UK Act of Parliament 1983 United Kingdom

Medical Act 1983

An Act to consolidate the Medical Acts 1956 to 1978 and certain related provisions, with amendments to give effect to recommendations of the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission.

Read the Act on legislation.gov.uk (opens in a new tab)
Enforced by
GMC
Status
Amended (in force with amendments)
Penalty ceiling
Prosecution 3 of 45 obligations carry an unlimited fine. 1 carries different penalties and 41 have no criminal penalty — flagged in the list below.

Does it bind you?

Business-side roles with duties under this instrument.

Any Person12 Employer1

Plus 32 duties on the regulator, Crown ministers and public bodies — folded into the section list below.

Other Acts binding the same actors

If a role above is yours, these are the other instruments that most often bind it.

Any Person — also bound by 2340 other Acts
Employer — also bound by 682 other Acts
TULRCA 1992 72 duties

What it requires

Sections creating concrete business duties or carrying penalties, grouped as the instrument is structured. Titles link to the source text — blue means you’re leaving for legislation.gov.uk.

Part 1

Preliminary

0 of 2 sections shown
2 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.001 The General Medical Council. (opens in a new tab)
s.002 Registration of medical practitioners. (opens in a new tab)
Part 2

Medical Education and Registration: Persons Qualifying in the United Kingdom and Elsewhere in the EEC.

3 of 21 sections shown
s.003 Registration by virtue of primary United Kingdom or primary European qualifications. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC must register qualified UK and European medical practitionersStatutory regulator
s.006 Further powers of the General Council. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
  • Educational bodies must provide qualification details to the GMCAny Person
s.007 Power to appoint visitors of medical schools. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC must share medical school inspection reports and allow for feedbackStatutory regulator
18 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.004 Qualifying examinations and primary United Kingdom qualifications. (opens in a new tab)
s.005 General functions of the General Council in relation to medical education in the United Kingdom. (opens in a new tab)
s.008 Power to add further qualifying examinations. (opens in a new tab)
s.009 Powers of Privy Council where standards not maintained. (opens in a new tab)
s.010 Experience required for full registration by virtue of primary United Kingdom qualifications. (opens in a new tab)
s.010 Programmes for provisionally registered doctors
s.010 Professional traineeships carried out in ... relevant European States, etc.
s.011 Provisions supplementary to s. 10, etc. (opens in a new tab)
s.012 Special provisions as to employment in health centres. (opens in a new tab)
s.013 Power to appoint visitors of approved hospitals. (opens in a new tab)
s.014 Alternative requirements as to experience in certain cases. (opens in a new tab)
s.014 Full registration of EEA nationals etc without certain acquired rights certificates
s.015 Provisional registration. (opens in a new tab)
s.015 Provisional registration for EEA nationals etc
s.016 Registration of qualifications. (opens in a new tab)
s.017 Primary qualifications obtained in ... relevant European States. (opens in a new tab)
s.018 Visiting medical practitioners from relevant European States (opens in a new tab)
s.018 Temporary registration with regard to emergencies involving loss of human life or human illness etc.
Part 3

Registration of Persons Qualifying Overseas

1 of 18 sections shown
s.021 Further provision relating to the registration of specified state professionals Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC must set and manage exams or training for overseas doctorsStatutory regulator
17 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.019 Full registration of EEA nationals etc. by virtue of overseas primary qualifications etc. (opens in a new tab)
s.019 Full registration of EEA nationals etc by virtue of overseas qualifications accepted by a relevant European State ...
s.020 Experience required for full registration by virtue of recognised overseas qualifications. (opens in a new tab)
s.021 Provisional registration of EEA nationals etc. with certain overseas qualifications. (opens in a new tab)
s.021 Full registration for eligible specialists and qualified general practitioners
s.021 Full registration of persons with an overseas qualification
s.021 Provisional registration of persons with an overseas qualification
s.022 Limited registration of persons by virtue of overseas qualifications. (opens in a new tab)
s.023 Limited registration: supplementary provisions. (opens in a new tab)
s.024 Limited registration: erasure. (opens in a new tab)
s.025 Full registration of persons with limited registration. (opens in a new tab)
s.026 Registration of qualifications. (opens in a new tab)
s.027 Temporary full registration for visiting overseas specialists. (opens in a new tab)
s.027 Temporary registration for visiting eminent specialists
s.027 Special purpose registration
s.028 The Review Board for Overseas Qualified Practitioners. (opens in a new tab)
s.029 Functions of the Review Board. (opens in a new tab)
Part 3

LICENCE TO PRACTISE AND REVALIDATION

4 of 11 sections shown
s.029 Grant, refusal and withdrawal of licence Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Licensing authority must notify practitioners of licence decisions and rightsStatutory regulator
s.029 Dealing with questions as to impairment of fitness to practise Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC must notify a doctor and investigate fitness to practise concernsStatutory regulator
s.029 Restoration of licence Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC must provide notice and reasons for refusing to restore a medical licenceStatutory regulator
s.029 Information for specified state professionals Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC must provide comprehensive practice and standard information to professionalsStatutory regulator
7 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.029 Regulations as to licence to practise and revalidation
s.029 Evidence
s.029 Disclosure by a licensing authority of information relating to revalidation
s.029 Appeals
s.029 Guidance
s.029 Notices
s.029 Miscellaneous
Part 4

POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

6 of 13 sections shown
s.034 The Specialist Register Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC must maintain the Specialist Register for medical practitionersStatutory regulator
s.034 Applications for inclusion in the General Practitioner Register or the Specialist Register Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC must set rules for GP and Specialist Register applicationsStatutory regulator
s.034 Removal of names from the General Practitioner Register and the Specialist Register Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC Registrar must manageGP and Specialist Register entriesStatutory regulator
s.034 Postgraduate medical education and training: general functions Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC must set and maintain standards for postgraduate medical trainingStatutory regulator
s.034 Award and withdrawal of a Certificate of Completion of Training Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC must award or withdraw certificates of completion of trainingStatutory regulator
s.034 Power to require information Regulated
  • Provide information to GMC Registrar when requested about postgraduate medical trainingAny Person
7 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.034 The General Practitioner Register
s.034 Acquired rights of general practitioners
s.034 Postgraduate medical education and training: approvals
s.034 Minimum requirements for general practice training
s.034 Minimum requirements for specialist training
s.034 Visitors
s.034 Fees
Part 4

General Provisions Concerning Registration

2 of 9 sections shown
s.030 The registers. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC Registrar must maintain and update the medical registersStatutory regulator
s.034 Publication of the registers (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC Registrar must publish and maintain the medical registersStatutory regulator
7 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.030 The register: emergency powers doctors list
s.031 Power to make regulations with respect to the registers. (opens in a new tab)
s.031 Voluntary removal from ... any of the registers.
s.032 Registration fees. (opens in a new tab)
s.033 Supplementary provisions about registration. (opens in a new tab)
s.034 Proof of registration
s.034 Registration and training appeals
Part 5

Responsible Officers

1 of 6 sections shown
s.045 Regulations under section 45A: further provisions Prosecution
  • Breach regulations regarding 'Responsible Officers'Employer

Unlimited fine

5 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.045 Requirement to nominate or appoint responsible officer
s.045 Responsibilities of responsible officer
s.045 Crown application
s.045 Regulations under section 45A: supplementary provisions
s.045 Interpretation of Part 5A
Part 5

Fitness to Practise and Medical Ethics

6 of 28 sections shown
s.035 Notification and disclosure by the General Council Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC must notify employers and publish details of practitioner investigationsStatutory regulator
s.035 Provisions supplementary to section 35D Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • MPTS must notify doctors and regulators of fitness to practise decisionsTribunal / Court
s.044 Effect of disqualification in ... relevant European State on registration in the United Kingdom. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC Registrar must remove doctors disqualified in relevant EEA statesStatutory regulator
s.044 Fitness to practise of exempt persons: sufficient evidence Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC must accept specific health and character evidence from European applicantsStatutory regulator
s.044 Indemnity arrangements Regulated
  • Maintain indemnity insurance cover while practising as a doctorAny Person
s.044 Approved practice settings Regulated
  • Newly registered doctors must work in approved practice settingsAny Person
22 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.035 General Council’s power to advise on conduct, performance or ethics (opens in a new tab)
s.035 General Council’s power to require disclosure of information
s.035 Functions of the Investigation Committee
s.035 Provisions supplementary to section 35C
s.035 Functions of a Medical Practitioners Tribunal
s.036 Professional misconduct and criminal offences. (opens in a new tab)
s.036 Professional performance.
s.037 Unfitness to practise through illness, etc. (opens in a new tab)
s.038 Power to order immediate suspension etc. (opens in a new tab)
s.039 Fraud or error in relation to registration (opens in a new tab)
s.040 Appeals ... (opens in a new tab)
s.040 Appeals by General Council
s.040 Appeal under section 40A: role of Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care
s.041 Restoration of names to the register. (opens in a new tab)
s.041 Interim Orders
s.041 Interim orders made by committees other than the Interim Orders Committee
s.041 Effect of directions or orders on a licence to practise
s.042 Preliminary proceedings as to professional misconduct and unfitness to practise. (opens in a new tab)
s.043 Proceedings before the Investigation Committee, Medical Practitioners Tribunals and Interim Orders Tribunals (opens in a new tab)
s.044 Effect of disqualification or conviction on registration
s.044 Provision of information in respect of fitness to practise matters
s.045 Disciplinary provisions affecting practitioners who render services while visiting the United Kingdom (opens in a new tab)
Part 6

Privileges of Registered Practitioners

3 of 5 sections shown
s.047 Appointments not to be held except by fully registered medical practitioners who hold licences to practise. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
  • Only hire fully registered and licensed medical practitionersAny Person
s.049 Penalty for pretending to be registered. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Falsely claiming to be a registered medical doctorAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.049 Penalty for pretending to hold a licence to practise Prosecution
  • Falsely claim to hold a medical licence to practiseAny Person

Unlimited fine

2 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.046 Recovery of fees. (opens in a new tab)
s.048 Certificates invalid if not signed by fully registered medical practitioners who hold licences to practise. (opens in a new tab)
Part 7

Miscellaneous and General

2 of 11 sections shown
s.052 Annual reports, statistical reports and strategic plans Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC must publish annual reports, statistics, and strategic plansStatutory regulator
s.052 Annual reports of the MPTS Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • MPTS must publish annual reports on cases, functions, and learning pointsStatutory regulator
9 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.049 The Directive: designation of competent authority etc.
s.050 Default powers of Privy Council. (opens in a new tab)
s.051 Exercise of powers to make Orders in Council and other orders. (opens in a new tab)
s.052 Exercise of powers of Privy Council. (opens in a new tab)
s.053 Proof of certain instruments. (opens in a new tab)
s.054 Saving for certain occupations. (opens in a new tab)
s.055 Interpretation. (opens in a new tab)
s.056 Consequential amendments, repeals, transitional provisions and savings. (opens in a new tab)
s.057 Short title, commencement and extent. (opens in a new tab)
Schedules

Schedules

17 of 135 shown
s.sch001 (1) Any fees or other sums payable by virtue of... Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC must keep proper accounts, arrange audits, and publish audited financial statementsStatutory regulator
s.sch001 (1) The MPTS are to be constituted as provided by... Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • General Council must make rules to constitute the MPTS with independence safeguardsStatutory regulator
s.sch001 (1) Medical Practitioners Tribunals and Interim Orders Tribunals are to... Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC must make rules for tribunal constitution and operationStatutory regulator
s.sch001 Membership: general Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Privy Council must appoint General Council members ensuring geographic representationCrown / Minister / Government department
s.sch003 (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, a person making an... Regulated
  • Submit qualification documents when applying for medical registrationAny Person
s.sch003 An exempt person (“A”) making an application for registration under... Regulated
  • Provide proof of nationality or EU right when applying for GMC registrationAny Person
s.sch003 Where a person makes an application for registration under section... Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC registrar must acknowledge applications within one monthStatutory regulator
s.sch003 On an application for the registration of a specified state... Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Registrar must deal promptly with specified-state registration applicationsStatutory regulator
s.sch003 Where a specified state professional makes an application for registration... Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Registrar must give applicants adequate time to complete registrationStatutory regulator
s.sch003b Licence to Practise and Revalidation: Appeals Regulated
  • Appeal a decision regarding your medical licenceAny Person
s.sch003b Manner of, and time for, appealing Regulated
  • Appeal a licensing decision within 28 days to the RegistrarAny Person
s.sch003b Rules as to procedure and evidence Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC must make rules for Registration Appeals Panel proceedingsStatutory regulator
s.sch004 Proceedings before the Investigation Committee, Medical Practitioners Tribunals and Interim Orders Tribunals (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC must ensure fair and just disciplinary and fitness to practise proceedingsStatutory regulator
s.sch004 (1) Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, the General... Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GMC must make rules ensuring fair and just proceedings for doctors under investigationStatutory regulator
s.sch004 Where a direction under section 35D of this Act or... Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Registrar must update register when direction takes effectStatutory regulator
s.sch004 (1) For the purpose of proceedings in England or Wales... Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Medical tribunals can compel witness attendance and documentsTribunal / Court
s.sch004 (1) A justice of the peace (including, in Scotland, a... Prosecution
  • Intentionally obstruct a GMC assessment warrantAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

118 other schedules
s.001 The General Medical Council and its Committees, and the Branch Councils (opens in a new tab)
s.003 Registration: Supplementary Provisions (opens in a new tab)
s.006 Transitional and Saving Provisions (opens in a new tab)
s.007 Enactments Repealed (opens in a new tab)
s.sch001 For the purpose of enabling the General Council to compile...
s.sch001 The General Council may provide facilities for testing the knowledge...
s.sch001 The validity of any proceedings of the General Council shall...
s.sch001 The quorum of the General Council shall be prescribed by...
s.sch001 All acts of the General Council shall be decided by...
s.sch001 (1) The General Council may by standing order make provision...
s.sch001 (1A) Standing orders of the General Council may make provision...
s.sch001 There shall be paid to the members of the General...
s.sch001 Subject to the power of the Panel under paragraph 25...
s.sch001 Subject to the restrictions on membership specified in paragraph 23...
s.sch001 Subject to the power of the Committee under paragraph 25...
s.sch001 Matters for the order of the Privy Council under section 1(2)
s.sch001 Registration of members’ private interests
s.sch001 Rules under paragraph 19C above shall secure that—
s.sch001 Rules under paragraph 19B, 19C or 19D above may make...
s.sch001 Rules under any of the paragraphs mentioned in paragraph 23B...
s.sch001 The overriding objective of the General Council in exercising the...
s.sch001 Rules under paragraph 19B, 19C, 19D, 19F or 19G above...
s.sch001 (1) Without prejudice to the preceding provisions of this Part...
s.sch001 (1) There shall continue to be a branch council for...
s.sch001 Each branch council shall appoint a registrar of the council...
s.sch001 The General Council shall furnish each branch council with such...
s.sch001 There shall be paid to the members of the branch...
s.sch001 It shall be within the capacity of the General Council...
s.sch001 (1) In exercising their functions, the General Council shall—
s.sch001 (1) For the purposes of ensuring that registered medical practitioners...
s.sch002 Primary European Qualifications (opens in a new tab)
s.sch002a Visiting medical practitioners from relevant European states
s.sch002a This Schedule applies to an exempt person who is lawfully...
s.sch002a In this Schedule— (a) a “ visiting practitioner ” means...
s.sch002a (1) A visiting practitioner is entitled to be registered under...
s.sch002a A visiting practitioner is entitled to provide occasional medical services...
s.sch002a (1) A visiting practitioner who proposes to provide occasional medical...
s.sch002a (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (4), the evidence referred to in...
s.sch002a (1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies where the Registrar receives the required...
s.sch002a (1) Unless an entitlement under paragraph 4 or 7(4) is...
s.sch002a (1) Paragraph (2) applies if— (a) the establishment of a...
s.sch003 (1) Subject to the following provisions of this Schedule, any...
s.sch003 (1) The following applications shall be made to the registrar...
s.sch003 A registrar shall not register any qualification, whether on first...
s.sch003 (1) Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Schedule, on...
s.sch003 (1) Without prejudice to sub-paragraph (2) below, the particulars stated...
s.sch003 (1) No application shall be required in respect of registration...
s.sch003a Registration and Training Appeals
s.sch003a Interpretation
s.sch003a Appealable registration decisions
s.sch003a Appealable decisions relating to postgraduate medical education and training
s.sch003a Notice of appealable registration decisions
s.sch003a Appeals from appealable registration decisions
s.sch003a Appeals from a Registration Appeals Panel
s.sch003a Notices
s.sch003a Extension of time for appealing
s.sch003b Extension of time for appealing
s.sch003b References to the Investigation Committee
s.sch003b Powers of Registration Appeal Panels disposing of an appeal
s.sch003b Successful appeals
s.sch003b Unsuccessful appeals
s.sch003b Further appeal to court against determination within paragraph 7
s.sch004 (1) A direction for erasure, for suspension or for conditional...
s.sch004 (1) A direction for suspension or for conditional registration given...
s.sch004 (1) A direction for suspension or for conditional registration given...
s.sch004 (1) If, while a person’s registration is suspended under section...
s.sch004 In this Schedule “party”, in relation to proceedings before the...
s.sch004 Where— (a) several sittings of the Investigation Committee, a Medical...
s.sch004 (1) Where in the course of any proceedings before a...
s.sch004 (1) The General Council may make rules—
s.sch004 Knowledge of English Assessments
s.sch004 (1) The General Council shall make rules with respect to...
s.sch004 (1) For the purposes of advising— (a) the Investigation Committee...
s.sch004 (1) For the purpose of conducting the management of cases...
s.sch004 (1) This paragraph applies to any notice required to be...
s.sch004 Where— (a) any notice required by section 35E(1) or 39(2)...
s.sch004a Directive 2005/36: functions of the General Council under section 49B(3)
s.sch005 Consequential Amendments of Enactments (opens in a new tab)
s.sch005 In Article 2(2) of the Health and Personal Social Services...
s.sch005 In the Finance Act 1972— (a) in Schedule 4 in...
s.sch005 In section 11(2) of the Poisons Act 1972 for the...
s.sch005 In Article 2(2) of the Births and Deaths Registration (Northern...
s.sch005 In Article 23 of the Pharmacy (Northern Ireland) Order 1976...
s.sch005 In Article 2(2) of the Poisons (Northern Ireland) Order 1976,...
s.sch005 In the National Health Service Act 1977—
s.sch005 In the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978—
s.sch005 In Schedule 1 to the Interpretation Act 1978, in the...
s.sch005 In the definition of “medical practitioner” in section 147(1) of...
s.sch005 In the definition of “medical practitioner” in section 111(1) of...
s.sch005 In section 132(1) of the Medicines Act 1968 for the...
s.sch005 In section 158(1) of the Mines Act (Northern Ireland) 1969,...
s.sch005 In section 54(1) of the Nurses and Midwives Act (Northern...
s.sch005 In section 20 of the Nursing Homes and Nursing Agencies...
s.sch005 In section 37(1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971...
s.sch006 Where any period of time specified in an enactment repealed...
s.sch006 Any reference to infamous conduct in any professional respect in...
s.sch006 (1) In any enactment passed before 1st January 1979 the...
s.sch006 Any direction given or order made under sections 32 to...
s.sch006 Any reference in any instrument to the Disciplinary Committee or...
s.sch006 Nothing in the transfer of functions which was effected by...
s.sch006 In relation to any person who was provisionally registered under...
s.sch006 The decisions within section 29(2) of this Act shall include...
s.sch006 Section 41 of this Act applies to a person whose...
s.sch006 Until provision is made with respect to proceedings before the...
s.sch006 Section 53 of this Act shall apply to a copy...
s.sch006 Where, apart from this paragraph, anything done under or for...
s.sch006 (1) A person registered under section 23 of the 1956...
s.sch006 The re-enactment in paragraph 2(2) of Schedule 1 to this...
s.sch006 Nothing in this Act shall affect the validity of the...
s.sch006 (1) Nothing in this Act shall affect the registration of...
s.sch006 (1) Where immediately before the commencement of this Act paragraph...
s.sch006 Notwithstanding the repeal by this Act of section 57(3) of...
s.sch006 The repeal of section 4 of the 1978 Act by...
s.sch006 Nothing in the repeals made by this Act shall affect...
s.sch006 References in any enactment, instrument or other document passed or...
s.sch006 References (however worded) to the general register kept for the...
s.sch006 The reference in section 31(8) of this Act to a...
s.sch006 A person who immediately before the commencement of section 11...

Help complying

Guvnor’s practical routes through this instrument.

Run a healthcare business

Ongoing compliance for CQC-registered healthcare providers covering inspections, professional registration, safeguarding, clinical governance, medicines management, and staff obligations

Healthcare compliance quick check

Quick compliance check for experienced healthcare providers. Covers CQC registration, professional registrations, DBS checks, medicines audit, controlled drugs register, IPC audit, fire …
1 more guide that reference this instrument
Healthcare professional registration requirements

Duty extraction and severity labels are Guvnor’s analysis of the instrument, not the instrument itself. Always verify against the linked source text.