Draft law could allow PAs to become consultants despite government denials, doctors insist

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By Claudia Tanner

Doctors' leaders have challenged the government to amend draft legislation if it truly intends to prevent physician associates from obtaining consultant-level qualifications, warning that ministerial assurances offer no legal protection.

Dr Matt Kneale, co-chair of Doctors' Association UK (DAUK), has rejected reassurances from the Department of Health and the General Medical Council over controversial wording in the draft GMC Order 2026, arguing that what the legislation "actually says" differs from what officials claim it means.

Responding to statements issued to Doctors.net.uk, Dr Kneale said: "The DHSC [Department of Health] and GMC are telling us what they intend the legislation to do. I am reading what it actually says. These are not the same thing."

Call for amendment to wording

At the heart of the dispute is Article 28 of the draft Order, which grants the GMC power to certify that "a person" – rather than "a medical practitioner" – has completed approved postgraduate training leading to a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).