An Open Letter to Mr Marc Seale, Registrar - HCPC

I don`t know how else I can put this; Insurers are not interested in which title you use, or whether you are registered with a regulatory body. They are only concerned with proof of qualification which determines your scope of practice.

The car insurance analogy is ineffective as our qualification does not expire, nor can it be taken away from us.

 

Bel

Have to disagree with your reasoning.

So you say that in the event of a claim and the insurance company found you were unregistered but using a protected title they would say 'we don't care, we only want proof of qualification' ! Qualification to practice is not just an exam pass paper, in court you wouldn't have a leg to stand on. You would be accused of misleading the patient for starters, I've seen insurance withdrawn for less.

Anyway, I'll find out for sure tomorrow; no SCP members to tell me yet.

Regards.

 

Hi mark
You have made your point.

I don't agree or disagree with your stand but some of the advice on here seems wise and time to cut your losses.

You sound like a very caring podiatrist and seem to love the profession but take care of yourself.
After All all the experience and years you have are needed in the profession.

Do you think you can make peace with them so to continue working.

Good luck
Anthony

 

Hi Bel

Didn`t take as long as I thought.

Insurers are not interested in which title you use, or whether you are registered with a regulatory body.
YES you are totally CORRECT. They will happily take your annual premium !

But you`re totally INCORRECT to believe it ends there.
I have been sent a copy of a policy where the small print says, 'in the event that you do not maintain your registration you must inform us at once'. How many have that I do not know but it exists and no doubt will spread.

but remember that when litigation occurs your insurers will want to know all about you, you will have to submit your career history, qualifications, membership of organisations and any statutory registration that you hold. The moment that it comes to light that you were practising using a protected title but were not registered your insurance company will drop you there and then (and be happy to, they keep the premium).
And it will come to light, if your insurers don`t spot it (unlikely) the litigants legal team most certainly will; your insurers will then invalidate your cover claiming you were not honest when you took the cover out and the litigants will claim that you sought to deceive the patient ! You will then have to fund your own defence and will stand little chance as, because you attempted to deceive, you are not a credible witness. If you take cover as a FCP and use title, the same will apply.

I rest my case, test it at your peril.

Regards

 

John,

Please show me where I stated that it "ends there".

You`ve not informed me of anything new. Of course you have to declare any change in your professional status to your insurer and that would include voluntary de-regulation or being struck off.

I cannot comment on the rest of your hypothetical scenario, as it is just that - hypothetical. However, if you are inferring, as Mark suggested, that his insurance was in any way compromised, then that is his concern. Whatever policy (and clauses within) he holds and discussions he has had with his insurers really is his business.


Cheers,
Bel

 

Bel

Sorry if I misunderstood you, I took insurers are not interested whether you are registered with a regulatory body as meaning, well, insurers are not interested in whether you are registered with a regulatory body. The inference being that the validity of your cover did not go beyond obtaining cover in the first instance, or 'ending there'.

Hypothetical scenario it may be to you, to me it's very real, having seen it many times.

As far as I'm concerned this debate is one of importance to us all and your reference to Mr Russell is irrelevant to my interest. Whether or not he has any insurance cover, valid or otherwise, is surely only of concern to him and his patients.

Regards

 

Not really much of a debate, John. There are many types of PII available, which can be tailor-made to your scope of practice and whether you, or the provider, wish to include clauses relating to use of title, again that is up to both parties.

If you wish to pursue this interest of yours, then maybe a new thread is in order. As you rightly acknowledged; "reference to Mr Russell is irrelevant".

Glad we understand each other now :drinks
Bel

 

Bel

I`ll do as you've directed. but

There are many types of PII available, which can be tailor-made to your scope of practice and whether you, or the provider, wish to include clauses relating to use of title, again that is up to both parties.
is true but in the context of insurance validity is prevaricating waffle.
Suggest you consider what you have said and do try to remember that such a discussion is just that, a discussion, not a competition or a confrontation.
If we cannot learn from each other..............?

Kind Regards

 

No competition or confrontation here, John. I may come across as abrupt or terse, but that is purely in the interest of clarity. Please remember that inflection is in the eye of the beholder as we are denied the luxury of facial expression, body language and audible tone in text speak.

Always keen to learn, me.

 

Bel

Your considerate reply, tinged with humour, is appreciated, genuinely.

Please remember that inflection is in the eye of the beholder as we are denied the luxury of facial expression, body language and audible tone

Learning from that, perhaps I could buy you lunch (or 50-50) one day, I`m sure we`d learn so much from each other. I don`t know where you reside but I`m often in London.

Bet that`s a first on PA !

Regards

 

I`m in the former capital of England, Winchester. However, I am spending an increasing amount of time in that London.

It would be a pleasure :drinks

 

Well John

If you are feeling flush - I'd like your offer of lunch too!

Yes, its a rarity on PA!

Cheers
Linda

 

Nah, I frequently meet strange men from the Arena in London

 

Well that was incredibly enlightening.

 

What, you didn`t know that Winchester is the former capital of England?

 

Sassy...........but lovely also....