Revalidation - New legislative proposals
The introduction of revalidation represents the biggest change to medical regulation in 150 years. Implementing this change requires significant updating of the legislative framework within which the GMC operates.
Medical Act 1983
The Medical Act 1983 provides the legal basis for everything that we do. It gives the GMC specific powers and duties to carry out its functions.
This includes our powers and duties in relation to licensing and revalidation.
Some of the changes to the Act necessary for the introduction of licensing and revalidation are contained in amending legislation that has been approved by Parliament.
Health and Social Care Act 2008
Our plans for revalidation are also affected by the Health and Social Care Act 2008 which received Royal Assent on 24 July 2008.
The Act deals with a wide range of issues, many of which are unconnected with medical regulation.
However, it also includes provisions for the creation of 'responsible officers' (usually Medical Directors) within local healthcare organisations who will have specific powers in relation to the delivery of revalidation processes at a local level, including making recommendations to the GMC about doctors' revalidation.