What happens after the assessment?

An independent report will be produced by any health examiners that have assessed you.

The reports cover:

• a diagnosis using an internationally recognised classification system (ICD10 or DSM5)
• whether you are fit to practise either generally, on a limited basis, or not at all
• any recommendations on how to manage the impact of an identified health concern on your ability to practise safely. 

Recommendations may include allocating a medical supervisor to report on your progress, or attending a support group to deal with substance use disorder.

If you disagree with the reports, you can get your own report and submit it as evidence. We consider all evidence before making a decision about your investigation.

What is the report used for?

If you’re a doctor, two of our senior decision makers (one medical and one non-medical) will decide how to progress your investigation. They can decide to:

• conclude the case with no further action
• refer to the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service for a medical practitioners tribunal hearing
• agree undertakings with you
• issue a warning except where the issue relates solely to a doctor's health.

If you're a physician associate (PA) or an anaesthesia associate (AA), the outcome of your assessment will be considered by a senior decision maker, who can decide to:

• conclude the matter with no further action, or
• refer the matter to our Case Examiners to consider whether regulatory action is required.

The report is confidential and we do not share it with any of your employers. It may be used at any subsequent tribunal hearings but those parts of the hearing which relate to your health are held in private without press or public present. All information about your health is removed from the minutes which are published on our website and is not disclosed elsewhere.