Physician associates must have a named senior doctor supervising them at all times, says BMA

Medical associate professionals (MAPs), including physician associates, must have an immediately available, named supervisor in all healthcare settings, the BMA has said.1

On 22 May the BMA published guidance for the supervision of MAPs, after its publication of its national guidance on MAPs’ scope of practice in March.2

The latest guidance includes specific recommendations for doctors who supervise MAPs and for employers. It emphasises the importance of supervising doctors having allotted time for discussions with MAPs and to review patients, in accordance with the scope of practice guidance.

The BMA’s chair of council, Phil Banfield, said that it was the first time such clear guidance had been produced for the NHS and doctors on the supervision of MAPs.

“The …