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<p>Assessment providers are required to ensure that all health professionals (HPs)
carrying out Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments have training and knowledge
of the clinical aspects and overall functional effects of a wide range of health conditions
and impairments. The department does not believe that it is necessary for the provider
to deploy HPs who are specialists in the specific conditions or impairments of the
individuals they are assessing. Instead, the focus is on ensuring that HPs are experts
in disability analysis, emphasising on the effects of health conditions and impairments
on the claimant's daily life.</p><p> </p><p>HPs can access a wide range of clinical
resources to research any conditions presented. This includes evidence-based protocols,
e-learning modules or case studies, as well as keeping knowledge up to date through
Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Both PIP providers have a condition insight
report on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and CPD modules
for their HPs on the condition.</p><p> </p><p>Claimants with ME/CFS are able to access
PIP in the same way as other people with long-term health conditions or disabilities.
DWP is committed to improving our services and works continuously with providers to
improve the assessment process. The Shaping Future Support: The Health and Disability
Green Paper, explored how the welfare system can better meet the needs of claimants
now and in the future, by improving claimant experience of our services, enabling
independent living, and improving employment outcomes. We are considering all the
responses to the Green Paper proposals and are considering what future policy changes
might look like. These will be set out in the White Paper later this year.</p>
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