Reform of medical regulation is left off the Queen’s speech for a second time

The General Medical Council (GMC) has said that it is “deeply disappointed” that the Queen’s speech did not include new legislation to change the regulation of healthcare professionals to give greater protection to patients.

The Law Commissions of the UK published draft legislation in 20141 to modernise current professional regulations and give regulators such as the GMC greater freedom to certificate the knowledge, skills, and competence of doctors in particular areas of practice.

In the wake of the PIP breast implant scandal and the review of cosmetic surgery by Bruce Keogh, NHS medical director,2 a law change could tighten current rules that allow …