Response to Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates Order by Dr Sarah Clarke, president of the Royal College of Physicians.
Today the Department for Health and Social Care laid the Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates Order legislation in Parliament.
Dr Sarah Clarke, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said:
“Today’s news is a positive step towards regulation of the physician associate (PA) profession, something we have long called for. PAs are a valuable part of a multi-disciplinary team, and regulation will give a welcome assurance of patient safety.
“The RCP will now closely look at the detail of the government’s response to the consultation as well as the Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates Order which will be brought to parliament for debate. Beyond regulation, we will continue to work with the Faculty of Physician Associates and others on guidance to support ongoing successful deployment of PAs within wider teams.
“We also welcome confirmation that the GMC order relating to the medical profession will be published in due course, which is part of wider efforts to reform the framework for all healthcare profession regulators. We hope that will include a timetable for when doctors can expect this process to begin.”