The Medical Act overhaul: what's changing and what it means for you

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By Erin Dean

From renaming PAs to the ongoing controversy around the GMC's right to appeal tribunal decisions, we break down the key debates as the consultation enters its final days.

More than four decades ago the Medical Act of 1983 set out the rules for the General Medical Council’s regulation of doctors. While there have been amendments and tweaks down the years, the act is now set for its first major overhaul.

The proposed GMC Order contains a number of contentious areas that are set to impact doctors in the future

New legislation will replace both the act and the 2024 Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates Order, which established regulation for the controversial associate roles.

The GMC says the planned changes bring a much-needed opportunity to “modernise” regulation of doctors, describing the existing legislation as “overly complex and prescriptive”.

But the proposed GMC Order does contain a number of contentious areas that are set to impact doctors in the future, including finally changing the name of physician associates back to physician assistants. It also sought to give the GMC ongoing powers to appeal fitness to practise sanctions - however a strong response from the medical community means this issue is set to run on.