Consultation outcome
Measures to improve the GDC’s processes on fitness to practise
Download the full outcome
Detail of outcome
The majority of the 43 responses received supported the proposed changes. They agreed that the changes would:
- lead to the swifter resolution of complaints and investigations
- enhance patient protection and public confidence in dental regulation
Subject to parliamentary approval, the government proposes to take forward amendments set out in this consultation. An Order under Section 60 of the Health Act 1999 will be laid in Parliament shortly.
Original consultation
Consultation description
The Department of Health is seeking views on proposals to make the GDC’s early investigation stages of its fitness to practise processes more effective and efficient, through amendments to the Dentists Act 1984. These amendments will:
- enable the GDC to delegate the decision-making functions currently exercised by its Investigating Committee to officers of the GDC, known as Case Examiners
- enable both case examiners and the Investigating Committee to address concerns about a registrant’s practice by making an agreement with the registrant about their future practice
- introduce a power to review cases closed following an investigation if the decision is materially flawed or new information has come to light which may have altered that decision
- ensure a registrant under investigation can be referred to an Interim Orders Committee at any time during the fitness to practise process
Documents
Published 26 September 2014
Last updated 18 November 2015 + show all updates
Last updated 18 November 2015 + show all updates
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Added the government response to the consultation.
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First published.