The regulation of these additional professions follows 5 years of collaboration between the GMC and various organisations, after the Department of Health and Social Care asked the GMC to take on this role.
Both PAs and AAs usually start out as health professionals or university graduates with biomedical science or life science degrees. They then complete two years of further education and training to gain qualifications in their respective fields. They are not doctors.
PAs are part of a multidisciplinary team. They are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of a doctor. AAs also work under the supervision of a doctor, providing care for patients during and after their operation or procedure.
As of Monday 16 December 2024, PAs and AAs can now apply for registration with the GMC. It is understood that initially a small number of individuals already on the voluntary register will be invited to apply for registration in December 2024, with this extended to all on the voluntary registers by the end of January 2025. Registration of all PAs and AAs in the UK will be mandatory within 2 years, by December 2026. The regulation of these professions has necessitated the formation of rules, standards and guidance for how the GMC will regulate PAs and AAs, with regard to education and training, registration, standards and fitness to practise.
The GMC’s published Good Medical Practice which sets out the principles, values and standards of behaviour expected of all doctors registered with the GMC, has also now been updated to include reference to PAs and AAs. Paragraph 101 of GMP states “You must make sure that you have appropriate and adequate insurance or indemnity that covers the full scope of your practice. You should keep your level of cover under regular review.”
Upon application for registration, the applicant will require to have in place by the time they begin to practise, an appropriate indemnity arrangement and / or insurance policy.
Charlie Massey, Chief Executive of the GMC commented:
“Regulation will help provide assurance to patients, employers, and colleagues that PAs and AAs have the right level of education and training to meet our registration requirements; that they can meet the professional standards we expect of those we regulate; and can be held to account if serious concerns are raised.”
As at December 2024, accordingly to the GMC, there are estimated to be around 5,000 PAs and 200 AAs in the UK.
© 2024 BTO Solicitors LLP | V.A.T. No: 260371482 | All rights reserved.
Stay informed
