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Being proportionateChangingthe order?We have recommended a series ofchanges to the Pharmacy Orderin advance of the Law Commission'sreview of the legislative framework forhealth professions regulation. ThePharmacy Order is the piece oflegislation which sets out the role andpowers of the GPhC.The government announced last year thatit intended to simplify the existinglegislative framework and develop a draftBill for consultation. The LawCommission's review is part of thatprocess. We have developed ourrecommendations so we are best placedto influence the design andimplementation of any new legislativeframework. Our recommendations havebeen agreed by the GPhC Council.They include:• enabling us to require evidence ofEnglish language co mpetence fromEuropean Economic Area (EEA)applicants for registration• removing the detail which specifiesregistration periods and expiry dates.We would like to have the flexibility todeal with length of registration periodsand expiry dates by way of rules,which we would consult on beforethey were finalised• increasing the flexibility and efficiencyof the initial stages of the fitness topractise process by allowing greateruse of administrative decision-makingby the registrar in less serious cases,and enhancing the scope of theCouncil's powers to issue criteria toguide referrals to and by theinvestigating committee• enabling us to work in a more joinedupway with other regulators andauthorities, like the police, by requiringthird parties to provide informationabout people applying for registration.We have experienced difficulties insome cases in obtaining necessaryinformation• removing the requirements to specifyin rules the intervals at whichinspectors may conduct routineinspections and the circumstances forspecial inspections and other visits.This is so we can continue to develop arisk-based and proportionate approachto regulation.Government would be required toconsult on any changes to the PharmacyOrder.10 Regula+e: February 2012 | Issue 3