UK: scope of practice for physicians associates debated
The debate over the appropriate scope of practice for physician associates (PAs) in the UK centers on whether a standardized, nationally agreed-upon framework should define their clinical responsibilities. Currently, there is no statutory guidance outlining how PAs should function in general practice, leading to varied interpretations and practices. The General Medical Council (GMC), which began regulating PAs in December 2024, maintains that, similar to other healthcare professionals, PAs should develop individual scopes of practice tailored to their specific roles and settings. However, many medical professionals and organizations advocate for more explicit, centralized guidelines to ensure patient safety and uniformity in PA practice across the healthcare system.