GMC publishes interim standards for PAs and AAs

AN interim standards guidance document for physician associates and anaesthesia associates has been published in advance of future regulation with the GMC.

In 2019 the Department of Health and Social Care, with the support of the four UK governments, asked the GMC to regulate PAs and AAs.

The GMC says this guidance has been made available now to give PAs, AAs, and students time to familiarise themselves with the GMC requirements and will also help to foster general understanding of the roles within the public, employers and other members of the healthcare team.

The guidance has been developed with input from the Faculty of Physician Associates, Royal College of Physicians, Association of Anaesthesia Associates, Royal College of Anaesthetists, as well as individual PAs, AAs, students and doctors. It will come into effect when legislation to implement broader reforms to healthcare professional regulation has been passed by the UK parliament.

Dr John Holden, chief medical officer at MDDUS, has welcomed the publication of interim guidance. He commented: "While this is an interim measure, the publication is timely and will allow PAs and AAs prepare now for the changes they are likely to see and feel as their professions are brought under the GMC’s remit.

"MDDUS is currently working closely with the GMC as it reviews Good Medical Practice (GMP) as a whole.

"Until the regulator decides whether it will issue a separate version of GMP for PAs and AAs, this interim version will make a useful reference for both groups."

MDDUS have offered membership to PAs for nearly a decade and as regulation of this group and AAs draws nearer, we will continue to review our professional services in support of existing and future members from these groups in response.

Link: Good medical practice: interim standards for physician associates and anaesthesia associates