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Reforming the General Medical Council legislative framework
24 March 2026
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department of Health and Social Care
At a Glance
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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