GOC hosts debate on new code of conduct

Practitioners will be given the opportunity to raise any concerns over the General Optical Council's (GOC) new code of conduct at an event on February 16.

To be held at the Park Crescent Convention centre in London, the event will be open to practitioners, employers, healthcare regulators and the public to discuss the implications of the code which comes into effect on April 1.

Following a consultation last year (News 24.4.09), the GOC updated the code to feature a number of major changes such as a requirement for registrants to report concerns about their own or a colleague's fitness to practise. It is also to be made clearer that it is not just inappropriate behaviour in a person's professional life which may put their registration at risk, but also their personal conduct while not practising. Another major change is that registrants need to be aware of and comply with guidance on the issue of patient consent.