Healthcare
Our Healthcare Solicitors have a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework that governs the healthcare professions. We have represented numerous doctors and healthcare professionals regarding their business structures, drafting agreements, disputes with partners or PCT’s, fitness to practice, PMETB Appeals and regulation. This is not exhaustive list, however, dealing with anything healthcare related, is our speciality.
We can advise on GMS, PMS or APMS contracts and negotiate on your behalf with the local PCT. For GP practices as well as other healthcare providers for example, we have advised on regulation and employment law and our advice has been well received.
Healthcare Regulation
Axiom Stone solicitors are particularly well grounded in the Healthcare Regulation sector. We have advised professionals regulated by the Healthcare Professions Council (HPC) and providers of healthcare services regulated by The Care Quality Commission. The Following is a list of those professions regulated by the Healthcare Professions Council:
- Arts therapists
- Biomedical scientists
- Chiropodists / podiatrists
- Clinical scientists
- Dietitians
- Hearing aid dispensers
- Occupational therapists
- Operating department practitioners
- Orthoptists
- Paramedics
- Physiotherapists
- Practitioner psychologists
- Prosthetists / Orthotists
- Radiographers
- Speech and language therapists
- Social Workers (announcement made by the HPC on 26 July 2010)
Considering the above professions became regulated by virtue of The Health Professions Order 2001 SI, this brought into play complaint and hearing procedures. If a “fitness to practice” issue arises, a panel will be instructed to investigate the matter. Hearings are usually held in public and legal arguments are presented, after which, the panel may order a sanction. The panel have numerous powers, including the power to strike off a registrant.
The above procedures are also adopted when it comes to fitness to practice hearings before the:
- General Chiropractic Council (GCC) regulating chiropractors
- General Dental Council (GDC) regulating dentists, dental nurses, dental technicians, dental hygienists, dental therapists, clinical dental technicians and orthodontic therapists
- General Medical Council (GMC) regulating doctors
- General Optical Council (GOC) regulating optometrists, dispensing opticians, student opticians and optical businesses
- General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) regulating osteopaths • Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) regulating nurses and midwives
- Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) regulating pharmacists in England, Wales and Scotland.
Our fitness to practice solicitors are eager to assist you in whatever way they can. If you are to be investigated or need advice and representation before a panel, then please contact our Mr Jayesh Jotangia via email at jj@axiomstone.co.uk or via telephone on 0208 951 6989.