Court of Appeal upholds GMC’s use of “medical professionals” in Good Medical Practice

The Court of Appeal, in British Medical Association, R (On the Application Of) v General Medical Council [2026] EWCA Civ 143 (20 February 2026), has dismissed the British Medical Association’s (BMA) challenge to the General Medical Council (GMC) over its use of the term “medical professionals” in Good Medical Practice (GMP), confirming that the regulator acted within its powers when applying the label to doctors, physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs).

The judgment was issued on 20 February 2026.

Background to the dispute

The BMA argued that the term “medical professionals” was inconsistent with the statutory framework, which distinguishes doctors from associates, and that its use risked misleading patients about the status of PAs and AAs. The association also challenged the High Court’s refusal to extend time for bringing the claim.

The Court of Appeal considered only the terminology issue, as the BMA had abandoned its earlier challenge to the GMC’s decision to issue unitary guidance for doctors and associates.

Findings of the Court

The Court rejected all grounds of appeal.

The Court held that:

• The term is not a statutory expression and does not confer or imply a protected title.
• It is accurate in a general sense, as associates work in medical settings and are subject to statutory regulation.
• GMP contains clear requirements for registrants to explain their role, qualifications and scope of practice to patients.
• There was no evidence that the terminology had caused patient confusion or encouraged associates to misrepresent themselves.

The Court concluded that the guidance did not misstate the law, did not fall within the categories of unlawful policy identified in R (A), and did not direct associates to act outside their statutory remit.

Rationality and statutory purpose

The Court found that the GMC’s decision to use the term was rational and consistent with its statutory objectives, including the protection of the public. The regulator had undertaken consultation and provided reasons for its approach.

Extension of time

The Court upheld the High Court’s refusal to extend time. The BMA had access to the relevant draft of GMP in August 2023 and did not issue proceedings until more than a year after the decision under challenge. The Court found no good reason for the delay.

GMC response

In a public statement, the GMC said it welcomed the judgment, noting that the Court had confirmed the lawfulness of its approach to terminology in GMP. The regulator stated that the ruling “provides clarity for the professions we regulate” and reiterated that the term “medical professionals” is used as a collective descriptor for doctors, PAs and AAs.

The GMC also emphasised its ongoing focus on ensuring that patients are given clear information about who is providing their care and that registrants accurately describe their role and scope of practice.

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