Responding to the new GMC good practice advice for doctors who supervise and work with PAs, Prof Phil Banfield, chair of BMA council said:

"This guidance is an unhelpful contribution from the GMC. What doctors and patients want and deserve above all else right now is clarity - clarity on what PAs are allowed to do and what they are not. That is why calling for a clear and nationally enforced safe scope of practice for PAs and AAs is so central to our campaign for GMC and NHS reform.

"Once again, the GMC has declared that AAs and PAs must be supervised on the one hand while saying that 'experienced PAs are able to work autonomously' on the other, and told associates, doctors and employers that is up to them locally to decide on what PAs can and can't do. The practical implications of this confusion are dangerous for patients, perpetuating the continued blurring of lines between PAs' and doctors' roles.

"Reading this guidance, you would be forgiven for thinking the GMC is suggesting that medicine takes only two years to study, saying that newly qualified PAs and AAs are able to make 'competent clinical judgement decisions' and demonstrate that they 'understand the relevant scientific processes underlying common and important disease processes' - and thus are capable of replacing doctors in the future.

"We have made clear repeatedly that it should only be consultants, GPs, and autonomously practicing SAS doctors supervising PAs. Doctors have increasingly indicated that they are unwilling to take on the professional risk and liability to supervise PAs and AAs while there is no clarity on scope or on what supervision practically means.

"The GMC must listen to the medical profession and rethink its approach. The BMA has published robust and straight forward guidance on both scope of practice and supervision that is clear, unambiguous and demonstrates materially how doctors can fulfil their GMC duty to protect patients. We continue to call for these to be implemented across the NHS."

Notes to editors

 The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.