- In December 2021, the government accepted this recommendation in principle, acknowledging a gap in legal responsibility when consultants work under practising privileges and stating that CQC had strengthened requirements for independent providers to have robust governance (Government Response to the Paterson Inquiry, DHSC, December 2021).
- The December 2022 implementation update stated that the Independent Healthcare Providers Network had refreshed the Medical Practitioners Assurance Framework (MPAF) in September 2022 and that the 2022-2023 NHS Standard Contract required independent sector providers to have regard to the MPAF (Paterson Inquiry Implementation Update, DHSC, December 2022).
- The December 2022 update noted a significant culture shift emphasising independent provider responsibility for standards regardless of employment versus practising privilege arrangements (Paterson Inquiry Implementation Update, DHSC, December 2022).
- No published legislation closing the gap in legal responsibility and liability for patients treated by consultants working under practising privileges has been identified to March 2026.