HCPC Fitness to Practise 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How long does a caution order remain on an HCPC registrant's record?
- 1 to 5 years, as decided by the panel based on seriousness (Correct answer)
- Permanently
- 6 months only
- Until the registrant retires
Correct answer: 1 to 5 years, as decided by the panel based on seriousness
Caution orders last between 1 and 5 years. The length reflects the seriousness of the concern. The order appears on the public register for its duration and must be disclosed to employers.
Question 2: What must a registered professional do if they are subject to an unresolved fitness to practise process with another regulator?
- Disclose this to HCPC if it may be relevant to their HCPC registration (Correct answer)
- Only disclose if HCPC specifically asks
- Disclosure is not required for FTP matters with other regulators
- Only disclose if the other regulator contacts HCPC directly
Correct answer: Disclose this to HCPC if it may be relevant to their HCPC registration
HCPC's registration and conduct standards require honesty and transparency. FTP proceedings with another regulator that are relevant to a registrant's fitness to practise with HCPC must be disclosed.
Question 3: A chiropodist receives a suspension order for 6 months. What may they do during this period?
- They may not practise as a chiropodist (podiatrist) during the suspension — it is a temporary ban on registration (Correct answer)
- They may continue working under supervision
- They may work in a non-clinical role within their profession
- They may practise privately but not in the NHS
Correct answer: They may not practise as a chiropodist (podiatrist) during the suspension — it is a temporary ban on registration
A suspension order removes registration for the specified period. The registrant cannot practise in their HCPC-regulated professional capacity during the suspension, in any setting.
Question 4: What is meant by an 'agreed outcome' in HCPC FTP procedures?
- A resolution agreed between HCPC and the registrant (e.g., accepting a caution or conditions) without a full contested hearing (Correct answer)
- A settlement payment made to the complainant
- An informal warning sent by post
- An agreement between the registrant and their employer
Correct answer: A resolution agreed between HCPC and the registrant (e.g., accepting a caution or conditions) without a full contested hearing
Agreed outcomes allow FTP cases to be resolved without a full contested hearing. Both HCPC and the registrant agree on an appropriate sanction (e.g., caution, conditions), which must still be approved by a panel.
Question 5: Which document would a prospective employer check to verify an HCPC registrant's registration status and any sanctions?
- The HCPC online public register at hcpc-uk.org (Correct answer)
- The DBS certificate alone
- The NHS staff passport
- The registrant's CV
Correct answer: The HCPC online public register at hcpc-uk.org
The HCPC maintains a freely searchable online public register listing all current registrants, their registration status, and any active fitness to practise orders (cautions, conditions, suspension).
Question 6: What obligation exists for an employer who dismisses an HCPC registrant due to misconduct?
- The employer must refer the matter to the HCPC if the registrant's fitness to practise may be impaired (Correct answer)
- No obligation — disciplinary matters are internal only
- Only required to notify HCPC if the registrant faces criminal charges
- Obligation only applies to NHS trusts, not private employers
Correct answer: The employer must refer the matter to the HCPC if the registrant's fitness to practise may be impaired
Employers (NHS and independent sector) are obligated to refer to the HCPC when they dismiss or require a registrant to resign due to conduct, competence, or health concerns that may impair fitness to practise.
HCPC Fitness to Practise 5
How long does a caution order remain on an HCPC registrant's record?