2022-01-26 11:19:31
The GPhC is currently (until 8 February 2022) consulting on a proposal to allow Fitness to Practise hearings to be held remotely, extending indefinitely an arrangement that was introduced on an time-limited basis during the pandemic. A response to the consultation has been submitted on behalf of PLEA. The consultation paper is here https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/get-involved/consultations/remote-hearings-consultation
You can read our response here ../uploads/PLEA consultation GPhC remote hearings Jan 22 formatted (002).pdf
In short, we have concluded that remote hearings should only take place if the registrant consents, unless the registrant has failed to engage with the Fitness to Practise process. The key advantages of remote hearings are time and cost savings. Fitness to Practise Committees make life-altering decisions and unless the registrant consents to a remote hearing, the advantages of of a remote hearing are outweighed by the disadvantages.