Regulatory bodies must be independent and reflect interests of patients and professionals

The Index has not yet recorded a verbatim government response to this recommendation.

Please see our response to Recommendation 31 for legal duties in respect of patient and public involvement.

Regulators involve patients and public as part of their stakeholder engagement activity. Examples below.

• Nursing and Midwifery Council Stakeholder Engagement
• GMC Involving patients in undergraduate curriculum development

NHS England has a legal duty under sections 13Q and 13H of the National Health Service Act 2006 to secure the involvement of patients, their carers, and representatives in its commissioning processes and decisions. Patients and the public are at the heart of everything NHS England does, in line with the principles of the NHS Constitution and Public Participation Policy. Equivalent duties are held by for Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), NHS trusts and foundation trusts.

NHS England provides statutory guidance for ICBs, NHS trusts and foundation trusts to support them to meet their public involvement legal duties. It is relevant to other health and care organisations, including local government and seeks to ensure collaborative working to involve people and communities.

The AoMRC’s guidance is also reflected in NICE guidance on shared decision-making. All NHS and Independent Sector (IS) providers are regulated by CQC, and assessments include how services ensure that patients understand and are involved in decisions regarding their care.

The Government agreed with this recommendation.

In its January 2002 response, the Department of Health said that proposals for the new Nursing and Midwifery and Health Professions Councils and reform of the General Medical Council included arrangements for reflecting the interests of patients, the public and healthcare professionals.