Medical and life sciences

Contact: Dorothy Flower and Sian Morgan

Medical and life sciences

Publication of guidelines for digital mental health technologies

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued guidance aimed at manufacturers to ensure that mental health technologies meet UK medical devices regulations. The guidance sets out how manufactures should define these technologies, when these are considered medical devices and their risk classification.

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Update on regulation of physician associates and anaesthesia associates

After the regulation of physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs) in December 2024, the General Medical Council (GMC) published an update to set out plans to ensure an effective implementation of the regulation. As part of this, the GMC is inviting and encouraging PAs and AAs to apply for GMC registration. The GMC will also liaise with newly registered professionals to ensure they understand their responsibilities and the support they can anticipate from the GMC as their regulator.

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Medical and life sciences

Plans to introduce tech and AI in public services

The government unveiled the Prime Minister's Plan for Change, which introduces a shake-up of tech and AI usage across the NHS and other public services to streamline admin processes and improve delays. The plan also sees improved data sharing across the public sector, including government departments and local councils. In addition, civil servants will have access to a package of AI tools, called Humphrey, which will allow them to improve the delivery of public services while reducing consultant spending.

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ASA rulings on advertisements for the addiction rehabilitation market

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) have published clarifications on transparency and clarity in the addiction referral sector, following concerns from the Ethical Marketing Campaign for Addiction Treatment (EMCAT). Across 8 rulings made by the ASA in December 2024 and January 2025, the regulator pointed out that several referral websites contain misleading statements regarding the activities they offer. Others failed to declare their commercial intent and paid referrals, and implied approval from external bodies and organisations.

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ASA rulings on advertisements for the addiction rehabilitation market

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Study finds advanced practice regulation must address needs of international professionals

A study released by the Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF), commissioned by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), shows that advanced nursing and midwifery talent is being lost within the health and social care system. Findings show that internationally educated professionals struggle to have their expertise recognised, but regulatory changes could transform the landscape for nurses and midwives practising at an advanced level.

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