Government proposes four-tier disciplinary system and abolition of suspension of sentence; Medical Council hopes to retain suspension of sentence

The government plans to reform the penalties the Medical Council can impose on doctors, proposing a four-tier disciplinary mechanism and the abolition of suspension of sentence; the Medical Council has submitted a submission suggesting that suspension of sentence be retained. Chairwoman Anne Tam Wai-ching said professional misconduct already counts as "very serious" for doctors and would result in no certificate of good standing being issued, and she believes a four-tier disciplinary system could coexist with suspension of sentence. She also hopes the government will explain more clearly the legislative intent behind "conditional practice".