Public and Regulatory Law Alert: September 2011
Locations
In this issue:
GOsC launch pilot revalidation scheme
On 1 September 2011, the General Osteopathic Council launched a pilot revalidation scheme and a discussion paper on continuing professional development in an effort to demonstrate its commitment to improving the standard of care to patients. If the proposed revalidation scheme is launched, osteopaths would, like many other healthcare practitioners, be required to show that they are continually improving the quality of the care they provide to the public.
GOsC responds to EC consultation on professional mobility
The GOsC has submitted a response to the European Commissions consultation on the modernisation of the professional qualifications directive. The legislation aims to encourage further professional mobility within the European Union by harmonising training requirements across seven different healthcare fields in the EU.
FRC acts to increase transparency
The Financial Reporting Council has recently published two reports which propose that companies should improve the way they report to investors on the key strategic risks facing their businesses. The reports were a result of detailed consultations with companies, investors, auditors and other interested parties. The findings have resulted in the decision to update the ‘Turnbull Guidance’ guidance and the UK Corporate Governance code may also be reviewed to reflect the changes.
CHRE release 2011 audit of GDC
The Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence have published a report following their audit in June 2011 of the General Dental Council. CHRE looked at 100 closed case selected from the previous six months which had been closed at the initial stages of its Fitness to Practise processes. The findings identified areas of weakness and further details are detailed in the report which can be accessed here.
The CHRE has also been asked for advice on whether the GDC is fulfilling its statutory functions. This follows on from concerns raised by the former chair on her resignation from the GDC and focuses on the procedures adopted by the Council in its handling of complaints about the former Chair, and the handling of its internal disputes between the Executive and others.
The announcement can be seen here >
LSB to look at consumer protection following statutory investigation
The Legal Services Board is seeking evidence regarding consumer protection in will writing, probate and estate administration services following a statutory investigation into the need for regulation initiated earlier this year. The Board welcomes evidence from members of the public, legal businesses, other businesses active in these markets and all other interested parties. The deadline for evidence is Friday 4 November 2011, 5pm.
Research published into regulation of city firms
Charles Rivers Associates were instructed to carry out research on behalf of the LSB in relation to the interaction of regulatory interventions with the particular segment of the legal services market taken up by city law firms.
CQC release State of Care Report
The Care Quality Commission has published its third annual report into the state of health and adult social care in England. The four main features of the report are:
- The shape of health and social care provision
- Access to care services
- Choice and control
- Quality and safety
The findings and full report can be downloaded here.
GMC release State of Medical Education and Practice Report
The GMC has published its first ‘State of Medical Education and Practice’ report which suggests that Doctors entering the UK health service for the first time need better support, in order to practise safely.
British Horseracing Authority publish review in to use of the whip in horseracing
The landmark report ‘Responsible Regulation: a Review of the use of the whip in Horseracing’ has been published, after the review first commenced in November 2010. The results of the study has considered the underlying principles relating to the use of the whip by jockeys and will lead to a significant tightening of the rules and penalties regarding whip use. The Regulator has reconfirmed its commitment to jockey training to ensure welfare standards are maintained.
Royal assent given to Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill
The Act is expected to come in to force in late 2011 or early 2012 and it covers police accountability and governance, alcohol licensing, the regulation of protests around Parliament Square, misuse of drugs, and the issue of arrest warrants in respect of private prosecutions for universal jurisdiction offences.
Consultation on the Draft Elected Local Policing Body (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations
The Home Office seeks views on the draft regulations which include how complaints will be dealt with when made against Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and the Mayor of London in his capacity as the holder of the Mayors Office for Policing and Crime (MOPC), and PCC and MOPC deputies. The consultation closes on 21st October and more information about the Consultation can be found.
Second reading of the Health & Social Care Bill 2010-11 to take place on 11 October
The general debate on all aspects of the Bill takes place shortly. The Bill’s key proposals are to create an independent NHS Board to allocate resources, increase GP powers to commission services for patients and to reduce NHS administration costs. Further information regarding the progress of this Bill and areas of impact can be found