Supporting PAs and AAs with preparation for regulation
Use this web page for information on the process of registration for physician associates (PAs) and anaesthetic associates (AAs) and how employers can support their staff to apply when regulation beings.
Preparing for regulation
The General Medical Council (GMC) will legally commence regulations of AAs and PAs on 13 December 2024 with registration opening from the 16 December 2024.
Regulation is a vital step towards strengthening both patient safety and public trust of these professions and will help provide assurance that PAs and AAs have the right level of education and training, meet the standards expected of regulated professions and can be held to account if concerns are raised.
Supporting your PAs and AAs to register
Employers should inform their AAs and PAs currently on the MVR to wait until receiving their invitation to register. Employers are also asked to encourage those PAs and AAs not on the MVR to apply directly with the GMC as soon as possible.
When PAs and AAs apply for registration, they will need to provide a range of evidence to demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviour needed to provide safe patient care. This will include an employer reference and an insurance and indemnity declaration.
Employers should support AAs and PAs in their application by ensuring AAs, PAs and their supervisors are aware of and prepared for this requirement.
As part of the application process you may be asked to provide an employer reference on behalf of AA or PA colleagues. Guidance on how to complete this can be found here.
Regulation and employment
The Faculty of Physician Associates and the Royal College of Anaesthetists have confirmed that they will maintain a searchable version of their individuals MVRs until 31 March 2025.
When regulation starts on the 13 December 2024, there will be a two-year transition period before it becomes an offence to practice as a PA or AA without GMC registration.
This transition period is designed to allow PAs and AAs to complete all of the necessary steps for registration. All PAs and AAs however are strongly advised to apply to join the register as early as possible.
