What Will the HCPC Investigate for Fitness to Practise Cases?

Welcome to Regulation Resolution, where our legal experts specialise in providing robust defence strategies for healthcare professionals facing Fitness to Practise investigations by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), particularly in paramedic disciplinary cases. We understand the gravity of these allegations and are committed to navigating these proceedings with expertise, ensuring the protection of your professional standing and reputation, regardless of your healthcare profession.

Criminal Conviction/Caution

Facing accusations related to criminal convictions or cautions within your healthcare profession demands a strategic legal defence. At Regulation Resolution, our experts meticulously analyse the circumstances, crafting a defence strategy that highlights rehabilitation efforts and underscores your commitment to professional development. We are dedicated to safeguarding your reputation and ensuring a fair assessment by the HCPC.

General Misconduct

Allegations of general misconduct in the context of your healthcare practice can have far-reaching consequences. Our legal defence involves a thorough examination of the evidence, challenging the validity of accusations, and ensuring a fair representation of facts. Regulation Resolution works strategically to minimise the impact on your professional standing, presenting a compelling case that emphasises your dedication to ethical practice.

Inappropriate Professional Boundaries

Maintaining professional boundaries is paramount, and accusations of inappropriate conduct demand a nuanced legal approach. Our defence strategy involves a detailed analysis of alleged boundary violations, presenting a case that demonstrates your adherence to ethical standards and emphasises corrective measures implemented within your practice.

Deficient Professional Performance

Accusations related to deficient professional performance within your healthcare profession demand a proactive legal defence. Regulation Resolution collaborates closely with expert witnesses and industry professionals to assess your skills and knowledge. Our defence strategy emphasises ongoing professional development initiatives, showcasing your capability to deliver safe and effective care to patients.

Allegations of Dishonesty

Integrity is crucial in the healthcare profession, and accusations of dishonesty can be damaging. Our legal defence involves a meticulous examination of evidence, challenging the credibility of allegations. We work to demonstrate your commitment to transparency and ethical practice, aiming to protect your professional reputation.

Making Clinical Diagnosis Outside of Expertise

Accusations of making clinical diagnoses outside of your professional expertise demand a targeted legal defence. Regulation Resolution collaborates with medical experts to assess your capabilities, presenting a robust case that highlights adherence to your scope of practice. We aim to demonstrate your commitment to providing care within your professional expertise.

Substance Misuse or Other Health Concerns

Accusations related to substance misuse or health concerns within your healthcare profession require a sensitive yet strategic legal defence. Our team works to address the allegations while emphasising your commitment to personal well-being and patient safety in your professional role. Regulation Resolution aims to minimise the impact on your professional standing and ensure a fair assessment by the HCPC.

HCPC Initial Investigation Criteria and Fitness to Practise Assessment:

During the initial investigation stage, the HCPC employs a threshold test to determine if the raised concern, along with any related information, constitutes an allegation that your ability to practice as a healthcare professional may be compromised on statutory grounds. The key considerations include:

1. – Actual or potential risk to public safety.
2. – Whether the matter may undermine public confidence in your healthcare profession.
3. – Whether the matters complained of could amount to a breach of HCPC’s standards of conduct, performance and ethics, standards of proficiency, and other relevant guidance for registrants.
4. – Whether the matter is a serious concern of the type listed below.
5. – Whether the information calls into doubt your honesty or integrity.
6. – If you have a physical or mental health condition that may present a risk to your ability to practise safely or effectively.
7. – Whether the matter relates to an isolated incident or indicates a wider pattern of behaviour.
8. – If you have taken action to remediate your practice.
9. – Whether there have been previous, similar concerns about you.
10. – Any other public interest considerations.

It is worth noting that certain concerns are deemed so serious that they will meet the threshold criteria at the triage stage. Examples of serious concerns include:

1. – Serious violence.
2. – Sexual assault or indecency.
3. – Any criminal offence relating to a child.
4. – Improper sexual, emotional, or financial relationship with a service user.
5. – Any criminal offence where you have been given a custodial sentence.
6. – Dishonesty.
7. – Serious or reckless errors in your practice which have caused, or have the potential to cause, serious harm to service users.

Professions Under HCPC Oversight:

Professions under HCPC’s oversight span a wide spectrum, from arts therapy and biomedical science to chiropody/podiatry, clinical science, dietetics, hearing aid dispensing, occupational therapy, and more. Each profession holds designated titles protected by law, and professionals in these fields must be registered with HCPC to use these titles legally.

Conclusion:

At Regulation Resolution, we are your trusted legal partner, dedicated to resolving regulatory challenges in healthcare practice across all professions under HCPC oversight, with a special focus on HCPC Hearings. If you or your practice is facing Fitness to Practise investigations by the HCPC, contact us for expert legal guidance and representation. Your professional standing and reputation are our top priorities, and we are here to navigate these challenges with precision and expertise. Click the banner below, undergo a free case assessment.