Are they included in the complaints already made to the GCC? It might be that where a particular clinic was itself found against by the ASA, rather than merely being expected to follow good advertising practice as a general principle, this would be a significantly aggravating factor that the GCC would have to consider. Reply
Trading standards have been significantly more effective. Out of the 164 clinics I’ve complained about, there are only 33 left making these claims. Though some include a claim to be able to ward off bird flu, treat arthritis and cure MS. I’m not sure why they’re doing this. Surely they are worried they’ll get a huge slap from the GCC at the end of this. Reply
NOt sure about the huge slap from the GCC, Simon. The indicative sanctions if unprofessional conduct is found by the Professional Conduct Committee are: 1) Admonishment 2) Conditions of Practice Order 3) Removal (from the Register) Removal tends to be reserved for sexual misconduct, and other gross misconduct against patients. Conditions of Practice orders are for cases where a chiro can take positive steps to change behaviours and or working practices. Admonishment is for minor infringements. The complaints made by zeno (which are in the public domain) are likely to amount to an Admonishment if proven to be unprofessional conduct. Reply
Given that the GCC’s COP guidance on advertisng includes websites (specifically confirmed by GCC), it makes you wonder why, as the regulators, they’re not taking a more active role in ensuring compliance by their members. Reply
Healthcare regulators are reponsive reactive organisations and a complaint has to be received in order to start any investigation. Reply