Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Reforming the General Medical Council legislative framework

24 March 2026 · Department of Health and Social Care

Proposed by Karin Smyth Lab Bristol South

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • A consultation is being launched by the General Medical Council to modernise healthcare professional regulation.
  • The draft General Medical Council Order 2026 aims to address inefficiencies and strengthen safeguards against racism and discrimination.
  • Certain roles will be renamed to enhance clarity for patients, as part of the proposed changes.

Issue summary

A consultation is being launched by the General Medical Council (GMC) to modernise healthcare professional regulation.

Action requested

The launch of a consultation on the draft General Medical Council Order 2026 aims to address inefficiencies and strengthen safeguards against racism and discrimination, as well as renaming certain roles to enhance clarity for patients. The government will finalise further recommendations from the Mann review in due course.

Key facts

  • Consultation launched by the General Medical Council (GMC).
  • Draft General Medical Council Order 2026 aims to tackle inefficiencies and strengthen safeguards.
  • Recommendations from the Law Commission in 2014 and responses to the Regulating Healthcare Professionals, Protecting the Public policy consultation in 2021 are reflected.
  • Noble Lord Mann’s review recommendations include strengthening PSA's appeal rights and allowing PSA to request revisions of fitness to practise decisions.
  • Leng review recommends renaming 'Physician Associate' to 'Physician Assistant' and 'Anaesthesia Associate' to 'Physician Assistant in Anaesthesia'.
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