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  6. General introduction
Interim measures tribunal hearings

General introduction

  1. The role of an interim measures tribunal (IMT) is to consider whether a PA or AA’s registration should be restricted on an interim basis. This is usually done to protect the public or in the public interest while concerns or allegations about a PA or AA’s fitness to practise are being considered. An IMT can also put an interim measure in place where it is in the PA or AA’s own interests. 

  2. The IMT can be asked to consider whether an interim measure is needed once the Regulator considers that a question has arisen as to whether a PA or AA’s fitness to practise is impaired1 and an initial assessment has been opened, and thereafter at any stage of the fitness to practise process.2

  3. Where the Regulator or a case examiner consider that an interim measure may be needed to protect the public or is otherwise in the interests of the public or the PA or AA, they can make a referral to an IMT. 

  4. An IMT can make an interim measure for a period of up to 18 months. It may impose conditions on, or suspend, the PA or AA’s registration.3 

  5. When deciding if an interim measure is needed the IMT will: 
    • decide if one or more parts of the test for imposing an interim measure is met, and where it is, 
    • decide what is the proportionate interim measure to make. 
  1. To decide if one or more parts of the test for imposing an interim measure is met, the IMT will assess the risk arising from the information referred and decide if it is necessary to restrict the PA or AA’s registration on an interim basis while the concern or allegation is being considered. Where the IMT concludes it is necessary to restrict the PA or AA’s registration, they will need to decide what the proportionate response is. This includes deciding on the type of interim measure and the length of time the measure should be made for. 

  2. Further information about the approach taken to deciding if an interim measure is needed can be found in Part A of this section of the guidance on Considering interim measures. 

  3. Where an interim measure has been imposed, it must be reviewed at specific intervals. If the Regulator or a case examiner refers a review to an IMT, further information about the approach taken to reviewing an interim measure can be found in Part B of this section of the guidance on Reviewing interim measures. 

  4. An associates tribunal (AT) can impose an interim measure during an AT hearing.4 They can also extend the interim measure,5 vary any condition imposed under an interim measure, replace an interim measure with a different interim measure, or simply revoke an existing interim measure that has previously been imposed.6

  5. Hearings to consider an interim measure are heard in private, although they may be heard in public in certain circumstances.7 During an AT hearing, an interim measure can be revoked in public.8 

1 Article 10 of the Anaesthesia and Physician Associate Order 2024 (AAPA Order 2024) (the Order).

2 Article 11 of the Order.

3 Article 11(3) of the Order.

4 Article 11(1) of the Order.

5 For up to 18 months.

6 Rule 38(5).

7 Rule 42(3).

8 Rule 42(4).