Extension of Transitional Period for Registration of Health Professionals

The Emergency Powers (Covid-19) (Health Professions) Regulations 2020 was made by the Governor under section 4(1) of the Emergency Powers Ordinance and article 6(1) of the Emergency Powers (Overseas Territories) Order 2017.

It came into operation on June 10, 2020 and shall expire on December 31, 2020, unless earlier revoked.

This Regulation extends the transitional period for registration for a health professional who before June 10, 2019, was registered and licensed as a health practitioner under the repealed Health Practitioners Ordinance. The Health Registrar, with the approval of the relevant Council, may endorse the extension of a practitioner on an existing licence, or issue an interim licence at a fee of $50 until December 31, 2020.

The Regulation states that a health professional who wishes to be registered and licensed as a practitioner in the Islands shall submit an application for registration and licensing under the Health Professions Ordinance no later than August 31, 2020. Health professionals are encouraged to continue to submit applications for registration with the Health Secretariat, noting the deadline of August 31, 2020. This will enable the Councils to complete the process of applications by December 31, 2020.

A person who submits an application shall follow the procedures set out in the Health Professions Ordinance and the Health Professions Regulations and ensure that the application complies with all the requirements set out under the Ordinance and Regulations; and that applications are submitted with the relevant documentation required as listed on page 4 of the application form for Registration.

Any new applications for health professionals who were not registered and licensed under the Health Practitioners Ordinance, may continue to be submitted as is provided in the Health Professions Ordinance and Regulations.