Medical Council launches public consultation on proposed Registration (Amendment) Rules to support the commencement of the Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Acts 2020 and 2023

• The public consultation is open from 3rd September to 6th October

Thursday 3rd September 2026: The Medical Council has today launched a public consultation on proposed Registration (Amendment) Rules which are required to support the commencement of the Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Acts 2020 and 2023, next year.

These Acts introduce significant changes to the registration system and require the existing framework to be updated.

The proposed Rules include five key changes:

1. Consolidation of existing Rules: Seven sets of Registration Rules will be combined into a single set of Registration Rules. Professional Indemnity Rules will remain unchanged.
2. Register of Interns: Interns will no longer be registered in the Trainee Specialist Division, and a separate Register of Interns will now be established.
3. Recognition of qualifications before registration: Applicants will need to have their medical degree formally recognised before applying for registration.
4. Register of Adapters: A new Register of Adapters will be established primarily for certain EU/EEA citizens undertaking compensatory measures, including adaptation periods.
5. English language requirements: All first-time applicants will be required to meet English language requirements.

Executive Director for Registration Operations with the Medical Council, Trudy Reid, said “With over 35,000 doctors on the Medical Councils’ register, this public consultation plays an important part in implementing recent legislative changes. These changes which will enhance the way we register doctors, consolidate exiting Rules and ultimately support us in contributing to patient safety and public protection.”

“This consultation provides an opportunity for doctors, members of the public, individuals and organisations to share their thoughts on these changes. I would encourage anyone with an interest in this proposal to take part in the consultation."

The draft Rules will be subject to a public consultation and a proportionality assessment before being considered by the Medical Council and progressing through the legislative process.