The regulation of medical associate professionals
In 2017, the government sought views on proposals to reform the regulation of healthcare professionals and to introduce statutory regulation for anaesthesia associates (AAs) and physician associates (PAs). The consultation response was published today (11 December).
The Department of Health and Social Care consulted on the draft legislation from February to May 2023, and will lay the AA and PA Order (AAPAO) in Westminster and the Scottish Parliament in the coming days.
This now means that by the end of 2024, AAs and PAs should be subject to statutory regulation.
We welcome the laying of legislation on regulation to parliament, this is the next step in the process for Pas and AAs to become regulated by the General Medical Council (GMC).
Danny Mortimer, Chief Executive, NHS Employers and Professor Andrew Goddard, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Royal Derby Hospital commented:
“All parts of the NHS share a desire to improve patient safety and effective teamwork, and mutual respect is an essential part of this endeavour. The move to statutory regulation by the end of 2024 is a significant and very welcome development that helps address the concerns expressed by some medical colleagues and by MAPs themselves.
“At the same time, statutory regulation is not a replacement for proper oversight, direction and governance within individual employers. We look forward to working with employers, regulators, trade unions and professional bodies to ensure that MAPs receive adequate support in their workplaces alongside the establishment of statutory regulation.”
The NHS has seen the emergence of new professional roles working within multidisciplinary teams as part of a continuing drive to provide safe, accessible and high-quality care for patients across the UK. These professions, including PAs and AAs, are part of multidisciplinary teams, and practice across the UK to complement the work of doctors.
PAs have been working in the UK for 20 years and AAs for a little less. They are central to the government’s commitment to develop a more effective, strong and expanding clinical workforce to meet future need.
The proposed reforms can be split into four key areas:
- governance and operating framework
- education and training
- registration
- fitness to practise.
Regulation is expected to begin in the second half of 2024.
If you require any further information or have a query please contact our team.
Further information
Access further resources and information about the medical associate professions (MAPs), what the roles are, how they work and resources to support employers.
