New GMC Consultation on the Publication of Sanctions

The GMC issued a consultation of changes on 1st July 2015 relating to the information they publish about a doctor’s fitness to practise record. The GMC currently publishes fitness to practise sanctions given to doctors on their online medical register, named the List of Registered Medical Practitioners (“LRMP”). However, the GMC hopes to make it fairer for doctors and to ensure that the distribution of sanctions is more controlled than the current system in place.

The current proposal means that details of the original erasure remain on the medical register for as long as the doctor remains registered with the GMC. However, for other sanctions such as suspension, undertakings or conditions, it is proposed that these remain for 20 years on the register, starting from the date the sanction expires.

Although twenty years is being suggested as an appropriate amount of time on the LRMP, there is still a view that the information should be published for an extensive amount of time because it is in the public interest for this information to be readily available. However, the GMC explains that public interest declines as more time passes, therefore, there is less need to disclose the sanction.

Anyone with a view about this topic is encouraged to voice their opinion and engage with the consultation before 23rd September 2015.

Read here for the most up to date information regarding GMC fitness to practise.