Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they plan to introduce legislation to regulate anaesthesia associates.

On 13 December 2023, the Department laid draft legislation in both Houses and in the Scottish Parliament that will empower the General Medical Council (GMC) to regulate anaesthesia associates and physician associates. Subject to parliamentary scrutiny, this legislation will instruct the GMC to commence regulation. The GMC will have 12 months to consult on their own rules, policies and guidance and begin regulating these roles.

Regulation will provide a standardised framework of governance and assurance for clinical practice and professional conduct, to enable these roles to make a greater contribution to patient care.