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Wed 07 Jul 2006Proposals on professional competence will tighten standardsThe publication of the heads of a new Medical Practitioners Bill represents a major step forward in ensuring the highest professional standards for doctors in order to protect the public interest, writes Dr Muiris Houston, Medical Correspondent.The 1978 Medical Practitioners Act has long been recognised as outdated and cumbersome. The expectations of the public and the need for doctors to keep abreast of new developments have greatly increased since that Act came into force.