General Medical Council#Licensing and revalidating doctors in the UK

{{main|History of medical regulation in the United Kingdom}}

The Medical Act 1858 established the General Council of Medical Education and Registration of the United Kingdom as a statutory body.{{cite journal |pmc=2413715 |title=The centenary of the General Council of Medical Education and Registration of the United Kingdom (The General Medical Council) 1858-1958 in relation to medical education |first=Ernest |last=Finch |journal=Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England |date=November 1958 |volume=23 |issue=5 |pages=321–331 |pmid=13595529}} Initially its members were elected by the members of the profession, and enjoyed widespread confidence from the profession.

All the GMC's functions derive from a statutory requirement for the establishment and maintenance of a register, which is the definitive list of doctors as provisionally or fully "registered medical practitioners", within the public sector in Britain.{{cite web |url=http://www.gmc-uk.org/about/legislation/medical_act.asp#1 |title=About us: Legislation: Medical Act 1983 |publisher=General Medical Council |access-date=17 September 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221044114/http://www.gmc-uk.org/about/legislation/medical_act.asp#1 |archive-date=21 December 2014}} The GMC controls entry to the List of Registered Medical Practitioners ("the medical register"). The Medical Act 1983 (amended) notes that, "The main objective of the General Council in exercising their functions is to protect, promote and maintain the health and safety of the public."

Secondly, the GMC regulates and sets the standards for medical schools in the UK, and liaises with other nations' medical and university regulatory bodies over medical schools overseas, leading to some qualifications being mutually recognised. Since 2010, it has also regulated postgraduate medical education.{{cite web |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/473/made |title=The Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Order of Council 2010

|access-date=15 January 2022}}

Thirdly, the GMC is responsible for a licensing and revalidation system for all practising doctors in the UK, separate from the registration system, since 3 December 2012.{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/2685/contents/made |title=Statutory Instruments 2012 No. 2685. Health Care and Associated Professions. Doctors. The General Medical Council (Licence to Practise and Revalidation) Regulations Order of Council 2012 |publisher=National Archives |access-date=15 January 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511213017/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/2685/contents/made |archive-date=11 May 2013}}

Due to the principle of autonomy and law of consent there is no legislative restriction on who can treat patients or provide medical or health-related services. In other words, it is not a criminal offence to provide what would be considered medical assistance or treatment to another person – and not just in an emergency. This is in contrast with the position in respect of animals, where it is a criminal offence under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 for someone who is not a registered veterinary surgeon (or in certain more limited circumstances a registered veterinary nurse) to provide treatment (save in an emergency) to an animal they do not own.{{cite book |vauthors=Grubb A, Laing J, McHale J | title=Principles of Medical Law | pages=88 | isbn=978-0-19-954440-0 | location=Oxford | publisher=Oxford University Press | year=2011}}

Parliament, since the enactment of the 1858 Act, has conferred on the GMC powers to grant various legal benefits and responsibilities to those medical practitioners who are registered with the GMC - a public body and association, as described, of the Medical Act 1983, by Mr Justice Burnett in British Medical Association v General Medical Council.

{{cquote|Registration brings with it the privileges, as they are described, set out in Part 6 of the Act. In reality, they comprise prohibitions for all those not registered. Section 46 prohibits any person from recovering in a court of law any charge rendered for medical advice, attendance or surgery unless he is registered. Section 47 provides that only those registered can act as physicians, surgeons or medical officers in any NHS hospital, prison, in the armed forces or other public institutions. Section 48 invalidates certificates, such as sick notes or prescriptions, if signed by someone who is unregistered. Section 49 imposes penalties via criminal offences for pretending to be a registered medical practitioner.{{cite web|url=http://www.bailii.org/cgi-bin/markup.cgi?doc=/ew/cases/EWHC/Admin/2008/2602.html|title=British Medical Association, R (on the application of) v General Medical Council [2008] EWHC 2602 (Admin) (3 October 2008) |last=MR JUSTICE BURNETT |website=bailii.org|access-date=4 May 2018}}}}

Through which, by an Order in the Privy Council,{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/3135/part/I/made/data.pdf|title=The Medical Act 1983 (Amendment) Order 2002|website=legislation.gov.uk|access-date=4 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504181002/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/3135/part/I/made/data.pdf|archive-date=4 May 2018}} the GMC describes "The main objective of the General Council in exercising their functions is to protect, promote and maintain the health and safety of the public".

The GMC is funded by annual fees required from those wishing to remain registered and fees for examinations. Fees for registration have risen significantly in the last few years: 2007 fees = £290, 2008 fees = £390, 2009 fees = £410, 2010 fees = £420, 2011 fees = £420, with a 50% discount for doctors earning under £32,000.{{cite web |url=http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/fees.asp |title=Registration and licensing: Fees |publisher=General Medical Council |access-date=27 July 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715220248/http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/fees.asp |archive-date=15 July 2015}}[http://www.gmc-uk.org/news/8397.asp GMC website – press release – Fees cut for newly qualified doctors] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101212234240/http://www.gmc-uk.org/news/8397.asp |date=12 December 2010 }}

In 2011, following the Command Paper "Enabling Excellence-Autonomy and Accountability for Healthcare Workers, Social Workers and Social Care Workers", registration fees were reduced by the GMC in accordance with the Government's strategy for reforming and simplifying the system for regulating healthcare workers in the UK and social workers and social care workers in England and requiring that [http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/documents/digitalasset/dh_124374.pdf Enabling Excellence Autonomy and Accountability for Healthcare Workers, Social Workers and Social Care Workers - para 1.7] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105153014/http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/documents/digitalasset/dh_124374.pdf |date=5 January 2012 }} "[A]t a time of pay restraint in both the public and private sectors, the burden of fees on individual registrants needs to be minimised."

{{cquote|The GMC maintains a register of medical practitioners. However, no law expressly prohibits any unregistered or unqualified person from practicing most types of medicine or even surgery. A criminal offence is committed only when such a person deliberately and falsely represents himself as being a registered practitioner or as having a medical qualification. The rationale of the criminal law is that people should be free to opt for any form of advice or treatment, however bizarre...{{cite book |author1=Cave, Emma |author2=Brazier, Margaret |title=Medicine, patients and the law |publisher=Penguin Books |location=New York |year=2007 |pages=6 |isbn=978-0-14-103020-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JFgdAQAAMAAJ}}}}

Registration with the GMC confers a number of privileges and duties.{{cite web |url=http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/information_for_doctors/privileges.asp |title=The privileges and duties of doctors: UK statutes |publisher=General Medical Council |access-date=8 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223081919/http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/information_for_doctors/privileges.asp |archive-date=23 February 2015}} GMC registration may be either provisional or full. Provisional registration is granted to those who have completed medical school and enter their first year (F1) of medical training; this may be converted into full registration upon satisfactory completion of the first year of postgraduate training.{{cite web |url=http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/registration_applications/PRFR.asp |title=Doctors who hold provisional registration and want to apply for full registration |publisher=General Medical Council |access-date=8 February 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020192318/http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/registration_applications/PRFR.asp |archive-date=20 October 2017}} In the past, a third type of registration ("limited registration") was granted to doctors who had graduated outside the UK and who had completed the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board examination but who were yet to complete a period of work in the UK. Limited registration was abolished on 19 October 2007 and now international medical graduates can apply for provisional or full registration depending on their level of experience – they still have to meet the GMC's requirement for knowledge and skills and for English language.{{cite web |url=http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/before_you_apply/imgs.asp |title=Applying for registration as an International Medical Graduate |publisher=General Medical Council |access-date=8 February 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171105181249/http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/before_you_apply/imgs.asp |archive-date=5 November 2017}}

The form and content of the register is specified in The General Medical Council (Form and Content of the Register) Regulations 2015. Details recorded include name, address, date of qualification, gender, date of birth, photograph, fitness to practice history, restrictions and whether or not they hold a licence to practice.{{Cite web |title=Managing the UK medical register |url=https://www.gmc-uk.org/about/what-we-do-and-why/managing-the-uk-medical-register |access-date=16 March 2024}} Not all details on the register are made available to the general public.

The GMC administers the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board test (PLAB), which has to be sat by non-European Union overseas doctors before they may practise medicine in the UK as a registered doctor.{{cn|date=March 2024}}

A registered practitioner found to have committed some offences can be removed from ("struck off") the medical register.

The GMC is now empowered to license and regularly revalidate the practice of doctors in the UK. When the licensing scheme was introduced in 2009, 13,500 (6.1%) of registered doctors chose not to be licensed.{{cite web |url=http://www.gmc-uk.org/news/4893.asp |title=GMC | 213,000 doctors respond to GMC "Licensing; it's time to choose" campaign |access-date=2013-04-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100206185314/http://www.gmc-uk.org/news/4893.asp |archive-date=6 February 2010}} - GMC website. Unlicensed but registered doctors are likely to be non-practising lecturers, managers, or practising overseas,{{cite web |url=http://www.gmc-uk.org/Patient_leaflet__Low_res___English_Version__28153330.pdf |title=Understanding a doctor's registration: A guide for patients and carers |publisher=General Medical Council |date=November 2009 |access-date=3 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924022643/http://www.gmc-uk.org/Patient_leaflet__Low_res___English_Version__28153330.pdf |archive-date=24 September 2015}} or retired. Whereas all registered doctors in the UK were offered a one-off automatic practise licence in November 2009, since December 2012 no licence will be automatically revalidated, but will be subject to a revalidation process every five years.{{cite web |url=http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/revalidation.asp |title=Registration and licensing: Revalidation |publisher=General Medical Council |access-date=8 February 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209014731/http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/revalidation.asp |archive-date=9 February 2015}} No doctor may now be registered for the first time without also being issued a licence to practice,{{cite web |url=http://www.gmc-uk.org/GMC_briefing_on_licensing_for_overseas_medical_regulators_16_November_2009_V2.pdf_34006572.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2013-04-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130180018/http://www.gmc-uk.org/GMC_briefing_on_licensing_for_overseas_medical_regulators_16_November_2009_V2.pdf_34006572.pdf |archive-date=30 November 2012}} - GMC website - overseas regulators briefing. although a licensed doctor may give up their licence if they choose. No unlicensed but registered doctor in the UK is subject to revalidation. However, unlicensed but registered doctors in the UK are still subject to fitness-to-practice proceedings, and required to follow the GMC's good medical practice guidance.{{cn|date=March 2024}}

The GMC sets standards of professional and ethical conduct that doctors in the UK are required to follow. The main guidance that the GMC provides for doctors is called Good Medical Practice.[http://www.gmc-uk.org/guidance/news_consultation/20477.asp Good Medical Practice] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328103517/http://www.gmc-uk.org/guidance/news_consultation/20477.asp |date=28 March 2013 }} - GMC website. This outlines the standard of professional conduct that the public expects from its doctors and provides principles that underpin the GMC's fitness-to-practise decisions. Originally written in 1995, a revised edition came into force in November 2006, and another with effect from 22 April 2013. The content of Good Medical Practice has been rearranged into four domains of duties. Their most significant change is the replacement of a duty to, "Act without delay if you have good reason to believe that you or a colleague may be putting patients at risk," to a new duty to, "Take prompt action if you think that patient safety, dignity or comfort is being compromised". Alongside the guidance booklet are a range of explanatory guidelines, including a new one about the use of social media. The GMC also provides additional guidance for doctors on specific ethical topics, such as treating patients under the age of 18, end-of-life care, and conflicts of interest.{{cite web|url=http://www.gmc-uk.org/guidance/ethical_guidance.asp|title=Ethical guidance|website=gmc-uk.org|access-date=4 May 2018}}

The GMC regulates medical education and training in the United Kingdom. It runs 'quality assurance' programmes for UK medical schools and postgraduate deaneries to ensure that the necessary standards and outcomes are achieved.{{cite web |url=http://www.gmc-uk.org/education/index.asp |title=Education and training |publisher=General Medical Council |access-date=8 February 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205111752/https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/index.asp |archive-date=5 February 2018}}

In February 2008 the then Secretary of State for Health, Alan Johnson, agreed with recommendations of the Tooke Report which advised that the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board should be assimilated into the GMC.{{cite web|url=http://www.medschools.ac.uk/AboutUs/Projects/Documents/Final%20MMC%20Inquiry%20Jan2008.pdf |title=Aspiring to excellence: Tooke Report |page=145 |publisher=MMC Inquiry 2008 |date=January 2008 |access-date=3 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620092913/http://www.medschools.ac.uk/AboutUs/Projects/Documents/Final%20MMC%20Inquiry%20Jan2008.pdf |archive-date=20 June 2014}} Whilst recognising the achievements made by PMETB, Professor John Tooke concluded that regulation needed to be combined into one body; that there should be one organisation that looked after what he called 'the continuum of medical education', from the moment someone chooses a career in medicine until the point that they retire. The merger, which took effect on 1 April 2010, was welcomed by both PMETB and the GMC.{{cite web|url=http://www.gmc-uk.org/publications/6563.asp |title=News: PMETB merger goes ahead |publisher=General Medical Council |date=31 March 2010 |access-date=20 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221003444/http://www.gmc-uk.org/publications/6563.asp |archive-date=21 December 2014}}

A registered medical practitioner may be referred to the GMC if there are doubts about their fitness to practise. The GMC is concerned with ensuring that doctors are safe to practise. Its role is not, for example, to fine doctors or to compensate patients following problems (compensation might be addressed through a medical malpractice lawsuit). {{cite web|title=Raise a concern about a doctor|url=http://www.gmc-uk.org/concerns/complaints_and_role_of_the_gmc.asp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020191255/http://www.gmc-uk.org/concerns/complaints_and_role_of_the_gmc.asp|archive-date=20 October 2017|access-date=4 May 2018|website=gmc-uk.org}} The outcomes of hearings are made available on the GMC website.{{cite web|title=Home|url=http://www.gmc-uk.org/concerns/hearings_and_decisions/fitness_to_practise_decisions.asp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010115728/http://www.gmc-uk.org/concerns/hearings_and_decisions/fitness_to_practise_decisions.asp|archive-date=10 October 2017|access-date=4 May 2018|website=www.gmc-uk.org}}

Historically the handling of concerns had two streams: one regarding health, the other about conduct or ability, but these streams have been merged, into a single fitness-to-practice process.[http://www.gmc-uk.org/concerns/reforms/transitional_arrangements_FAQ.asp Transitional arrangements] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060409232803/http://www.gmc-uk.org/concerns/reforms/transitional_arrangements_FAQ.asp |date=9 April 2006 }} - FAQ on GMC website. The GMC has powers to issue advice or warnings to doctors, accept undertakings from them, or refer them to a fitness-to-practise panel. The GMC's fitness-to-practise panels can accept undertakings from a doctor, issue warnings, impose conditions on a doctor's practice, suspend a doctor, or remove them from the medical register (when they are said to be 'struck off').[http://www.gmc-uk.org/concerns/hearings_and_decisions/fitness_to_practise_panels.asp GMC website – Fitness to Practise panels] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517133031/http://www.gmc-uk.org/concerns/hearings_and_decisions/fitness_to_practise_panels.asp |date=17 May 2011 }}

It has been repeatedly established that the GMC's fitness to practise processes disproportionately affects non-white doctors. Black and ethnic minority doctors are complained about more, investigated more frequently, issued the most severe punishment more frequently, and are least represented in all aspects of governance in the GMC.

On 18 June 2021, the GMC, for the first time in its history was found guilty of racial discrimination against a non white doctor by a UK court. A ruling from Reading employment tribunal found that the GMC had discriminated against Dr Karim a consultant urologist based on his race by continuing an investigation into him when it did not investigate the same allegation against a white doctor. The tribunal heard Dr Karim was an internationally renowned urologist of mixed black African and European descent who had been a whistle blower in a case about surgeons performing operations without appropriate training. Following the GMC investigation, Dr Karim attended a fitness-to-practice hearing in 2018, after which he was cleared of any wrongdoing. After the hearing, Dr Karim said: "Right from the outset, the GMC saw me as a guilty black doctor and withheld evidence that could have proven my innocence.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-57528850|title = Wexham Park doctor racially discriminated against by General Medical Council|work = BBC News|date = 19 June 2021}}

Dr Karim described being wrongly accused of bullying was "pretty devastating". He said: "You feel as though everything has collapsed and is falling apart. When you've done nothing, you realise people can be so vindictive. I was discriminated against by the GMC and I had clear-cut evidence that I was innocent but they withheld evidence during my fitness-to-practice tribunal in 2018. It is a landmark victory and the first time it has ever been done against the GMC. They basically look at your name and where you are from and they decide the case beforehand based on that — it is pretty shocking, to be honest. My background was the only difference between me and the guy who was let off and he was my main comparison throughout this whole case. He was white and I have a Muslim name and I'm mixed race. Unfortunately, with the NHS, there is an undercurrent of hidden racism and, sadly, it is rife throughout the system, right up to the regulator".{{Cite web|url=https://www.henleystandard.co.uk/news/home/163231/nhs-has-undercurrent-of-racism-claims-surgeon.html|title = NHS has undercurrent of racism, claims surgeon| date=23 June 2021 }}

Gaining registration with the GMC (whether provisional or full) also allows the registrant to fit and utilise green flashing lights to their car.{{Cite web|title=Matt Prior: green light means go... doesn't it?|url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/opinion/tester%E2%80%99s-notes/matt-prior-green-light-means-go-doesnt-it|access-date=2021-03-14|website=Autocar|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Darren.Polley|date=2016-08-12|title=Car Modifications|url=https://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/roads-and-vehicles/car-modifications|access-date=2021-03-14|website=Suffolk Constabulary|language=en|archive-date=7 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307115458/https://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/roads-and-vehicles/car-modifications|url-status=dead}} Such lights can be used when attending a medical emergency to alert other road users to their presence and intentions.{{Cite journal|last=Mallinson|first=Tom|date=2020-10-06|title=Does driving using a Green Beacon reduce emergency response times in a rural setting?|journal=Rural and Remote Health|volume=20 |issue=4 |page=6114 |doi=10.22605/RRH6114 |pmid=33019797 |s2cid=222160654 |language=en|doi-access=free}} They can also make a doctor's car more visible if they have stopped at an accident scene.{{Cite web|title=Road Accidents (RTA) - Attending as a Passing Doctor|url=https://patient.info/doctor/Road-Accidents-Attending-as-a-Passing-Doctor.htm|access-date=2021-03-14|website=patient.info|date=20 April 2011 |language=en}} They do not confer exemptions to road traffic legislations.

Since 2001, the GMC's fitness-to-practise decisions have been subject to review by the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE), which may vary sentences.[https://www.chre.org.uk/overseeingregulators/306/ CHRE website – Final fitness to practise decisions] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101006014220/http://www.chre.org.uk/overseeingregulators/306/ |date=6 October 2010 }}

The GMC is also accountable to the Parliament of the United Kingdom through the Health Select Committee. In its first report on the GMC, the Committee described the GMC as "a high-performing medical regulator", but called for some changes to fitness-to-practice rules and practices, including allowing the GMC the right to appeal sentences of its panels.{{cite web |url=http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/health-committee/news/11-07-26-nmcreportpublished/ |title=Health Committee publishes reports on healthcare regulators |publisher=United Kingdom Parliament |date=26 April 2011 |access-date=3 July 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715061504/http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/health-committee/news/11-07-26-nmcreportpublished/ |archive-date=15 July 2014}}

In the 2000s, the GMC implemented wide-ranging reforms of its organisation and procedures. In part, such moves followed the Shipman killings. They followed a direction set by the UK government in its white paper, Trust, Assurance and Safety.{{cite web |url=http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm70/7013/7013.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2011-10-27 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003065739/http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm70/7013/7013.pdf |archive-date=3 October 2011}} In 2001, freemasonry was added to the register of interests of council members that the GMC published.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1256901.stm |title=GMC names freemason members |work=BBC News |date=4 April 2001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326123417/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1256901.stm |archive-date=26 March 2009}} One of the key changes was to reduce the size of the Council itself, and changing its composition to an equal number of medical and lay members, rather than the majority being doctors.[https://web.archive.org/web/20101225040629/http://www.gmc-uk.org/news/1517.asp] GMC press release - GMC Council appointments Legislation passed in December 2002 allowed changes in the composition of the Council from the following year, with the number of members reducing from 104 to 35, increasing the proportion of lay members.{{cite journal |title=New slimmed down GMC takes shape |first=Clare |last=Dyer |journal=BMJ |date=10 May 2003 |volume=326 |issue=7397 |page=1002 |doi=10.1136/bmj.326.7397.1002/a |pmc=1169350 }}

In July 2011, the GMC accepted further changes that would separate its presentation of fitness-to-practise cases from their adjudication, which would become the responsibility of a new body, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service.{{cite news |url=http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/gmc-could-get-new-powers-to-challenge-fitness-to-practise-rulings/12438413.fullarticle |title=GMC could get new powers to challenge fitness to practise rulings |work=Pulse |date=20 July 2011 |access-date=25 October 2015}} The GMC had previously been criticised for combining these two roles in a single organization.{{cite web|url=http://www.hospitaldr.co.uk/blogs/our-news/gmc-to-retain-adjudication-on-fitness-to-practise|title=GMC to retain adjudication on fitness to practise - Hospital Dr|date=9 December 2010|website=hospitaldr.co.uk|access-date=4 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924222729/http://www.hospitaldr.co.uk/blogs/our-news/gmc-to-retain-adjudication-on-fitness-to-practise|archive-date=24 September 2017}}

A forthcoming reform to medical registration is the introduction of revalidation of doctors, more similar to the periodic process common in American states, in which the professional is expected to prove his or her professional development and skills. Revalidation is scheduled to start in 2012.[http://www.gmc-uk.org/news/8054.asp GMC website – Revalidation date set for 2012] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118032558/http://www.gmc-uk.org/news/8054.asp |date=18 November 2010 }}

On 16 February 2011, the Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley, made a Written Ministerial Statement in the Justice section entitled 'Health Care Workers, Social Workers and Social Care Workers' in which he said:{{cite web|url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wms/?id=2011-02-16a.85WS.1|title=Health Care Workers, Social Workers and Social Care Workers: 16 Feb 2011: Hansard Written Answers - TheyWorkForYou|website=TheyWorkForYou|access-date=4 May 2018}}

{{cquote|I have today laid before Parliament a Command Paper, "Enabling Excellence-Autonomy and Accountability for Healthcare Workers, Social Workers and Social Care Workers" (Cm 8008){{cite web|url=http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/documents/digitalasset/dh_124374.pdf|title=Enabling Excellence Autonomy and Accountability for Healthcare Workers, Social Workers and Social Care Workers|website=dh.gov.uk|access-date=4 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031125450/http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/documents/digitalasset/dh_124374.pdf|archive-date=31 October 2012}} setting out the Government's proposals for how the system for regulating health care workers across the United Kingdom and social workers in England should be reformed.}}

Within the Command paper: {{cquote|Should any regulators wish to propose mergers with other regulatory bodies to reduce costs as part of this work, the Government will view these proposals sympathetically. If the sector itself is unable to identify and secure significant cost reductions over the next three years, and contain registration fees, then the Government will revisit the issue of consolidating the sector into a more cost-effective configuration.}}

Sir Liam Donaldson, a former chief medical officer had recently told the Mid Staffordshire Foundation Trust public inquiry that he had been involved in discussions about the Nursing and Midwifery Council merging with the General Medical Council, but proponents had "backed off" from the idea and the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence was created instead to share best practice. Sir Liam said the CHRE had been "reasonably successful" but it would be "worth looking at the possibility of a merger" between the GMC and NMC.{{cite web|url=https://www.nursingtimes.net/archive/nurses-see-patients-as-diseased-objects-23-09-2011/ |title=Nurses see patients as 'diseased objects'|website=nursingtimes.net|date=23 September 2011|access-date=4 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314054239/http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice-clinical-research/clinical-subjects/patient-safety/nurses-see-patients-as-diseased-objects/5035392.article|archive-date=14 March 2016}}

Concern has resulted from several studies that suggest that the GMC's handling of complaints appears to differ depending on race or overseas qualifications, but it has been argued that this might be due to indirect factors.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2000/aug/02/race.world |title=GMC cleared of race bias charge |first=Simon |last=Bowers |work=The Guardian|date=2 August 2000 |access-date=21 December 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221030159/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2000/aug/02/race.world |archive-date=21 December 2014}}

However a ruling on the 18th of June 2021 by a UK court for the first time found the GMC guilty of racial discrimination in its disciplinary procedures.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/law/article/gmc-is-infected-by-racism-says-tribunal-n7lss8nk9|title=GMC is infected by racism, judges fear}}

The mortality and morbidity among doctors going through GMC procedures has attracted attention. In 2003/4 between 4 and 5% of doctors undergoing fitness to practice scrutiny died.{{cite web|url=http://www.gmc-uk.org/5b___Report_of_the_Health_Review__Final_.pdf_25399045.pdf|title=Home - GMC|website=gmc-uk.org|access-date=4 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215313/http://www.gmc-uk.org/5b___Report_of_the_Health_Review__Final_.pdf_25399045.pdf|archive-date=3 March 2016}} In response to a request for information in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the GMC revealed that 68 doctors had died recently whilst undergoing a fitness to practice investigation,{{cite web|url=http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/57592/response/148232/attach/html/2/DOC001.PDF.pdf.html|title=Deaths during GMC investigation - 4 February 2011|website=whatdotheyknow.com|access-date=4 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306104342/https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/57592/response/148232/attach/html/2/DOC001.PDF.pdf.html|archive-date=6 March 2016}}

In an internal report, "Doctors Who Commit Suicide While Under GMC Fitness to Practise Investigation",[http://www.gmc-uk.org/Internal_review_into_suicide_in_FTP_processes.pdf_59088696.pdf GMC Internal review embargoed until 14 December 2014] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103200453/http://www.gmc-uk.org/Internal_review_into_suicide_in_FTP_processes.pdf_59088696.pdf |date=3 January 2015 }} the GMC identified 114 doctors, with a median age of 45, who had died during the previous nine years, and had an open and disclosed GMC case at the time of death, and in which 28 had committed (24) or attempted (4) suicide{{cite web|url=http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/your-practice/practice-topics/regulation/gmc-to-introduce-emotional-resilience-training-after-finding-28-doctors-under-investigation-committed-suicide/1/20008791.article|title=GMC to introduce 'emotional resilience' training after finding 28 doctors under investigation committed suicide|website=pulsetoday.co.uk|date=19 December 2014 |access-date=4 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115222147/http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/your-practice/practice-topics/regulation/gmc-to-introduce-emotional-resilience-training-after-finding-28-doctors-under-investigation-committed-suicide/1/20008791.article|archive-date=15 November 2017}} and recommended 'emotional resilience' training for doctors.{{cite web|url=https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/suicides_by_doctors_under_invest#outgoing-569463|title=Suicides by doctors under investigation by GMC - a Freedom of Information request to General Medical Council|date=13 August 2016|website=whatdotheyknow.com|access-date=4 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510085307/https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/suicides_by_doctors_under_invest#outgoing-569463|archive-date=10 May 2017}}

In a warning on "over-regulation" Dr Clare Gerada, a former chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, commented:{{cquote|We already spend up to one billion pounds regulating doctors. We are one of the most over-regulated professions around and there will always be people who fall through. If we pile on more and more regulation, we will never win.{{cite news |url=http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/gerada-warning-on-over-regulation-after-documentary-secretly-films-gp-consultations/12822006.article |title=Gerada warning on 'over-regulation' after documentary secretly films GP consultations |work=Pulse |date=4 October 2011 |access-date=3 July 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115221851/http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/gerada-warning-on-over-regulation-after-documentary-secretly-films-gp-consultations/12822006.article |archive-date=15 November 2017}}}}

Following the suicide of Professor John E Davies from Guy's Hospital, London, HM Senior Coroner for the area wrote to Niall Dickson with her Regulation 28: Report to Prevent Future Deaths:{{cite web|url=https://www.judiciary.gov.uk/related-offices-and-bodies/office-chief-coroner/pfd-reports/|title=Reports to Prevent Future Deaths|website=www.judiciary.gov.uk|access-date=4 May 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309000548/https://www.judiciary.gov.uk/related-offices-and-bodies/office-chief-coroner/pfd-reports/|archive-date=9 March 2018}}{{cquote|This is the second death of a doctor that has come before me over the last 2 years where a GMC investigation into the doctor's practice has been found to play a part.{{cite web|url=https://www.judiciary.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Davies-2014-0063.pdf|title=Date of report: 13 February 2014 Ref: 2014-0063 Deceased name: John Davies Coroners name: Dr Fiona Wilcox Coroners Area: London Inner (West) Category: Other related deaths|website=judiciary.gov.uk|access-date=4 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304132215/https://www.judiciary.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Davies-2014-0063.pdf|archive-date=4 March 2016}}}}

Academics at King's College London researched the effects of increased regulatory transparency on the medical profession and found significant unintended consequences. As doctors reacted anxiously to regulation and media headlines, they practised more defensively.{{cite journal|last=McGivern|first=Gerry|author2=Fischer, Michael D.|title=Medical regulation, spectacular transparency and the blame business|journal=Journal of Health Organization and Management|year=2010|volume=24|issue=6|pages=597–610|pmid=21155435|doi=10.1108/14777261011088683}}{{cite journal|last=McGivern|first=Gerry|author2=Fischer, Michael Daniel|title=Reactivity and reactions to regulatory transparency in medicine, psychotherapy and counselling|journal=Social Science & Medicine|date=1 February 2012|volume=74|issue=3|pages=289–296|doi=10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.09.035|pmid=22104085|url=http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/45260/1/WRAP_McGivern_McGivern__Fischer_SSM_2012_Reactivity__Reactions_to_Regulatory_Transparency_in_Medicine_Psychotherapy__Counselling_%28Authors%27_version%29.pdf}}

The GMC was registered as a charity with the Charity Commission of England and Wales on 9 November 2001.{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/324270/GMC.pdf |title=Application for registration as a charity by the General Medical Council - 2 April 2001 |publisher=Charity Commission |access-date=6 February 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207064920/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/324270/GMC.pdf |archive-date=7 February 2016}} The Commissioners having considered the court and the Commission's jurisdiction to consider an organisation's status, which had previously been considered by the courts, in issues of charitable status.

Charities do not normally have to pay income tax or corporation tax, capital gains tax or stamp duty. Following the granting of charitable status the GMC obtained tax relief backdated to 1 April 1994.{{cite web |url=http://www.gmc-uk.org/11_Implications_of_Charitable_Status_Paper.pdf_25398167.pdf |title=Council 21-22 May 2002 To consider Implications of Charitable Status |publisher=General Medical Council |access-date=6 February 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304035618/http://www.gmc-uk.org/11_Implications_of_Charitable_Status_Paper.pdf_25398167.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016}} Charities pay no more than 20% of normal business rates on the buildings they use and occupy. The GMC received confirmation of 80% business rates relief effective from April 1995.

{{As of|2014}}, the accounts submitted by the GMC to the Charity Commission showed an income of £97{{nbsp}}million, spending of £101M with reserves of £68M.{{cite web |url=http://apps.charitycommission.gov.uk/Accounts/Ends78/0001089278_AC_20141231_E_C.PDF |title=Our Annual Report 2014 |page=63 |publisher=General Medical Council |access-date=22 February 2016}}

The GMC was most heavily criticised by Dame Janet Smith as part of her inquiry into the issues arising from the case of Dr Harold Shipman. "Expediency," says Dame Janet, "replaced principle." Dame Janet maintained that the GMC failed to deal properly with Fitness to Practise (FTP) cases, particularly involving established and respected doctors.Shipman inquiry. Safeguarding patients: lessons from the past—proposals for the future. 5th report, 2004. [http://www.the-shipman-inquiry.org.uk/fifthreport.asp Online version] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060919125714/http://www.the-shipman-inquiry.org.uk/fifthreport.asp |date=19 September 2006 }}.

In response to the Shipman report, Sir Liam Donaldson, the then Chief Medical Officer, published a report titled Good doctors, safer patients, which appeared in 2006.Donaldson, L. [http://www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidanceArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4137232&chk=KW63va Good doctors, safer patients: Proposals to strengthen the system to assure and improve the performance of doctors and to protect the safety of patients; a report by the Chief Medical Officer] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060919085157/http://www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidanceArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4137232&chk=KW63va |date=19 September 2006 }}. Department of Health, 2006-07-14. Accessed 2006-09-17. Donaldson echoed concerns about GMC FTP procedures and other functions of the Council. In his view, complaints were dealt with in a haphazard manner, the GMC caused distress to doctors over trivial complaints while tolerating poor practice in other cases. He accused the Council of being "secretive, tolerant of sub-standard practice and dominated by the professional interest, rather than that of the patient". Former President of the General Medical Council, Sir Donald Irvine, called for the current Council to be disbanded and re-formed with new members.{{cite journal |title=Good doctors: safer patients—the Chief Medical Officer's prescription for regulating doctors |first=Donald |last=Irvine |journal=Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine |date=September 2006 |volume=99 |issue=9 |pages=430–432 |doi=10.1177/014107680609900902 |pmid=16946375 |pmc=1557883 }}

In July 2010 the GMC was severely criticized in an open letter in the British Medical Journal by Professionals Against Child Abuse for the decision to include Penny Mellor on the GMC's Expert Group on Child Protection. According to the letter, Penny Mellor had been convicted and imprisoned for conspiring to abduct a child, and had led protracted hostile campaigns including false allegations against doctors and other professionals involved in child protection cases. She had also campaigned against Sir Roy Meadow and Professor David Southall, who were erased from the medical register by the GMC but subsequently re-instated after court rulings.{{cite web |url=http://paca.org.uk/2010/08/25/open-letter-to-the-chair-of-the-gmc-professor-rubin/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=2011-05-14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823232744/http://paca.org.uk/2010/08/25/open-letter-to-the-chair-of-the-gmc-professor-rubin/ |archive-date=23 August 2011}} Penny Mellor subsequently resigned from the Expert Group.

{{main |Lancet MMR autism fraud#UK General Medical Council inquiry}}

In March 2012, the High Court of England and Wales overturned a 2010 decision by the GMC to strike pediatric gastroenterologist John Walker-Smith off the medical register for serious professional misconduct.{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2012/mar/07/mmr-row-doctor-appeal | title=MMR row: high court rules doctor should not have been struck off | work=The Guardian| date=7 March 2012 | access-date=25 October 2015 | author=Press Association | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117032102/http://www.theguardian.com/society/2012/mar/07/mmr-row-doctor-appeal | archive-date=17 November 2015}} In his ruling, the presiding judge criticized what he said were the GMC's "inadequate and superficial reasoning and, in a number of instances, a wrong conclusion," and stated, "It would be a misfortune if this were to happen again."{{cite web | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/mmr-doctor-john-walker-smith-wins-high-court-appeal-7543114.html | title=MMR doctor John Walker-Smith wins High Court appeal | work=The Independent | date=7 March 2012 | access-date=3 November 2015 | author=John Aston | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151021013606/http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/mmr-doctor-john-walker-smith-wins-high-court-appeal-7543114.html | archive-date=21 October 2015}}

Controversy arose in July 2016 when the General Medical Council announced it would be appointing Charlie Massey as its new CEO.{{cite web|last1=Nagesh|first1=Ashitha|title=Doctors embroiled in another dispute over one of Jeremy Hunt's aides|url=http://metro.co.uk/2016/07/16/doctors-embroiled-in-another-dispute-over-one-of-jeremy-hunts-aides-6010582/|website=Metro|access-date=8 December 2016|date=16 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925013633/http://metro.co.uk/2016/07/16/doctors-embroiled-in-another-dispute-over-one-of-jeremy-hunts-aides-6010582/|archive-date=25 September 2016}} Massey had been an adviser to health secretary Jeremy Hunt on the controversial Junior doctors contract, which had led to several days of industrial action by doctors over concerns about feasibility and patient safety.{{cite web|last1=Campbell|first1=Denis|title=Secret documents reveal official concerns over 'seven-day NHS' plans|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/aug/22/secret-documents-reveal-official-concerns-over-seven-day-nhs-plans|work=The Guardian|access-date=8 December 2016|date=22 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028142457/https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/aug/22/secret-documents-reveal-official-concerns-over-seven-day-nhs-plans|archive-date=28 October 2016}} Many doctors felt this reflected a clear conflict of interest and signed a petition to the medical council for transparency in its appointment process. The medical council issued a response claiming that they were still an independent body.{{cite web|last1=Stephenson|first1=Terence|title=Response to petition regarding GMC appointments and impartiality|url=http://www.gmc-uk.org/news/28654.asp|website=www.gmc-uk.org|publisher=General Medical Council UK|access-date=8 December 2016|date=19 September 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103135258/http://www.gmc-uk.org/news/28654.asp|archive-date=3 January 2017}} Massey had also signally failed to distinguish himself in front of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament.

The Council is composed of six medical professionals and six lay members. All members are appointed by the Privy Council.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gmc-uk.org/about/how-we-work/governance/council/council-members|title=Council members|website=General Medical Council|access-date=11 June 2018|archive-date=7 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207010832/https://www.gmc-uk.org/about/council/members.asp|url-status=dead}} The current Chair is Dame Carrie MacEwen who has served since May 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.gmc-uk.org/news/news-archive/new-chair-for-the-general-medical-council|title=New Chair for the General Medical Council|publisher=General Medical Council|date=9 May 2022|accessdate=25 September 2022}} The current chief executive and registrar is Charlie Massey.{{cite web|last1=Anonymous|title=Charlie Massey – Chief Executive and Registrar|url=http://www.gmc-uk.org/about/chief_executive.asp|website=www.gmc-uk.org|publisher=General Medical Council UK|access-date=8 December 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211021454/http://www.gmc-uk.org/about/chief_executive.asp|archive-date=11 December 2016}}

Christine Murrell was the first woman elected to the GMC in 1933, however she died before she could take her seat. In 1950, Hilda Lloyd became the first female member of the Council.{{cite web|url=https://www.gmc-uk.org/about/who-we-are/our-history|title=Our History|publisher=General Medical Council|accessdate=25 September 2022}}{{cite journal|last1=Scott|first1=Jean M|date=March 1988|title=Women and the GMC: The Struggle for Representation|journal=Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine|volume=81|issue=3|pages=164–166|doi=10.1177/014107688808100315|pmid=3282068|issn=0141-0768|pmc=1291513}} In 2019, Clare Marx became the first female Chair of the Council.{{Cite web |title=New Chair of the General Medical Council |url=https://www.gmc-uk.org/news/news-archive/new-chair-of-the-general-medical-council |access-date=31 May 2024 |website=}}

The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA), is an independent body accountable to the UK Parliament, with the remit to promote the health and well-being of patients and the public in the regulation of health professionals. But the PSA does not have legal power to investigate complaints about regulators.[http://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/library/document-detail?id=6f72e1f0-726a-44f6-89bd-3244041191e5/]{{dead link|date=December 2017|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}} It advises the four UK government health departments on issues relating to the regulation of health professionals; scrutinising and overseeing the work of the nine regulatory bodies:

• Health and Care Professions Council (regulates other health professions in the UK)
• Nursing and Midwifery Council (regulates nurses and midwives)
• General Optical Council
• General Dental Council
• General Chiropractic Council
• General Osteopathic Council
• General Pharmaceutical Council
• Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland
• General Medical Council

In response to the Government's recent proposals the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence has made a call for ideas in their December 2011 paper 'Cost effectiveness and efficiency in health professional regulation'[http://www.chre.org.uk/_img/pics/library/pdf_1324311061.pdf - Cost effectiveness and efficiency in health professional regulation (December 2011)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426085543/http://www.chre.org.uk/_img/pics/library/pdf_1324311061.pdf |date=26 April 2012 }} for 'right-touch regulation' described as being {{cquote|based on a careful assessment of risk, which is targeted and proportionate, which provides a framework in which professionalism can flourish and organisational excellence can be achieved.}}

{{Reflist}}

• MacAlister, D. Introductory Address on the General Medical Council (lecture, 2 October 1906)

• {{Official website}}

{{Medical regulation in the United Kingdom}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1858 establishments in the United Kingdom

Category:Education regulation in the United Kingdom

Category:Higher education regulation

Category:Medical and health regulators

Category:Medical education organisations based in the United Kingdom

Category:Medical regulation in the United Kingdom

Category:Organisations based in the London Borough of Camden

Category:Organizations established in 1858

Category:Professional associations based in the United Kingdom

Category:Regulators of the United Kingdom