DataFlow (primary source verification)
Also known as: DataFlow, PSV, primary source verification
Quick Answer
Primary source verification (PSV) confirms a clinician's qualifications, experience and licences directly with the institutions that issued them. DHA delegates it to a third-party verification agency, and names DataFlow in its own qualification requirements. A positive result is required before DHA registration.
A verification comes back as one of three results — Positive, Unable to Verify (UTV), or Discrepancy — and the appeal rights differ: a UTV result can be re-verified twice for the same document, a discrepancy result only once.
DHA accepts transferred PSV reports from the other UAE regulatory authorities (DOH, SHA and MOHAP) while reserving the right to request further verification, so a clinician already verified in another emirate should ask about transfer before paying for a fresh one. Documents generally requiring verification are qualifications, experience and employment, licence and registration documents, a logbook for physicians with surgical specialities, and good standing certificates.
Frequently asked questions
What is DataFlow and why does DHA need it?
Primary source verification confirms a clinician's qualifications, experience and licences directly with the institutions that issued them. DHA's manual says PSV is delegated to a third-party verification agency, and names DataFlow in its own qualification requirements. A positive result is required before DHA registration.
What happens if my DataFlow report comes back Unable to Verify?
An Unable to Verify result can be re-verified on appeal twice for the same document. A discrepancy result is different — that gets one appeal, not two.
Can I transfer my DataFlow report from Abu Dhabi or Sharjah to DHA?
DHA's manual states that it accepts transferred PSV reports from the other UAE regulatory authorities — DOH, SHA and MOHAP — while reserving the right to request further verification. Ask about transfer before paying for a fresh verification.
Which documents need primary source verification?
Qualification documents, experience and employment documents, licence and registration documents, a logbook for physicians with surgical specialities, good standing certificates, and exam exemption proof where the qualification requirements allow one.
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