Consensual panel determination

Reference: DMA-2

Last Updated 23/06/2021

A consensual panel determination takes place when we agree with the nurse, midwife, or nursing associate that their fitness to practise is impaired and what the appropriate sanction is for their case. The nurse, midwife or nursing associate must admit the factual allegations against them. We’ll also agree on any interim order that might be required.

This agreement is put in writing, and we then ask a panel to approve the provisional agreement we’ve reached.

The provisional agreement will usually be considered by a panel at a meeting but could be considered at a hearing if the nurse, midwife or nursing associate asks for one.¹ (See dealing with cases at meetings or hearings.)

We use consensual panel determinations to help to resolve cases more quickly and easily.

The panel will make its own decision about whether the nurse, midwife or nursing associate’s fitness to practise is impaired, what sanction, if any, to impose, and whether an interim order² is required.

1 The provisional agreement may also be considered at a hearing if one is considered ‘desirable’. This is unlikely to be the case given the nurse, midwife or nursing associate will have accepted the factual allegations against them, that their fitness to practise is impaired and agreed with us the appropriate sanction to be imposed and any interim order.
2 See our guidance on ‘Interim orders after a sanction is imposed’