This course explains what regulators and employers expect of healthcare professionals in relation to alcohol and substances, both at work and in private life. It covers recognising impairment, what to do if you are worried about yourself or a colleague, how regulators approach these concerns, and how to reflect and plan a safe, supported return to practice.
What you will learn
- Explain the professional expectations of the GMC, NMC, HCPC and GPhC in relation to alcohol and substances, including conduct outside work.
- Recognise signs that a colleague may be impaired at work and describe the correct immediate actions.
- Describe the routes to confidential support, including occupational health, your GP and NHS Practitioner Health.
- Explain how regulators assess concerns involving alcohol or substances, including convictions, cautions, health and honesty.
- Describe the elements of a safe, supported return to practice.
- Write an honest reflection and a remediation plan with verifiable evidence.
Course content
- Why this matters (2 min)
- Professional expectations at work and outside work (3 min)
- Recognising impairment and why problems go unnoticed (2 min)
- Immediate actions: if you are worried about a colleague or yourself (3 min)
- How regulators approach these concerns (2 min)
- Case study: a weak and a strong reflection (3 min)
- Safe return to practice and remediation plan (2 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- GMC: Good Medical Practice (2024), including the duties to look after your health and to be honest, and the requirement to tell the GMC about cautions and criminal charges
- NMC: The Code (2015, updated 2018), including the duty to be aware of potential harm from your health and to uphold the reputation of the profession, and the NMC guidance on health and character
- HCPC: Standards of conduct, performance and ethics (2024), including the standards on managing your health and on telling the HCPC about convictions and cautions
- GPhC: Standards for pharmacy professionals (2017)
- Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, as they relate to the safe custody and recording of controlled drugs
- Road Traffic Act 1988, including the offences of driving with excess alcohol and drug driving
- Equality Act 2010
Certificate
Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.
Study free at your own pace on any device.
Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.