Overview

This bill amends the rules governing how the General Medical Council (GMC) handles allegations of misconduct against doctors. It removes a time limit on when such allegations can be considered, allowing the GMC to investigate past actions regardless of when they occurred.

Description

The General Medical Council (Fitness to Practise) Rules (Amendment) Bill removes a time limit on the GMC's ability to investigate allegations of misconduct against medical practitioners. Currently, there's a restriction on when allegations can be considered. This bill removes Rule 4(5) of the 2004 Fitness to Practise Rules and Section 35CC(5)(a) of the 1983 Medical Act, eliminating this time limit. This means the GMC can now investigate allegations no matter how long ago the events occurred. The bill also grants the Secretary of State the power to create further regulations to support these changes, allowing for necessary transitional provisions.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly impact government spending. The cost implications are likely minimal, primarily related to potential administrative changes within the GMC to accommodate the removal of the time limit on investigating allegations. No specific figures have been provided.

Groups Affected

This bill will primarily affect:

• Medical practitioners: They are subject to potential investigation for past actions, regardless of how long ago they occurred.
• The General Medical Council (GMC): The GMC will have a broadened scope of responsibility and potentially an increased workload.
• Patients: Patients who experienced past harm may now have a path to redress through the GMC, even if the events occurred years prior.

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