The three stages of the hearing

This page provides information about our Fitness to Practise hearing process. It is part of our online guidance about hearings, called Information for Doctors.

Contents

• Outline of the three stages
• Hearings flowchart
• Stage 1 - Findings of fact
• Stage 2 – Impairment
  • 'No impairment’ outcome: consideration given to issuing a warning
  • ‘Impairment’ outcome
• Stage 3 – Sanction
  • Personal mitigation and testimonial evidence
  • Possible sanctions
  • Public interest
  • Indicative Sanctions Guidance for Fitness to Practise Panels
• Review hearings
• Immediate orders