A CONSULTATION on new draft legislation that will allow the GMC to regulate anaesthesia associates (AAs) and physician associates (PAs) has been launched by the The Department of Health and Social Care.
The GMC says it welcomes this “important step” as it will “maximise” PA and AAs’ contribution to the workforce and also serve as the blueprint for the future regulation of doctors and other health professionals.
The Government says the legislative provisions have been drafted on the basis of detailed policy proposals set out in its response to the Regulating healthcare professionals, protecting the public consultation.
The new provisions are intended to bring AAs and PAs into regulation and also to pave the way for full scale reform of the regulatory frameworks of all the healthcare professional regulators.
Charlie Massey, Chief Executive of the GMC 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.
"It’s been nearly 40 years since the legislation which underpins how we operate was introduced, and reform is 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."
The consultation closes at on 16 May 2023 and can be access here
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