High Court Dismisses Challenge to General Medical Council’s Regulation of Associates

On 5 September 2025 the High Court (Mrs Justice Lambert) dismissed a challenge to the GMC’s regulation of physician associates and anaesthesia associates.

The main focus of the claim was on the GMC’s decision not to impose limits on the tasks that associates can perform after qualification. The claimants argued that the GMC’s approach was irrational and that the GMC had failed to comply with its  Tameside duty of inquiry.

The judge dismissed the claim on all grounds, holding that GMC’s decision-making was “coherent and not irrational” and it had “embarked on an extensive research program to inform the development of its professional standards and guidance to be applied to associates”.

39 Essex Chambers’ barristers Rory Dunlop KC and Peter Mant KC acted for the GMC.

39 Essex Chambers’ barristers Jenni Richards KC and Adam Boukraa acted for the BMA who were an interested party.

The full judgment can be found here.