News: ISA urges doctors to register

28 September 2009

The Independent Safeguarding Authority's vetting and barring scheme is set to extend to the healthcare sector.

The scheme - from 12 October - will mean that people who are considered unsuitable to work with children and vulnerable adults will be placed on a barred list. The scheme applies to many professions, including doctors: all patients are classed as vulnerable, so most doctors will be required to register with the scheme. Registration will be phased in over five years beginning in July 2010.

Changes to the Medical Act will introduce a new category of impaired fitness to practise. We will now be notified by the ISA when a doctor has been barred and we will investigate under our fitness to practise procedures.

The GMC is working closely with the ISA and with the other healthcare regulators to plan for the changes. The scheme extends to England, Wales and Northern Ireland with a similar scheme covering Scotland taking effect in 2010.

The GMC will liaise with employers and the ISA to ensure doctors are kept up to date. For details of the scheme visit: www.isa-gov.org.uk.

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