Why should I care about regulatory reform?
By BCA Communications Committee Member, Kathryn Deverson
As a chiropractor, navigating the complexities of healthcare is not just about providing quality care to our patients; it is also about understanding and engaging with the regulatory standards that shape our profession. Crucially, placing patients at the centre. While regulatory reform might be a dry topic for most, it is an important area of our work as healthcare professionals that directly impacts our ability to practice effectively and treat our patients to the best of our abilities.
Between 2021 and 2022, the Department for Health and Social Care carried out a consultation on a proposed legislation to regulate anaesthesia associates and physician associates (AAs and PAs). The stated intention was for this bill to form the template for regulatory reform of all regulated healthcare professions – including chiropractors.
Commenting on the importance of this reform at that time, the former Chair of the General Chiropractic Council, Mary Chapman, said: “I welcome this important first step towards improving the regulation of health and care professionals. Our 30-year-old legislation often hampers our ability to deal with complaints in the most effective and timely way. If implemented well, this proposed legislation would be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver the agile and flexible regulatory regime that modern chiropractic healthcare requires”.
Following an insightful BCA Session on the subject, delivered by the GCC Chief Executive and Registrar, Nick Jones on 21 March 2024, it is very important for our community to reflect on the importance of regulation for the profession and for the benefit of both patients and chiropractors.
Here is why as a chiropractor, you should care about regulatory reform:
- Ensuring Patient Safety: Our top priority is the wellbeing of our patients. Regulatory reform establishes the standards that govern patient safety within our practice. By actively participating in reform discussions, we can influence the development of regulations that we believe prioritise patient wellbeing while still allowing us to provide effective chiropractic care.
- Preserving Professional Autonomy: We, like all healthcare professionals, rely on our autonomy to deliver the best care possible. Regulatory frameworks can either support or restrict this autonomy. A concern is that this autonomy may be lost if regulatory bodies change. By advocating for policies that recognise the unique contributions of chiropractic care, we can ensure that our scope of practice reflects our training and expertise.
- Fitness to Practice & Complaints: The new reforms could lead to a more streamlined and efficient process for handling complaints and fitness to practice assessments. By introducing mechanisms like initial assessments and case examiners, the aim is to speed up resolutions while maintaining fairness and accountability.
- Breaking Down Access Barriers: Complex regulations can create barriers that limit access to chiropractic care, both for practitioners and patients. By streamlining these regulations, we can make it easier for all communities to access our services and for chiropractors to integrate into multidisciplinary teams.
- Flexibility in Fees and Processes: One key aspect of reform involves greater flexibility, both in free structures and regulatory procedures. By allowing for pro-rota fees taking into consideration graduation, maternity and sickness, the burden on chiropractors could be reduced, potentially leading to lower overall costs.
- Enhancing Professional Growth: Regulatory reform is not just about compliance – it’s also an opportunity for professional development. By staying informed about emerging trends and best practices, we can adapt to evolving regulations and enhance the quality of care we provide to our patients. Evidence-based care is one of the foundations of being a BCA Chiropractor.
- Advocating for Our Profession: Regulatory reform often involves engaging with policymakers and other stakeholders. By actively participating in these discussions, we can advocate for polices that advance the interest of chiropractors and elevate the profile of chiropractic care within the broader healthcare community, which is a focus point for the BCA.
As regulatory reform progresses, chiropractors must stay informed and engaged. Your voice matters in shaping the future of regulation and our profession. By embracing change and actively participating in the reform process, chiropractors can help shape regulations that upholds standards, promotes accountability, and advocates for our profession as a vital component of inclusive healthcare.
