GOC seeks comments on civil standard of proof

The GOC is embarking on a consultation process to ascertain what changes will be required to fitness to practise rules to ensure the Council meets the new statutory requirement on a civil standard of proof for hearings.

The move to the application of civil standard of proof is required under the Health and Social Care Bill which is due to receive its Royal Assent in July 2008. GOC hearings currently use the criminal standard of proof. Optician understands that the Council will have three months to apply the new standard once the Bill gets its Royal Assent.

The main implication of the change is that it will be up to the Fitness to Practise Committee to decide on the balance of probability whether the case needs to referred for a hearing.