GMC Rule 7 Stage of Investigations

The GMC Rule 7 Stage – Making a Submission – Guidance for Doctors

The GMC Rule 7 stage is reached when the General Medical Council has completed its investigation into a doctor. The GMC invites the doctor to reply to formal allegations and a pack of evidence in support of them.

A doctor ideally needs to engage with the GMC at the Rule 7 stage because the case examiners’ Rule 8 decision could have far-reaching consequences for the doctor’s future.

See our GMC Investigations page for more information about how the Rule 7 stage works and how to reply to the allegations made by the GMC.

GMC Rule 7 is a rule within subordinate legislation that flows from the Medical Act 1983 (as amended). There is new legislation to cover fitness to practice allegations relating to anaesthesia associates and physician associates, namely the Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates Order 2024

If you are a GMC registrant looking for legal advice or legal assistance at the GMC Rule 7 stage, contact Doctors Defence Service without obligation and in strict confidence on 0800 10 88 739 or use our contact form.