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General Pharmaceutical Council Fitness to Practice Committee

The Fitness to Practise Committee makes decisions in cases where a registrant's fitness to practise may be impaired, for reasons concerning their conduct, professional performance or health and must determine whether or not the fitness to practise of the person in respect of whom the allegation is made is impaired.

Background to the General Medical Council

All doctors who practise medicine in the UK must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). The purpose of the GMC is to protect patients by maintaining high standards within the medical profession.

Registration with the General Medical Council

There are two types of registration with the GMC: provisional, and full registration. Part of the GMC registration process is the completion of a Declaration of Fitness to Practise.

Revalidation by the General Medical Council

In the autumn of 2009 the GMC will introduce licences to practise. All doctors will be required by law to hold a licence if they wish to exercise the privileges currently reserved for registered medical practitioners and will need to renew their licence to practise every five years.

Complaints to the General Medical Council

If local complaints procedures are inadequate, a referral to the GMC may result if there is an allegation that a doctor’s fitness to practise is impaired. This may be for any one of the following reasons: misconduct; deficient performance; a criminal conviction or caution; physical or mental ill-health or a decision by a regulatory body either in the British Isles or overseas.

Investigation by the General Medical Council

Two GMC case examiners or in some circumstances an Assistant Registrar may review any allegations or concerns made against a doctor and may require further evidence to assess the doctor’s performance and/or health before deciding what action to take.

Interim Order Proceedings and the GMC

If the Assistant Registrar determines that given the nature of the allegations, there is a risk to public/patient safety and/or the safety of the doctor if they are allowed to practice, a referral to an Interim Orders Panel can be made.

Adjudication by the General Medical Council

The Fitness to Practise panel comprises the final stage of the GMC’s procedures and it is they who will decide whether action is required regarding the doctor’s registration.

Appeals to and Restoration by the GMC

It is possible to appeal the decision of a Fitness to Practise Panel. There is a 28 day time limit for appeals (to High Court) starting with date on which notification of decision was served.

Tips on dealing with the General Medical Council

Details of some of the issues you should bear in mind when dealing with the General Medical Council

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