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Health Professions (General) Regulations 2000


Published: 2000-08-22

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HEALTH PROFESSIONS [CH.233 – 11

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HEALTH PROFESSIONS (GENERAL) REGULATIONS, 2000

(SECTION 20) [Commencement 22nd August, 2000]

PART I PRELIMINARY

1. These regulations may be cited as the Health Professions (General) Regulations, 2000.

2. In these regulations — “accredited” with respect to school, college,

university, institution, program or course, means a school, college, university, institution, program or course recognized by the Ministry of Education that is approved by the Council, unless the context otherwise requires;

“medical practitioner” means a person licensed under the Medical Act;

“training institution” means an agency or institution that meets the requirements referred to in the specific Part for a particular health profession.

3. (1) An application for registration as a health professional under section 12 of the Act shall be accompanied by a statement from a licensed health professional that the applicant can read, write, speak and understand the English language and is otherwise a fit and proper person to be registered to practise as a health professional in The Bahamas, and —

(a) proof of citizenship in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas;

(b) a certificate of permanent resident status in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas that permits the person to engage in gainful occupation; or

(c) a valid work permit.

S.I. 78/2000 S.I. 101/2001

Citation.

Interpretation.

Ch. 224.

Registration.

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(2) For the purposes of section 12(3)(a) of the Act, an original certificate from a training institution that confirms that an applicant has successfully completed a course of study required to achieve the knowledge and skills competency requirements for the category of registration sought or, evidence of qualifications that the Council considers equivalent thereto, is evidence of qualifications as a health professional.

(3) Where an original certificate from a training institution is not available, the applicant may submit a copy that has been certified by the training institution as being a true copy of the applicants certificate.

(4) Where a person applies for registration as a health professional under the Act and the applicant does not hold a certificate from a training institution, it is the responsibility of the applicant to furnish the Council with such information as is necessary for the Council to determine equivalency.

(5) Where the Council is required to determine equivalency as part of an application under this section, the application shall be accompanied by an evaluation fee of twenty-five dollars and such fee shall be non-refundable.

(6) A person who satisfies the Council that he is eligible to be registered as a health professional shall be registered upon submission of the appropriate registration fee set out in the First Schedule and upon payment of the said fee the Council shall issue to the health professional a certificate of registration as set out in Form I of the Second Schedule.

(7) A person is entitled to have his or her name entered in the health professions register for more than one health profession provided that the person meets the qualifications for registration for each profession.

(8) A holder of a certificate of registration shall notify the Council forthwith of any change of business address of the certificate holder.

4. (1) An application for a licence or renewal thereof under section 13 (1) of the Act shall —

(a) be made on a form provided by the Council; (b) have attached thereto a copy of a certificate of

registration for the particular health profession for which the licence is sought; and

Application for licence.

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(c) be accompanied by the appropriate fee set out in the First Schedule.

(2) A licence as a health professional shall be in Form 2 as set out in the Second Schedule.

5. (1) A training institution may be recognized by the Council as a University, College or other body under section 12(2)(a) of the Act if —

(a) the Council approves of the course of study of the University, College or other body used to provide the knowledge and skills for a person to be registered under this Act; and

(b) the institution meets the requirements of this regulation.

(2) A training institution that is located in The Bahamas shall not issue a certificate to a person unless the person has successfully completed a course of study required to achieve the knowledge and skills competency requirements for the category of registration sought.

(3) A training institution shall, on the request of the Council, provide to the Council for approval —

(a) a description of the program content and learning methodologies employed to ensure that students acquire the knowledge and patient care competencies required; and

(b) a description of the evaluation methodology and criteria utilized to determine competency to perform patient care.

(4) The Council may at any time, upon provision of ninety days notice, require that a training institution confirm that it meets the requirements set out in a particular Part or require that a training institution provide any information referred to in paragraph (3).

(5) Where a training institution fails to comply with paragraph (4), the Council may refuse to accept registration and licence applications from persons who are graduates of the training institution.

(6) Notwithstanding paragraph (4), a training institution shall confirm to the Council that it meets the requirements of a particular Part within ninety days of each third anniversary of having been approved by the council to provide training under that particular Part.

Training institution.

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PART II ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY

6. The practice of acupuncture therapy is the stimulation of a certain point or points on or near the surface of the body by the insertion of needles to prevent or modify the perception of pain or to normalize physiological functions, including pain control for the treatment of certain diseases or dysfunctions of the body, and includes the techniques of electroacupuncture and cupping.

7. In the course of engaging in the practice of acupuncture therapy as an acupuncturist a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, perform or prescribe the use of oriental massage, acupuncture, moxibustion, breathing technique, exercise or nutrition, including the incorporation of drugless substances and herbs as dietary supplements to promote health.

8. The qualifications for registration as an acupuncturist are that the person —

(a) has completed an accredited educational, train- ing and clinical internship program; or

(b) passed an examination approved by the Amer- ican Academy of Medical Acupuncture that tests the applicant’s ability competency and knowl- edge in the practice of acupuncture therapy; or

(c) has successfully completed a program or examination in Acupuncture which the Council considers equivalent to (a) or (b).

PART III AUDIOLOGY AND SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

9. (1) The practice of audiology is the assessment of auditory function and the treatment and prevention of auditory dysfunction and to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment auditory and communicative functions.

(2) The practice of speech language pathology is the assessment of speech and language functions and the

Acupuncture therapy.

Authorized health services.

Qualifications for registration.

Scope of practice.

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treatment and prevention of speech, language and swal- lowing dysfunctions or disorders and to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment oral motor or communicative functions.

10. (1) In the course of engaging in the practice of audiology as an audiologist a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration and upon the referral of a Medical Practitioner prescribe a hearing aid for a hearing impaired person.

(2) In the course of engaging in the practice of speech language pathology as a speech language pathologist a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, assess, treat and prevent speech and language dysfunction or disorders, in close collaboration with a Medical Practitioner.

11. (1) The qualifications for registration as an audiologist are that the person —

(a) has a master’s degree in audiology from a college or university accredited by the American Speech, Hearing and Language Association or a qualifi- cation that the Council considers equivalent thereto; or

(b) has successfully completed a qualifying examina- tion for certification as an audiologist in the jurisdiction where the person obtained their practical experience.

(2) The qualifications for registration as a speech language pathologist are that the person —

(a) has a master’s degree in speech language pathology from a college or university accredited by the American Speech, Hearing and Language Association or a qualification that the Council considers equivalent thereto; or

(b) has successfully completed a qualifying examina- tion for certification as a speech language pathologist in the jurisdiction where the person obtained their practical experience.

Authorized health services.

Qualifications for registration.

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PART IV CHIROPODY AND PODIATRY

12. The practice of chiropody and podiatry is the assessment of the foot and ankle and the treatment and prevention of disease, disorders or dysfunctions of the foot and ankle by medical, surgical, palliative or mechanical means.

13. (1) In the course of engaging in the practice of chiropody as a chiropodist a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, perform the following —

(a) cutting into the subcutaneous tissues of the foot and ankle and bony tissues of the foot and ankle;

(b) administering by injection into feet and ankles, a substance referred to in the Third Schedule;

(c) prescribing a drug referred to in the Third Schedule.

(2) In the course of engaging in the practice of podiatry as a podiatrist a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, perform the following —

(a) communicate a diagnosis identifying a disease or disorder of the foot and ankle as the cause of the person’s symptoms;

(b) cutting into the subcutaneous tissues of the foot and ankle and bony tissues of the foot and ankle;

(c) administering by injection into feet and ankles, a substance referred to in the Third Schedule;

(d) prescribing a drug referred to in the Third Schedule.

14. The qualifications for registration as a chiropodist or a podiatrist are that the person —

(a) has a degree or diploma from an institution accredited by the American Council on Podiatric Education; or

(b) has successfully completed the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists of the United Kingdom Part III exam; or

(c) has successfully completed a program in chir- opody or podiatry which the Council considers equivalent to (a) or (b).

Scope of practice.

Authorized health services.

Qualifications for registration.

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PART V CHIROPRACTIC THERAPY

15. The practice of chiropractic is the assessment of conditions related to the spine, nervous system and joints and the diagnosis, prevention and treatment, primarily by adjustment of these structures. Such conditions include —

(a) dysfunctions or disorders arising from the structures or functions of the spine and the effects of those dysfunctions or disorders on the nervous system; and

(b) dysfunctions or disorders arising from the structures or functions of the joints.

16. In the course of engaging in the practice of chiropractic as a chiropractor a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, perform the following —

(a) communicating a diagnosis identifying, as the cause of the person’s symptoms —

(i) a disorder arising from the structures or functions of the spine and their effects on the nervous system; or

(ii) a disorder arising from the structures or functions of the joints of the extremities;

(b) moving the joints of the spine beyond a person’s normal usual physiological range of motion using a fast, low amplitude thrust;

(c) putting a finger beyond the anal verge for the purpose of manipulating the coccyx.

17. The qualifications for registration as a chiroprac- tor are that the person has successfully completed a qualifying examination as accredited by the American Academy of Chiropractic or its equivalent.

PART VI CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

18. The practice of psychology is the assessment of behavioural and mental conditions, the diagnosis of neuropsychological disorders and dysfunctions and psy- chotic, neurotic and personality disorders and dysfunctions and the prevention and treatment of behavioural and

Scope of practice.

Authorized health services.

Qualifications for registration.

Scope of practice.

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mental disorders and dysfunctions and the maintenance and enhancement of physical, intellectual, emotional, social and interpersonal functioning.

19. In the course of engaging in the practice of clinical psychology as a clinical psychologist a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, communicate a diagnosis identifying, as the cause of a person’s symptoms, a neuropsychological disorder or dysfunction, a psychosis, a neurosis, a personality disorder or dysfunction or a behavioural, mental or developmental disorder but does not include the prescribing of drugs.

20. The qualifications for registration as a clinical psychologist are that the person —

(a) holds a doctorate degree in psychology (Ph. D. or Psy. D.) from an accredited institution and has completed an internship program accredited by the Council; or

(b) holds a master’s degree in psychology from an accredited institution and has, after receiving the degree, completed at least five (5) years clinical experience in clinical psychology.

PART VII DIETETICS

21. The practice of dietetics is the assessment of nutrition and nutritional conditions and the treatment and prevention of nutrition related disorders by nutritional means.

22. (1) In the course of engaging in the practice of dietetics as a dietitian or nutritionist a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, perform the following —

(a) planning and regulating feeding according to nutritional needs and principles;

(b) the treatment and prevention of nutrition related disorders by nutritional means.

(2) In the course of engaging in the practice of dietetics as a dietary technician a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her

Authorized health services.

Qualifications for registration.

Scope of practice.

Authorized health services.

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certificate of registration, engage in the history taking and reviewing of nutritional practices under the direct super- vision of a dietitian or nutritionist.

23. (1) The qualifications for registration as a dietitian or nutritionist are that the person —

(a) holds a bachelors degree in dietetics or food and nutrition science from an accredited institution, has completed an accredited clinical internship program in the jurisdiction where the person obtained their degree and has passed a profi- ciency examination in the jurisdiction where the person obtained their degree that ensures that the person has the skills to be licensed or registered as a dietitian or nutritionist; or

(b) has qualifications that the Council considers equivalent to the degree referred to in subpara- graph (a) together with at least one year intern- ship as a dietitian or nutritionist in the jurisdiction where the person obtained their equivalency degree and has passed a proficiency examination in the jurisdiction where the person obtained their degree that ensures that the person has the skills to be licensed or registered as a dietitian or nutritionist.

(2) The qualifications for registration as a dietary technician are that the person —

(a) holds an associate of arts degree in dietetics, food and nutrition science or food service manage- ment from an accredited institution or holds qualifications in nutrition or food management that the Council considers equivalent thereto; and

(b) has completed a twelve months internship as a dietetic technician in the jurisdiction where the person received the degree referred to in subparagraph (a); or

(c) has passed an examination set by the Council.

Qualifications for registration.

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PART VIII EMERGENCY SERVICES

TECHNOLOGY 24. In this part — “advanced life support” means patient care practices

that are controlled medical acts; “ambulance” means a conveyance used in an

ambulance service for the purpose of transport- ing persons who are ill or injured;

“ambulance service” means a person, agency or enterprise that is approved by the Minister to provide ambulance service in the Common- wealth of The Bahamas;

“basic life support” means patient care practices that are not controlled medical acts;

“controlled medical act” means a medical act that can be delegated by a medical practitioner to a person licensed as an emergency services techni- cian advanced;

“employed” means a person who is registered as an emergency services technician, who is the holder of a licence under this regulation and who receives remuneration for functioning as an emergency services technician;

“medical advisor” means a medical practitioner who is appointed, employed or otherwise engaged by a training institution to provide medical over- sight and advice in regard to training to perform controlled medical acts;

“medical direction” means the provision of direct on line medical control by a medical director or his or her designate or indirect supervision that follows standard protocols established by the medical director and approved by the Council and the provision of medical quality assurance by a medical practitioner, of the patient care practices and controlled medical acts performed by emergency services technicians operating in, employed by or engaged as volunteers in an ambulance service;

Interpretation.

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“medical director” means a medical practitioner with postgraduate training in emergency medicine, anaesthesia, critical care, surgery or cardiology, appointed, employed or otherwise engaged to provide medical direction to emergency services technicians employed, operating in or engaged as a volunteer by a person, agency or enterprise that provides ambulance service;

“operator” means a person who is approved by the Council to operate an ambulance service in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas;

“volunteer” means a person who is registered as an emergency services technician, who is the holder of a licence under this regulation but does not receive remuneration for functioning as a emergency services technician.

25. The practice of emergency services technology is the provision of pre-hospital emergency care and trans- portation to the ill and injured while operating, employed in, or acting as a volunteer with an ambulance service.

26. (1) In the course of engaging in the practice of emergency services technology as an emergency services technician basic a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, perform the following basic life support patient care and transportation skills with respect to an ill or injured person —

(a) assessing and managing the scene of a health emergency situation;

(b) performing a primary patient survey; (c) providing basic airway management techniques; (d) taking a current and past history relevant to the

emergency event; (e) assessing the emergency health status of the

person and determining a need for and the priority for care and transport;

(f) assessing, evaluating and recording the vital signs of a patient including blood pressure, pulse rate, rhythm and volume, respiratory rate, level of consciousness and skin condition and colour;

(g) maintaining the airway by manual manipulation or use of oral or nasal-pharyngeal airways;

Scope of practice.

Authorized health services.

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(h) manually ventilating a patient by mouth-to- mouth or bag-valve ventilator;

(i) performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation for an adult, child or infant;

(j) administering oxygen by flow meter; (k) suctioning of the mouth and oral-pharynx; (l) recognizing external hemorrhage and apply

basic management techniques; (m) bandaging and general care of wounds and

environmental injuries; (n) splinting and otherwise immobilizing the body

or parts of the body where fracture or injury to a joint may reasonably be suspected;

(o) administering oral glucose for conscious hypo- glycemic patients;

(p) managing a patient experiencing a psychological or emotional crisis;

(q) using lifting and moving technique to safely move or position a patient;

(r) providing patient care in a sanitary and safe environment for both the patient and the technician;

(s) protecting the confidence and dignity of the patient;

(t) recording of all pertinent information that may impact on the welfare and continuing care of the patient;

(u) providing concise and accurate patient status and care reports to receiving health care facility staff and physicians; and

(v) operating an emergency vehicle in a manner that s consistent with the needs of the patient and in the interest of public safety.

(2) In the course of engaging in the practice of emergency services technology as an emergency medical services technician intermediate a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, perform all of the skills referred to in paragraph (1) and perform the following patient care skills in respect to an ill and injured person —

(a) auscultation of the chest and recognizing and evaluating breath sounds;

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(b) auscultation and palpation of the abdomen; (c) automated external cardiac defibrillation; (d) intravenous cannulation; (e) maintain peripheral intravenous locks and

infusions of fluid for simple fluid replacement or to keep a vein open;

(f) take of a blood sample from a peripheral vein; (g) administer under medical direction, epinephrine

subcutaneously for anaphylaxis, salbutamol in- halations for respiratory distress, nitroglycerine sublingual for angina, aspirin for patients suspected of suffering myocardial infarction or intravenous glucose for hypoglycemia under medical direction;

(h) use advanced airway management techniques including — — foreign body removal by direct techniques; — use of devices that do not pass the glottis;

(i) use pulse oximeter and evaluation of findings; and

(j) use end tidal carbon dioxide monitors and evaluating the findings.

(3) In the course of engaging in the practice of emergency services technology as an emergency medical services technician advanced a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, perform all of the skills referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2) and perform the following patient care skills in respect to an ill and injured person —

(a) administer advanced cardiac drugs and other emergency drugs in accordance with protocols approved by the Council;

(b) administer emergency drugs for childbirth, med- ical conditions and trauma in accordance with protocols approved by the Council;

(c) perform endotracheal and nasotracheal intuba- tion;

(d) perform needle cricothyroidotomy and thora- costomy;

(e) perform cardiac monitoring and rhythm inter- pretation;

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(f) perform manual external cardiac defibrillation; (g) perform electrical cardioversion; (h) perform transthoracic cardiac pacing; (i) suction below the glottis; (j) perform urinary catheterization; (k) utilize intravenous infusion pumps; (l) provide care for drainage tubes and feeding

tubes; (m) provide care during transport of chest tubes and

chest drainage; and (n) use automated ventilators. 27. (1) Subject to paragraph (2), on and after the

coming into operation of these Regulations a person who is employed by or is a volunteer in an ambulance service to provide emergency patient care shall, upon submitting an application and the appropriate fee, be deemed to be registered and licensed as an emergency services technician basic.

(2) On and after December 31st, 2001 no person shall be employed by or engaged as a volunteer in an ambulance service to provide pre-hospital emergency care and transportation to the ill and injured unless the person who holds the qualifications referred to in paragraph (3), (4) or (5) is registered and is the holder of a corresponding licence as an emergency services technician basic, inter- mediate or advanced.

(3) The qualifications for registration as an emergency technician basic are that the person has successfully completed an educational program for emergency services technician basic or holds qualification that the Council considers equivalent thereto.

(4) The qualifications for registration as an emergency technician intermediate are that the person has successfully completed an educational program for emergency services technician intermediate or holds qualification that the Council considers equivalent thereto.

(5) The qualifications for registration as an emergency technician advanced are that the person has successfully completed an educational program for emergency services technician advanced approved by Council or qualification that the Council considers equivalent thereto.

Qualifications for registration.

S.I. 101/2001.

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(6) A person may only be registered as an emergency services technician in a specific category if that person holds all of the qualifications for that category.

(7) A person who is licensed as an emergency services technician basic may, through delegation from and under the direct supervision and over-sight of a medical practitioner be authorized to perform one or more of the health services that an emergency services technician intermediate is authorized to perform.

(8) A person who is licensed as an emergency services technician intermediate may, through delegation from and under the direct supervision and over-sight of a medical practitioner be authorized by the medical practitioner to perform one or more of the health services that an emergency services technician advanced is authorized to perform.

(9) In addition to those requirements set out in regulation 4 of Part I, an application for a licence or renewal thereof as an emergency services technician shall —

(a) contain a document, signed by an operator of an ambulance service that, confirms that the appli- cant is engaged in the delivery of emergency patient care at the level of emergency medical technology set out in the application;

(b) where the application is for a licence as an emergency services technician intermediate or an emergency services technician advanced, contain evidence that the applicant has met the requirements of the National Registry of Emergency Technologists of the United States of America or a similar National Body in the United Kingdom, Canada or such other country as may be approved by the Council.

28. (1) An agency or institution in The Bahamas shall only provide training to persons in emergency services technology if the agency or institution meets the requirements set out in regulation 29.

(2) A training institution that meets the requirements set out in regulation 29 is an agency or institution that shall be recognized by the Council as being capable of training persons to be licensed as emergency services technicians.

Training Institutions.

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29. (1) An agency or institution providing training for persons seeking to be registered under this Part shall —

(a) have a medical advisor who — (i) provides medical oversight and supervision

of the patient care components of the training program;

(ii) approves of the medical content of the training program and its delivery; and

(iii) approves of the evaluation methodology utilized to confirm competency to provide patient care to the level of training;

(b) have one or more course co-ordinators who — (i) for the emergency services technician basic

course hold an emergency services techni- cian intermediate certificate from an accre- dited institution and have at least three (3) years experience as an emergency services technician intermediate or experience that the Council considers equivalent thereto;

(ii) for the emergency services technician intermediate course hold an emergency services technician advanced certificate from an accredited institution and have at least three (3) years experience as an emergency services technician advanced or experience that the Council considers equivalent thereto; and

(iii) for the emergency services technician ad- vanced course hold an emergency services technician advanced certificate from an accredited institution, have at least five (5) years experience as an emergency services technician advanced or experience that the Council considers equivalent thereto and hold an emergency services technician in- structors certificate from an accredited institution;

(c) have a competency based curriculum of study and training for emergency services technician basic, emergency services technician intermediate and emergency services technician advanced so as to prepare a student to provide each skill required to be licensed in the applicable category under the Act;

Training institutions requirements.

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(d) demonstrate the presence and utilization of a continuous quality improvement process for the emergency services technician training program being provided; and

(e) make available for public scrutiny a written description of the training program content and educational methodologies and evaluation criter- ia utilized to ensure graduates are adequately prepared for licensure under these Regulations.

(2) Where a training institution is a hospital licensed under the Hospitalsand Health Care Facilities Act 1998, the medical advisor of the hospital shall be deemed to be the medical advisor of the training institution for the purposes of paragraph (1).

PART IX MEDICAL LABORATORY

TECHNOLOGY 30. The practice of medical laboratory technology is

the performance of laboratory investigations on the human body or on specimens taken from the human body and the evaluation of the technical sufficiency of the investigations and their results.

31. (1) In the course of engaging in the practice of medical laboratory technology as a medical laboratory technologist, or a medical laboratory technician, a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, take blood samples from veins or by skin pricking.

(2) A medical laboratory technologist or a medical laboratory technician shall not perform a procedure referred to in paragraph (1) unless the procedure is ordered by a medical practitioner or a dentist.

(3) In addition to the health services referred to in paragraph (1) a medical laboratory technologist may —

(a) perform and interpret standard, complex and specialized tests;

(b) evaluate quality assurance in order to implement and monitor quality control programs;

Ch. 235.

Scope of practice.

Authorized health services.

CH.233 – 28] HEALTH PROFESSIONS

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(c) perform troubleshooting, validation and preven- tative maintenance techniques to ensure proper laboratory operation; and

(d) know, understand and follow standard proce- dures for collection and handling of specimens.

(4) In addition to the health services referred to in paragraph (1) a medical laboratory technician may, perform the health services referred to in paragraph (3) under the supervision of a medical laboratory technologist.

32. (1) The qualifications for registration as a medical laboratory technologist are that the person —

(a) holds a bachelor of science degree in medical technology from an accredited university; or

(b) holds a certificate in medical technology from an accredited university; or

(c) holds a qualification in medical technology that the Council considers equivalent to a certificate referred to in subparagraph (b).

(2) The qualifications for registration as a medical laboratory technician are that the person holds —

(a) an associate degree from an accredited college in a medical laboratory technology or histotechnol- ogy program;

(b) a qualification in medical laboratory technology or histotechnology that the Council considers equivalent to a degree referred to in subpara- graph (a).

PART X OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

33. The practice of occupational therapy is the assessment of function and adaptive behaviour and the treatment and prevention of disorders which affect function or adaptive behaviour and to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment function or adaptive behaviour in the areas of self-care, productivity and leisure.

34. (1) In the course of engaging in the practice of occupational therapy as an occupational therapist a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, perform any form of activity for the purpose of developing,

Qualifications for registration.

Scope of practice.

Authorized health services.

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maintaining, rehabilitating or augmenting function or adaptive behaviour in the areas of self-care, productivity and leisure.

(2) In the course of engaging in the practice of occupational therapy as an occupational therapy assistant a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, perform the health services referred to in paragraph (1) if the person is under the direct supervision of an occupational therapist.

35. (1) The qualifications for registration as an occupational therapist are that the person holds a degree or diploma in occupational therapy from a school recognized by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

(2) The qualifications for registration as an occupa- tional therapy assistant are that the person holds an associate of arts or science degree in occupational therapy from a school recognized by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

PART XI OPTOMETRY AND OPTICIANARY

36. (1) The practice of optometry is the assessment of the eye and vision system and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of —

(a) disorders of refraction; (b) sensory and oculomotor disorders and dysfunc-

tions of the eye and vision system; and (c) the diseases, conjunctivitis and glaucoma, and

(i) in relation to the diagnosis and prevention, diseases of the eye and vision system that can be determined by the findings from an oculo-visual assessment;

(ii) in relation to treatment, diseases of the eye and vision system that can be treated other than by the prescribing of drugs, except for glaucoma or conjunctivitis where the opto- metrist is, in the opinion of the Council, trained in the diagnosis and treatment of the particular disease;

Qualifications for registration.

Scope of practice.

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(iii) in relation to treatment, diseases of the eye and vision system that can be treated other than by the application of surgery.

(2) The practice of opticianary is the provision, fitting and adjustment of subnormal vision devices, contact lenses or eye glasses.

37. (1) In the course of engaging in the practice of optometry as an optometrist a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, perform the following —

(a) communicating a diagnosis identifying as the cause of a person’s symptoms, a disorder of refraction, a sensory or oculomotor disorder of the eye or vision system, or a disease referred to in regulation 36(1)(c) that was determined by the findings from an oculo-visual assessment where the person is, in the opinion of the Council, trained in the diagnosis and treatment of the particular disease;

(b) applying sound waves for diagnostic ultrasound; (c) prescribing or dispensing, for vision or eye

disorders, contact lenses or eye glasses; (d) for the purpose of conducting a diagnosis under

regulation 36(1), the following drugs may be used in the practice of optometry for the purposes specified —

(i) topical anaesthetics: proparacaine not over 0.5 per cent and benoxinate not over 0.4 per cent for facilitating the measurement of intraocular pressure and for facilitating contact lens applications;

(ii) mydriatic: tropicamide not over 1.0 per cent for facilitating the observations of the fundus of the eyes when clinically required;

(iii) cycloplegic: cyclopentolate hydrochloride not over 1.0 per cent for determining the refractive status of the eye when clinically required;

(e) for the purpose of treating a disease referred to in paragraph 2 of regulation 36(1)(c), the following drugs may be used and prescribed for the purposes specified —

Authorized health services.

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(i) topical drugs, to treat conjunctivitis where the optometrist is, in the opinion of the Council, trained in the diagnosis and treat- ment of conjunctivitis;

(ii) topical drugs to treat glaucoma where the optometrist is, in the opinion of the Council, trained in the diagnosis and treat- ment of glaucoma.

(2) In the course of engaging in the practice of opticianary as an optician a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, perform the dispensing of subnormal vision devices, contact lens or eye glasses upon the prescription of an optometrist or physician.

38. (1) The qualifications for registration as an optometrist are that the person —

(a) has successfully completed a course in optometry at an accredited school of optometry; or

(b) holds the degree of doctor of optometry from an accredited university; or

(c) holds a qualification as an ophthalmic optician recognized by the General Optical Council of the United Kingdom and provides evidence of holding a diploma, fellowship or licence in opticianary or optometry granted by an accre- dited university or college.

(2) The qualifications for registration as an optician are that the person has successfully completed and graduated from an optician program at an accredited institution.

PART XII PHARMACY

39. The practice of pharmacy includes the purchasing, custody, compounding and dispensing of drugs, the provision of non-prescription drugs, health care aids and devices and the provision of information related to drug use.

40. (1) In the course of engaging in the practice of pharmacy as a pharmacist a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her

Qualifications for registration.

Scope of practice.

Authorized health services.

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STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

certificate of registration, engage in patient counselling, dispense, sell or compound a drug or supervise the part of a pharmacy where drugs are kept.

(2) In the course of engaging in the practice of pharmacy as a pharmacy technician a person may assist in the preparation and filling of prescriptions under the direct and personal supervision of a pharmacist who is registered under the Act.

41. (1) The qualifications for registration as a pharmacist are that the person —

(a) holds a pharmacy degree from an accredited college or University; or

(b) holds a certificate of competency in Pharmacy (in The Bahamas); and

(c) has at least two thousand (2,000) hours of practical experience in pharmacy under the supervision of a person who is licensed as a pharmacist in the jurisdiction where the training takes place.

(2) The qualifications for registration as a pharmacy technician are that the person —

(a) has successfully completed the examination as a Certified Pharmacy Technician or an equivalent examination acceptable to the Council; and

(b) has completed at least eighteen hundred (1,800) hours as a pharmacy technician student under the direct and personal supervision of a person who is licensed as a pharmacist in the jurisdiction where the training takes place.

PART XIII PHYSIOTHERAPY AND

RESPIRATORY THERAPY 42. (1) The practice of physiotherapy is the assess-

ment of physical function and the treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of physical dysfunction, injury or pain, to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment function or to relieve pain.

(2) The practice of respiratory therapy is the provid- ing of oxygen therapy, cardio-respiratory equipment

Qualifications for registration.

Scope of practice.

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monitoring and the assessment and treatment of cardio- respiratory and associated disorders to maintain or restore ventilation.

43. (1) In the course of engaging in the practice of physiotherapy as a physiotherapist, a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, perform the following —

(a) physical therapy evaluation, using tests and measurements to indicate, but not limit to postural alignment, joint mobility and function muscle and nerve function including electrophysiologic status, therapeutic exercises and manipulative skills which include spinal mobilization, gait analysis, fit and fabricate splints;

(b) tracheal suctioning; (c) physical therapy instructions. (2) In the course of engaging in the practice of

physiotherapy as a physiotherapy assistant, a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, perform the health services referred to in subsection (1) if the person is under the direct supervision of a physiotherapist.

(3) In the course of engaging in the practice of respiratory therapy as a respiratory therapist, a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, perform the following —

(a) a prescribed procedure below the dermis referred to in the Fourth Schedule;

(b) intubation beyond the point in the nasal passages where they normally narrow or beyond the larynx;

(c) suctioning beyond the point in the nasal passages where they normally narrow or beyond the larynx;

(d) the administration of a substance by injection or inhalation.

(4) A respiratory therapist shall not perform a procedure referred to in subparagraph (a), (b) or (d) or paragraph (3) unless the procedure is ordered by a medical practitioner.

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44. (1) The qualifications for registration as a physiotherapist are that the person —

(a) has graduated from an accredited educational program; or

(b) holds a degree or diploma in physiotherapy from an accredited university or college.

(2) The qualifications for registration as a physiother- apy assistant are that the person, holds an associate of arts degree or a degree that the Council considers equivalent thereto from an accredited college or university.

(3) The qualifications for registration as a respiratory therapist are that the person, holds a diploma or degree in respiratory technology from an accredited college or university.

PART XIV RADIOGRAPHY

45. The practice of radiography is the use of ionising radiation and the following forms of energy to produce diagnostic images and test results, the evaluation of the technical sufficiency of the images and tests and the therapeutic application of ionising radiation —

(a) electromagnetism for magnetic resonance ima- ging;

(b) sound waves for — (i) diagnostic ultrasound; or (ii) lithotripsy.

46. (1) In the course of engaging in the practice of radiography as a radiographer, a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, perform all general and fluoro- scopic radiographic procedures including vein puncture for contrast administration.

(2) In the course of engaging in the practice of radiography as an x-ray technician, a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, perform general fluoroscopic radiographic procedure in which he is competent under the direct supervision of a radiographer.

Qualifications for registration.

Scope of practice.

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(3) In the course of engaging in the practice of radiography as an ultrasound technologist or sonographer, a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, perform studies including but not limited to neurosono- graphy, echocardiography, ophthalmology, abdominal pelvic investigations, musculoskeletal and vascular ultra- sound procedures.

(4) In the course of engaging in the practice of nuclear medicine as a nuclear medicine technologist, a person may, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed on his or her certificate of registration, use radioactive materials in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Through on the job training and advance certification nuclear medicine technologists may specialize in positron emission tomography (PET), x-ray computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound.

47. (1) The qualifications for registration as a radiographer are that the person —

(a) has successfully completed a two-year formal training program in radiography at an institution approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiation Technology of the United States of America (JRCERT), or equiva- lent body; and

(b) has upon graduation from the formal training program passed a qualifying examination for certification as a radiographer; or

(c) has provided evidence satisfactory to the Council that the person is competent to practise as a radiographer.

(2) The qualifications for registration as a X-ray Technician are that the person has provided evidence satisfactory to the Council that the person is competent to practise as a X-ray Technician. Licence is limited to the areas of demonstrated competency.

(3) The qualifications for registration as an ultra sound technologist or sonographer are that the person —

(a) has successfully completed a one year formal training program in ultrasound at an institution approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Sonography of the

Qualifications for registration.

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STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

United States of America (JRCEDS), or equivalent body and has upon graduation from the formal training program passed a qualifying examination for registration in the specific specialty of choice; or

(b) has provided evidence satisfactory to the Council that the person is competent to perform as a sonographer;

(c) is a qualified radiographer, nuclear medicine technologist, radiation therapy technologist, nurse or other allied health professional who has been trained on the job in ultrasound by a registered sonographer and/or radiologist, and who has successfully passed a qualifying exam- ination in the ultrasound specialty of choice.

(4) The qualifications for registration as a nuclear medicine technologist are that the person has successfully completed a minimum of one year formal training program in nuclear medicine technology at an institution approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Nuclear Medicine Technology of the United States of America (JRCNMT), or equivalent body and has upon graduation from the formal training program passed a qualifying examination for certification as a nuclear medicine technologist or has provided evidence satisfactory to the Council that the person is competent to perform as a nuclear medicine technologist.

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FIRST SCHEDULE (Regulation 3) FEES

The following fees are payable under the Act and the Regulations: CATEGORY OF

HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

First registration

fee, s. 12(5) of

the Act

Issue of first licence,

s. 13(1) of the Act

Annual renewal of

licence, s. 13(2), (4) of the Act

Replacement of lost or destroyed certificate, s. 13(6) of the Act

Penalty for late

payment, s. 14(1) of the Act

$ $ $ $ $ 1. Acupuncture

Therapy

Acupuncturist 200.00 200.00 200.00 100.00 200.00 2. Audiology and Speech

Language Pathology

(a) Audiologist 100.00 100.00 100.00 50.00 100.00 (b) Speech Language

Pathologist 100.00 100.00 100.00 50.00 100.00

3. Chiropody and Podiatry (a) Chiropodist 200.00 200.00 200.00 100.00 200.00 (b) Podiatrist 200.00 200.00 200.00 100.00 200.00

4. Chiropractic Therapy Chiropractor 200.00 200.00 200.00 100.00 200.00

5. Clinical Psychology Clinical Psychologist 200.00 200.00 200.00 100.00 200.00

6. Dietetics (a) Dietitian or

Nutritionist 100.00 100.00 100.00 50.00 100.00

(b) Dietary Technician 75.00 75.00 75.00 37.50 75.00 7. Emergency Service

Technology

(a) Emergency Services Technician Basic

35.00 35.00 35.00 17.50 35.00

(b) Emergency Services Technician Intermediate

50.00 50.00 50.00 25.00 50.00

(c) Emergency Services Technician Advance

75.00 75.00 75.00 37.50 75.00

CH.233 – 38] HEALTH PROFESSIONS

STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

8. Medical Laboratory Technology

(a) Medical Laboratory Technologist

100.00 100.00 100.00 50.00 100.00

(b) Medical Laboratory Technician

75.00 75.00 75.00 37.50 75.00

9. Occupational Therapy

(a) Occupational Therapist

100.00 100.00 100.00 50.00 100.00

(b) Occupational Therapy Assis- tant.

75.00 75.00 75.00 37.50 75.00

10. Optometry and Opticianary

(a) Optometrist 200.00 200.00 200.00 100.00 200.00 (b) Optician 100.00 100.00 100.00 50.00 100.00

11. Pharmacy (a) Pharmacist 100.00 100.00 100.00 50.00 100.00 (b) Pharmacy

Technician 75.00 75.00 75.00 37.50 75.00

12. Physiotherapy and Respiratory Therapy

(a) Physiothera- pist

100.00 100.00 100.00 50.00 100.00

(b) Physiotherapy Assistant

75.00 75.00 75.00 37.50 75.00

(c) Respiratory Therapist

100.00 100.00 100.00 50.00 100.00

13. Radiography (a) Radiographer 100.00 100.00 100.00 50.00 100.00 (b) X-ray

Technician 75.00 75.00 75.00 37.50 75.00

(c) Ultra Sound Technologist or Sonographer

75.00 75.00 75.00 37.50 75.00

(d) Nuclear Medi- cine Technologist

100.00 100.00 100.00 50.00 100.00

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SECOND SCHEDULE (Regulation 3)

FORM 1 CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION

I hereby certify that ................................................................................ ...........................................................................meets the requirements (insert name of registrant)

of the Health Professions Act, 1998 and the regulations thereunder and is registered in the Health Professions Register as a ....................... .................................................................................................. effective (insert class of health profession) the ....................................... day of ............................................ 20 ...... Registration Number of Registrant: ....................................................... Registrar Date of issue of Certificate .................................................................... Seal of Council

FORM 2 LICENCE

This is to certify that .................................................................... (insert name of licensee) who was duly registered in the Health Professions Register on the ..................................... day of ................................ 20 ......... with Registration Number ............................................ is hereby licensed as a Health Professional under the Act and is authorized to engage in the practice of .............................................................. (insert class of health profession) commencing on the .................... day of ......................... 20 ....... until ...................... day of 20 ........

................................................. Registrar

................................................. Chairman

Date of issue of Licence .............................................................. Seal of Council

CH.233 – 40] HEALTH PROFESSIONS

STATUTE LAW OF THE BAHAMAS [Original Service 2001]

THIRD SCHEDULE (Regulations 12 and 13)

PRESCRIBED SUBSTANCES/DRUGS — CHIROPODY/PODIATRY

(1) Antibiotics (2) Anti-Inflammatory Agents (3) Anti-Fungal Agents (4) Circulation Agents i.e. Daflon, Trental (5) Local Anaesthetics

FOURTH SCHEDULE (Regulation 43)

PRESCRIBED PROCEDURES — RESPIRATORY THERAPY The following procedures are prescribed as procedures below the dermis for the purpose of subparagraph (a) of paragraph (3) of regulation 43: 1. Basic procedures: (i) arterial puncture; (ii) capillary puncture; (iii) tracheostomy tube change for an established stoma.; (iv) transtracheal catheter change for an established stoma. 2. Added procedures: (i) removal of a cannula not less than seven (7) days old; (ii) manipulation or repositioning of a cannula; (iii) aspiration from a cannula; (iv) venipuncture; (v) suturing to secure indwelling cannulae; (vi) transtracheal catheter change for a fresh stoma that is

less than seven weeks; (vii) tracheostomy tube change for a fresh stoma that is

less than seven days but not less than 24 hours; (viii) manipulation or reposition of a cannula balloon.