Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure clear national standards on the scope of practice and supervision of Physician Associates and Anaesthesia Associates.

The Government accepted all 18 recommendations of the independent review of physician associate and anaesthesia associate roles published in July 2025, with implementation subject to consultation and further work where required. The Department is now working with NHS England and system partners to implement them.

The review recommended clearer national parameters, including the development of national clinical protocols to define when and how these roles should be deployed, alongside nationally defined initial job descriptions and clear supervision arrangements, including a named senior doctor responsible for oversight.

Implementation is being taken forward through a joint programme between the Department and NHS England, which includes an Implementation Oversight Group chaired by Professor Gillian Leng. Progress includes work to develop national clinical protocols, a consultation on role titles, and work on pathways for career development and progression.

The Department continues to work closely with system partners to ensure these roles are deployed safely and effectively as part of multidisciplinary teams.