2019 Guidance for Healthcare Professionals acting as Expert Witnesses - What do you need to do now?

Related Sector: Expert Witness

In May 2019, new guidance was published for healthcare professionals who act as expert witnesses titled “Acting as an expert or professional witness – Guidance for healthcare professionals”.

This guidance applies to all courts and tribunals in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and has been endorsed by over 70 healthcare professional bodies.

Importantly, the General Medical Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council, Health and Care Professions Council, General Pharmaceutical Council, General Dental Council and General Chiropractic Council have all confirmed that the advice set out in this guidance is consistent with their standards and guidance as regulatory bodies.

We are delighted to have secured an exclusive interview with the lead author of this guidance, Professor Caroline MacEwen, the Chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges.

This interview is an essential watch for all healthcare professionals who act or are looking to act as expert witnesses.

What do you need to do now?

1. You should ensure that you have read, understood and comply with the guidance.
   
   
2. Update your CV to clearly demonstrate to instructing parties that you are now complying with the guidance.
   
   
3. Undertake specific expert witness training and ongoing refresher CPD training.
   
   
4. As good practice, we would suggest that you should insert into your expert declaration/expert report:“I confirm that I have acted in accordance with the guidance “Acting as an expert or professional witness – Guidance for healthcare professionals”, which is endorsed by {name of your professional body} and is consistent to the standards and guidance of {name of your regulator}.”
   
   
5. For healthcare professionals who are instructed in criminal cases in England and Wales you are required to refer to this guidance in your Criminal Experts Declaration:“I confirm that I have acted in accordance with the code of practice or conduct for experts of my discipline, namely “Acting as an expert or professional witness – Guidance for healthcare professionals” which is endorsed by {name of your professional body} and is consistent to the standards and guidance of {name of your regulator}.”

Bond Solon have been at the forefront of improving the standards of expert witnesses in the UK and worldwide through the provision of knowledge and skills based:

• Courses
• University Certification
• Conferences

To discuss any of your specific expert witness training requirements or if you have any questions about this guidance please do contact us.