The British Medical Association (BMA) has threatened legal action against the General Medical Council (GMC), over what it terms its “dangerous blurring of the lines” for NHS patients between qualified doctors and physician associates (PAs). The BMA, the trade union for British doctors, believes the GMC is not the right body to regulate PAs and anaesthesia associates (AAs), who usually complete a two-year course rather than a five year medical degree, although they may also have a degree in a bio-science field. Following recent legislation, the GMC, which is responsible for maintaining the register of those allowed to practise medicine, will also become the regulator of PAs and AAs from December this year.
The BMA said in a statement it agrees PAs should be regulated, but believes that in appointing the GMC to the task, “the Government is undermining and devaluing the medical profession, and confusing patients.” Solicitors for the union have written a letter before action to the GMC over its use of the term “medical professionals,” which the BMA insists should only be used to refer to qualified doctors. There were 93 full-time equivalent people working as AAs as of last year, but the government is keen to recruit more individuals to these roles, offering training routes for nurses and other health care professionals as well as to graduates with relevant degrees.
The union said its concern is illustrated by a number of tragic cases, pointing to the death of 30-year-.