On your first point ... I was anticipating that response (and therefore have my answer ready):-
What's to prevent the new employer to 'phone (email, whatever) the previous employer (and check out the candidate), just as would need to be done to "check" the Register?
If employers can't be bothered to check out references, and then things "go wrong" later, then who is at fault?
One other point, if I may. In my many years of
biomeding (in HM Forces, then overseas, and in the UK) I have come across biomed techs of all types; from the Genius Guys to the totally useless. Sadly, some have even been somewhat destructive (as in, prone to damaging the kit they were supposed to be fixing). However (although my memory may not be as sharp as it once was), I cannot recall a single case where a patient was harmed by the action (or indeed, inaction) of any of those guys.
I can see the case for
medics to be registered with the HPC (or whomever), because they are healthcare providers or practitioners, almost exclusively working in hospitals, clinics
etc. interfacing directly with patients. It is right and proper that the Public expects such folk to be "Registered" (if only that they, the Public, may feel reassured - sometimes falsely it would seem - that "all is well", or at least being managed correctly).
On the other hand, so-called biomed techs are
engineering technicians - support staff, in the same way as those who clean and maintain the building, work in the laundries or kitchens, the charity workers, the security guard (if any) and all the rest, are. Our interaction with patients should be, if at all, indirect. That is, there should always be a Registered person (medic
etc.) alongside to oversee the situation when we come into contact with patients. It is that person who should be "calling the shots" (and holds the over-riding Duty of Care).
Biomeds are not healthcare providers. But that does not mean that we are a bunch of uncaring jerks, crashing around the hospital, out of control, and simply doing as we please. Neither are we ignorant, insensitive
clods. Quite the opposite, in fact, if my own experiences are anything to go by. Neither does it mean that we have to be "brought to heel", made to "toe the line" (or whatever other metaphor we could dream up).
In no way can I see patients being "protected" from "rogue" biomeds (if such a person ever exists) by names written on a piece of paper, or not, as the case may be.
