The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in New Zealand has launched a consultation on proposed reforms to the regulation of engineering. A new registration scheme would be established for all engineers, and a new licensing regime would clarify who can "carry out or supervise engineering work in specified practice fields that have a high risk of harm to the public." The proposal also includes new continuing professional development requirements. A new regulator would be established to oversee the licensing process.
May 12, 2021
Philippines to regulate physical therapists
A new bill would create a separate Board of Physical Therapy under the Professional Regulation Commission in the Philippines. The Occupational Therapy Law of 2018 recognized the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy. The new bill will call for the creation of a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of Physical Therapy, institutionalization of the Continuing Professional Education Program, and creation of a national professional organization for physical therapists.
January 13, 2021
Germany: changes to lawyer and law firm regulation
The Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection in Germany has published proposed revisions to the Federal Lawyers' Act. The new Act would require both professional and entity regulation, with the law firm being subject to regulatory requirements in addition to regulation of the individual lawyer. Law firms would also be required to ensure that lawyers who work for the firm adhere to their individual professional duties.
December 16, 2020
Recognition of professional qualifications after Brexit
The new issue of the Healthcare Professionals Crossing Borders newsletter provides information about how qualifications obtained in the UK will be treated as third country qualifications by EEA member states after January 1, 2021. They also report on the Medical Council of Ireland's Annual Report showing a record number of complaints in 2019, particularly against doctors on the specialist register. Also featured is the UK General Medical Council's updated decision making and consent guidance.
July 30, 2020
Philippines: amendments sought to CPD Act
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has asked Congress to amend the Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016, with a possible suspension of CPD training for three to five years until a new and less burdensome system can be put in place.
June 02, 2020
Australia: support for individual licensing of financial advisers
The Financial Planning Association has stated its support for a proposal to individually license financial advisers. The proposal would remove the Corporations Act requirement that advisers by authorized under the Australian Financial Services License. A single disciplinary body is also recommended.
May 13, 2020
Australia: draft bill to modernize veterinary practice
Western Australia has released a draft Veterinary Practice Bill 2020. The bill would repeal the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1960 and update regulation of veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and veterinary premises. A Veterinary Practice Board of Western Australia would replace the Veterinary Surgeons' Board, and the new board would have powers to handle impairment and minor disciplinary matters. National recognition of veterinarians registered in other Australian jurisdictions is another key component of the bill.
December 18, 2019
Turks and Caicos Islands to regulate health professions
The Health Professions Regulations 2019 has come into force in the Turks and Caicos Islands, requiring all health professionals to be registered and display a photo id card when interacting with the public. Three health professions councils will regulate medicine and dentistry, nursing and midwifery, and allied health and pharmacy. License renewal will take place annually, and the councils will need to publish a register of names each year.
November 07, 2019
Philippines bill would require civil service
A bill under consideration in the Philippines, the Civil Conscription Act, would allow the Armed Forces of the Philippines to mandate licensed professionals to render mandatory civil service in times of calamity. Specifically, structural engineers and licensed medical personnel could be called upon through a system of recruitment to help in humanitarian and rehabilitation efforts for a limited period of time.
September 26, 2019
Philippines to regulate fisheries profession
The Professional Regulatory Board of Fisheries will be established under the Professional Regulation Commission in the Philippines. Licensure in the fisheries profession will require passing of a licensure exam. The new board, to be composed of a chairperson and four members, will establish additional requirements and have disciplinary authority over the fisheries profession.
