General Medical Council announced as regulator for physician associates

The Department for Health and Social Care on behalf of the UK Governments, has today announced the General Medical Council (GMC) as the statutory regulator for physician associates (PAs).

The Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA) and the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) are delighted with the news as together with our members we have tirelessly campaigned for the profession’s regulation within the NHS following the initial planned announcement of regulation last October. 

Jeannie Watkins, FPA President said: 

“Today sees another significant milestone for the profession as we learn that the General Medical Council (GMC) has been chosen as the regulator for physician associates.”

“We are delighted the voices of the FPA, the RCP and those of our members have been heard. We look forward to working with the GMC, the Department of Health and Social Care and the governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and await a final timetable for regulation from them. The road to regulation has been a long time coming, we are now able to focus on ensuring that PAs can work to the full scope of their practice with professional credibility and public confidence”

Professor Donal O'Donoghue, RCP Registrar said:

“The RCP wholeheartedly welcomes the government’s long-awaited announcement that the General Medical Council (GMC) has been chosen as the regulator for physician associates (PAs).”

“Achieving statutory regulation for PAs has been an important policy priority for the RCP and the Faculty of Physician Associates. This will allow PAs to fulfil their potential and continue to support the wider NHS workforce and maintain high standards of patient care. Once regulation has been officially introduced, the next priority for the government should be to consult on prescribing rights for this vital profession.”

The naming of the regulator is a significant step forward and we look forward to working with the GMC to expedite the regulation process so that we can move forward to consult on prescribing responsibilities. 

For more information on the announcement from the Department of Health and Social Care, please visit https://dhscworkforce.crowdicity.com/hubbub/communitypage/78810