text:
PART I
GENERAL
Citation and commencement
1
1
This Order may be cited as the Health Professions Order 2001.
2
This article and article 48(4) come into force on the day on which this Order is made and the other provisions of this Order shall come into force on such day as the Secretary of State may specify.
3
Different days may be specified under paragraph (2) for different purposes and any day so specified shall be caused to be notified in the London, Edinburgh and Belfast Gazettes published not later than one week before that date.
Interpretation
2
This Order is to be interpreted in accordance with Schedule 3.
PART II
THE COUNCIL AND ITS COMMITTEES
The Health Professions Council and its Committees
3
1
There shall be a body corporate known as the Health Professions Council (referred to in this Order as “ the Council ”).
2
The principal functions of the Council shall be to establish from time to time standards of education, training, conduct and performance for members of the relevant professions and to ensure the maintenance of those standards.
3
The Council shall have such other functions as are conferred on it by this Order or as may be provided by the Privy Council by order.
4
The main objective of the Council in exercising its functions shall be to safeguard the health and well-being of persons using or needing the services of registrants.
5
In exercising its functions, the Council shall —
a
have proper regard to the interests of all registrants and prospective registrants and persons referred to in paragraph (4) in each of the countries of the United Kingdom and to any differing considerations applying to the professions to which this Order applies and to groups within them; and
b
cooperate wherever reasonably practicable with —
i
employers and prospective employers of registrants,
ii
persons who provide, assess or fund education or training for registrants or prospective registrants, or who propose to do so,
iii
persons who are responsible for regulating or coordinating the regulation of other health or social care professions, or of those who carry out activities in connection with the services provided by those professions or the professions regulated under this Order,
iv
persons responsible for regulating services in the provision of which registrants are engaged.
6
Before making any order under paragraph (3), the Privy Council shall consult the Council.
7
The Council shall consult the Privy Council, or such person as the Privy Council may designate, at least once in each calendar year on the way in which it proposes to exercise its functions in respect of such period as the Privy Council or the designated person, as the case may be, may specify.
8
Part I of Schedule 1 shall have effect with respect to the constitution of the Council.
9
There shall be four committees of the Council, to be known as —
a
the Education and Training Committee;
b
the Investigating Committee;
c
the Conduct and Competence Committee; and
d
the Health Committee.
10
The four committees are referred to in this Order as “the statutory committees”.
11
Each of the statutory committees shall have the functions conferred on it by this Order.
12
The Council —
a
may establish such other committees as it considers appropriate in connection with the discharge of its functions; and
b
may, in particular, establish professional advisory committees whose function is to advise the Council and its statutory committees (whether on the request of the Council or otherwise) on matters affecting any relevant profession, and
may delegate any of its functions to them, other than any power to make rules.
13
The Council shall inform and educate registrants, and shall inform the public, about its work.
14
Before establishing any standards or giving any guidance under this Order the Council shall consult representatives of any group of persons it considers appropriate including, as it sees fit, representatives of —
a
registrants or classes of registrant;
b
employers of registrants;
c
users of the services of registrants; and
d
persons providing, assessing or funding education or training for registrants or prospective registrants.
15
The Council shall publish any standards it establishes and any guidance it gives.
16
Paragraphs (14) and (15) do not apply to guidance given to an individual which is particular to him.
17
The Council may —
a
make recommendations to the Secretary of State concerning any profession which in its opinion should be regulated pursuant to section 60(1)(b) of the Health Act 1999; and
b
give such guidance as it sees fit, to such persons as seem to it to have an interest in such regulation, on the criteria to be taken into account in determining whether a profession should be so regulated.
18
Part II of Schedule 1 shall have effect with respect to the statutory committees.
19
Nothing in this Order shall require or permit any disclosure of information which is prohibited by or under any other enactment.
PART III
REGISTRATION
Registrar
4
1
The Council shall appoint a Registrar who shall hold office for such period and on such terms as the Council may determine.
2
The Registrar shall have such functions as the Council may direct.
3
The terms on which the Registrar holds office may, in addition to providing for his remuneration, include provision for the payment of such pensions, allowances or gratuities to or in respect of him, or such contributions or payments towards provision for such pensions, allowances or gratuities, as may be determined by the Council.
4
Where the terms on which the Registrar holds office include provision for the payment to him of any allowances or expenses, the rate at which those allowances or expenses are paid shall be determined by the Council.
5
If the Council appoints a deputy or assistant Registrar and that deputy or assistant Registrar is authorised by the Registrar to act for him in any matter, any reference in this Order to “the Registrar” shall include a reference to that deputy or assistant Registrar.
Establishment and maintenance of register
5
1
In accordance with the provisions of this Order the Council shall establish and maintain a register of members of the relevant professions.
2
The Council shall from time to time —
a
establish the standards of proficiency necessary to be admitted to the different parts of the register being the standards it considers necessary for safe and effective practice under that part of the register; and
b
prescribe the requirements to be met as to the evidence of good health and good character in order to satisfy the Education and Training Committee that an applicant is capable of safe and effective practice under that part of the register.
3
The Council shall —
a
before prescribing the requirements mentioned in paragraph (2)(b), consult the Conduct and Competence Committee in addition to the persons referred to in article 3(14); and
b
publish those requirements.
4
The register shall show, in relation to each registrant, such address and other details as the Council may prescribe.
5
In any enactment or instrument (past or future and including this Order), except where the context otherwise provides, “registered” in relation to any of the relevant professions means registered in the register maintained under this article by virtue of qualifications in that profession.
Register
6
1
The register shall be divided into such parts as the Privy Council may by order determine, on a proposal by the Council or otherwise, and in this Order, references to parts of the register are to the parts so determined.
2
There shall be one or more designated titles for each part of the register indicative of different qualifications and different kinds of education or training and a registrant is entitled to use whichever of those titles, corresponding to the part of the register in which he is registered, as is appropriate in his case.
3
Subject to article 7, the Privy Council may by order, on a proposal by the Council or otherwise, make such other provision in connection with the register as it considers appropriate and in particular may provide for —
a
the register to include entries indicating the possession of qualifications (whether or not they are approved qualifications) or competence in a particular field or at a particular level of practice, or for the use of a particular category of entry to be discontinued;
b
persons to be registered in one or more parts of the register by virtue of having been included in the register maintained under the 1960 Act ;
c
the recording of additional entries by virtue of their having been in the register maintained under the 1960 Act;
d
a specified part of the register to be closed, as from a date specified in the order, so that on or after that date no further person may become registered in that part;
e
a specified part of the register to be sub-divided into two or more parts, or for two or more parts to be combined into one;
f
persons to be registered in one or more parts of the register by virtue of having been registered in a part or parts of the register which have been closed, sub-divided or combined;
g
the recording in Welsh of titles, qualifications and other entries referred to in this paragraph in respect of those members of the professions regulated by this Order whose registered address is in Wales.
4
The Privy Council, except where acting in accordance with a proposal made by the Council, shall consult the Council before making, varying or revoking any order under this article.
5
Before making any proposal referred to in paragraph (1) or (3), the Council shall consult representatives of any group of persons who appear likely to be affected by the proposed order.
The register: supplemental provisions
7
1
Having consulted the Education and Training Committee the Council shall make rules in connection with registration and the register, and as to the payment of fees.
2
The rules shall, in particular, make provision as to —
a
the form and keeping of the register;
b
the procedure for the making, alteration and deletion of entries in the register;
c
the form and manner in which applications are to be made and the fee to be charged —
i
for registration, renewal of registration and readmission to the register,
ii
for the making of any additional entry in the register, and
iii
for registration to lapse;
d
the documentary and other evidence which is to accompany applications of the kind mentioned in sub-paragraph (c).
3
Before determining or varying any fees mentioned in paragraph (2)(c) the Council shall consult the Education and Training Committee and such of those persons mentioned in article 3(14) as it considers appropriate.
Access to register etc.
8
1
The Council shall make the register available for inspection by members of the public at all reasonable times.
2
The Council shall publish the register maintained by it in such manner, and at such times, as it considers appropriate.
3
Any copy of, or extract from, the published register shall be evidence (and in Scotland sufficient evidence) of the matters mentioned in it.
4
A certificate purporting to be signed by the Registrar, certifying that a person —
a
is registered in a specified category;
b
is not registered;
c
was registered in a specified category at a specified date or during a specified period;
d
was not registered in a specified category, or in any category, at a specified date or during a specified period; or
e
has never been registered,
shall be evidence (and in Scotland sufficient evidence) of the matters certified.
5
On application by a registrant who wishes to practise in another EEA State , the Council shall provide him with such documentary evidence as is required by the relevant Directive.
Registration
9
1
A person seeking admission to a part of the register must apply to the Council and, subject to the provisions of this Order, and in particular paragraph (4), if he satisfies the conditions mentioned in paragraph (2) he shall be entitled to be registered in that part.
2
Subject to paragraph (3), the conditions are that the application is made in the prescribed form and manner and that the applicant —
a
satisfies the Education and Training Committee that he holds an approved qualification awarded —
i
within such period, not exceeding five years ending with the date of the application, as may be prescribed, or
ii
before the prescribed period mentioned in head (i), and he has met such requirements as to additional education, training and experience as the Council may specify under article 19(3) and which apply to him;
b
satisfies the Education and Training Committee in accordance with the Council’s requirements mentioned in article 5(2) that he is capable of safe and effective practice under the part of the register concerned; and
c
has paid the prescribed fee.
3
Where the applicant is already registered in the register and wishes to be registered in an additional part of the register or to have additional entries recorded, paragraph (2)(a) shall apply only to the qualifications on which his application is based.
4
Where a person who —
a
is not registered on the date of coming into force of an order made under article 6(1) which relates to his profession; but
b
has been on a register under the 1960 Act in the 5 years immediately preceding the date mentioned in sub-paragraph (a),
applies for admission to the register in the relevant period, the Education and Training Committee shall, if it is satisfied as to his good character, grant the application.
5
The Education and Training Committee shall give its decision on an application under paragraph (1) as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event within the period specified in the European Communities (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) Regulations 1991 and the European Communities (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) (Second General System) Regulations 1996 .
6
The Education and Training Committee shall notify the applicant in writing of its decision, and, where that decision is unfavourable to the applicant, of its reasons for reaching that decision and, of the applicant’s right of appeal under article 37.
7
Failure to notify the applicant of the Committee’s decision within the time specified in paragraph (5) shall be treated as a decision from which the applicant may appeal under article 37.
Renewal of registration and readmission
10
1
Where a person is registered and wishes to renew his registration at the end of a prescribed period, he shall make an application for renewal to the Education and Training Committee in accordance with rules made by the Council.
2
The Education and Training Committee shall grant the application for renewal if the applicant —
a
meets the conditions set out in article 9(2)(b) and (c);
b
satisfies the Education and Training Committee that he has met any prescribed requirements for continuing professional development within the prescribed time; and
c
where he has not practised, or has practised for less than the prescribed period, since his first registration or, as the case may be, his latest renewal, has met such requirements as to additional education, training or experience as the Council may specify under article 19(3) and which apply to him.
3
Where an applicant does not satisfy the Education and Training Committee that he has met the requirements mentioned in paragraph (2)(b) or (c), the Committee may renew the applicant’s registration on condition that he satisfy those requirements within a specified time and if the person fails to comply with the condition, subject to article 11(3) and 37(3), his registration shall lapse and, in accordance with prescribed procedure, his name shall be removed from the register.
4
Where a person’s registration has lapsed, he may apply to the Education and Training Committee to be readmitted and the Committee shall grant the application if —
a
the applicant meets the conditions set out in article 9(2)(b) and (c); and
b
he satisfies the Education and Training Committee that he has met such requirements as to additional education, training or experience as the Council may specify under article 19(3) and which apply to him.
5
Article 9(4) to (6) shall apply to applications made under this article.
Lapse of registration
11
1
The Council may make rules providing for the procedure by which and the circumstances in which a registrant’s name may be removed from the register on his own application or after the expiry of a specified period.
2
Where a person’s name is removed in accordance with this article or article 10(3), his registration shall be referred to as lapsed.
3
Any rules made under paragraph (1) shall provide that a person’s registration shall not lapse under this article or under article 10(3) —
a
where the person concerned is the subject of an allegation, or is treated under article 22(6) as if he were the subject of an allegation, or is the subject of any investigations or proceedings under Part V or VI of this Order, on the grounds only that he has not paid the prescribed fee or has failed to apply for renewal in the prescribed form or within the prescribed time; or
b
if the person concerned is the subject of a suspension order, a conditions of practice order, an interim suspension order or an interim conditions of practice order.
Approved qualifications
12
1
For the purposes of this Order a person is to be regarded as having an approved qualification if —
a
he has a qualification awarded in the United Kingdom which has been approved by the Council as attesting to the standard of proficiency it requires for admission to the part of the register in respect of which he is applying;
b
he is an EEA national and has a qualification to which the European Communities (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) Regulations 1991 or, as the case may be, the European Communities (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) (Second General System) Regulations 1996 apply; or
c
he has, elsewhere than in the United Kingdom, undergone training in one of the relevant professions and either —
i
holds a qualification which the Council is satisfied attests to a standard of proficiency comparable to that attested to by a qualification referred to in sub-paragraph (a), or
ii
the Council is not so satisfied, but the applicant has undergone in the United Kingdom or elsewhere such additional training or experience as satisfies the Council, following any test of competence as it may require him to take, that he has the requisite standard of proficiency for admission to the part of the register in respect of which he is applying; and, in either case,
iii
he is not an EEA national or exempt person and he satisfies prescribed requirements as to knowledge of English.
2
The Education and Training Committee shall determine procedures to —
a
assess whether a qualification awarded outside the United Kingdom is of a comparable standard to a qualification mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) and it shall, where it sees fit, keep a list of qualifications which are of a comparable standard which it shall publish and keep under review; and
b
assess other training or professional experience acquired outside the United Kingdom and to compare it, together with qualifications mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) where appropriate, with the standard of proficiency required for admission to any part of the register.
Transitional provisions relating to admission to the register
13
1
This article applies to a person —
a
who is not registered on the date of coming into force of an order made under article 6(1) which relates to his profession and who has never been registered under the 1960 Act or this Order; but
b
who within the period of two years beginning with the date mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) (“the relevant period”),
applies for admission to the register under article 9(1).
2
A person to whom this article applies shall be treated as satisfying the requirements of article 9(2)(a) if he satisfies the Education and Training Committee, following any test of competence as it may require him to take —
a
that for a period of at least three out of the five years immediately preceding the date mentioned in paragraph (1)(a), or its equivalent on a part-time basis, he has been wholly or mainly engaged in the lawful, safe and effective practice of the profession in respect of which he wishes to be registered; or
b
that he has not so practised but he has undergone in the United Kingdom or elsewhere such additional training and experience as satisfies the Council that he has the requisite standard of proficiency for admission to the part of the register in respect of which he is applying.
3
The Council shall, having consulted such of those persons mentioned in article 3(14) as it considers appropriate, establish from time to time the criteria to which the Education and Training Committee shall have regard in reaching a decision under paragraph (2) and it shall publish those criteria.
PART IV
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Education and Training Committee
14
The Education and Training Committee shall advise the Council (whether on the request of the Council or otherwise) on the performance of the Council’s functions in relation to —
a
the establishing of standards of proficiency under article 5 and its other functions under that article;
b
the establishing of standards and requirements in respect of education and training or continuing professional development, as the case may be, under articles 15(1) and 19(4) and (6);
c
the giving of guidance under article 21(2).
Education and Training
15
1
The Council shall from time to time establish —
a
the standards of education and training necessary to achieve the standards of proficiency it has established under article 5(2); and
b
the requirements to be satisfied for admission to, and continued participation in, such education and training which may include requirements as to good health and good character.
2
The standards mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) shall include such matters as the outcomes to be achieved by that education and training.
3
Before establishing the standards or requirements referred to in paragraph (1) the Council shall consult such of those persons mentioned in article 3(14) as it considers appropriate and the Education and Training Committee.
4
The Education and Training Committee shall —
a
ensure that universities and other bodies in the United Kingdom concerned with such education and training are notified of the standards and requirements established under paragraph (1); and
b
take appropriate steps to satisfy itself that those standards and requirements are met.
5
In performing the function mentioned in paragraph (4)(b) the Committee may in particular, approve, or arrange with others to approve —
a
a course of education or training which the Committee is satisfied confers or would confer on persons completing it successfully the standards of proficiency mentioned in paragraph (1);
b
qualifications which are granted following success in an examination, or some other appropriate assessment, taken as part of an approved course of education or training;
c
institutions which the Committee considers to be properly organised and equipped for conducting the whole or part of an approved course of education or training;
d
such tests of competence or knowledge of English as it may require.
6
In connection with paragraph (5), the Committee may approve or arrange with others to approve a course of education or training run outside the United Kingdom by an institution to which paragraph 5(c) applies.
7
The Council shall from time to time publish a statement of the criteria which will be taken into account in deciding whether to give approval under paragraph (5).
8
The Council shall maintain and publish a list of the courses of education or training, qualifications and institutions —
a
which are for the time being approved under this Order; or
b
which have been approved under this Order but which are no longer so approved, together with a record of the periods in respect of which they were approved.
9
In this article a reference to education or training includes any course of education or training or test referred to in paragraph (5).
Visitors
16
1
The Council may, at the request of the Education and Training Committee or otherwise, appoint persons (“visitors”) to visit any place at which or institution by which or under whose direction —
a
any relevant course of education or training is, or is proposed to be, given;
b
any examination or other assessment is, or is proposed to be, held in connection with any such course;
c
any test of competence is, or is proposed to be, conducted in connection with any such course or for any other purposes connected with this Order.
2
For the purposes of this article and article 18, the words “any test of competence” includes an assessment to establish the level of a person’s knowledge of written or spoken English.
3
In this article, “relevant course of education or training” means any course of education or training which forms, or is intended to form, part of an approved course of education or training or any course which a registrant may be required to undergo after registration in accordance with rules made by the Council.
4
No visitor may exercise his functions under this Order in relation to —
a
any place at which he regularly gives instruction in any subject; or
b
any institution with which he has a significant connection.
5
A person shall not be prevented from being a visitor merely because he is —
a
a member of the Council or any of its committees; or
b
a Screener,
but no person may be a visitor if he is employed by the Council.
6
Visitors shall be selected with due regard to the profession with which the education and training they are to report on is concerned and at least one of the visitors shall be registered in that part of the register which relates to that profession.
7
Where a visitor visits any place or institution in the exercise of his functions under this article, he shall report to the Committee —
a
on the nature and quality of the instruction given, or to be given, and the facilities provided or to be provided, at that place or by that institution; and
b
on such other matters (if any) as it requires.
8
Requirements of the kind mentioned in paragraph (7)(b) may be imposed by the Committee —
a
generally in relation to all visits made to a specified kind of place or institution or in respect of a specified type of course; or
b
specifically in relation to a particular visit.
9
Where a visitor reports to the Committee in accordance with paragraph (7), the Committee shall on receipt of the report —
a
send a copy of it to the institution concerned; and
b
notify that institution of the period within which it may make observations on the report.
10
The period specified by the Committee in a notice given under sub-paragraph (b) of paragraph (9) shall be not less than one month beginning with the date on which a copy of the report is sent to the institution concerned under sub-paragraph (a) of paragraph (9).
11
The Committee shall not take any steps in the light of any report made under paragraph (7) before the end of the specified period mentioned in paragraph (10).
12
The Council shall publish such reports together with, on the request of the institution concerned, the response of that institution to the report.
13
The Council may make such provision in respect of visitors as it may determine —
a
for the payment of fees and allowances, including the payment of allowances to employers of visitors for the purposes of enabling visitors to perform functions under this article;
b
for the reimbursement of such expenses as visitors may reasonably have incurred in the course of carrying out their functions under this article.
Information to be given by institutions
17
1
This article applies to any institution in the United Kingdom by which, or under whose direction, whether inside or outside the United Kingdom —
a
any relevant course of education or training is, or is proposed to be, given; or
b
any test of competence is, or is proposed to be, conducted in connection with any such course or for any other purpose connected with this Order.
2
In paragraph (1) “relevant course of education or training” has the same meaning as in article 16(3).
3
Whenever required to do so by the Education and Training Committee or the Council, any such institution shall give to the Committee such information and assistance as the Committee may reasonably require in connection with the exercise of its functions under this Order.
4
Where an institution refuses any reasonable request for information made by the Committee or the Council under this article, the Committee with the approval of the Council may in accordance with article 18 refuse to approve, or withdraw approval from, as the case may be, any education, training, qualification or institution to which the information relates.
5
In this article a reference to education or training includes any course of education or training or test referred to in article 15(5).
Refusal or withdrawal of approval of courses, qualifications and institutions
18
1
Where as a result of any visitor’s report or other information acquired by the Education and Training Committee or the Council and taking account of the observations received from the institution under article 16(9), the Committee is of the opinion that the standards established under article 15(1) are not, or will not be, met by particular education or training or that an institution is not observing the requirements referred to in article 15(1) it may refuse to approve, or withdraw approval from, as the case may be, any education, training, qualification or institution to which that opinion relates.
2
In this article a reference to education or training includes any course of education or training or test referred to in article 15(5).
3
In making any decision under paragraph (1) to refuse or to withdraw approval the Committee shall act in accordance with this article.
4
The Committee shall —
a
notify the institution concerned, setting out its reasons; and
b
inform the institution of the period within which it may make observations on the matters raised, which shall be not less than one month beginning with the date on which the reasons are sent to the institution under sub-paragraph (a).
5
The Committee shall take no further steps before the period specified in sub-paragraph (b) of paragraph (4) has expired.
6
If, taking account of the matters referred to in paragraph (1) and any observations submitted by the institution under paragraph (4), the Committee decides that it is appropriate to refuse or withdraw approval under paragraph (1) it shall notify the institution accordingly.
7
A decision under paragraph (6) shall have effect from the date of the decision or from such later date as may be specified in the decision.
8
Where approval is withdrawn under this article, the Committee shall use its best endeavours to secure that any person who is undertaking the education or training concerned or is studying for the qualification concerned or is studying at the institution concerned at the time when recognition is withdrawn is given the opportunity to follow approved education or training or to study for an approved qualification or at an approved institution.
9
The withdrawal under this article of approval from any education or training, qualification or institution shall not affect the entitlement of any person to be registered on the basis of an award to him, before the date on which the decision withdrawing approval had effect, of —
a
the qualification concerned; or
b
any qualification awarded —
i
in connection with any education or training, or
ii
by an institution
from which approval has been withdrawn.
Post-registration training
19
1
The Council may make rules requiring registrants to undertake such continuing professional development as it shall specify in standards.
2
The rules may, in particular, make provision with respect to registrants who fail to comply with any requirements of the rules, including making provision for their registration to cease to have effect.
3
The Council may by rules require persons who have not practised or who have not practised for or during a prescribed period, to undertake such education or training or to gain such experience as it shall specify in standards.
4
If the Council makes rules under paragraph (1) or (3), it shall establish the standards to be met in relation to —
a
continuing professional development; or
b
the education or training mentioned in paragraph (3),
and article 15(3) to (8) and articles 16 to 18 of this Order shall apply in respect of those standards as if they were standards established under article 15(1)(a).
5
In the articles mentioned in paragraph (4), references to “education and training” shall, for the purposes of that paragraph, be treated as being to education, training or experience.
6
In respect of additional qualifications which may be recorded on the register the Council may establish standards of education and training and article 15(3) to (8) and articles 16 to 18 shall apply in respect of those standards as if they were standards established under article 15(1)(a).
Wales
20
The National Assembly for Wales may create or designate a body with which the Council may enter into any such arrangements as are referred to in article 15(5) of this Order in order to perform its function under article 15(4)(b) in respect of the standards established under article 15(1) or 19(4) or (6).
PART V
FITNESS TO PRACTISE
Council’s functions in respect of fitness to practise, ethics and other matters
21
1
The Council shall —
a
establish and keep under review the standards of conduct, performance and ethics expected of registrants and prospective registrants and give them such guidance on these matters as it sees fit; and
b
establish and keep under review effective arrangements to protect the public from persons whose fitness to practise is impaired.
2
The Council may also from time to time give guidance to registrants, employers and such other persons as it thinks appropriate in respect of standards for the education and training, supervision and performance of persons who provide services in connection with those provided by registrants.
3
The Council shall —
a
before establishing any standards or arrangements mentioned in paragraph (1), consult the Conduct and Competence Committee in addition to the persons mentioned in article 3(14); and
b
before giving guidance under paragraph (1) or (2) consult the Education and Training Committee in addition to the persons mentioned in article 3(14).
Allegations
22
1
This article applies where any allegation is made against a registrant to the effect that —
a
his fitness to practise is impaired by reason of —
i
misconduct,
ii
lack of competence,
iii
a conviction or caution in the United Kingdom for a criminal offence, or a conviction elsewhere for an offence which, if committed in England and Wales, would constitute a criminal offence,
iv
his physical or mental health, or
v
a determination by a body in the United Kingdom responsible under any enactment for the regulation of a health or social care profession to the effect that his fitness to practise is impaired, or a determination by a licensing body elsewhere to the same effect;
b
an entry in the register relating to him has been fraudulently procured or incorrectly made.
2
For the purposes of this article references to a conviction include a conviction by a Court Martial.
3
This article is not prevented from applying because the allegation is based on a matter alleged to have occurred outside the United Kingdom or at a time when the person against whom the allegation is made was not registered.
4
Rules may provide that where a Practice Committee finds that a person has failed to comply with the standards mentioned in article 21(1), such failure shall not be taken of itself to establish that his fitness to practise is impaired, but may be taken into account in any proceedings under this Order.
5
When an allegation is made to the Council or any of its committees, as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt of the allegation in the form required by the Council, the Council shall refer it —
a
where it is an allegation of the kind mentioned in paragraph (1)(b), to the Investigating Committee; and
b
in any other case —
i
to persons appointed by the Council in accordance with any rules made under article 23, or
ii
to a Practice Committee.
6
If an allegation is not made under paragraph (1) but it appears to the Council that there should be an investigation into the fitness to practise of a registrant or into his entry in the register it may refer the matter in accordance with paragraph (5) and this Order shall apply as if it were an allegation made under paragraph (1).
7
Hearings and preliminary meetings of Practice Committees at which the person concerned is entitled to be present or to be represented are to be held in —
a
the United Kingdom country in which the registered address of the person concerned is situated; or
b
if he is not registered and resides in the United Kingdom, in the country in which he resides; and
c
in any other case, in England.
8
While the registration of a registrant is suspended by virtue of a suspension order or an interim suspension order he shall be treated as not being registered notwithstanding that his name still appears in the register but this does not prevent action being taken in respect of such a person as appropriate under articles 22 to 32 of this Order.
9
The Council shall publish as soon as reasonably practicable particulars of any orders and decisions made by a Practice Committee under article 26(7) or (12), 29(5), 30(1), (2), (4), (6), (7) or (8) or 33 and of its reasons for them and of any decision given on appeal.
10
The Council may disclose to any person any information relating to a person’s fitness to practise which it considers it to be in the public interest to disclose.
11
In this Part “the person concerned” means the person against whom an allegation has been made.
Screeners
23
1
The Council may by rules provide for the appointment of persons, to be known as Screeners, to whom allegations may be referred in accordance with this Order or rules made under it.
2
A person shall not be prevented from being a Screener merely because he is —
a
a member of the Council or any of its committees, other than a Practice Committee; or
b
a visitor.
3
No person may be a Screener if he is —
a
a member of a Practice Committee;
b
a legal, medical or registrant assessor; or
c
employed by the Council.
4
No person may act as a Screener in respect of a particular case if he has been involved in that case in any other capacity.
Screeners: supplementary provisions
24
1
Any rules made under article 23 shall contain the provisions mentioned in paragraphs (2) and (3).
2
The rules made under article 23(1) shall provide that —
a
any matter referred to the Screeners shall be considered by a panel of at least two Screeners;
b
the panel shall include at least one lay person and one registrant selected with due regard to the professional field of the person concerned and to the matter under consideration;
c
the number of registrants on any panel may not exceed the number of lay persons.
3
Any such rules shall give Screeners the functions —
a
of considering the allegation and establishing whether, in their opinion, power is given by this Order to deal with it if it proves to be well founded;
b
if in their opinion such power is given, of referring the matter together with a report of the result of their consideration to such Practice Committee as they see fit;
c
if in their opinion such power is not given, of closing the case, provided that —
i
if there are two Screeners, the lay person agrees, or
ii
if there are more than two Screeners, it is the decision of the majority,
and if head (i) or (ii), as the case may be, is not satisfied, of referring the matter in accordance with sub-paragraph (b).
d
where requested to do so by any Practice Committee, of mediating in any case with the aim of dealing with the allegation without it being necessary for the case to reach the stage at which the Health Committee or Conduct and Competence Committee, as the case may be, would arrange a hearing in accordance with article 32(2)(f);
e
in the event that mediation fails, of referring the matter back to the Practice Committee which referred it to the Screeners.
4
The Council may make such provision in respect of Screeners as it may determine —
a
for the payment of fees and allowances, including the payment of allowances to employers of Screeners for the purpose of enabling Screeners to perform their functions under this Order; and
b
for the reimbursement of such expenses as the Screeners may reasonably have incurred in the course of carrying out their functions under this Order.
5
If the Screeners decide that power is not given by this Order to deal with the allegation the Registrar shall inform the person making the allegation giving reasons.
Council’s power to require disclosure of information
25
1
For the purpose of assisting them in carrying out functions in respect of fitness to practise, a person authorised by a Practice Committee may require any person (other than the person concerned) who in his opinion is able to supply information or produce any document which appears relevant to the discharge of any such function, to supply such information or produce such a document.
2
As soon as is reasonably practicable after a decision has been made under article 22(5) or (6) to refer an allegation or other matter to a Practice Committee, the Council shall require, from the person concerned, details of —
a
any person —
i
by whom he is employed to provide services in, or in relation to, the profession in respect of which he is registered, or
ii
with whom he has an arrangement to provide such services; and
b
any body by which he is authorised to practise, in the United Kingdom or elsewhere, a health or social care profession which is regulated under any enactment.
3
Nothing in this article shall require or permit any disclosure of information which is prohibited by or under any other enactment.
4
But where information is held in a form in which the prohibition operates because the information is capable of identifying an individual, the person referred to in paragraph (1) may, in exercising his functions under that paragraph, require that the information be put into a form which is not capable of identifying that individual.
5
Paragraph (1) shall not apply in relation to the supplying of information or the production of any document which a person could not be compelled to supply or produce in civil proceedings in any court to which an appeal would lie from a decision of the Practice Committee in respect of the allegation with which it is dealing.
6
For the purposes of paragraph (5), “enactment” includes an enactment comprised in, or in an instrument made under, an Act of the Scottish Parliament.
The Investigating Committee
26
1
The Investigating Committee shall investigate any allegation which is referred to it in accordance with article 22 or 24.
2
Where an allegation is referred to the Investigating Committee, it shall —
a
notify without delay the person concerned of the allegation and invite him to submit written representations within a prescribed period;
b
where it sees fit, notify the person making the allegation of the representations mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) and invite him to deal within a specified period with any points raised by the Committee in respect of those representations;
c
take such other steps as are reasonably practicable to obtain as much information as possible about the case;
d
consider, in the light of the information which it has been able to obtain and any representations or other observations made to it under sub-paragraph (a) or (b), whether in its opinion —
i
in respect of an allegation of the kind mentioned in article 22(1)(a), there is a case to answer, and
ii
in respect of an allegation of the kind mentioned in article 22(1)(b), whether the entry concerned has been fraudulently procured or incorrectly made.
3
The Council shall by rules make provision as to the procedure to be followed by the Investigating Committee in any investigation carried out by it under this article.
4
In the case of an allegation of the kind mentioned in article 22(1)(b) the rules shall, in particular, make similar provision to that made by virtue of article 32(2)(b), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), (m), (n), (o) and (p) and may provide for the Registrar to be made a party to the proceedings.
5
When the Investigating Committee reaches a decision under paragraph (2) as to whether —
a
there is a case to answer; or
b
an entry in the register has been fraudulently procured or incorrectly made,
it shall notify in writing both the person concerned and the person making the allegation, if any, of its decision, giving its reasons.
6
Where the Investigating Committee concludes that there is a case to answer under paragraph (2)(d)(i), it shall —
a
undertake mediation; or
b
refer the case —
i
to Screeners for them to undertake mediation,
ii
to the Health Committee in the case of an allegation of a kind mentioned in article 22(1)(a)(iv), or
iii
to the Conduct and Competence Committee, in the case of any other allegation.
7
In the case of an allegation of a kind mentioned in article 22(1)(b), if the Investigating Committee is satisfied that an entry in the register has been fraudulently procured or incorrectly made, it may make an order that the Registrar remove or amend the entry and shall notify the person concerned of his right of appeal under article 38.
8
If the Investigating Committee concludes that there is no case to answer or that the relevant entry was not fraudulently procured or incorrectly made —
a
where requested to do so by the person concerned, it shall make a declaration to that effect, giving its reasons; and
b
in any other case and with the consent of the person concerned, may make such a declaration.
9
For the purposes of paragraph (8), the publication of the decision mentioned in paragraph (5) together with the reasons for it may constitute such a declaration.
10
No order made under paragraph (7) shall have effect —
a
before the expiry of the period within which an appeal against the order may be made; or
b
where an appeal against the order has been made, before the appeal is withdrawn or otherwise finally disposed of.
11
The Investigating Committee may make an interim order in accordance with article 31 at the same time as making an order under paragraph (7) or at any time before referring a case to the Health Committee or the Conduct and Competence Committee under paragraph (6).
12
The Investigating Committee may review an order made under paragraph (7) if new evidence relevant to the order becomes available after the order has been made and may revoke that order if it considers that it should not have been made.
13
Where the Investigating Committee makes an order under paragraph (7), or decides not to review such an order under paragraph (12), the person concerned may appeal to the appropriate Court and the provisions of article 38 shall apply to the appeal.
14
Any such appeal must be brought before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which notice of the order or decision appealed against is served on the person concerned.
15
On an appeal under this article, the Council shall be the respondent.
16
An entry which has been restored to the register on an application for readmission or restoration being granted may be treated for the purposes of this article as having been fraudulently procured or incorrectly made if any previous entry from which the restored entry is derived was fraudulently procured or incorrectly made.
The Conduct and Competence Committee
27
The Conduct and Competence Committee shall —
a
having consulted the other Practice Committees as it thinks appropriate, advise the Council (whether on the Council’s request or otherwise) on —
i
the performance of the Council’s functions in relation to standards of conduct, performance and ethics expected of registrants and prospective registrants,
ii
requirements as to good character and good health to be met by registrants and prospective registrants, and
iii
the protection of the public from people whose fitness to practise is impaired; and
b
consider —
i
any allegation referred to it by the Council, Screeners, the Investigating Committee or the Health Committee, and
ii
any application for restoration referred to it by the Registrar.
The Health Committee
28
The Health Committee shall consider —
a
any allegation referred to it by the Council, Screeners, the Investigating Committee or the Conduct and Competence Committee; and
b
any application for restoration referred to it by the Registrar.
Orders of the Health Committee and the Conduct and Competence Committee
29
1
If, having considered an allegation, the Health Committee or the Conduct and Competence Committee, as the case may be, concludes that it is not well founded —
a
where requested to do so by the person concerned, it shall make a declaration to that effect giving its reasons; and
b
in any other case and with the consent of the person concerned, may make such a declaration.
2
For the purposes of paragraph (1) the publication of the decision mentioned in article 32(2)(k) and the reasons for it may constitute such a declaration.
3
If, having considered an allegation, the Health Committee or the Conduct and Competence Committee, as the case may be, concludes that it is well founded, it shall proceed in accordance with the remaining provisions of this article.
4
The Committee may —
a
refer the matter to Screeners for mediation or itself undertake mediation, or
b
decide that it is not appropriate to take any further action.
5
Where a case does not fall within paragraph (4), the Committee shall —
a
make an order directing the Registrar to strike the person concerned off the register (a “striking-off order”);
b
make an order directing the Registrar to suspend the registration of the person concerned for a specified period which shall not exceed one year (a “suspension order”);
c
make an order imposing conditions with which the person concerned must comply for a specified period which shall not exceed three years (a “conditions of practice order”); or
d
caution the person concerned and make an order directing the Registrar to annotate the register accordingly for a specified period which shall be not less than one year and not more than five years (a “caution order”).
6
A striking-off order may not be made in respect of an allegation of the kind mentioned in article 22(1)(a)(ii) or (iv) unless the person concerned has been continuously suspended, or subject to a conditions of practice order, for a period of no less than two years immediately preceding the date of the decision of the Committee to make such an order.
7
The Committee may specify in an order made under paragraph (5) a period within which an application to vary, replace or revoke the order may not be made, which —
a
in the case of a striking-off order, except where new evidence relevant to the order becomes available, shall be expressed in terms of article 33(2);
b
in the case of a suspension order shall not exceed 10 months; and
c
in the case of a conditions of practice order shall not exceed two years.
8
The Committee shall, when it makes, varies, replaces or revokes an order under this article or article 30 or when an order it has made ceases to have effect, give the Registrar such directions as are appropriate as to annotation of the register to record the decision made or, as the case may be, the expiry of the order.
9
The person concerned may appeal to the appropriate court against an order made under paragraph (5) and article 38 shall apply to the appeal.
10
Any such appeal must be brought before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which notice of the order or decision appealed against is served on the person concerned.
11
No order mentioned in paragraph (9) shall have effect —
a
before the expiry of the period within which an appeal against the order may be made; or
b
where an appeal against the order has been made, before the appeal is withdrawn or otherwise finally disposed of.
Review of orders by the Health Committee and the Conduct and Competence Committee
30
1
Before the expiry of an order made under article 29(5)(b) or (c) by the Conduct and Competence Committee or the Health Committee, the Committee which made the order or, if the matter has been referred to the other Committee, that Committee, shall review the order and may, subject to paragraph (5) —
a
with effect from the date on which the order would, but for this provision, have expired, extend, or further extend the period for which the order has effect;
b
with effect from the expiry of the order, make an order which it could have made at the time it made the order being reviewed;
c
with effect from the expiry of a suspension order, make a conditions of practice order with which the practitioner must comply if he resumes the practice of his registered profession after the end of his period of suspension.
2
Subject to paragraph (1), on the application of the person concerned or otherwise, at any time an order made by the Conduct and Competence Committee or the Health Committee under article 29(5)(b) to (d) is in force, the Committee which made the order or, if the matter has been referred to the other Committee, that Committee, may review the order and may take any of the steps referred to in paragraph (4).
3
Paragraphs (1) and (2) apply to an order made on a review under paragraph (1) or (2) as they do to an order made under article 29(5)(b) to (d).
4
The steps mentioned in paragraph (2) are for the Committee to —
a
confirm the order;
b
extend, or further extend, the period for which the order has effect;
c
reduce the period for which the order has effect, but in the case of a caution order not so that it has effect for less than one year beginning with the date on which the order was made under article 29(5)(d);
d
replace the order with any order which it could have made at the time it made the order being reviewed and the replacement order shall have effect for the remainder of the term of the order it replaces;
e
subject to paragraph (6), revoke the order or revoke any condition imposed by the order;
f
vary any condition imposed by the order.
5
The Committee may not extend a conditions of practice order by more than three years at a time or a suspension order by more than one year at a time.
6
The Committee may make the revocation of a suspension order subject to the applicant’s satisfying such requirements as to additional education or training and experience as the Council has specified under article 19(3) and which apply to him.
7
Where new evidence relevant to a striking-off order becomes available after the making of the order, the Committee which made the order or, where appropriate, the Committee mentioned in article 33(3)(b) may review it and article 33(4) to (8) shall apply as if it were an application for restoration made under that article.
8
A striking-off order, conditions of practice order, suspension order or caution order which is in force by virtue of a decision made on appeal to the appropriate court may be reviewed in accordance with paragraph (2) or (7), as the case may be, by the Committee which made the order appealed from and any of the steps mentioned in paragraph (4) may be taken.
9
Before exercising its powers under paragraph (1), (2), (4), (6), (7) or (8), a Practice Committee shall give the person concerned the opportunity to appear before it and to argue his case in accordance with rules made by the Council which shall include the matters referred to in article 32(2)(b), (g), (i), (j), (k), (m), (n) and (o).
10
The person concerned may appeal to the appropriate court against an order or decision made under paragraph (1), (2), (4), (6), (7) or (8).
11
Any such appeal must be brought before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which notice of the order or decision appealed against is served on the person concerned.
12
On an appeal under this article the Council shall be the respondent.
Interim Orders by a Practice Committee
31
1
This article applies where —
a
an allegation against a registered professional has been referred to the Investigating Committee, Conduct and Competence Committee or to the Health Committee but —
i
that Committee has not reached a decision on the matter; or
ii
in a case to which article 26(6) applies, where the Investigating Committee refers the matter to another Practice Committee;
b
the Investigating Committee makes an order under article 26(7), or
c
the Conduct and Competence Committee or the Health Committee makes an order under article 29(5)(a) to (c).
2
Subject to paragraph (4), if the Committee is satisfied that it is necessary for the protection of members of the public or is otherwise in the public interest, or is in the interests of the person concerned, for the registration of that person to be suspended or to be made subject to conditions, it may —
a
make an order directing the Registrar to suspend the person’s registration (an “interim suspension order”); or
b
make an order imposing conditions with which the person must comply (an “interim conditions of practice order”),
during such period not exceeding eighteen months as may be specified in the order.
3
In a case coming within paragraph (1)(b) or (c), such an order may be made at the same time as an order made under article 26(7) or 29(5)(a) to (c).
4
The Investigating Committee shall not make an order in any case after it has referred the allegation in question to another Practice Committee.
5
Subject to paragraphs (6), (7), (9) and (12) the order mentioned in paragraph (2) shall cease to have effect —
a
in a case falling within paragraph (1)(a) when the Committee reaches a decision in respect of the allegation in question; and
b
in a case falling within paragraph (1)(b) or (c) —
i
if there is no appeal against the order mentioned in that paragraph, when the period for appealing expires, or
ii
if there is an appeal against that order, when the appeal is withdrawn or otherwise finally disposed of.
6
The Committee which made the order or, if the matter has been referred to another Practice Committee, that Committee, shall, in a case coming within paragraph (1)(a), review an order made under paragraph (2) —
a
within the period of six months beginning on the date on which the order was made, and shall thereafter, for so long as the order continues in force, further review it before the end of the period of three months beginning on the date of the decision of the immediately preceding review;
b
where new evidence relevant to the order has become available after the making of the order.
7
Where an interim suspension order or an interim conditions of practice order has been made under this article (including this paragraph) the Practice Committee which made the order or, where the case has been referred to another Practice Committee, that Committee, may, subject to paragraph (15) —
a
revoke the order or revoke any condition imposed by the order;
b
confirm the order;
c
vary any condition imposed by the order;
d
if satisfied that to do so is necessary for the protection of members of the public or is otherwise in the public interest, or is in the interests of the person concerned, replace an interim conditions of practice order with an interim suspension order having effect for the remainder of the term of the former;
e
if satisfied that the public interest, including the protection of members of the public, or the interests of the person concerned would be adequately served by an interim conditions of practice order, replace an interim suspension order with an interim conditions of practice order having effect for the remainder of the term of the former.
8
The Council may apply to the court for an order made by a Practice Committee under paragraph (2) or (7) to be extended, and may apply again for further extensions.
9
On such an application the court may extend (or further extend) for up to 12 months the period for which the order has effect.
10
In this article, references to an interim suspension order or interim conditions of practice order include such an order as so extended.
11
For the purposes of paragraph (6) the first review after the court’s extension of an order made by a Practice Committee or after a replacement order made by a Practice Committee under paragraph (7)(d) or (e) shall take place —
a
if the order (or the order which has been replaced) had not been reviewed at all under paragraph (6), within the period of six months beginning on the date on which the court ordered the extension or on which a replacement order under paragraph (7)(d) or (e) was made; and
b
if it had been reviewed under the provision, within the period of three months beginning on that date.
12
Where an order has effect under paragraph (2), (7) or (9), the court may, on an application being made by the person concerned —
a
in the case of an interim suspension order, terminate the suspension;
b
in the case of an interim conditions of practice order, revoke or vary any condition imposed by the order;
c
in either case, substitute for the period specified in the order (or in the order extending it) some other period which could have been specified in the order when it was made (or in the order extending it),
and the decision of the court under any application under this paragraph shall be final.
13
In this article “the court” has the same meaning as “the appropriate court” in article 38.
14
The Committee shall notify the person concerned giving its reasons where it makes an order under paragraph (2) or for any decision under paragraph (7) and shall notify him of his right to apply to the court.
15
No order under paragraph (2) or (7)(c) to (e), or, in a case where paragraph (5)(b) applies, under paragraph (7)(b), shall be made by any Practice Committee in respect of any person unless he has been afforded an opportunity of appearing before the Committee and being heard on the question whether such an order should be made in his case.
16
At any such hearing, the person concerned shall be entitled to be represented whether by a legally qualified person or otherwise.
17
The Committee shall when it makes, varies, replaces or revokes an order under this article or when an order it has made ceases to have effect, give the Registrar such directions as are appropriate as to annotation of the register to record the decision made or, as the case may be, the expiry of the order.
Investigation of allegations: procedural rules
32
1
The Council shall make rules as to the procedure to be followed by the Health Committee and the Conduct and Competence Committee in considering any allegation and before making an order under article 29(5).
2
The rules shall, in particular, make provision —
a
empowering each Committee to refer to the other any allegation which it considers would be better dealt with by that other Committee;
b
empowering each Committee, before it holds any hearing to which sub-paragraph (f) applies, where it considers that it would assist it in performing its functions, to hold a preliminary meeting in private attended by the parties and their representatives and any other person it thinks appropriate;
c
requiring the person concerned to be given notice of the allegation without delay;
d
giving the person concerned an opportunity to submit written representations within a prescribed period;
e
for the Committee, where it sees fit, to notify the person making the allegation of the representations provided under sub-paragraph (d) and to invite him to deal within a prescribed period with any points raised by the Committee in respect of those representations;
f
giving the person concerned an opportunity to put his case at a hearing if —
i
before the end of the prescribed period, he asks for a hearing; or
ii
the Committee considers that a hearing is desirable;
g
entitling the person concerned to be represented whether by a legally qualified person or otherwise at any such hearing;
h
where an allegation is referred by the Council, Screeners or the Investigating Committee to the Health Committee or the Conduct and Competence Committee, for the Council to give notice of that referral to specified persons who shall include the Secretary of State, the Scottish Ministers, the National Assembly for Wales and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland, and, where they are known, to any person referred to in article 25 paragraph (2)(a) or (b);
i
giving any person, other than the person concerned, who, in the opinion of the relevant Committee, taking account of any criteria included in the rules, has an interest in proceedings before it, the opportunity to submit written representations;
j
requiring a hearing before a Committee to be held in public except in so far as may be provided by the rules;
k
requiring the Committee to notify the person concerned of its decision, its reasons for reaching that decision and of his right of appeal;
l
requiring the person by whom the allegation was made to be notified by the Committee of its decision and of its reasons for reaching that decision;
m
empowering the Committee to require persons other than the person concerned to attend and give evidence or to produce documents;
n
about the admissibility of evidence;
o
enabling the Committee to administer oaths;
p
where the person concerned has been convicted of a criminal offence, for the conviction to be proved by the production of a certified copy of the certificate of conviction, or, in Scotland, an extract conviction, relating to the offence and for the findings of fact upon which the conviction is based to be admissible as proof of those facts.
3
Each stage in proceedings under Part V and article 37 shall be dealt with expeditiously and the Committee concerned may give directions as to the conduct of the case and for the consequences of failure to comply with such directions (which may include the making of an order or refusal of an application if the failure to comply was without reasonable excuse).
4
The Council may provide in the rules for the Chairman of the Committee to hold the meeting referred to in paragraph (2)(b) or to give the directions mentioned in paragraph (3) and, subject to the agreement of the parties to his acting on behalf of the Committee, to take such action as the Committee would be competent to take at such a meeting.
5
In this article “parties” means the Council and the person concerned.
Restoration to the register of persons who have been struck off
33
1
Where a person who has been struck off the register by virtue of an order made by a Practice Committee or the court wishes to be restored to the register, he shall make an application for restoration to the Registrar.
2
Subject to article 30(7), no such application may be made —
a
before the end of the period of five years beginning with the date on which the order under article 29, 30 or 38 took effect; or
b
in any period of twelve months in which an application for restoration to the register has already been made by the person who has been struck off.
3
Any application for restoration shall be referred by the Registrar for determination to —
a
the Committee which made the striking-off order; or
b
where any previous applications have been made in connection with the same striking-off order, the Committee which last gave a decision on such an application.
4
Before making any decision on the application the Committee shall give the applicant an opportunity to appear before it and to argue his case in accordance with rules made by the Council which shall include the matters referred to in article 32(2)(b), (g), (i), (j), (k), (m), (n) and (o).
5
The Committee shall not grant an application for restoration unless it is satisfied, on such evidence as it may require, that the applicant not only satisfies the requirements of article 9(2)(a) and (b) but, having regard in particular to the circumstances which led to the making of the order under article 29, 30 or 38, is also a fit and proper person to practise the relevant profession.
6
The Committee may make the granting of an application subject to the applicant satisfying such requirements as to additional education or training and experience as the Council has specified under article 19(3) and which apply to him.
7
On granting an application for restoration, the Committee —
a
shall direct the Registrar to register the applicant in the relevant part of the register on his satisfying any requirements imposed under paragraph (6) and on payment of the prescribed fee; and
b
may make a conditions of practice order with respect to him.
8
The provisions of article 29 shall have effect in relation to a conditions of practice order made under paragraph (7) as they have effect in relation to a conditions of practice order made under that article and article 30 shall apply as if the order made under paragraph (7) were an order made under article 29.
9
If, while a striking-off order is in force, a second or subsequent application for restoration to the register, made by the person who has been struck off, is unsuccessful, the Committee which determined that application may direct that that person’s right to make any further such applications shall be suspended indefinitely.
10
A person in respect of whom a direction is made under paragraph (9) may, after the expiration of three years from the date on which the direction was made, apply to the Registrar for that direction to be reviewed and, thereafter, may make further applications for review but no such application may be made before the expiration of three years from the date of the most recent review decision.
11
The Registrar shall refer an application made under paragraph (10) to the Committee which made the direction under paragraph (9).
12
A person whose application under paragraph (10) or whose application for restoration is refused or made subject to his satisfying requirements under paragraph (6) may appeal to the appropriate Court and article 38 shall apply to that appeal.
13
The appeal must be brought before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which notice of the decision rejecting the application, or granting it but imposing conditions under paragraph (6), is served on the applicant.
Legal assessors
34
1
The Council shall appoint legal assessors.
2
Legal assessors shall have the general function of giving advice to —
a
Screeners;
b
the statutory committees;
c
the Registrar; or
d
the Council,
on questions of law arising in connection with any matter which any of those persons is considering under article 9 or 10, Part V or Part VI.
3
They may at the request of the person mentioned in paragraph (2) assist in the drafting of any decision required by this Order to be issued under any of the provisions mentioned in that paragraph.
4
They shall have such other functions as may be conferred on them by rules made by the Council.
5
To be qualified for appointment as a legal assessor, a person must —
a
have a 10 year general qualification (within the meaning of section 71 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990); or
b
be an advocate or solicitor in Scotland of at least 10 years' standing; or
c
be a member of the Bar of Northern Ireland of at least 10 years' standing.
6
No person shall be a legal assessor if he is —
a
a member of the Council;
b
a member of a statutory committee;
c
a Screener, visitor or medical or registrant assessor; or
d
employed by the Council.
7
The Council may make such provision in respect of legal assessors as it may determine —
a
for the payment of fees and allowances, including the payment of allowances to employers of legal assessors for the purposes of enabling legal assessors to perform functions under this article;
b
for the reimbursement of such expenses as the legal assessors may reasonably have incurred in the course of carrying out their functions under this Order.
Medical assessors
35
1
The Council may appoint registered medical practitioners to be medical assessors.
2
They shall have the general function of giving advice to —
a
Screeners;
b
the statutory committees;
c
the Registrar; or
d
the Council,
on matters within their professional competence in connection with any matter which any of those persons is considering.
3
They shall also have such other functions as may be conferred on them by rules made by the Council.
4
No person shall be a medical assessor if he is —
a
a member of the Council;
b
a member of a statutory committee;
c
a Screener, visitor or legal or registrant assessor; or
d
employed by the Council.
5
The Council may make such provision in respect of medical assessors as it may determine —
a
for the payment of fees and allowances, including the payment of allowances to employers of medical assessors for the purposes of enabling medical assessors to perform functions under this article;
b
for the reimbursement of such expenses as the medical assessors may reasonably have incurred in the course of carrying out their functions under this Order.
Registrant assessors
36
1
The Council may appoint registered professionals as registrant assessors.
2
They shall have the general function of giving advice to —
a
the Council;
b
the committees of the Council;
c
Screeners; or
d
the Registrar,
on matters of professional practice arising in connection with any matter which any of those persons is considering.
3
The assessors shall also have such other functions as may be conferred on them by rules made by the Council.
4
No person shall be a registrant assessor if he is —
a
a member of the Council;
b
a member of a statutory committee;
c
a Screener, visitor or legal or medical assessor; or
d
employed by the Council.
5
The Council may make such provision in respect of registrant assessors as it may determine —
a
for the payment of fees and allowances, including the payment of allowances to employers of registrant assessors for the purposes of enabling registrant assessors to perform functions under this article;
b
for the reimbursement of such expenses as the registrant assessors may reasonably have incurred in the course of carrying out their functions under this Order.
PART VI
APPEALS
Appeals against decisions of the Education and Training Committee
37
1
Where the Education and Training Committee under this Order —
a
refuses an application for registration, readmission or renewal or for the inclusion of an additional entry;
b
in determining an application under article 9 or 10, imposes additional conditions which must be satisfied before the applicant may be admitted to, readmitted to or retained on the register;
c
removes the name of a registrant from the register on the ground that he has breached a condition in respect of continuing professional development or such additional, education, training or experience as is mentioned in article 19(3), subject to which his registration has effect; or
d
fails, within the terms of article 9(7), to issue a decision,
the person aggrieved may appeal to the Council within the prescribed period.
2
No appeal lies to the Council where the person aggrieved has been refused registration solely because he has failed to pay the prescribed fee for registration or has failed to apply in the prescribed form and manner in accordance with article 9 or 10.
3
No decision removing a registrant from the register against which an appeal to the Council may be made under paragraph (1) shall have effect before —
a
the expiry of the period within which such an appeal may be made; or
b
if an appeal is made, the appeal is withdrawn or otherwise finally disposed of.
4
Any appeal shall be subject to such rules as the Council shall make for the purpose of regulating appeals under this article.
5
The rules shall in particular provide —
a
for the quorum of the Council considering such an appeal;
b
that the members considering the appeal are to include registrants and lay members and that the number of members who are registrants may exceed the number of lay members but may not exceed them by more than one;
c
for a panel considering an appeal to consist of no fewer than three members who are to be selected with due regard to the matter under consideration and to include —
i
one registrant registered in the same part of the register as the one in which the person concerned is, or is applying to be, registered;
ii
one lay member (who shall not be a registered medical practitioner); and
iii
where the health of the person concerned is in issue, one registered medical practitioner;
d
for the person presiding to be a Council member;
e
that no one who has been involved in any other capacity in the case to be considered is to be a member of the panel;
f
for the decision to be made by a majority vote of the persons present;
g
in the event of a tie, for the Chairman to have an additional casting vote which he shall exercise in the favour of the person concerned;
h
for the Education and Training Committee to be made a party to the proceedings;
i
for similar provision to be made to that in article 32(2)(b), (f), (g), (i), (j), (k), (m), (n) and (o).
6
Article 32(3) shall apply to appeals under this article as if a reference to the Committee concerned were to the Council.
7
Article 25, with the exception of paragraph (2), shall apply to appeals under this article as if a reference to a Practice Committee were to the Council.
8
A hearing provided for by the rules made under paragraph (4) is to be held —
a
in the United Kingdom country in which the registered address of the person concerned is situated;
b
if he is not registered and resides in the United Kingdom, in the country in which he resides; or
c
in any other case, in England.
9
Having considered the appeal under this article, the Council may —
a
dismiss the appeal;
b
allow the appeal and quash the decision appealed against;
c
substitute for the decision appealed against any other decision that the Education and Training Committee could have made; or
d
remit the case to the Education and Training Committee to be disposed of in accordance with its directions.
10
The person concerned may appeal to a county court or, in Scotland, a sheriff against an unfavourable decision made under paragraph (9)(a), (c) or (d) and article 38 shall apply to that appeal.
11
Subject to paragraph 12, the Council shall publish as soon as reasonably practicable a decision of the Council made under this article together with the reasons for it.
12
If the decision is favourable to the person concerned, the Council is not required to publish it unless the person concerned so requests but it may do so with the consent of the person concerned.
Appeals
38
1
An appeal from —
a
any order or decision of the Health Committee or the Conduct and Competence Committee other than an interim order made under article 31, shall lie to the appropriate court; and
b
any decision of the Council under article 37 or of the Investigating Committee under article 26(7) or (12) shall lie to a county court or, in Scotland, to a sheriff.
2
In any appeal under this article the Council shall be the respondent.
3
The Court or sheriff may —
a
dismiss the appeal;
b
allow the appeal and quash the decision appealed against;
c
substitute for the decision appealed against any other decision the Practice Committee concerned or the Council, as the case may be, could have made; or
d
remit the case to the Practice Committee concerned or Council, as the case may be, to be disposed of in accordance with the directions of the court or sheriff,
and may make such order as to costs (or, in Scotland, expenses) as it, or he, as the case may be, thinks fit.
4
In this article “the appropriate court” means —
a
in the case of a person whose registered address is (or, if he were registered, would be) in Scotland, the Court of Session;
b
in the case of a person whose registered address is (or, if he were registered, would be) in Northern Ireland, the High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland; and
c
in any other case, the High Court of Justice in England and Wales.
PART VII
OFFENCES
Offences
39
1
Subject to paragraph (2), a person commits an offence if with intent to deceive (whether expressly or by implication) —
a
he falsely represents himself to be registered in the register, or a particular part of it or to be the subject of any entry in the register;
b
he uses a title referred to in article 6(2) to which he is not entitled;
c
he falsely represents himself to possess qualifications in a relevant profession.
2
If a person has been practising a relevant profession to which the title mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) relates before the coming into force of an order under article 6(1) which relates to that profession, he will not be guilty of an offence under paragraph (1)(b) —
a
during the relevant period mentioned in article 13(1)(b); or
b
if he applies during the relevant period for admission to the register, until his application and any appeal from a decision on that application has been finally disposed of.
3
A person commits an offence if —
a
with intent that any person shall be deceived (whether expressly or by implication) he causes or permits another person to make any representation about himself which, if made by himself with intent to deceive, would be an offence under paragraph (1); or
b
with intent to deceive, he makes with regard to another person any representation which —
i
is false to his own knowledge, and
ii
if made by the other person with that intent would be an offence by him under paragraph (1).
4
A person who fraudulently procures, or tries to procure, the making, amendment, removal or restoration of an entry in the register, is guilty of an offence.
5
A person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with any requirement imposed by —
a
the Council, or
b
a Practice Committee
under article 25(1) or (2) or rules made by virtue of article 32(2)(m) or under any corresponding rule made by virtue of article 26, 33 or 37 is guilty of an offence.
6
A person guilty of an offence under this article shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
PART VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
Further provisions
40
1
The Privy Council may make provision by order with regard to the functions of legal assessors and in particular provision may be made —
a
requiring legal assessors, when advising the Council or any of its committees, to do so in the presence of the parties or their representatives or, where advice is given in private, requiring the parties to be notified of the advice tendered by the legal assessors;
b
requiring the parties to be notified in any case where the legal assessor’s advice is not accepted.
2
Paragraph (1)(a) and (b) shall not apply to advice given by a legal assessor in respect of the drafting of a decision mentioned in article 34(3).
Rules and orders
41
1
No rules under this Order shall come into force until approved by order of the Privy Council.
2
Any rules made by the Council and any order of the Privy Council made under this Order may make different provision with respect to different cases or classes of case.
3
Before making any rules under this Order, the Council shall consult representatives of any group of persons who appear likely to be affected by the proposed rules and these may include such persons as appear to it to be representative of —
a
registrants or classes of registrant;
b
employers of registrants;
c
users of the services of registrants; or
d
persons providing, assessing or funding education and training for registrants and prospective registrants.
Exercise of powers by the Privy Council
42
1
Where the approval of the Privy Council is required by this Order in respect of the making of any rules by the Council, it shall be given by an order made by the Privy Council.
2
Any power of the Privy Council under this Order to make an order shall be exercisable by statutory instrument.
3
Any order under this Order shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament but this does not apply to an order made under article 48(2) or Schedule 2, paragraph 19, 20 or 21.
4
For the purpose of exercising any powers conferred by this Order the quorum of the Privy Council shall be two.
5
Any act of the Privy Council under this Order shall be sufficiently signified by an instrument signed by the Clerk of the Privy Council.
6
Any document purporting to be —
a
an instrument made by the Privy Council under this Order; and
b
signed by the Clerk of the Privy Council, shall be evidence (and in Scotland sufficient evidence) of the fact that the instrument was so made and of its terms.
Default powers of the Privy Council
43
1
If it appears to the Privy Council that the Council has failed to perform any functions which, in the opinion of the Privy Council, should have been performed, the Privy Council may notify the Council of its opinion and require the Council to make representations to it.
2
The Privy Council may, having considered the representations of the Council, give such directions (if any) to the Council as it considers appropriate.
3
If the Council fails to comply with any directions given under this article, the Privy Council may give effect to the direction.
4
Subject to paragraph (5), for the purpose of giving effect to a direction under paragraph (3), the Privy Council may —
a
exercise any power of the Council or do any act or other thing authorised to be done by the Council; and
b
do, of its own motion, any act or other thing which it is otherwise authorised to do under this Order at the instigation of the Council.
5
The Privy Council shall not exercise the power in paragraph (4) to make, amend, remove or restore an entry in the register in respect of an individual, nor to refuse to do so.
6
The powers under paragraphs (1) and (2) may be exercised by a person authorised or designated by the Privy Council for that purpose.
Annual reports
44
1
The Council shall publish at least once in each calendar year a statistical report which indicates the efficiency and effectiveness of the arrangements it has put in place to protect the public from persons whose fitness to practise is impaired, together with the Council’s observations on the report.
2
The Council shall —
a
within such time as directed by the Privy Council, submit a report to it on the Council’s exercise of its functions during the period specified by the Privy Council; and
b
thereafter submit such a report once in each calendar year in respect of the period since its last such report.
3
The Privy Council shall lay before each House of Parliament a copy of the report submitted by the Council under paragraph (2).
Finances of the Council
45
1
The Council may charge such fees in connection with the exercise of its functions as it may, with the approval of the Privy Council, determine.
2
Subject to this article, the expenses of the Council are to be met out of fees received by the Council and other sums paid to it in connection with the exercise of its functions.
3
The Secretary of State or an appropriate authority may make grants or loans to the Council towards expenses incurred, or to be incurred by it —
a
in connection with the process of the implementation of this Order, or
b
for such other purposes in connection with the professions regulated by this Order as may be approved by the Secretary of State or the appropriate authority and agreed with the Council.
4
In this paragraph, “appropriate authority” means the National Assembly for Wales, the Scottish Ministers or the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland.
Accounts of the Council
46
1
The Council shall —
a
keep accounts in such form as the Privy Council may determine;
b
prepare annual accounts in respect of each financial year, in such form as the Privy Council may determine.
2
The annual accounts shall be audited by persons the Council appoints.
3
No person may be appointed as an auditor under paragraph (2) unless he is eligible for appointment as a company auditor under section 25 of the Companies Act 1989 or article 28 of the Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1990.
4
As soon as is reasonably practicable after the end of the financial year to which the annual accounts relate, the Council shall —
a
cause them to be published together with any report on them made by the auditors; and
b
send a copy of the annual accounts and of any such report to the Privy Council and to the Comptroller and Auditor General.
5
The Comptroller and Auditor General shall examine, certify and report on the annual accounts.
6
For the purposes of his examination, the Comptroller and Auditor General may inspect the accounts of the Council and any records relating to them.
7
The Privy Council shall lay before each House of Parliament a copy of the annual accounts certified by the Comptroller and Auditor General, any report of the auditors and the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General prepared under paragraph (5).
8
In this article, “financial year” means —
a
the period beginning with the date on which the Council is established and ending with the next 31st March following that date, and
b
each successive period of 12 months ending with 31st March.
Inquiry by the Privy Council
47
1
The Privy Council may cause an inquiry to be held into any matter connected with the exercise by the Council of its functions.
2
Before an inquiry is begun, the Privy Council may direct that it shall be held in public.
3
Where no direction has been given, the person holding the inquiry may if he thinks fit hold it, or any part of it, in private.
4
For the purpose of any such inquiry (but subject to paragraph (5)) the person appointed to hold the inquiry —
a
may by summons require any person to attend, at a time and place stated in the summons, to give evidence or to produce any documents in his custody or under his control which relate to any matter in question at the inquiry; and
b
may take evidence on oath, and for that purpose administer oaths, or may, instead of administering an oath, require the person examined to make a solemn affirmation.
5
Nothing in this article requires a person, in obedience to a summons under the article, to attend to give evidence or to produce any documents unless the necessary expenses of his attendance are paid or tendered to him.
6
Any person who refuses or deliberately fails to attend in obedience to a summons under this article, or to give evidence, or who deliberately alters, suppresses, conceals, destroys, or refuses to produce any book or other document which he is required or is liable to be required to produce for the purposes of this article, shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
7
Where the Privy Council causes an inquiry to be held under this article —
a
the costs incurred by it in relation to the inquiry (including such reasonable sum as it may determine for the services of any officer engaged in the inquiry) shall be paid by such party to the inquiry as it may direct; and
b
it may cause the amount of the costs so incurred to be certified, and any amount so certified and directed to be paid by any person shall be recoverable from that person by the Privy Council summarily as a civil debt.
8
Where the Privy Council causes an inquiry to be held under this article it may make orders —
a
as to the costs of the parties at the inquiry; and
b
as to the parties by whom costs are to be paid,
and every such order may be made a rule of the appropriate court on the application of any party named in the order.
9
“Appropriate court” has the same meaning as in article 38(5).
Supplementary and transitional provisions and extent
48
1
The transitional provisions contained in Schedule 2 to this Order shall apply.
2
The Privy Council may by order make such further transitional provisions as it considers appropriate.
3
The consequential amendments contained in Schedule 4 to this Order shall apply.
4
This Order extends to the whole of the United Kingdom.
A. K. Galloway
Clerk of the Privy Council


type: legislation

jurisdiction: UK

text:
Citation and interpretation
1
1
This Order may be cited as the State Pension Credit Act 2002 (Commencement No. 1) Order 2002.
2
In this Order, references to sections and Schedules are references to sections of, and Schedules to, the State Pension Credit Act 2002.
Appointed day
2
The day appointed for the coming into force of —
a
section 1 (entitlement);
b
section 2 (guarantee credit);
c
section 3 (savings credit);
d
section 4 (exclusions);
e
section 5 (income and capital of claimant, spouse etc )
f
section 6 (duty to specify assessed income period);
g
section 7 (fixing of claimant’s retirement provision for assessed income period);
h
section 9 (duration of assessed income period);
i
section 11 (administration);
j
section 12 (polygamous marriages);
k
section 13 (transitional provisions);
l
section 14 (minor and consequential amendments) except so far as it relates to paragraph 3 of Schedule 2;
m
section 15 (income and capital);
n
section 16 (retirement pension income); and
o
section 17 (other interpretation provisions),
is 2nd July 2002 for the purposes only of exercising any power to make regulations or orders.
Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
Ian McCartney
Minister of State,
Department for Work and Pensions
1st July 2002


text:
Citation, commencement and interpretation
1
1
This Order may be cited as the Canterbury and Coastal Primary Care Trust (Establishment) Order 2002 and shall come into force on 1st April 2002.
2
In this Order, unless the context otherwise requires —
“operational date” is to be construed in accordance with paragraph 1(2) of Schedule 5A to the Act;
“the trust” means the Canterbury and Coastal Primary Care Trust established by article 2 of this Order.
Establishment, operational date and name of the Primary Care Trust
2
1
There is hereby established with effect from 1st April 2002 a Primary Care Trust to be called the Canterbury and Coastal Primary Care Trust.
2
The operational date of the trust shall be 1st April 2002.
Area of the trust
3
The trust shall be established for the area specified in the Schedule to this Order.
Signed by authority of the Secretary of State
Hazel Blears
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State,
Department of Health
25th March 2002


text:
Citation, commencement and effect
1
1
This Order may be cited as the Tax Credits Up-rating Order 2002 and shall come into force on 9th April 2002.
2
This Order shall have effect in relation to award periods of working families' tax credit or, as the case may be, disabled person’s tax credit commencing on or after 9th April 2002.
Interpretation
2
In this Order —
“the Disability Working Allowance Regulations ” means the Disability Working Allowance (General) Regulations 1991 and the Disability Working Allowance (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992 ;
“the Family Credit Regulations ” means the Family Credit (General) Regulations 1987 and the Family Credit (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987 .
Working families' tax credit
3
In the Family Credit Regulations —
a
in regulation 46 (determination of appropriate maximum working families' tax credit) —
i
in paragraph (1A)(a) the maximum amount specified is £135 per week;
ii
in paragraph (1A)(b) the maximum amount specified is £200 per week;
iii
in paragraph (4) the capital sum prescribed is £3,000;
iv
in paragraphs (4), (5) and (6), the amount specified for the credit in respect of a child or young person is NIL;
b
in regulation 47(1) (applicable amount) for the sum of £92.90 there shall be substituted the sum of £94.50;
c
in Schedule 4 (determination of maximum working families' tax credit) the sums prescribed shall be as set out in Schedule 1 to this Order.
Disabled person’s tax credit
4
In the Disability Working Allowance Regulations —
a
in regulation 51 (determination of appropriate maximum disabled person’s tax credit) —
i
in paragraph (1AA)(a) the maximum sum specified is £135 per week;
ii
in paragraph (1AA)(b) the maximum sum specified is £200 per week;
iii
in paragraph (4) the capital sum prescribed is £3,000;
iv
in paragraphs (4), (5) and (6) , the amount specified for the allowance in respect of a child or young person is NIL;
b
in regulation 52(1) (applicable amount) —
i
in sub-paragraph (a) for the sum of £72.25 there shall be substituted the sum of £73.50;
ii
in sub-paragraph (b) for the sum of £92.90 there shall be substituted the sum of £94.50;
c
in Schedule 5 (determination of appropriate maximum disabled person’s tax credit) the sums prescribed shall be as set out in Schedule 2 to this Order.
Tony McNulty
Anne McGuire
Two of the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty’s Treasury
26th March 2002