A nationwide “vetting and barring” scheme to prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults will require most doctors working in the United Kingdom to register with the new Independent Safeguarding Authority.

“Vulnerable adults” has been defined as including anyone receiving health care, so any doctor who treats patients will have to register with the authority. Registration will be phased in over five years from next year.

From this month, employers and regulators are under a new duty to notify the authority if they think an individual has caused harm or poses a risk of harm to children or vulnerable adults.

The scheme, …