Safeguarding the public by regulating health and social care professionals: lessons from Mid-Staffordshire and the Law Commission review

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider the final report of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry and the Law Commissions’ review of health and social care professional regulation – and how these will impact on the professional regulation bodies. Design/methodology/approach – Summary and discussion of the relevant recommendations made by the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry and the initial Government response, and consultation responses to the Law Commissions’ provisional proposals for law reform of health and social care professional regulation. Findings – Future legislation is likely to be based on the recommendations of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry and the Law Commissions. Originality/value – Overview of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry and the initial Government response, and consultation responses to the Law Commissions.