Paramedics - Regulatory Law

Paramedics

Who is my regulator?

As a paramedic registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), you will be subject to regulation under four main categories:

• Training;
• Professional skills;
• Behaviour; and
• Health.

To meet the HCPC’s standard your practice will be assessed according to these categories, the same as other heath and care professions. At the front line of our medical intervention, you will encounter extreme circumstances and contradictory experiences on a daily basis, wherein the opaque and broad legislation issued by the HCPC may not be clear.

To find out more about the HCPC, please click here:

How will the HCPC monitor my work?

The HCPC will expect you to complete continued professional development (CPD) throughout your career to ensure your skills and knowledge are up to date. It does not follow the usual structure of a course. It can include a broad range of approaches, such as:

• Formal education (e.g. courses or research based learning);
• Professional activities (contributing to the development of the field professionally, by being part of a professional body or by attending conferences);
• Self-instructed learning (taking an interest in books relating to your work, or other media channels commenting on it);
• Work-based learning (from practical experience, reflecting on feedback and contributing to the field by joining a committee).

The HCPC detail the standards to be met whilst completing CPD, which include:

• Keeping a record of CPD;
• Demonstrate a balance of CPD activities;
• Demonstrate that CPD has positively affected your work, and the profession as a collective;
• Ensure your CPD benefits your patients/ service user; and
• Present a portfolio of CPD activities as proof.

If the HCPC have reason to doubt the quality of your work or your CPD activities fail to meet the standard, you will be at risk of losing your registration and right to practice as a paramedic.

How can Duncan Lewis help me as a Paramedic if the HCPC brings proceedings against me?

If your standard is questioned, or a complaint is made against you and your right to practice is at risk, Duncan Lewis Regulatory Fitness to Practice solicitors will provide you with personalised representation, throughout the legal proceedings.

We will work with you and your professional body to ensure you are supported from hearing, to appeal, where appropriate.

As a paramedic registered with the HCPC, you are entitled to professional representation from Duncan Lewis Regulatory Fitness to Practice solicitors. Call us on 0333 772 0409.