For healthcare professionals such as nurses, doctors, paramedics and pharmacists a fare evasion conviction carries risks that go far beyond a fine. Regulatory bodies including the NMC, GMC, GPhC and HCPC all have fitness to practise frameworks that can be triggered by criminal convictions however minor they may seem.
Do I need to report a fare evasion conviction to my regulator? In most cases yes. The NMC, GMC and HCPC all require registrants to self report criminal convictions including those that might ordinarily be considered minor. Failure to report can itself constitute a fitness to practise concern potentially compounding the original issue.
What will my regulator do? Upon receiving a notification of a criminal conviction a regulator will typically carry out a preliminary assessment to decide whether to refer the matter to a fitness to practise panel. Factors considered include the nature of the offence, whether it involved dishonesty and whether it reflects on the registrant’s suitability to practise safely and with integrity. Fare evasion, particularly where it involves an element of deliberate deception, is treated as a dishonesty offence. Regulators take dishonesty seriously because it goes to the heart of the trust placed in healthcare professionals by patients and the public.
Can a caution or out of court settlement protect my registration? An out of court settlement where a prosecution is withdrawn and no criminal conviction is recorded is far preferable to a conviction for registration purposes. This is why early legal intervention is so important for healthcare workers.
Protect Your Registration, Instruct Samir Moftah Today. Samir Moftah at Manak Solicitors understands the regulatory landscape facing NHS and healthcare professionals. Acting quickly to avoid a criminal conviction is the single most important step you can take to protect your registration and your career. Contact Samir today for a free 15 minute initial discussion where he will set out exactly how he can help with your case. 01689 870769 07731 868916 litigation@manaksolicitors.co.uk
