Regulation shake-up

There has been a mixed reaction from the optical bodies and the GOC to the publication of the Government's White Paper on the radical shake-up of regulation of health professionals.

The Government announced the consultation following the inquiry into GP killer Harold Shipman which raised concerns about the way health professionals are regulated.

Some of the proposed key changes in the White Paper include a requirement for all regulatory bodies, including the GOC, to put in place arrangements for revalidation of their professional registration, by periodically demonstrating their continued fitness to practise. The Department of Health will discuss with the GOC and the optical professions the most appropriate arrangements for them.