UK guidance on regulation of advanced practice
The Health and Care Professions Council, in collaboration with the General Osteopathic Council, has shared an update on the regulation of advanced levels of practice. The HCPC explains that advanced levels of practice are already fully covered by existing regulatory frameworks, rather than requiring a separate or additional layer of regulation. All registrants working at enhanced/specialist, advanced or consultant levels must continue to meet the same professional standards applicable to their scope of practice, regardless of job title or seniority. The HCPC emphasizes that public safety is a shared responsibility across professionals, regulators, employers and professional bodies, and that practitioners must use their own professional judgment to work within an appropriate scope of practice. The guidance also clarifies that regulators do not prescribe or limit specific roles or scopes of practice, allowing flexibility for evolving healthcare roles, while reinforcing expectations around continuing professional development, supervision and safe, effective practice across different settings.