BMA chairman Dr Hamish Meldrum said: 'The BMA is concerned that, a few years after the Healthcare Commission was set up, it is to be abolished to make way for a new regulatory body.
'The NHS has been suffering from too much reorganisation and as soon as doctors and managers start getting used to one system, it's all change.'
Health secretary Alan Johnson said the new regulator would have a key role in tackling healthcare-associated infections. It will have the power to make inspections and close down wards if necessary.
Mr Johnson said: 'The Care Quality Commission will ensure that all patients receive a safe and high-quality service, no matter what part of the system they are accessing.'
The powers of the Care Quality Commission will be included in the Health and Social Care Bill due to be introduced in parliament this year.
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