At last! Modernisation of doctors’ regulation underway
A consultation and draft legislation giving the GMC powers to regulate physician associates and anaesthesia associates is being hailed as a welcome first step in modernising doctors’ regulation.
The thumbs-up to the planned change was given by the Medical Defence Union (MDU), although it expressed disappointment that this would mean initially a two-tier system of regulation, with doctors regulated differently under the existing but outdated regime.
Dr Hugh Stewart
Dr Hugh Stewart, MDU professional services director, said: ‘We will be examining the new proposals very closely because this will be a template for the modern regulatory system which will eventually be put in place for doctors.
‘Meanwhile, that has been delayed until 2024-5 at the earliest, when originally it was promised doctors would be at the front of the queue to benefit.’
Last year, the MDU co-ordinated a letter with other medical leaders to the health secretary, calling on the Government not to delay fundamental reforms needed to modernise the GMC’s processes.
Dr Stewart added: ‘The Department has said that reforming the GMC’s wider regulatory framework for doctors remains a key priority. We urge them to urgently publish the legislation needed to modernise doctors’ regulation.
‘A fitness-to-practise process is one of the most stressful experiences a doctor can have in their career, and current legislation is crying out for change.’
The GMC said its extended powers were welcome and would not only maximise the contribution of physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs) to the workforce but would act as ‘the blueprint for the future regulation of doctors and other health professionals’.
Chief executive Charlie Massey said: ‘AAs and PAs are a vital part of the health workforce and we appreciate the value they add to the UK’s health services. Regulation will improve the quality and consistency of AA/PA education, enhance professionalism and strengthen public protection.
‘The new legislation will serve as a template for the future reform of regulatory framework for other healthcare professionals, including doctors, and will enable us to be a more effective, relevant and compassionate regulator in the years ahead’.
Mr Massey added that it was nearly 40 years since the legislation which underpinned how the GMC operated was introduced, and reform was long overdue.
‘Our current legislation is complex, overly prescriptive and slow to adapt to change. We are currently developing our response to the consultation and would encourage stakeholders to take part and share their views.’