Public And Regulatory Law Group Alert: January 2013

Introduction

Happy New Year and welcome to the first PRG alerter for 2013. This year is set to bring in changes across a number of regulatory areas following the introduction of revalidation for doctors in December, and a number of regulators consulting on changes to their regulatory regimes.

In terms of case law from December, the Court decided in favour of two doctors upon whom interim suspension orders were imposed. In both Patel and Houshian, the allegations concerned issues around dishonesty and probity and neither doctor was facing allegations in relation to their clinical practice. See below for further details.

Regulatory news

Health and social care

GMC - Regular checks for doctors begin: Revalidation, a new system of checks to ensure the fitness to practise of doctors has now come into force. The process will include annual appraisals and feedback from patients and colleagues. Doctors will be required to revalidate every five years in order to retain their license to practise. Further information is available here

Health Select Committee 2012 accountability report on GMC

The Health Select Committee has published its annual accountability report on the General Medical Council and describes it as an 'effective' organisation. The report highlights progress made by the GMC in key areas, including the new impartial tribunal service. To read the report in full please click here

Professional Standards of Nursing & Midwifery This article from Personnel Today explores how standards for Nursing & Midwifery can be achieved and also investigates the introduction of revalidation for nurses and midwives, planned for 2015. It also considers the professional requirements and competencies required to meet the necessary standards. To view the article click here

GOsC starts consultation process on consensual disposal

The General Osteopathic Council is undergoing a consultation process in relation to consensual disposal of certain fitness to practise cases. It would allow cases to be concluded by agreement at the end of the investigation stage, as an alternative to referral for a hearing in circumstances where an admonishment is considered appropriate. The GOsC invites views on this proposal - for further information on this consultation and to respond please click here

GPhC responds to BBC investigation The General Pharmaceutical Council has responded to an investigation by BBC Inside Out London which alleged that some pharmacies had illegally sold prescription drugs without a prescription. The Council has announced it is working with the...