Regulating doctors, ensuring good medical practice

IOP and FTP hearings

This page provides information about the roles of Interim Order Panel (IOP) hearings and Fitness to Practise (FTP) hearings.

IOP

Cases should be referred to the IOP where the doctor faces allegations of such a nature that

  • it may be necessary for the protection of members of the public, or
  • it may be in the public interest or
  • in the interests of the doctor

for the doctor's registration to be restricted whilst the allegations are resolved.

Interim Orders Panels are managed and supported by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service.

Read more about IOP hearings

FTP

The Fitness to Practise Panel hears evidence and decides whether a doctor’s fitness to practise is impaired.

Fitness to Practise Panel hearings are the final stage of our procedures following a complaint about a doctor.

Fitness to Practise Panels are managed and supported by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service.

Read more about FTP hearings