Promoting Professionalism, Reforming Regulation

(Limited Text - Ministerial Extracts only)

Tuesday 9th July 2019 Written Statements

[The Minister for Health (Stephen Hammond)]

Today I am publishing the Government response to the consultation “Promoting professionalism, reforming regulation”.

“Promoting professionalism, reforming regulation” set out proposals to make professional regulation faster, simpler and more responsive to the needs of patients, professionals, the public and employers.

We will take forward legislative changes to the regulators’ fitness to practise processes and operating framework. We believe that this will realise the greatest benefits for regulatory bodies, registrants and the public.

These changes will deliver:

Modern and efficient fitness to practise processes;

Better supported professionals; and

More responsive and accountable regulation.

We will also make the legislative changes recommended by the Williams review into gross negligence manslaughter in healthcare, including removing the General Medical Council’s right to appeal decisions made by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service.

These changes are a real step forward in delivering on our manifesto commitment to reform and rationalise the current outdated system of professional regulation of healthcare professions.

In developing our response, we have reflected on and responded to the findings of a number of recent reports, including the NHS long-term plan and the interim people plan.

The consultation received over 900 responses from individuals, organisations, healthcare professionals and members of the public. I would like to thank all those who took the time to respond to the consultation. Their views will be instrumental in shaping the future of professional regulation in the UK.

The UK and devolved Governments will now work together to develop and then consult on draft legislation.

[HCWS1701]