The proposed framework for regulation of physician associates is ‘not fit for purpose’, says DAUK chair Ms Helen Fernandes.
The General Medical Council (GMC) will begin regulating physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs) from tomorrow (Friday 13 December).
Registration for PAs and AAs will open from Monday (16 December). A small number will receive an invitation to apply for registration before the end of December.
All PAs and AAs on existing voluntary registers will receive their invitations by the end of January.
Not fit for purpose
Ms Fernandes said huge concerns still remained about the proposed regulation framework for physician associates.
She said: “While regulation of any health professional is welcome, it is only as good as the nature of the regulation.
“We urge the GMC to address the concerns raised by DAUK, royal colleges, BMA and swathes of the medical profession.
“The proposed framework for regulation is not fit for purpose and will not protect patients.
“Nor will it protect doctors, who the GMC hold responsible for the supervision of PAs and AAs, often when they are not necessarily able, aware, or at times appropriate.
“We’ve always said that PAs and AAs are and can be valuable members of the healthcare team, but only when their role is compatible with their non-medical training and knowledge, and when appropriately placed by their employer.
“Their employer should ensure they are supervised and those that are supervising and responsible have full knowledge of the same.”
Physician associates
Ms Fernandes also responded to ‘misleading information’ about the historic role of PAs in the NHS
She said: “PAs in their current form have not been in the NHS for 20 years.
“Misleading information about this and belittling concerns about the roles of PAs and AAs by alleging that doctors are being protectionist or outwardly toxic in the social media space is disingenuous.
“It does not address the real concerns that we will continue to voice in the name of patient safety.”
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