How is the Welsh Government working with health boards in Wales to improve public awareness of the roles of physician associates and anaesthesia associates?
The Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates Order was laid before UK Parliament on 13 December 2023 and will come into force on 13 December 2024. This will make the General Medical Council the regulator for anaesthesia associates (AAs) and physician associates (PAs) in the UK.
The UK medical royal colleges are working to develop specialty specific scope of practice guidance before regulation is implemented in December. Health Education and Improvement Wales will also deliver important communication and engagement work, including with the public, regarding what statutory professional regulation will mean for the service and public.
A tripartite group has been established to consider a framework for the safe and effective deployment of PAs in Wales.