Overview

This bill aims to regulate physician associates in the UK, establishing a formal register, a code of conduct, and licensing procedures overseen by the General Medical Council (GMC). It also makes "physician associate" a protected title, preventing unauthorized use.

Description

The bill designates the GMC as the regulatory body for physician associates. Key responsibilities include:

• Maintaining a register of qualified physician associates.
• Issuing licenses to practice.
• Establishing and enforcing a code of conduct.
• Overseeing training, qualifications, and examinations.
• Creating guidelines on the physician associate role.

The bill also creates an offence for falsely claiming to be a registered physician associate. It empowers the GMC to set standards for qualifications, training, and continuing professional development (CPD). A report from the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA) will assess the costs and benefits of regulation and the possibility of physician associates prescribing medication and using ionizing radiation. The bill will establish the process of rules and regulations and how these will be approved. The bill will apply to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. However, costs will be incurred by the GMC for administering the register, licensing, and enforcement, as well as the PSA for its report. The exact amount will depend on the number of physician associates and the scope of the regulatory activities.

Groups Affected

• Physician Associates: Will be subject to regulation, licensing, and a code of conduct; this may involve fees for registration and licensing.
• General Medical Council (GMC): Takes on the responsibility of regulating physician associates, requiring resources and staffing.
• Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA): Responsible for producing a report on the regulation and will incur costs doing so.
• Patients: Should benefit from increased assurance of physician associate competency and professional standards.
• Employers of Physician Associates: Will need to ensure their physician associates meet the regulatory requirements.

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