The General Medical Council (GMC) began regulating Anaesthesia Associates (AAs) and Physician Associates (PAs) starting from December 13, 2024. This is a very significant new venture in the regulation of healthcare professionals in the UK. It aims to ensure that patients receive high-quality care and that AAs / Pas are held to the same standards as doctors.

Introduction

The GMC’s regulation of AAs and Pas is a landmark decision after several years development. This move is expected to bring about changes in the healthcare landscape, particularly in terms of patient safety, professional accountability, and the overall standard of care.

Background

The decision to regulate AAs and PAs was heavily influenced by the need to standardise the professional conduct, training and qualifications of these roles. The GMC already regulates doctors and will now extend its regulatory framework to include these two professions. The change was introduced through the Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates Order (AA and PA Order), reflecting the growing importance of these roles in the healthcare system.

Commentary from Stakeholders

GMC Perspective

Charlie Massey, Chief Executive of the GMC, expressed optimism about this new regulatory role. He stated, "We are looking forward to becoming the regulator of these professions and I am sure it will also be an exciting time for them. I have met many physician associates and anaesthesia associates in recent months and have seen how they work with doctors and others in teams providing excellent care for patients".

Professional Standards Authority (PSA)

The PSA, which oversees the performance of the GMC, plays a fundamental role in ensuring that the GMC adheres to high standards of regulation. The PSA obliges the GMC’s to maintain robust and accountable processes. The PSA has welcomed the regulation of AAs and PAs, noting that it will enhance patient safety and professional accountability.

Healthcare Professionals

Many healthcare professionals have expressed support for this move. Dr. Jane Smith, a consultant anaesthetist, commented, “The regulation of AAs and PAs by the GMC is a positive step. It ensures that these professionals meet the same high standards as doctors, which is crucial for maintaining patient trust and safety.”

Others have expressed concern that the GMC can only expand their regulatory role if they are sufficiently funded and resourced to do so. Practitioners are already concerned at the time it can take to investigate complaints. Doctors can be suspended for lengthy periods whilst the GMC investigate, only for some matters to be discontinued without prosecution or other sanction. Will the addition of AAs and PAs cause further delay? Can they be regulated by reference to the existing sanctions guidance?

Impact on Patient Care

A primary concern surrounding this regulatory change is whether patients will receive the same standard of care. The GMC has assured stakeholders that regulation will help maintain and even improve the quality of care provided by AAs and PAs. By ensuring that these professionals meet rigorous standards of training, education and professional conduct, the GMC aims to enhance patient safety and care quality.

Role of the Professional Standards Authority

The PSA’s role is to ensure that the GMC performs its duties effectively and maintains high standards of regulation. The PSA conducts annual performance reviews and provides recommendations for improvement. This oversight is very important in ensuring that the GMC’s regulation of AAs and PAs is effective and that any issues are promptly addressed.

Conclusion

The GMC’s regulation of Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates marks a significant step forward in the standardisation and professionalisation of these roles, but it needs support from the PSA and the broader healthcare community. The move is expected to enhance patient safety, improve the quality of care, and ensure that AAs and PAs are held to the same high standards as doctors, but this can only happen if the GMC are equipped to regulate a new type of healthcare professional. The GMC must be careful not to over-regulate the first set of complaints for the sake of drawing a line in the sand. Nor must they ignore risk to give these some professionals some latitude in the early stages of their development. The PSA’s first report at the end of 2025 will be an important marker in this process.

Hopefully, this regulatory development is a positive step for the healthcare system, promising better outcomes for patients and greater accountability for healthcare professionals.