PA employers must provide references to support registration

Employers of physician associates (PAs) will be required to provide a reference and an insurance and indemnity declaration as part of a PA’s application for registration with the GMC.

The regulation of PAs by the GMC is set to begin on 13 December, with registration open from 16 December. However, registration will not be legally required for another two years to allow for a transition period.

In a letter to employers last week, the GMC said PAs will need to provide a range of evidence to demonstrate knowledge, skills and behaviour to provide safe patient care. It said this would include an employer reference and an insurance and indemnity declaration.

The GMC clarified that this reference will need to be completed and signed by a supervising clinician who has oversight of the PA’s practice, which is likely to be the supervising GP.

‘We’d be grateful if you could support this process by making sure PAs, AAs [Anaesthesia Associates] and their supervisors are aware of and prepared for this requirement and requests that they may receive,’ said the letter.

PAs who have practised within the last five years will need an employer reference covering the most recent three months of employment. Supervisors will be provided with a specific form to complete, sign and date.

It added that most PAs will have indemnity cover under their employer’s scheme, but they will need to sign a declaration saying they have this in place when they apply for registration.

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Source: Management in Practice, 4 November 2024