![\"Head](\"https:\/\/www.dauk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Helen-Fernandes-pic-bw.jpg\")
\u201cBut it also says regulation will help assure patients, colleagues and employers that AAs and PAs are appropriately educated and qualified, can contribute safely and appropriately to the care of patients, and can be held to account if serious concerns are raised. These two statements seem contradictory at best.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The GMC is following the instructions laid down by the Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates Order 2023 which says the GMC 3(1)(a) must determine standards for the purposes of registration but only 3(1)(b) may determine other standards in relation to associates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, it 3(2)(a) must consult such persons as the regulator considers appropriate before determining a standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ms Fernandes said: \u201cFor the GMC the word \u2018may\u2019 we now know means \u2018won’t\u2019. It won’t be setting standards of performance or scope for AA and PAs beyond their point of qualification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFrom the conversations DAUK has had with the GMC, it is clear it is looking to the royal colleges and the employers to determine scope and competence for AAs and PAs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile we are not privy to what may be published by the colleges, we do know that none, save for maxillofacial surgery and ophthalmology have gone anywhere near this as yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJob descriptions for PA and AAs look remarkably similar to that of middle grade doctors, even consultant-level responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile PAs and AAs undoubtedly have skills and expertise to assist in the care of patients, their current deployment in historically doctors\u2019 roles, affecting employment of doctors and their training is clear.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ms Fernandes added: \u201cThe GMC will expect AAs and PAs, however, to follow good medical practice, which states that medical professionals should provide a good standard of practice and care, work within their competence, and when providing that care, base it on their assessment, their clinical judgement, and the likely effectiveness of the treatment options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDoctors are trained to do this, PAs and AAs are not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe at DAUK state in the strongest terms that this needs to be relooked at. What also needs to be addressed in regulation is how the GMC will hold the doctor supervising the PA or AA responsible when patient care goes wrong. \u201c<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The GMC is asking doctors to read its consultation document Regulating Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates: consultation on our proposed rules, standards and guidance<\/a> and take part in the consultation <\/p>\n\n\n\n