Council may have to wait for new powers

The important legislative changes Ð including powers to trigger compulsory CET and competence to practise Ð were due to come into effect in spring or early summer 2004. Earlier this month, however, GOC registrar Peter Coe received notification from government civil servants it may now be as late as the autumn.
He told optician this week: 'The new civil servants working on the issue are saying that it will be delayed, but the former ones are saying it will still be introduced on time. It is not definite, we hope to know in time for the next Council meeting on November 20.'
However, one source, who believed it would lead to a delay in the introduction of compulsory CET, said the move was a 'slap in the face to the profession, because the Government has not given us the priority it said it would.'
The Council is entirely dependent on the solicitors who are working on the draft legislation, and have no power to affect its introduction.
However, Coe said the delay could be used to the Council's advantage, especially regarding efforts to refine fitness to practise procedures.
'If there is a delay, it will mean we have more time to work with the fitness to practise committee members. Their induction process will begin in the new year. A delay will mean they have more time to watch and experience the current system. It can be used to our advantage, it is only a few months.'
The names of the 40 members, a mixture of optometrists, dispensing opticians and lay people, will be announced at the Council meeting next month. samantha.daltonrbi.co.ukThe General Optical Council has played down a suggestion that its timetable for regulatory change for the profession will now not be enacted until autumn next year.
The important legislative changes Ð including powers to trigger compulsory CET and competence to practise Ð were due to come into effect in spring or early summer 2004. Earlier this month, however, GOC registrar Peter Coe received notification from government civil servants it may now be as late as the autumn.
He told optician this week: 'The new civil servants working on the issue are saying that it will be delayed, but the former ones are saying it will still be introduced on time. It is not definite, we hope to know in time for the next Council meeting on November 20.'
However, one source, who believed it would lead to a delay in the introduction of compulsory CET, said the move was a 'slap in the face to the profession, because the Government has not given us the priority it said it would.'
The Council is entirely dependent on the solicitors who are working on the draft legislation, and have no power to affect its introduction.
However, Coe said the delay could be used to the Council's advantage, especially regarding efforts to refine fitness to practise procedures.
'If there is a delay, it will mean we have more time to work with the fitness to practise committee members. Their induction process will begin in the new year. A delay will mean they have more time to watch and experience the current system. It can be used to our advantage, it is only a few months.'
The names of the 40 members, a mixture of optometrists, dispensing opticians and lay people, will be announced at the Council meeting next month. samantha.daltonrbi.co.uk