In March 2020, the Department of Health and Social Care introduced emergency rules to help us continue to operate effectively during the Covid-19 pandemic. This gave us new powers to change some of our fitness to practise and registration processes.

The rules initially had a ‘sunset clause’ stating that the changes would stay in place until the Secretary of State declares the emergency period as over.

The NMC state "because we don’t know when the emergency will end, the sunset clause was removed which means that the rules are now permanent"

They argue that the changes may help them to work more effectively long term but as there was no consultation when they were implemented it will be unlikely that those they affect will be aware of the changes until it affects them in their practice.  

There is now opportunity to scrutinise the rules and make responses as part of a consultation - please do so. 

At a glance the changes look positive - however they can have a potentially negative effect on those going through FtP if not monitored and considered carefully