Former Medical Council CEO Mr Leo Kearns is conducting an independent review into the role of physician associates/assistants (PAs) on behalf of the HSE.
A HSE spokesperson told the Medical Independent it had appointed Mr Kearns to lead the independent review. He is supported by a project/research team and a clinical advisory group.
“Mr Kearns has extensive expertise in governance within healthcare and a deep background in specialist medical education and training, professional competence, clinical leadership, and quality improvement,” said the spokesperson.
The review, which is due to conclude this year, will make recommendations regarding governance, scope of practice, and appropriate and safe deployment of the PA role. In the meantime, the recruitment of PAs within the HSE is “paused”.
Mr Kearns departed his role as CEO of the Medical Council in September 2024. He is also a former CEO of the RCPI.
In December 2024, the Medical Council stated that it would not be the appropriate regulatory body for PAs. Its statement referred to “the potential for emerging patient safety risks arising from confusion for patients, as observed recently because of regulation of PAs by the GMC [General Medical Council] in the UK”.
“The Medical Council is aware that PAs are being trained and employed in the Irish healthcare system, working under the supervision of doctors to support the provision of healthcare, contribute to patient management, and improve healthcare access. [The Council] considers it essential that these PA roles are defined with respect to their scope of practice.”
The RCSI operates the only PA postgraduate programme in this jurisdiction. The College has advocated for regulation of the PA role.
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