Regulating doctors, ensuring good medical practice

213,000 doctors respond to GMC 'Licensing; it’s time to choose' campaign

Press Release

06 Nov 2009

Summary of the response to the GMC's Licensing campaign

The campaign and subsequent response we have had from doctors and employers has exceeded all expectations. We would like to thank all doctors who have let us know their decision and employers who have been so supportive of the changes.

Professor Peter Rubin, Chair of the GMC

Over 220,000 doctors were asked to respond to the Licensing; it’s time to choose campaign ahead of the biggest change to medical regulation in 150 years: the introduction of licensing on 16 November 2009. The campaign asked doctors to let the GMC know whether they required registration with or without a licence to practise.

In total, 97%, over 213,000 doctors, made their choice. 200,000 doctors have chosen to hold registration with a licence and 13,500 doctors have chosen to be registered without a licence. The minority of doctors who have not let the GMC know their decision will be granted a licence when licensing is introduced on 16 November 2009.

From 16 November 2009, in order to practise medicine in the UK, a doctor will have to be registered with the GMC and hold a licence to practise. The GMC has undertaken extensive work with employers to ensure there is no disruption to the health service as a result of this change, ensuring that there will be a smooth transition to licensing. 

Doctors need do nothing more. Letters have been sent to all doctors who have responded to the campaign to confirming their decisions and that their registration will be updated on 16 November to reflect whether or not they hold a licence to practise. This will also be shown on our website.

Professor Peter Rubin, Chair of the GMC said:

 “The campaign and subsequent response we have had from doctors and employers has exceeded all expectations. We would like to thank all doctors who have let us know their decision and employers who have been so supportive of the changes.

“The introduction of licensing on the 16 November is the first practical step towards the introduction of revalidation. The first revalidations are likely to begin in 2011 and will mean that all doctors are regularly demonstrating to the GMC that their skills and knowledge are up to date to do the job they do.”

For further information on licensing please visit the GMC website www.gmc-uk.org or email licensing@gmc-uk.org