Professional Regulation in the NHS

Professional regulation has long been an essential feature of the provision of a safe and effective health service to the general public. This topic covers the key areas of the role of the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) and its responsibilities in relation to the professional regulation for Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals, Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians and Doctors; plus related guidance around the Health and Care Professions Council, the GMC and National Clinical Assessment Service. The topic also covers the inclusion of the Voluntary Accreditation Register which enables professional bodies representing occupations not currently regulated by statute to volunteer to be assessed against the PSA standards for accreditation.

• Professional regulation involves having clear professional standards, transparent and fair procedures, and systems of registration and performance appraisal that ensure high standards and have the effect of maintaining public confidence and of increasing the protection of the public. What is Professional Regulation?

• The Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE) was created to provide a common framework for regulation across the professions. The Professional Standards Authority

• In 2002 the Nursing Midwifery Council (NMC) replaced the UK Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting and the four national boards. Regulating Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals

• The HPC issues each registrant with their own registration number and a certificate, which they should be able to make available to their employer or patients. Checking the Registration of a Practitioner

• The General Medical Council (GMC) is the formal body responsible for the regulation of doctors in the UK. Regulating Doctors

• In 2004 the GMC introduced a new complaints process for handling complaints against doctors received from employers, the public and patients. The GMC’s Complaints Process

• In order to be eligible to apply for a consultant post in the NHS doctors must be members of the GMC’s specialist register. The GMC’s Specialist Register

• There are some schemes, which place overseas doctors into UK specialist training without the need to compete for individual posts. Sponsorship and Non-competitive Entry to Training

• The GMC holds a register of doctors who are eligible to work in general practice in the Health Service in the UK (the GP Register). Regulating Primary Care Practitioners

• The GMC is responsible for undergraduate medical training including training for the pre-registration house officer year. Supervising Doctors in Training

• A code of conduct describes the core standards expected of NHS Managers. Code of Conduct for NHS Managers