In July 2008, The General Medical Council launched new guidance for doctors who act as expert witnesses. Premex Group’s Chief Medical Officer, Scot Darling gives a brief overview of this initiative and its implications to our working practice.
An expert witness is not a treating clinician but is still expected to adhere to the general principles specified in the GMC’s core guidance “Good Medical Practice”.
The new guidance expands on these principles and emphasises certain points that guides doctors in their role in assisting the court on matters within their expertise. Key points are:
- Clarity in your own mind about the duty you have been asked to undertake.
- Honesty and transparency in any written or verbal information that you provide.
- Provision of this information without unreasonable delay.
- Remain within the scope of your professional competence & recognise your limitations.
- Acknowledge range of opinion & justify your own balanced position.
- Inform all involved parties immediately if your opinion changes.
- Recognise your impartial duty to the court & not be influenced by any prejudice or other interested party & disclose any conflict of interest.
- Keep up to date in your chosen medical speciality and with relevant legal requirements including the medical report & court procedure.
- Do not disclose confidential information without appropriate consent or direction.
Full details can be found on: http://www.gmc-uk.org/
