Chiropractor

General Chiropractic Council (GCC)

What is the General Chiropractic Council (GCC)?

Chiropractic is a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the bones, muscles and joints, and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. Chiropractors are expressly meant to focus on the entire physical, emotional and social wellbeing of their patients when assessing them.

The General Chiropractic Council (GCC) is an independent statutory body. It was established to regulate chiropractors in the UK to protect the health and safety of the public by ensuring high standards of practice in the chiropractic profession.

Chiropractors are required to renew their registration each year and as part of this process, the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) checks that chiropractors have current professional indemnity insurance, remain in good health and of good character, and have met mandatory continuing professional development requirements.

The GCC can, and will, prosecute individuals who practise as chiropractors when they are not on the GCC Register.

What can the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) do if there is an allegation of wrong-doing?

If you are notified of a complaint, it likely the GCC will gather information/ evidence relating to the complaint. This will then be considered by the Investigating Committee. This committee will then decide whether the chiropractor concerned should have fitness to practise proceedings brought against them. These proceedings will be heard in a hearing by the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) and Health Committee (HC).

What are the sanctions that can be brought by the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) and Health Committee (HC)?

If a chiropractor is found to have acted in an unprofessional manner, the PCC or HC can impose a sanction against that person.

The PCC committee can:

• Give a formal warning, that remains on that person’s records;
• Place a restriction, or conditions, on the chiropractor's registration;
• Suspend the chiropractor's registration; or
• Remove the chiropractor's from the register to prevent them practicing.

If the HC committee upholds a complaint it can:

• Impose a conditions of practice order; or
• Suspend the chiropractor's registration.

What should I do if General Chiropractic Council (GCC) bring proceedings/ allegations against me?

If proceedings are brought against you, you should do as follows:

• Request a copy of the findings/ evidence used against you;
• Seek legal advice prior to responding to any decision;
• If you require an extension of time to respond to the allegations request this as soon as possible, and cite reasons for the delay;
• Gather evidence to support your case, and provide this to your legal representative for proof-reading and consolidation. This could be in the form of:

(a) Correspondence;

(b) Professional notes;

(c)  Review meetings, regarding you practice; and

(d) Training sessions you have attended, regarding any areas of concern raised.

• Speak to possible witnesses that can support your professional conduct, and character.

What is the Code of Conduct for chiropractors?

The code has 8 principles. These are as follows:

• Put the health interests of patients first;
• Act with honesty and integrity and maintain the highest standards of professional and personal conduct;
• Provide a good standard of clinical care and practice;
• Establish and maintain a clear professional relationship with patients;
• Obtain informed consent for all aspects of patient care;
• Communicate properly and effectively with your patients, colleagues and other healthcare professionals;
• Maintain, develop and work within your professional knowledge and skills; and
• Maintain and protect patient information.

How can Duncan Lewis help you if the General Chiropractic Council bring proceedings against you?

Duncan Lewis Regulatory Fitness to Practice solicitors have a breadth of experience in representing professionals registered with regulatory bodies who are undergoing fitness to practice proceedings.

As a chiropractor registered with the General Chiropractor Council (GCC), you will have a duty to maintain and build upon your standard of care by demonstrating good behaviour, ethical values, knowledge and skill.

Duncan Lewis Regulatory Fitness to Practice solicitors are experts in representing professionals in fitness to practice cases which have been brought about by the GCC. We work to give you peace of mind and aim to get you the best possible result

If you are a chiropractor who has any professional regulation queries, or has had their fitness to practice questioned, call Duncan Lewis Regulatory Fitness to Practice solicitors on 0333 772 04 09.