Physician associates: Consultation launched on regulation

We will be responding to the GMC’s consultation on how it regulates physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs) and would encourage our members and all doctors to complete it.

It is of concern that despite the clear and urgent need the GMC is not intending to set out any scope, education or competency standards.

You may ask what then are they proposing to regulate?

Our position remains that PAs and AAs have a role in assisting doctors provide good, safe medical care but they are not substitutes for doctors of GPs. We support their regulation, but not by the GMC, which will create further confusion for patients.

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