The Disciplinary Framework for Doctors and Dentists

This topic includes the following:

• The Principles of the Disciplinary Framework

• Action When a Concern Arises

• Restriction of Practice and Exclusion From Work

• Conduct Hearings and Disciplinary Procedures

• Allegations of Criminal Acts

• Agreeing Terms for Settlement on Termination of Employment

• Procedures for Dealing with Issues of Capability

• Handling Concerns About a Practitioner's Health

• Respective Roles of the Employer, the GMC, the NCAS and the BMA.

Doctors' and dentists' performance must be managed, just like any other member of staff. Where a doctor's or a dentist's performance, conduct or capability is unsatisfactory or places patients or colleagues at risk, then he or she should be subject to a disciplinary procedure.

• The main procedures relating to the performance management of doctors and dentists in the National Health Service (NHS) are contained within the Directions on Disciplinary Procedures 2005. The Principles of the Disciplinary Framework

• If a concern is raised about a doctor's or dentist's conduct or capability, the employer must report this to the chief executive who will initiate an investigation. Action When a Concern Arises

• If a doctor's performance, conduct or health places patients at risk, the employer should consider exclusion from work during a period of investigation. Restriction of Practice and Exclusion from Work

• The National Clinical Assessment Service (NCAS) must be consulted before an employer takes action to formally exclude a doctor from the workplace. Formal Exclusion

• If a doctor has an illness that is putting patients at risk, the employer must involve the occupational health service. Handling Concerns About a Practitioner's Health

• The distinction between personal and professional conduct has been abolished and issues that may previously have been dealt with under professional conduct procedures may now be dealt with within the employer's local disciplinary procedures. Conduct Hearings and Disciplinary Procedures

• Expert clinical advisors must play a key role in capability panels. The Formal Capability Panel

• The management of medical performance is a complex task that potentially involves interaction between a number of different bodies. Respective Roles of the Employer, the GMC, the NCAS and the BMA