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The regulation of health professions report of a review of the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act (1960) with recommendations for new legislation

Commissioned by the NHS Executive, the group reporting here was asked to examine the operation of the statutory bodies established under the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1960 (PSM Act). A history and overview of the Act is provided, and developments since 1960 bearing on the regulation in the NHS, in the private sector, in the health and care professions, in higher education and in society are discussed. The current role, functions and organisation of the statutory bodies (Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine, 7 Boards and Investigating and Disciplinary Committees of each Board) and the relationships with their main partners are described. The purpose of statutory regulation and possible alternatives are then explored. Recommendations are made for the creation of a new enlarged Council - Council for Health Professions - and the duties and powers, membership, and committees are detailed. The report identifies issues for implementation of the recommendations relating to legislative changes, costs, funding and transitional arrangements.

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