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Consultation: reforming the regulation of healthcare professionals

The Department of Health – supported by the devolved governments of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland – has published a consultation paper on proposals to reform the regulation of healthcare professionals.
The consultation affects the nine UK regulators, including the HCPC. The consultation paper states that while regulation is now more robust and transparent, reform is still needed.

Health Minister Philip Dunne said: “The consultation considers the reforms that are needed in order to maximise public protection while supporting workforce development. We want to design a flexible model of professional regulation that secures public trust, fosters professionalism and improves clinical practice, while also being adaptable to future developments in healthcare.”

In response to the launch of the consultation, Marc Seale, HCPC chief executive and registrar, said: “It is important to recognise that the regulatory framework has become increasingly complex and difficult to navigate at times. The delivery of health and social care has also changed. A more flexible and responsive model of professional healthcare regulation is needed in order to deliver effective public protection which continues to be fit for purpose.

“It is crucial that whatever comes out of this important consultation helps to simplify regulation and enable healthcare regulators to become more responsive to changes in the sector.”

The consultation will close on 23 January 2018. BSHAA is reviewing this consultation in detail and will be submitting a comprehensive response. If you would like to provide feedback via BSHAA, please email chiefexecutive@bshaa.com