Published: 11/04/24

The Professional Standards Authority (PSA) is an independent organisation, accountable to the UK Parliament. Its remit is to protect the public through work with organisations that register and regulate people working in health and social care. The PSA is seeking consultation on the good practice guidance documents they have produced in support of regulatory reform.

The two guidance documents are;

• Guidance on the use of Accepted Outcomes in Fitness to Practise

• Guidance on Rulemaking

The PSA support the reforms to healthcare professional regulation but have also identified certain risks that may arise from the new ways of working. Developing the guidance that is being consulted on is one of the steps they are taking to help make the reforms a success, mitigate any potential risks and realise the opportunities of the reforms.

As an organisation, CPS are focussing on a consultation response to the ‘Guidance on Rulemaking’ document, as this is the area which will have the greatest impact on community pharmacy businesses and service delivery. As an organisation, CPS is not responsible for fitness to practice issues and therefore it is not relevant to respond to questions 4-21 of this consultation.

The PSA guidance on Rulemaking aims to help regulators make effective use of their new rulemaking powers in a way which prioritises public protection. It includes some principles to guide what good rules should aim to do or be, and the rulemaking process.