pass mark and success or failure of candidates in the Examination. Results are released only when the MFFLM Chief Examiners Committee is satisfied that the MFFLM Part 2 Clinical/Practical Examination (OSCE/OSPE) has been conductedappropriatelyandinaccordancewiththeproceduresoftheFFLM. 11.1.3 After every Examination, the MFFLM Chief Examiners Committee reviews the whole Examination. To do so, it considers statistical analyses of all candidates' performance, together with the comments of the examiners. In the light of these analyses and opinions, theMFFLMChiefExaminersCommitteemay: (a) agree that the pass mark should be changed. The MFFLM Chief Examiners Committee would need to be satisfied that the standards of the MFFLM would be maintained by takingsuchaction;and/or (b) make modifications to the structure and format of the MFFLM Part 2 Clinical/Practical Examination (OSCE/OSPE) that it deems desirable to ensure the validity of the Examination. 11.1.4 The FFLM candidate numbers and results of all candidates, both passes and fails, will be published on the FFLM website (www.fflm.ac.uk/education/mfflm). Candidates will not be identified by name. Candidates are advised to take careful note of both their FFLM candidate number upon receipt of their admission documents. Candidates who do not wish their results to appear on the website must inform the Faculty Administration Office in writing when applying to take the examination. They must also reconfirm this on each occasion they apply for the examination. Results cannot be collected from FFLM or given overthetelephoneorbyfaxoremail. 11.1.5 All Part 2 Results (SAQ and OSCE/OSPE) will be published on the website within two weeks of the date of the Examination, subject to 11.1.2. Confirmation and details of results will be posted by first class mail or airmail within 3 weeks. Results cannot be collected from FFLM orgivenoverthetelephoneorbyfaxoremail. 11.1.6 Thecandidatenumbersandresultsofallcandidates,bothpassesandfails,willbepublished in the public area of the FFLM Examination website (www.fflm.ac.uk/education/mfflm). Candidates will not be identified by name. Candidates are advised to take careful note of their FFLM candidate number when they receive their admission documents. Candidates mayoptoutofthisfacilitywhenmakingtheirapplication,andarerequiredtodosooneach occasiontheyapplyfortheExamination. 11.1.7 boththeExaminationBoardandbytheBoardoftheFFLM.
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11.2 Passresult A pass in the MFFLM Part 2 Written Examination and Clinical/Practical Examination will confer the qualification only. Successful candidates will be eligible to apply and be considered for Membership oftheFacultyofForensicandLegalMedicineoftheRoyalCollegeofPhysiciansofLondon. 11.2.1 Successful candidates may not use the postnominals MFFLM until their Membership application has been completed and ratified by both the Examination Board and by the BoardoftheFFLM. 11.2.2 The Membership Diploma will not be conferred until Membership has been completed and ratifiedbybothboththeExaminationBoardandbytheBoardoftheFFLM. 11.3 AwardoftheMFFLMQualification SuccessfulcandidateswillreceivealetterconfirmingthattheyhavepassedtheMFFLMExamination andareeligibletoapplyforMembershipoftheFacultyofForensicandLegalMedicine. 11.4 AwardoftheoftheDiplomaofMembershipoftheFacultyofForensicandLegalMedicine 11.4.1 EverycandidatemustpassallpartsoftheMFFLMExamination. 11.4.2 Successful candidates must complete the application for Membership of FFLM at http://fflm.ac.uk/faculty/application/. 11.4.3 OnceMembershiphasbeenapproved,anannualsubscriptionwillbeincurredfromthenext subscriptionrenewal(1stJulyeachyear). 11.4.4 Members of the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine are elected subject to Standing Orders of the Faculty. The Standing Orders are available to download from the FFLM website. 11.5 Failresult 11.5.1 TheMFFLMPart2Clinical/PracticalExaminationmaybefailedinthefollowingways: (a) acandidatedoesnotachievethepassmark; (b) a candidate automatically fails the MFFLM Part 2 Clinical/Practical Examination (OSCE/OSPE)iftheyareawardedfive'fail'grades,or; (c) aggressive or inconsiderate behaviour, either physical or verbal, to a patient will invariablyresultinfailure,andmayresultinmisconductproceduresbeinginvoked.
11.5.2 IfacandidatefailstheMFFLMPart2Clinical/PracticalExamination(OSCE/OSPE)attheirfirst or second attempt they may be deemed by the MFFLM Chief Examiners Committee to require more clinical experience before reattempting OSCE/OSPE, or be recommended for counsellingfromanominatedFelloworMemberoftheFFLM.
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11.5.3 A candidate who has failed the MFFLM Part 2 Examination will be required to resit the MFFLMPart1ExaminationifthreeyearshaveelapsedsincetakingPart1(see5.6.3). 11.6 PoorperformanceintheMFFLMPart2Clinical/PracticalExamination 11.6.1 All doctors practising in the UK, including examiners and the Officers of the FFLM, are governed by the principles outlined by the UK General Medical Council in the publication Good MedicalPractice.TheFFLMacknowledgesthatsomegood doctorsmay performbadly and aberrantly under examination conditions. However, where there are genuine concerns that a doctor's fitness to practise is called into question by facts coming to light during the course of the MFFLM Part 2 Clinical/Practical Examination (OSCE/OSPE), the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine is duty bound to inform those to whom the candidate is contractually or professionally responsible. In exceptional circumstances, where no such person can be identified, this information may have to be communicated directly to the UK GeneralMedicalCouncilorsimilarprofessionalbody. 11.6.2 The candidate concerned will be informed by letter when their poor performance in the MFFLM Part 2 Clinical/Practical Examination (OSCE/OSPE) warrants referral to a sponsor, employer, or professional body, as outlined above. Reporting will normally take place only for consistently poor performance in repeated Clinical/Practical Examinations but, in exceptional circumstances, it may take place as a result of poor performance in a single Examination. 11.6.3 Before the candidate may reenter any part of the MFFLM Examination, written evidence mustbereceivedfromthesponsor,employerorprofessionalbodyconfirmingthatremedial action has been taken. It will be for the Academic Dean and the Chief Examiner of the MFFLM Chief Examiners Committee to confirm whether the evidence presented is satisfactory to warrant reentry to the MFFLM Examination. They will also be available to consideranyrepresentationsthatthecandidatewishestosubmit. 12. 12.1 12.2 Specialarrangements 12.2.1 Disability (a) Reasonable adjustments will be made to assessment procedures where necessary to meet the needs of individuals who have a disability as defined by the Disability Discrimination Acts (DDA) 1995 and 2005. These adjustments will not entail the loweringofstandardsofassessment. (b) Candidates who would like special arrangements to be made to assist them when taking Part 1 MFFLM (Knowledge Test) or the Part 2 (Written Paper and OSCE/OSPE) must inform the FFLM of their disability when they apply to sit the assessments or as
Appeals
Information in respect of Appeals procedures may be obtained by contacting the Chief Examiner at theFacultyOffice.
soon as possible thereafter, and must complete a disability declaration form. Evidence of the disability will be required. For dyslexic candidates a report from an educational psychologistwillberequired. (c) Each case will be separately assessed by the Chief Examiner or a nominated deputy. Candidates will be informed in writing whether or not adjustments to assessment procedureswillbemadetomeettheirneeds.
12.2.2 Mitigatingcircumstances (a) Mitigating circumstances will not result in additional marks being awarded. However, candidates who report mitigating circumstances that are accepted by the FFLM may, underthefollowingRegulations,havethefeesforaresitwaived,and/orbeassistedin takingaresit. (b) TheFFLMwouldnormallyexpectacandidatewhobelievedthattheirperformancewas likely to be affected by mitigating circumstances arising before an assessment to withdrawfromthatsittingandresitatalaterdate. (c) Where mitigating circumstances arise during an assessment which the candidate believesarehavingamaterial,detrimentaleffectonperformance,thecandidatewould normallybeexpectedtowithdrawfromthesittingandresitatalaterdate.
(d) If a candidate decides to proceed with an assessment even though s/he believes that mitigating circumstances are having an affect on performance, then the mitigating circumstances must be reported to the duty marshal or invigilator who will complete a contemporaneous record which will be signed by the candidate. Candidates reporting mitigating circumstances during an assessment will not normally be allowed any additionaltimetocompleteanassessmentunlessanerrorofprocessonthepartofthe FFLMortestcentrehasdeniedthemthefulltimetocompletetheassessment. (e) All reports of mitigating circumstances should be submitted to the FFLM's Administration Office as soon as the circumstances arise or as soon as possible thereafter and no later than 48 hours after the assessment takes place. The only exception is where the candidate was unaware of the mitigating circumstances at the time of the assessment. A letter giving written evidence of the mitigating circumstancesmustbeprovidedtotheFFLM. (f) Mitigating circumstances for reasons of illness must be evidenced in the form of a medicalcertificatesubmittedwiththeMitigatingCircumstancesForm.
(g) Where mitigating circumstances arise that affect all candidates the duty marshal or invigilator supervising the assessment will be responsible for deciding what action to takeandwillprovideawrittenreporttotheChiefExaminer. (h) No report of mitigating circumstances, submitted after the publication of results, will be considered unless the candidate can provide compelling and independent evidence that s/he was unable, for whatever reason, to make the FFLM aware of them at an earlierstage. (i) All reports of mitigating circumstances will be considered by the Chief Examiner or a nominated deputy, who may consult others as they see fit. Records of any mitigating
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circumstances submitted in respect of other assessments may be used to inform the decisionmakingprocess. (j) If an application for mitigating circumstances is refused the candidate may complain to theFacultyusingthecomplaintsprocedurecontainedintheseRegulations.
12.2.3 Pregnancy (a) Candidatesshouldensurethattheyarrangetotakeanassessmentsometimebeforeor aftertheirduedate. (b) If a candidate has booked a sitting of the Part 1 or Part 2 exams and subsequently develops pregnancyrelated problems or illness close to the date of the assessment, or is in sufficient discomfort on the day of the assessment for her to believe that her conditionwillhaveadetrimentaleffectonperformance,sheshouldwithdrawfromthe sitting and, as soon as possible thereafter, submit a medical certificate to the FFLM Administration Office. In these circumstances and at the discretion of the FFLM, no fee willbepayablewhenthecandidatenexttakestheassessment. 13. 13.1
Compliancewithdiversitylegislation
The FFLM is committed to promoting and developing equality and diversity in all its work. It aims to have policies and ways of working that are fair to all individuals and groups. The FFLM has an equal opportunitiespolicy.
13.2 13.3 13.4 14. The FFLM will consider special arrangements for candidates with disabilities taking the Knowledge TestandOSCE/OSPE. The FFLM collects data on MFFLM applicants and analyses MFFLM results in relation to equal opportunitiesmonitoringvariables. MFFLMexaminersaretrainedinequalopportunities.
Complaints
Complaints should be made in writing and addressed to the Chief Examiner at the MFFLM Office address.
15.
Academicmisconduct
Information in respect of academic misconduct may be obtained by contacting the Academic Dean, FFLMAdministrationOffice.
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16. 16.1
RegistrationwiththeUKGeneralMedicalCouncil
RegistrationwiththeGeneralMedicalCouncil(GMC)isrequiredforallcandidatesintendingtowork as doctors in the UK. Registration with the GMC is not necessary in order to take the MFFLM Examination. However, prospective candidates who intend to obtain training in a forensic unit, whetherpaidorunpaid,mustregisterwiththeGMC.
16.2 A list showing those overseas qualifications eligible for full registration is given at the front of the Medical Register published by the GMC. Doctors who are British nationals and/or who hold a qualification of one of the countries of the European Community are subject to special conditions andshouldseekadvicedirectlyfromtheGMC.
16.3 Application forms and pamphlets giving details of the requirements of each kind of registration may beobtainedbycontacting: GeneralMedicalCouncil Regent'sPlace 350EustonRoad LondonNW13JN Tel:+44(0)8453573456 Email:registrationhelp@gmcuk.org ForfurtherinformationpleaserefertotheGMCwebsite(www.gmcuk.org). 17. 17.1 17.2 As all assessments are conducted in English, the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine advises candidates that in order to be sufficiently prepared to sit the MFFLM Examination, their English language ability should be equivalent to IELTS Level 7 in each module. However, candidates do not need to have taken IELTS, the assessment of the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB),oranyotherlanguageexamination,tosittheMFFLMExamination.
LanguageRequirements
AllpartsoftheMFFLMExaminationareconductedinEnglish.
17.3 TheMFFLMcannotbeusedasdemonstratingcompetencyintheEnglishlanguage,forwhichPLABis necessary before doctors can obtain Limited Registration with the GMC. Full details are available from: PLABTestSection GeneralMedicalCouncil Regent'sPlace 350EustonRoad LondonNW13JN Tel:+44(0)8453573456 Email:registrationhelp@gmcuk.org ForfurtherinformationpleaserefertotheGMCwebsite(www.gmcuk.org).
18. 18.1
PreparationfortheMFFLMExamination
The FFLM recommend that candidates prepare for the Examination by gaining clinical experience in recognised training posts in medicolegal medicine or their subspecialty of forensic medicine and by studyinguptodatepostgraduateclinicaltextbooksandcurrentmedicaljournals.
18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 18.6 It is recommended that candidates wishing to proceed in a career in any of the three subspecialties of the FFLM follow the training guidelines of either their medical defence organisation (MLAs) or those published by the FFLM for Forensic Physicians in General Forensic Medicine (GFM) or sexual Offencemedicine(SOM). The FFLM may be able to provide lists of recommended FFLM courses. The details of most courses arecontainedintheeducationsectionofthefacultywebsite. SampleMCQ,SAQandOSCEcanbeprovidedtocandidatesonrequesttotheFFLMOffice. AreadinglistisavailablefromtheFFLMwebsitewww.fflm.ac.uk/education/mfflm. ThereisapublishedsyllabusfortheMFFLMexaminationPart1atSchedule1andPart2atSchedule 2,3and4.
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SCHEDULE1
SYLLABUSFORPART1MFFLMEXAMINATION Foreword This syllabus outlines the areas of knowledge and understandingi covered in the MFFLM Part 1 examination. The Part 1 examination is common to all MFFLM candidates whether Forensic Physicians in General Forensic Medicine/Sexual Offence Medicine or MedicoLegal Advisors and the Chief Examiners Committee believe it is important that all candidates have a thorough understanding of medical law and ethics. The Part 1 examination aims to encourage candidates to read widely on medicolegal and ethical issues outwiththeirdaytodaypracticeasabasisforfurtherprofessionaldevelopmentandlaterspecialisation. The paper will consist of a 22.5 hour paper of multiplechoice questions in best of five format (where the candidate is asked to select the best answer from five possible answers). The syllabus aims to describe broadly the areas of knowledge expected of candidates to pass the examination: it is not to be taken as exhaustive or inclusive; not every area of the syllabus will be tested at each examination diet and the absenceofatopicdoesnotguaranteethatitwillnotbeincludedintheexaminationpaper.Candidatescan expectthemajorityofquestionstorelatetothebroadareasspecified. The examination covers all jurisdictions within the UK. The syllabus will highlight this in some of the areas where the differences between jurisdictions are of particular importance, but candidates should be aware thatthisprincipleappliesthroughouttheMFFLMexamination.
Thesectionsrefertoeither: understandingofasubject Abasicknowledgeandunderstandingofasubjector Adetailedknowledgeandunderstandingofasubject This is intended as a guide to candidates with respect to the level at which the subjects are likely to be examined. Thus, for example, only a basic knowledge and understanding is required of philosophical medical ethics, whereas a detailed knowledge andunderstandingofConsentisrequired
1.
STRUCTUREOFHEALTHCAREDELIVERYINTHEUK
Candidates should have an understanding of the structure and organisation of healthcare in the UK including: 1.1. 1.2. 1.3 1.3. 1.4. 1.5. 1.6. 1.7. 2. 2.1. REGULATIONOFHEALTHCAREPROFESSIONALS TheGeneralMedicalCouncil 2.1.1. Candidates should have an understanding of the structure and functions of the GMC including: (a) (b) CompositionoftheGMC;and GMCfitnesstopractiseprocedures. StructureoftheNHS; IndependentcontractorstatusofGMSGPs,PMSGPs GPPerformer'sLists; Privatemedicalpractice NHSindemnityandotherindemnityarrangements; Clinicalgovernance; Issuesofaccesstohealthcare;and TheNationalInstituteforHealthandClinicalExcellenceandtheScottishMedicinesConsortium.
2.1.2. Candidates should have a detailed knowledge and understanding of the ethical guidance published by the GMC (including "Good Medical Practice" and all supporting ethical guidanceseealsoMedicalEthicsinPractice). 3. SOURCESOFLAWANDLEGALSYSTEMS
Candidates should have a basic knowledge and understanding of the sources of law in the UK and of the legalsystemsofEngland,Wales,NorthernIrelandandScotland.Examplesofquestiontopicsmightinclude: 3.1. 3.2. 3.3. 3.4. 3.5. 4.CRIMINALLAW Candidates should have a basic knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of the criminal law in the UK jurisdictions, particularly in relation to those areas where this may be relevant to medical practice.Examplesofquestiontopicsmightinclude: 4.1. 4.2. 4.3. policepowers principlesofthelawofManslaughter,includingcorporatemanslaughterandgrossnegligence manslaughter;and sexualoffences. thestructureandfunctionsofthemaincourtsinthejurisdictions; thelegislativeprocess; theeffectofjudicialprecedent/caselaw; EuropeanCommunitylaw;and HumanRightslegislation.
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5.CIVILLAW Candidates should have a basic knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of the civil law in the UK jurisdictions and a more detailed knowledge and understanding of the law relating to medical negligenceandmedicalinjuries.Examplesofquestiontopicsmightinclude: 5.1. 5.2. 5.3. 5.4. 5.5. 5.6. 5.7. 6.PHILOSOPHICALMEDICALETHICS Candidates should have a basic knowledge and understanding of the main philosophical approaches to medicalethicsincluding: 6.1. 6.2. 6.3. 6.4. 6.5. 6.6. 6.7. 7.MEDICALETHICSINPRACTICE Candidates should have an understanding of the GMC's ethical guidance for doctors including Good MedicalPractice.Examplesofquestiontopicsmightinclude: 7.1. 7.2. 7.3. 8.CONSENTii Candidates should have a detailed knowledge and understanding of the law and ethics relating to consent formedicaltreatmentincluding: 8.1. 8.2. 8.3.
ii
dutyofcareinthelawofnegligence; testsformedicalnegligence; failuretowarnofrisks; actionsforassaultortrespasstotheperson; principlesofcausation; civilprocedure;and damages
utilitarianism; deontologicalsystems;and principlebased systems and of the core principles to be found in most principlebased systems of medicalethics: beneficence; nonmaleficence; respectforautonomy;and justice.
GMCprobityrequirements; sharinginformationwithandworkingwithcolleagues;and respondingtoconcernsaboutcolleagues.
GMCguidance; requirementsforconsenttobevalid; formsofconsent;and
NotethatconsentinchildrenisincludedinChildrenandYoungPeople
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8.4.
consent and mentally incapacitated adults (including consent given by others e.g. welfare attorneys).
9.CONFIDENTIALITYiii Candidates should have a detailed knowledge and understanding of the law and ethics governing the duty ofconfidentiality,including: 9.1. 9.2. 9.3. 9.4. 9.5. 9.6. 9.7. 9.8. 10.CHILDRENANDYOUNGPEOPLE 10.1. Candidatesshouldhaveadetailedknowledgeandunderstandingofthelawofconsentasitapplies tochildrenandyoungpeopleincluding: 10.1.1. differencesbetweentheUKjurisdictions; 10.1.2. competencetoconsent; 10.1.3. refusaloftreatmentbychildrenand/orparents; 10.1.4. parentalresponsibility; 10.1.5. 1618yearolds;and 10.1.6. GMCguidance. 10.2. Candidatesshouldhaveadetailedknowledgeandunderstandingofthelegalandethical requirementsofconfidentialityinrelationtoyoungpeople.Examplesofquestiontopicsmight include: 10.2.1.parentalrequestsforinformation; 10.2.2.disclosureinthepublicinterest;and 10.2.3. requests for information about children and young people under data protection legislation. 10.3. Candidates should have a detailed knowledge and understanding of the legal and ethical principles involvedinchildprotectionissues.Topicsforquestionsmightinclude: 10.3.1. relevantlegislationandgovernmentguidance; 10.3.2. GMCguidance; 10.3.3. sourcesofadviceandassistance; 10.3.4. roleofthesocialworkdepartment; 10.3.5. confidentiality;and
iii
legalbasis; GMCguidance; disclosuresrequiredbylaw; disclosuresinthepublicinterest; dataprotectionlegislation; patients'rightsofaccesstohealthrecordsandmedicalreports; confidentialityandmentallyincapacitatedadults;and confidentialityafterdeath.
NotethatconfidentialityinchildrenisincludedinChildrenandYoungPeople
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10.3.6. childprotectionprocedures. 11.DEATHANDDYING Candidatesshouldhaveanunderstandingofthelegalandethicalissuessurroundingdeathincluding: 11.1. definitionofdeath; 11.2. deathcertificationandcremation; 11.3. theroleofthecoronerandthestructureandfunctionofinquests 11.4. FatalAccidentInquiriesinScotland; 11.5. withholdingandwithdrawinglifeprolongingtreatment; 11.6. patientrefusaloflifeprolongingtreatment; 11.7. advancedirectives; 11.8. euthanasiaandassistedsuicide; 11.9. organdonation;and 11.10. retentionoforgansandtissue. 12.MENTALHEALTHLAW Candidates should have an understanding of the applicable mental health law (including mental capacity and related legislation) and Codes of Practice in the UK jurisdictions. Examples of question topics might include: 12.1. detentionunderthementalhealthacts; 12.2. detentionofmentallyincapacitatedadults; 12.3. communitytreatmentorders; 12.4. treatmentwithoutconsent;and 12.5. vulnerableadults. 13.PRESCRIBING Candidates should have an understanding of the medicolegal issues relating to prescribing medicines. Examplesofquestiontopicsmightinclude: 13.1. GMCguidanceonprescribing; 13.2. medicolegalissuesinvolvedinprescribingcontrolleddrugs(includingregulatoryrequirements); 13.3. medicolegalissuesinvolvedinunlicensedandofflabelprescribing.
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SCHEDULE2 PART2EXAMSYLLABUSMEDICOLEGALADVISORS Foreword ThissyllabuscoverstheareasofknowledgetobetestedintheMFFLMPart2examinationformedicolegal advisors (there is a separate syllabus for the part 2 FFLM examination for Forensic Physicians General Forensic Medicine and Sexual Offence Medicine). The Part 2 examination is designed to test the knowledge,understandingandskillsrequiredofamedicolegaladvisor. TheskillstestedinthePartIIexaminationwillinclude: The syllabus aims to describe broadly the areas of knowledge expected of candidates to pass the examination: it is not to be taken as exhaustive or inclusive; not every area of the syllabus will be tested at each examination diet and the absence of a topic does not guarantee that it will not be included in the examinationpaper.Candidatescanexpectthemajorityofquestionstotestthebroadareasspecified. The examination covers all jurisdictions within the UK. The syllabus will highlight this in some of the areas where the differences between jurisdictions are of particular importance, but candidates should be aware thatthisprincipleappliesthroughouttheMFFLMexamination. 1. 1.1. 1.2. 1.3. 1.4. 1.5. 1.6. 1.7. 1.8. 1.9. CONSENT GMCguidance Requirementsforconsenttobevalid Assessmentofcapacity Formsofconsent Obtainingconsentandtheprovisionofinformation Refusalofconsent Consent in children and young people (competent and incompetent, refusal of consent, parental refusaloftreatment) Consentandmentallyincapacitatedadults(includingconsentgivenbyotherse.g.welfareattorneys) Consentinresearch applicationofethicalandmedicolegalknowledgetocomplexmedicolegalproblems; problemsolvingskills;and communicationskills.
1.10. Consentandtransplantation 1.11. Emergencies 1.12. Legalactionsforassaultortrespasstothepersonbasedonlackofconsent 1.13. RelevantlegislationandcodesofpracticeinrelationtotheaboveissuesinallUKjurisdictions 2. 2.1. CONFIDENTIALITY Legalbases
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2.2. 2.3. 2.4. 2.5. 2.6. 2.7. 2.8. 2.9.
Ethicalduty Dataprotectionlegislation Disclosuresrequiredbylaw Courtordersfordisclosureofrecords Disclosuresinthepublicinterestwithoutconsent Seriouscommunicablediseases Rightsofaccesstohealthrecordsandmedicalreports Confidentialityandmentallyincapacitatedadults
2.10. Confidentialityofchildrenandyoungpeople 2.11. Confidentialityafterdeath 2.12. Doctorswithdualresponsibilities(includingoccupationalhealthmedicine) 2.13. Confidentialityandresearch 2.14. Confidentialityandelectronicrecordsystems 3. 3.1. 3.2. 3.3. 3.4. 3.5. 3.6. 3.7. 3.8. 3.9. 4. 4.1. 4.2. 4.3. 4.4. 4.5. 4.6. 4.7. 4.8. 4.9. CLINICALNEGLIGENCE Dutyofcare Psychiatricharm Economiclosses Standardofcare TestsformedicalnegligenceinUKjurisdictions Failuretowarnofrisks Causation Lossofachance Defences GENERALMEDICALCOUNCIL AllGMCguidance CompositionoftheGMC GMCfitnesstopractiseprocedures Performanceassessments Healthassessments TheadjudicatoryfunctionoftheGMC/OfficeoftheHealthProfessionsAdjudicator Sanctions Appeals TheroleofCHRE
4.10. CivilprocedurerulesinUKjurisdictions 4.11. PrinciplesofdamagesinUKjurisdictions

4.12. Breachofstatutoryduty 4.13. Breachofcontract 4.14. Expertwitnesses 5. 5.1. 5.2. 5.3. 5.4. 5.5. 5.6. 5.7. 5.8. 5.9. CHILDRENANDYOUNGPEOPLE GMCguidance Consent Parentalresponsibility Refusaloftreatmentbychildren,youngpeopleand/orparents Confidentialityanddataprotection Parentalrequestsforinformation Disclosureofinformationwithoutconsentinthepublicinterest Childprotectionprocedures Roleofthesocialworkdepartment
5.10. Relevantlegislationandgovernmentguidance(inallUKjurisdictions)inrelationtotheaboveareas 6. 6.1. 6.2. 6.3. 6.4. 6.5. 6.6. 6.7. 6.8. DEATHANDDYING Definitionofdeath Deathcertificationandcremation Withholdingandwithdrawinglifeprolongingtreatment Refusaloflifeprolongingtreatment Advancedirectives Euthanasiaandassistedsuicide Organdonation Retentionoforgansandtissue 7. 7.1. 7.2. 7.3. 7.4. 7.5. 7.6. 7.7. 7.8. 7.9. THECORONERANDFATALACCIDENTINQUIRIES Jurisdictionofthecoroner Preparingreportsforthecoroner Procedureincoroners'courts Scopeofcoroners'inquiries ImplicationofHumanRightslegislation Legalrepresentation Verdicts JudicialReview Useofevidencegivenininquests
7.10. FatalAccidentInquiriesinScotland(precognitions,procedure,judicialreview,legalrepresentation)
8. 8.1. 8.2. 8.3. 8.4. 8.5. 8.6. 8.7. 8.8. 8.9.
MENTALHEALTHLAW MentalHealthlegislationandCodesofPracticeinUKjurisdictions Detentionunderthementalhealthacts Consent,andtreatmentwithoutconsent Emergencies:assessments,overdoses,refusaloftreatment Communitytreatmentorders MentalhealthlegislationandtheGP InteractionwithHumanRightslegislation Detentionofmentallyincapacitatedadults Researchandthementallyincapacitatedadult
8.10. Vulnerableadults 8.11. Reviewtribunalsandtheroleofthecourts 8.12. Publicinquiries 9. 9.1. 9.2. 9.3. 9.4. 9.5. 9.6. 9.7. 9.8. 9.9. PRESCRIBING GMCguidance Responsibilityforprescribing Civilliabilityforprescribinganddisclaimersofliability ContractualobligationsofGPs(underGMSandPMScontracts) Hospitalprescribing Controlleddrugs(includingregulatoryrequirementsanddisposal) Unlicensedandofflabelprescribing Remoteprescribing(telephone,internet) Nurseprescribingandpatientgroupdirectives
9.10. GuidelinesforprescribingandtheroleoftheMHRA 9.11. Covertadministrationofmedicines 9.12. Specifictreatments:vaccinations,cosmetictreatments,infertilitydrugs,erectiledysfunction 9.13. EligibilityforNHSprescriptionsandotherNHStreatment 9.14. Privateprescriptions 9.15. Relevantlegislativeprovisions 10. DISCIPLINARYACTION
10.1. Predisciplinaryinvestigationofallegations 10.2. Suspension,exclusion,restrictions/conditionsandinformalexclusion 10.3. DisciplinaryproceduresintheUKjurisdictions 10.4. Personalconductandprofessionalconduct 10.5. Conductandcapabilityprocedures
10.6. Rightstorepresentation 10.7. RoleoftheNCAS 10.8. Sanctions 10.9. Appeals 10.10. Judicialreviewsindisciplinaryactions 10.11. Alertletters 11. GPPERFORMERSLISTS
11.1. Legislativeframework 11.2. Dutiestodeclare(convictionsetc) 11.3. Procedures 11.4. Representation 11.5. Suspension 11.6. Contingentremoval 11.7. Removal 11.8. Appealsandlegalchallenges 11.9. RoleoftheNCAS 12. HUMANREPRODUCTION
12.1. Geneticinformation 12.2. Abortion 12.3. Civilactionsforwrongfulconception/wrongfulbirth 12.4. Assistedreproduction 12.5. Themotherandtheunbornchild 12.6. Relevantlegislation 13. CRIMEANDTHEMEDICALPRACTITIONER
13.1. Sexualoffences 13.2. Manslaughterandculpablehomicide 13.3. Corporateliabilityfordeath 13.4. Policeinterviews 13.5. Interviewsundercaution 13.6. InteractionwiththeGMC 13.7. Declaringcriminalinvestigationstoemployers/contractors/theGMC 14. COMPLAINTS
14.1. ComplaintsproceduresinUKjurisdictions
14.2. Respondingtocomplaints 14.3. Confidentialityincomplaints 14.4. Independentreview 14.5. TheroleoftheOmbudsman 14.6. Learningfromcomplaints 15. ADVERSEINCIDENTREPORTINGANDRISKMANAGEMENT
15.1. AdverseIncidentReports(AIR)andSeriousUntowardIncident(SUI)reports 15.2. Communicationwithpatients 15.3. HospitalAIandSUIinvestigations 15.4. InvestigationofSUIsinGeneralPractice 15.5. PrinciplesofRiskManagement 15.6. Guidelines 16. RELATIONSHIPSWITHPATIENTS
16.1. GMCguidance 16.2. Thedoctorpatientpartnership 16.3. Harassment/stalking(includingrelevantlegislativeprotectionsandcourtorders) 16.4. Violence 16.5. Maintainingboundaries 16.6. Intimateexaminationsandchaperones 16.7. Personalandsexualrelationshipswithpatients 16.8. Endingprofessionalrelationships 16.9. Giftsfrompatientsandfinancialinterestsintreatment. 17. WORKINGWITHCOLLEAGUES
17.1. Concernsaboutthehealthofacolleague 17.2. Concernsabouttheperformanceofacolleague 17.3. Concernsabouttheconductofacolleague 17.4. Doctors'responsibilitiestoarrangecoverandtakeupappointments 17.5. Informationsharing 17.6. Delegationandreferral 17.7. Teamworkinganddoctorsinmanagerialpositions 18. CLINICALRECORDS
18.1. Goodrecordkeeping 18.2. Amendingclinicalrecords

18.3. Disputesoverthecontentofclinicalrecords 18.4. Requestsnottorecordinformation 18.5. Securityofrecordsandotherconfidentialinformation 18.6. ComputerisedrecordsandnationalITprojects
Page 48
SCHEDULE3 PART2EXAMSYLLABUSGENERALFORENSICMEDICINE Nosyllabuscanbecomprehensive.Hencethesyllabusisindicativeofthoseareasofknowledgewithwhich you are expected to be familiar but it is not intended to be exhaustive or to exclude other items of knowledgewhichareofsimilarrelevance.Youcanexpect,however,thatthemajorityofquestionswilltest knowledgeinthebroadareasspecified. 1. CONSENTANDCONFIDENTIALITY
You should have a broad understanding of the differences between therapeutic and forensic consent, interview techniques, record keeping and documentation, statement and report writing, pretrial preparationandcourtappearances. Examplesofquestionstopicmightinclude: Gillickcompetenceandrelatedcaselaw. Writingastatementorexpertreport Thedifferencebetweenaprofessionalandexpertwitness. 2. INJURY
Injuries and their interpretation are a fundamental part of clinical forensic medicine. It is important you understand the epidemiology of injury and the physiology of wound healing and are able to document, classify and interpret different types of injuries. You should also be familiar with aspects of torture, restraintandelderabuse. Examplesofquestionsmightinclude: 3. MENTALHEALTHLAW Classificationofthecommontypesofinjury Useofrestraint Safeguarding.
Mentalhealthproblemsoccurfrequently.Youshouldbefamiliarwiththerelevantmentalhealthlegislation anddefinitions,therelationshipswithsubstancemisuseandhowtoassessriskanddangerousness. Examplesofquestionsmightinclude: 4. FORENSICSCIENCEANDTOXICOLOGY ThecommonlyusedMentalHealthActsections Assessmentofselfharmrisk Therelationshipofpsychiatrytocrime.
Forensic science is making an increasing contribution to clinical forensic medicine. You should be familiar with methods of forensic sampling, analysis and interpretation of different forensic samples including hair,
blood etc. In addition you should understand the principles behind the use of DNA and its limitations as wellasdifferentmethodsusedtoestimateage. Examplesofquestionsmightinclude: Thetypesofsamplestakenfromanassailantofanallegedsexualassault Ageestimation.
It is important you understand the pharmacology and physiology of commonly used drugs of abuse and theircriminalrelevanceaswellashavingknowledgeofthetypesandpresentationsofcommonspoisons. Examplesofquestionsmightinclude: 5. CUSTODIALMEDICINE Theclinicaleffectsofcocaine Legislationrelatingtocannabis.
You should understand the legislation relating to detention of persons in custody, the spectrum of illness anddiseaseandtheexamination,assessmentandmanagement(includingprescribing)ofpersonsdetained incustody. Examplesofquestionsmightinclude: Fitnesstointerview ManagementofpersonsdetainedundertheTerrorismAct Nearmissesanddeathincustody.
You should understand the science behind road traffic legislation and the common defences for failure to providesamplesofbreath,bloodandurine.Youshouldhaveknowledgeoffitnesstodriveandthetypesof injuriessustainedinroadtrafficaccidents. Examplesofquestionsmightinclude: Failuretoprovideasampleofbreath TheuseofImpairmentTests.
Knowledge of sexual offences is important and you must understand the legislation relating to sexual offences,maleandfemalegenitalanatomyandhowtoexamineasuspectofanallegedsexualassault. Examplesofquestionsmightinclude: 6. FORENSICPATHOLOGYANDCRIMESCENEINVESTIGATION Thetypeofinjuriesassociatedwithasexualassault.
Assessingasceneofdeathisanimportantpartofaforensicphysiciansduties.Youshouldhaveknowledge of the changes that take place in the body after death, how the time of death can be estimated, mechanisms of death and the principles of an autopsy and the different techniques used in mass disaster situations. Examplesofquestionsmightinclude: Thepostmorteminterval Theroleofthedoctoratasceneofdeath.
Page 50
SCHEDULE4 PART2EXAMSYLLABUSSEXUALOFFENCEMEDICINE Nosyllabuscanbecomprehensive.Hencethesyllabusisindicativeofthoseareasofknowledgewithwhich you are expected to be familiar but it is not intended to be exhaustive or to exclude other items of knowledgewhichareofsimilarrelevance.Youcanexpect,however,thatthemajorityofquestionswilltest knowledgeinthebroadareasspecified. 1. CONSENTANDCONFIDENTIALITY
You should have a broad understanding of the differences between therapeutic and forensic consent in relation to all forensic medical procedures including obtaining highly sensitive images. Examples of questionstopicmightinclude: Gillickcompetenceandrelatedcaselaw; vulnerableadults;and temporarylossofcapacityandhowthismightimpactonadecisiontoexamine. 2. THEMEDICALWITNESS
Giving evidence in Court is an important role of the forensic physician. You should therefore have a good understanding of record keeping and documentation, statement and report writing, pretrial preparation andcourtappearance.Examplesofquestionstopicmightinclude: writingastatementorexpertreport; photodocumentationofgenitalfindings;and thedifferencebetweenaprofessionalandanexpertwitness. 3. INJURY
Injuries and their interpretation are a fundamental part of clinical forensic medicine. It is important you understand the epidemiology of injury and the physiology of wound healing and are able to document, classify and interpret different types of injuries. In addition you should have a clear understanding of the significance or otherwise of the absence of injuries. You should also be familiar with aspects of torture, restraintandelderabuse.Examplesofquestionsmightinclude: classificationofthecommontypesofinjury; useofrestraint;and elderabuse.
Page 51
4.
MENTALHEALTHLAW
Mentalhealthproblemsoccurfrequently.Youshouldbefamiliarwiththerelevantmentalhealthlegislation and definitions, the relationships with substance misuse and how to assess risk and dangerousness. Examplesofquestionsmightinclude: assessmentofselfharmrisk;and therelationshipofpsychiatrytocrime. 5. 5.1. FORENSICSCIENCEANDTOXICOLOGY Forensic science is making an increasing contribution to clinical forensic medicine. You should be familiar with methods of forensic sampling, analysisand interpretation of different forensic samples including hair, blood etc. In addition you should understand the principles behind the use of DNA and its limitations as well as different methods used to estimate age. Examples of questions might include: 5.2. thetypesofsamplestakeninanallegedsexualassault;and persistencedata.
It is important you understand the pharmacology of commonly used drugs of abuse and their criminalrelevanceaswellashavingknowledgeofthetypesandpresentationsofcommonspoisons. Examplesofquestionsmightinclude: theclinicaleffectsofcocaine.
6.
ADULTSEXUALOFFENCES
Knowledge of sexual offences is crucially important and you must understand the legislation relating to sexualoffences,maleandfemalegenitalanatomyandhowtoexamineavictimofanallegedsexualassault andtheprinciplesofpostassaultmanagement.Examplesofquestionsmightinclude: thetypeofinjuriesassociatedwithasexualassault; psychologicalresponsetorape; emergencycontraception; sexuallytransmittedinfection;and indicationsforPEPSE. 7. 7.1. PAEDIATRICS Examining children who may have been abused is part of the role of the forensic physician. You should have a detailed knowledge of male and female genital anatomy at different ages and the changesthatcanoccurinabuse.Examplesofquestionsmightinclude: thedifferenttypesofhymen; hymenalinjuries;and analfindingsinallegedpenetration.
7.2.
Child protection is crucial to the safe care of children. You should be familiar with the principles of informationsharing,LocalSafeguardingChildren'sBoardsandhaveknowledgeofthedifferenttypes of child abuse including physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect as well as factitious and fabricatedillness.Examplesofquestionsmightinclude: disclosureofconfidentialmedicalinformation.
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Regulations & Information For Candidates: MFFLM

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MFFLM

Regulations & Information for Candidates

FacultyofForensic&LegalMedicine 3 Floor,116GreatPortlandStreet LondonW1W6PJ

RoyalCollegeofPhysicians 11StAndrewsPlace LondonNW14LE

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

3. 3.1 3.2 4. 4.1

appointingexaminerswithappropriatequalificationsandexperience; producingsyllabusesforappropriatepartsoftheExamination; monitoringcandidateperformance;and arrangingsuitableexaminationfacilities.

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

(e) developanddiscussimmediateandlongtermmanagementplans;and (f) appreciatetheethicalissuesthatrelatetotherelevantspecialty.

6.1.4 6.1.5 6.1.6

(d) nomarkisawardedforanyanswerthatthescannerqueriesas: (i) insufficientlyerased;

6.2.8 6.2.9 6.3

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

6.9.2 6.9.3 6.9.4

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

7.2.2 7.2.3 7.2.4 7.2.5 7.3

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

7.8.2 7.8.3 7.8.4

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

dutyofcareinthelawofnegligence; testsformedicalnegligence; failuretowarnofrisks; actionsforassaultortrespasstotheperson; principlesofcausation; civilprocedure;and damages

GMCprobityrequirements; sharinginformationwithandworkingwithcolleagues;and respondingtoconcernsaboutcolleagues.

GMCguidance; requirementsforconsenttobevalid; formsofconsent;and

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

legalbasis; GMCguidance; disclosuresrequiredbylaw; disclosuresinthepublicinterest; dataprotectionlegislation; patients'rightsofaccesstohealthrecordsandmedicalreports; confidentialityandmentallyincapacitatedadults;and confidentialityafterdeath.

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

2.2. 2.3. 2.4. 2.5. 2.6. 2.7. 2.8. 2.9.

Ethicalduty Dataprotectionlegislation Disclosuresrequiredbylaw Courtordersfordisclosureofrecords Disclosuresinthepublicinterestwithoutconsent Seriouscommunicablediseases Rightsofaccesstohealthrecordsandmedicalreports Confidentialityandmentallyincapacitatedadults

4.10. CivilprocedurerulesinUKjurisdictions 4.11. PrinciplesofdamagesinUKjurisdictions

8. 8.1. 8.2. 8.3. 8.4. 8.5. 8.6. 8.7. 8.8. 8.9.

18.1. Goodrecordkeeping 18.2. Amendingclinicalrecords

18.3. Disputesoverthecontentofclinicalrecords 18.4. Requestsnottorecordinformation 18.5. Securityofrecordsandotherconfidentialinformation 18.6. ComputerisedrecordsandnationalITprojects

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

MFFLM Regulations & Information for Candidates January 2011

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