GMC welcomes important step towards bringing anaesthesia associates and physician associates into regulation

Published 17 February 2023

The Department of Health and Social Care has today launched a public consultation on draft new legislation that will allow the GMC to regulate anaesthesia associates (AAs) and physician associates (PAs). We welcome this important step; not only will it maximise PA and AAs’ contribution to the workforce, but it will also serve as the blueprint for the future regulation of doctors and other health professionals.

Charlie Massey, Chief Executive of the GMC said:

‘We welcome the publication of the Anaesthesia Associate and Physician Associates Order consultation, which is an important step towards bringing anaesthesia associates and physician associates into regulation.

‘AAs and PAs are a vital part of the health workforce and we appreciate the value they add to the UK’s health services. Regulation will improve the quality and consistency of AA/PA education, enhance professionalism and strengthen public protection.

‘The new legislation will serve as a template for the future reform of regulatory framework for other healthcare professionals, including doctors, and will enable us to be a more effective, relevant and compassionate regulator in the years ahead.

‘It’s been nearly 40 years since the legislation which underpins how we operate was introduced, and reform is long overdue. Our current legislation is complex, overly prescriptive and slow to adapt to change.

‘We are currently developing our response to the consultation and would encourage stakeholders to take part and share their views.’

Further information is available on our page about regulatory reform.

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About us

The General Medical Council (GMC) works to protect the public by setting, upholding and raising the standards of medical education and practice across the UK.

It does this by:
- setting the standards doctors must follow, making sure they continue to meet these standards throughout their careers
- deciding which doctors are qualified to work here, and overseeing UK medical education and training
- taking action if a doctor is putting the safety of patients, or the public’s confidence in doctors, at risk.
The GMC is independent of government and the medical profession, and accountable to the UK Parliament.

It is in the public interest to have healthcare systems in the UK, both public and private, where doctors practise to the highest ethical and professional standards to provide the best possible, safe medical care.

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GMC welcomes important step towards bringing anaesthesia associates and physician associates into regulation