UK: court case over "medical professional" terminology and standards
In a recent High Court decision, the British Medical Association (BMA) lost its legal challenge against the General Medical Council (GMC) concerning the classification of physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs) as "medical professionals." The BMA argued that this terminology blurs the distinction between fully qualified doctors and associates, potentially compromising patient safety. However, the court found that the GMC's guidance, which applies the term "medical professionals" to doctors, PAs, and AAs, does not mislead the public and maintains clear distinctions between these roles. Justice Lambert emphasized that the guidance requires all medical professionals to be transparent about their qualifications and roles, thereby upholding public protection.