General Medical Council – revalidation survey opens to physician associates
The General Medical Council (GMC) has launched a survey that will help develop the revalidation policy for physician associates (PAs) when they become a regulated profession.
When regulation is vested in the GMC, PAs will be required to revalidate to show that their knowledge and skills are up to date, and they are fit to practise. While PAs won’t be required to revalidate until the end of the two-year transition period (the first two years of being a regulated professional), the GMC is acting now to develop the policy.
The GMC has been working with several organisations across the UK, including the Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA), to gain insight into what the policy should include. The process is now at a stage where PAs themselves are being invited to have their say.
Speaking about the development, Jamie Saunders, president of the FPA, said: ‘The announcement of the GMC’s revalidation survey is another important step in our journey to becoming a regulated profession. As we continue to focus on this transition, it’s vital that PAs have their voice heard and steer the future direction of our role. Revalidation and what it will look like is a key factor, and I highly encourage all PAs to ensure they have their say.’
Currently, all qualified FPA PA members are required to obtain 50 hours of continued professional development (CPD) per year to remain listed on the managed voluntary register (MVR). Every 6 years, qualified PAs are also required to take a recertification assessment. This is designed to cover all core areas of practice that PAs are expected to maintain knowledge in, regardless of whether they are working in a specific specialty. By passing the recertification assessment, PAs are demonstrating they are maintaining their generalist knowledge and are fit to practise. The FPA is committed to ensuring that in the future, PAs retain the scope and ability that enables them to be flexible members of the medical workforce and be able to move specialties throughout their careers.
The completed GMC revalidation policy will be used to help guide PAs and their employer’s post-regulation in how PAs evidence that they remain fit to practise. By completing the 15–20-minute survey, PAs will help the GMC to understand what vital components are required when it comes to PA revalidation by sharing what is important to them. The survey will remain open until 13 September.