The BMA objects to new advice that the GMC has published about the role of physician associates and calls it dangerous for patients.

The High Court might have dismissed a judicial review claim brought by the British Medical Association (BMA) against the use of physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs), but the BMA is not giving up the fight.

The BMA has long complained about the blurring of lines between skilled doctors and assistant roles, and what this means for patient safety. It even brought the case against the General Medical Council (GMC) in February concerned about their role.

In response to the ruling, Phil Banfield, chair of BMA council, called the High Court’s decision “disappointing”.

“Physician associates do not study medicine and are trained to a very different standard to doctors. By labelling both doctors and PAs as ‘medical professionals’ the public is being misled to think they are similarly or equally qualified. They are not,” he said and accused the court of having “ignored common sense”.

An unhelpful contribution

This week, the GMC published good practice advice for doctors who supervise and work with PAs.

Although it does appear to make clear that PAs can’t work “completely independently of supervision,” it also suggests that “experienced PAs are able to work autonomously”.

“This guidance is an unhelpful contribution from the GMC,” said Banfield.

The BMA has taken aim at the idea that it is up to associates, doctors and employers locally to decide on what PAs can and can’t do. He called the practical implications of this confusion “dangerous” for patients, and said that the perpetuated “the continued blurring of lines between PAs’ and doctors’ roles”.

“The GMC must listen to the medical profession and rethink its approach. The BMA has published robust and straightforward guidance on both scope of practice and supervision that is clear, unambiguous and demonstrates materially how doctors can fulfil their GMC duty to protect patients. We continue to call for these to be implemented across the NHS,” he said.