GMC consults on personal beliefs and medical practice guidance

A consultation on the General Medical Council’s updated Personal beliefs and medical practice guidance has opened, marking the first major revision in more than a decade and carrying important implications for fitness to practise across the UK’s medical workforce.

The GMC is seeking views on draft guidance that sets out how doctors, physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs) can act in line with their personal beliefs while still providing safe, high‑quality care. The update reflects legal, cultural and social changes since the guidance was last reviewed in 2013.

The regulator defines personal beliefs broadly, including religious, moral and ethical values that may influence clinical practice. The draft guidance reiterates that while clinicians may hold conscientious objections to certain treatments, patient access to care must always take priority. Any objection must not delay or prevent a patient from receiving the service they need.

The GMC has strengthened its focus on communication, encouraging clinicians to understand how a patient’s own beliefs shape their preferences and decisions. If a patient refuses treatment because of their beliefs, that decision must be respected even if the clinician disagrees. Where a patient requests a procedure for cultural or religious reasons rather than medical ones, clinicians must ensure they have the necessary skills, appropriate consent and can provide care safely.

The guidance also clarifies expectations around clinicians discussing their own beliefs with patients. Such conversations must remain relevant to care, maintain professional boundaries and avoid imposing personal values. New content also addresses how registrants should raise belief‑related issues with employers and navigate interactions with colleagues.

GMC Chief Executive Charlie Massey said the updated guidance aims to support “workplaces that are respectful, fair, supportive and compassionate,” and urged individuals and organisations to share their views during the consultation period.

The guidance applies only to professional practice and does not cover how individuals express beliefs outside work or how the GMC investigates concerns relating to fitness to practise.

The consultation runs until Thursday 11 June, with responses invited through the GMC’s website.

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