GMC Regulation
GMC
Regulator
- The GMC ensures public safety by setting mandatory standards (e.g., Good Medical Practice) for conduct, performance, and ethics.
- It investigates serious concerns about PAs and AAs, taking appropriate action to protect the public, including warnings, restrictions, or removal of registration.
CMAPs
Professional Body
- CMAPs the professional body supports the profession by offering guidance, CPD opportunities, and advocating for the development of the role.
UMAPs
Union
- UMAPs, as a union, is dedicated to safeguarding its members’ rights, advocating for fair pay and working conditions, and providing legal representation.
- Alongside these efforts, UMAPs actively collaborates with professional bodies and stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of practice, ensuring both member welfare and patient safety remain central to its mission.
Key Differences
- The GMC ensures public safety by setting mandatory standards (e.g., Good Medical Practice) for conduct, performance, and ethics.
- It investigates serious concerns about PAs and AAs, taking appropriate action to protect the public, including warnings, restrictions, or removal of registration.
What the GMC Does NOT do
GMC’s Remit: The GMC does NOT handle matters like job roles, career progression, or salary. It’s focused on regulatory aspects, licensing, fitness to practise and professional standards.
Scope of Practice: The GMC does NOT establish the scope of practice for PAs and AAs. This is usually determined by employers, who are responsible for ensuring PAs and AAs are competent in their roles. The GMC sets initial entry standards for qualification but not for ongoing scope expansion.
Registration Details
- New Registration Number: PAs and AAs will receive a new registration number beginning with the letter “A” for Associates. This is distinct from doctors’ registration numbers. Having a registration number in itself does not mean you hold registration. Numbers are issued before you apply for registration.
- Dual Registration: PAs and AAs can maintain registration with other regulators, such as the HCPC or NMC, if applicable.
- Employer Reference Form: Must be filled out by the applicant and by their clinical supervisor, then signed by the supervisor, and dated within three months of the application.
- Registration Timeline: PAs on the voluntary register will receive an invitation to apply for registration in January. Those not on the voluntary registers can apply via the website but this will be slower because the GMC will need to carry out extra checks on qualification details. The time taken to process applications will vary depending on individual circumstances and GMC resourcing.
- Digital ID Check: Once all information is submitted and accepted, the final step in the application will be to complete a digital ID check. If that is successful, registration will be confirmed within five days.
Not on the voluntary register? Click HERE!
Indemnity and Insurance Declaration
- Declaration Requirement: The GMC requires you to confirm that you have appropriate indemnity or insurance coverage in place by the time you register.
- Coverage Details: The level of cover depends on your circumstances, including:
- Which UK country you practise in.
- Whether you work in a GP surgery, hospital, or private sector.
- Where to Get Advice: For guidance, consult:
- A medical defence organisation.
- A professional insurance or indemnity provider.
- Your employer or contracting organisation.
Registration Fees
- The registration fee for PAs and AAs is set to be formally approved by the GMC Council on 13th December
- PAs and AAs will have a flat fee structure, with a single registration fee and annual fee, each expected to be around £320 initially.
- As the true cost of regulating PAs and AAs becomes clearer over time, the GMC will keep the fees under review to understand if any adjustments are required
Prescribing Rights
- Prescribing: GMC registration does not cover prescribing rights for PAs and AAs.
- This would need to be approved by the UK government/ parliament instead NOT the GMC
- Any change would require new legislation.
PAs and AAs Cannot Use Prescribing Rights from a Previous Role
- From 13 December 2024, PAs and AAs cannot prescribe medicines using rights obtained from a previous regulated role. Prescribing rights are specific to the profession in which they were granted and cannot be transferred.
- Once registered with the GMC, any prescribing rights from a previous profession cannot be used, even if your employer locally agrees to it.
Ionising Radiation: Requirements for Registered PAs and AAs
Registered PAs and AAs can ONLY legally refer patients for ionising radiation as Non-Medical Referrers (NMRs). However, the process requires the following steps:
- Regulation and Registration: You must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) as a regulated professional.
- IRMER Training: Completion of Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IRMER) training is mandatory to understand the risks and responsibilities associated with ionising radiation.
- Employer Authorisation: Your employer must authorise you to act as a referrer, ensuring compliance with local governance protocols.
- Radiology Department Approval: The radiology department must also approve you as a referrer, determining the scope of what you can refer for and ensuring alignment with their internal policies. Anyone referring needs to understand the risks involved with ionising radiation.
- The British Institute of Radiology’s position statement outlines the training and governance requirements for NMRs. PAs and AAs may qualify to become NMRs after registering with the GMC.
International Practice
- Working Abroad: The GMC has no authority over regulators in other countries but can issue a Certificate of Good Standing, which some foreign regulators require.
If you require further information about regulation, please visit the GMCs PA and AA hub:
