Queen’s Speech: MPS responds to GMC on Law Commission Bill

Dr Nick Clements, Head of Medical Services at the Medical Protection Society said, 'Health regulation is complex and time should be taken to properly scrutinise the current arrangements, to prevent any rushed or ill-considered changes.

We oppose giving regulators such as the GMC the right to appeal fitness to practise decisions. It is reasonable that decisions of fitness to practise hearings can be reviewed but this role should only be performed by an independent body. It is unfair to give regulators the right to appeal their own decisions. The Professional Standards Authority (PSA) is best placed to perform this role and it would be unjust and costly for healthcare professionals if each panel decision could be reviewed and possibly lead to an appeal twice. This is a significant change that will set a precedent for other regulators and therefore should not be rushed through separately to the Law Commission proposals.

MPS supports the Law Commission Bill as a way of simplifying the current professional regulation; however this will only be fit for purpose if it is done carefully, with the interests of both patients and doctors in mind.'

Further information

For further information or to interview Dr Clements please contact Kim Watson, Media Relations Manager at MPS on +44 207 399 1409 or email [email protected]

Notes to Editor

1. General Medical Council's response to the Queen’s Speech: http://www.gmc-uk.org/news/24912.asp

2. To read more about MPS’s views on the Law Commission Bill click here