Licence

An application for licence or renewal thereof under Section 13 of the Act shall

(a) be made on a form provided by The Council;

(b) have attached thereto a copy of a certificate of registration for Physiotherapist, Physiotherapy Assistant and Respiratory Therapist;

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

Fees

First Schedule

Physiotherapy and Respiratory Therapy

Physiotherapist/respiratory Therapist

Physiotherapy Assistant

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

CONTACT

THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS COUNCIL

P.O. Box N-7528

Delancey Street

Nassau, Bahamas

Tel.: (242) 326-7740/326-0566

Fax: ( 242) 326-0537

Copies of The Health Professions Act, 1998

And H.P. Regulations, 2000

May be purchased from

Government Publications -Bay Street

Ph.#(242) 322-2410

Scope of Practice

Section 42

(1) The practice of physiotherapy is the assessment of physical function and the treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of physical dysfunction, injury or pain, to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment function or to relieve pain.

(2) The practice of respiratory therapy is the providing of oxygen therapy, cardio-respiratory equipment monitoring and the assessment and treatment of cardio-respiratory and associated disorders to maintain or restore ventilation.

Authorized Health Services

Section 43

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

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

(b) tracheal suctioning;

(c) physical therapy instructions.

(2) In the course of engagement in the practice of physiotherapy as a physiotherapy assistant, a person may subject to the terms, conditions and limitations imposed

HEALTH PROFESSIONS (GENERAL)

REGULATIONS. 2000

FOURTH SCHEDULE

(Regulations 43)

Prescribed Procedures – Respiratory Therapy

The following procedures are prescribes as procedures below the dermis for the purpose of subparagraph (a) of paragraph (3) of regulations 43:

1. Basic Procedures :

(i) arterial puncture

(ii) capillary puncture;

(iii) tracheostomy tube change for an established stoma;

(iv) transtrachael catheter change for an for an established stoma.

2. Added Procedures:

(i) removal of a cannula not less than seven (7) days old;

(ii) manipulations or repositioning of a cannula;

(iii) aspiration from a cannula;

(iv) venipuncture;

(v) suturing to secure indwelling cannulae;

(vi) transtracheal catheter change for a fresh stoma that is less than seven weeks;

(vii) tracheostomy tube change for a fresh stoma that is less than seven days but not less than 24 hours;

(viii) manipulation or reposition of a cannula balloon.

(1) The qualifications for registration as a physiotherapy assistant are that the person holds an Associate of Arts Degree or a degree that the Council considers equivalent thereto from an accredited college or university.

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

Registration

Under section 12 of the Act, an application for registration as a health professional shall be accompanied by:

(a) evidence of qualifications/successful completion of courses of study in that profession.

(b) (i) proof of citizenship in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas; or

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

(iii) a valid work permit.

( c) a statement by a licensed health professional that the applicant can read, write, speak and understand the English Language and is otherwise a fit and proper person to be registered as a health professional in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

(1) A person who satisfies the Council that he/she is eligible to be registered, shall be registered upon submission of the appropriate registration fee as set out in the First Schedule below and upon payment of the said fee The Council shall issue a certificate of registration.

on his or her certificate of registration, perform the health services referred to in subsection (1) if the person is under the direct supervision of a physiotherapist.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Qualifications for Registration

Section 44

(3) The qualifications for registration as a physiotherapist are that the person:

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

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