The Federal Council of Medicine (CFM) is promoting an important innovation in the issuing of medical certificates in Brazil: Atesta CFM, a digital platform that aims to bring more security and practicality to the issuing, validation and control of these documents. As of 5 November, doctors across the country can start issuing certificates through this platform. Although use of the system is initially optional, it will become mandatory on 5 March, when certificates issued by other means will be considered invalid.

In this article, we'll understand how Atesta CFM works, the benefits for different audiences and how companies, doctors and patients can adapt to this novelty.

What Is CFM Attestation and Why Was It Created?

The Atesta CFM platform was developed by the Federal Council of Medicine to combat fraud and falsification of medical certificates, which generate significant losses for companies and also for the healthcare system. Falsifying certificates is a common problem, and the CFM decided to implement a tool that allows greater control and traceability of the documents issued, offering more security for both the doctor and the patient.

Through this platform, doctors can issue digitally signed electronic certificates, which eliminates the need for physical documents and reduces the risk of forgery. In addition, the platform centralises the history of certificates, allowing secure and practical access to documents by doctors, companies and patients.

How does Atesta CFM work?

The Atesta CFM platform is relatively simple and accessible to doctors, companies and patients. The platform has already been available for consultation since September, so that everyone can familiarise themselves with the functionalities. In November, doctors will be able to issue certificates optionally, and the obligation will come into force on 5 March.

To issue the certificate, the doctor must be registered in the system and issue the document with their digital certificate. Once issued, the certificate is registered on the platform and can be accessed by the patient online or via an app. The patient can also authorise the doctor to send the document directly to the company, speeding up the process and guaranteeing the document's authenticity.

In addition, Atesta CFM makes it possible to issue paper certificates using a special booklet with a QR code linked to the professional's CRM. In this way, even paper certificates are guaranteed to be authentic, as the QR code allows the document to be validated by the platform.

What are the benefits of Atesta CFM?

The implementation of Atesta CFM brings benefits for doctors, patients and companies, such as:

• For doctorsThe system allows certificates to be issued quickly and securely, eliminating the need for physical documents. In addition, the registration of digital documents reduces the chance of forgery, providing greater protection for the professional.
• For PatientsPatients will be able to access their certificates online and authoritatively, with easy consultation via mobile phone or internet. This also facilitates the storage and history of certificates, as all the information is available on the platform.
• For companiesThe platform guarantees greater security in the verification of certificates, allowing companies to validate documents digitally and more quickly. This reduces the time spent processing documents and brings more reliability to the occupational health control process.

Adapting to the New System: What Do Companies Need to Do?

For companies, Atesta CFM represents a change in the way they receive and validate medical certificates. As of March, it will be essential for human resources departments to be prepared to use the platform. Some recommended actions include:

1. Team training: Train HR staff so that they are familiar with how Atesta CFM works and know how to access and validate the documents issued on the platform.
2. Updating Internal ProceduresReview and adapt the attestation control procedures to include Atesta CFM, ensuring that all documents are duly registered.
3. Internal communicationInform employees about the new rules and how they can access their certificates via the platform, in order to avoid confusion.
4. Data SecurityAdopt measures to ensure data privacy and security, especially in compliance with the General Data Protection Act (LGPD).

Data Security and Confidentiality

A central concern in the implementation of Atesta CFM is the security of patient data. The platform uses advanced encryption to protect information from unauthorised access and meets the security and confidentiality standards established by the LGPD. In addition, the use of a digital certificate ensures that only the doctor responsible can issue the document, eliminating the risk of forgery.

Impact on the Health Sector and the Working Environment

With Atesta CFM, the CFM hopes to reduce fraud associated with medical certificates and make the workplace safer and more transparent. For companies, the platform represents a way of ensuring that certificates are valid, reducing false absenteeism and improving occupational health management.

This measure therefore not only combats counterfeiting, but also helps to promote transparency and accountability among healthcare professionals, creating a more trustworthy environment for employers and employees.

Frequently Asked Questions about Atesta CFM

To clear up the main doubts about the platform, we've put together some common questions:

• Who can access Atesta CFM? Doctors, companies and patients all have access to the platform, but companies can only access it online, while doctors and patients can also use the app for mobile devices.
• Is the digital certificate secure? Yes, Atesta CFM uses cryptography and digital signatures to guarantee the authenticity and security of the documents issued.
• What happens if the doctor doesn't use the Atesta CFM after 5 March? From that date, the use of the platform will be compulsory and certificates issued by other means will be invalidated.

Tips for a Smooth Transition to CFM Attestation

For doctors and companies, adapting to Atesta CFM will be easier with a few recommended practices:

1. Get to know the platformDoctors should explore the platform before it becomes compulsory, ensuring familiarity with the process of issuing and validating documents.
2. Integrate the Process into the Daily WorkflowFor companies, integrating the platform into the document verification process will help speed up adaptation.
3. Stay up to date on the rulesThe CFM and other authorities may update the rules for using the platform, so it is essential to stay informed of changes.
4. Use the App for SpeedThe Atesta CFM app, available soon, will be a practical tool for quickly accessing and validating certificates.

How TWS Consultancy Can Help

TWS Consultoria offers specialised support for companies wishing to adapt to Atesta CFM and ensure compliance with the new requirements for issuing medical certificates. Our team can help with

• Training and OrientationWe prepare your HR team to use the platform efficiently and safely.
• Compliance with the LGPDWe ensure that the storage of and access to certificates complies with data protection regulations.
• Process OptimisationWe have revised your certificate control processes to ensure a smooth and effective adaptation to the new system.

Conclusion

The implementation of Atesta CFM is an important step towards modernising and making more secure the process of issuing and validating medical certificates in Brazil. As of 5 March, use of the platform will be mandatory, and both doctors and companies will need to be prepared for this change. TWS Consultoria is available to help your company understand and implement Atesta CFM, promoting efficient adaptation and ensuring compliance with the rules.

You can count on our expertise for a smooth transition and to ensure that your company is always compliant with best practices and regulations