Professional Regulation and Statutory Requirements PDF

Professional affiliation, regulation and statutory requirements Clinical Practice PT 2nd yr Mrs M. Simpamba  Professional affiliation Physiotherapy is affiliated to; - World Physiotherapy at international levels - WP- Africa region...

Professional affiliation, regulation and statutory requirements Clinical Practice PT 2nd yr Mrs M. Simpamba  Professional affiliation Physiotherapy is affiliated to; - World Physiotherapy at international levels - WP- Africa region - WP specialised organisations at international level - Zambia Society for physiotherapists at national level Student Physiotherapy affiliation: UNZAPHYSIOSA, Importance of professional affiliation includes: - Promotes new knowledge - Strengthens the profession World Physiotherapy (WP) WP is the sole international voice for Physiotherapy, representing Physiotherapists worldwide through national member organisation (e.g. ZSP in Zambia). Founded in 1951, as World Confederation for Physical Therapists (WCPT) it has been in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1952. The first WCPT general meeting was held in 1951 in Denmark, Copenhagen 11 national Physiotherapy bodies attended the 1st meeting (USA, Denmark, Australia, UK, South Africa, Canada, Finland, German, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden).  Individuals are linked to WP through national associations. ZSP joined WCPT in 1982, at the 10th WCPT general meeting that was held in Sweden, Stockholm, Currently WP has 125 national Physiotherapy associations In 1996 WCPT established World Physical Therapy Day which has been celebrated annually ever since, (week starting 8th September) In 2020, WCPT rebranded to World Physiotherapy (WP)  Activities of WP Support member organisation by providing information, expertise and services. Provides services to its member organisations and campaigns to improve world health. Produces policies and guidelines. Encourages high standards of Physical Therapy Research, Education and Practice.  Supports the exchange of information between WP Regions and Member Organizations. Collaborating with National and International Organisations Establish processes to ensure that licensed/registered/recognised physical therapists maintain competence (E.g through CPD).  WP regional organisations The five WP regions were established in 1991 at the 12th WCPT general meeting held in UK, London. These were: Africa Region of WP Asia Western Pacific Region of WP European Region of WP North America Caribbean Region of WP South America Region of WP  WP-Africa Region Began in 1991 with five member countries Currently has 25 member countries: - Benin , Cameroon, Congo (Democratic Republic), Ethiopia Ghana, Ivory Coast Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.  WP subgroups WP subgroups are independent organisations that have specific areas of interest. The aim is to promote the advancement of Physiotherapy and exchange scientific knowledge and skills within their area of interest. International subgroups mainly constitute national subgroups and should all meet the requirements for recognition as a subgroup of WP. International subgroups have to have at least ten members, representing at least three of the WP regions.  WP specialized areas for subgroups Acupuncture Neurology (Zambia Neurological Aquatic Physiotherapy Association (ZNPA) Cardiorespiratory Occupational Health and Electrophysical Ergonomics HIV/AIDS, Oncology, Hospice and Older people Palliative Care Paediatrics Manual/musculoskeletal Pelvic and women’s health physiotherapy Private practice Mental health Sports  Zambia Society of Physiotherapy Zambia Society of Physiotherapy (ZSP) has been a member of WCPT since 1982. Registered to Home affairs under registrar of societies It is non-governmental, free to make profit for operation Solicits all Zambian physiotherapy professionals to be members Spearheads the welfare of its members by advising and educating Operates under its own constitution.  ZSP Membership By December 2021, there were 2200 Physiotherapy professionals registered with the HPCZ. Membership with ZSP is done annually and only subscribed individuals are regarded as members. The members of ZSP include the ZSP executive committee which is responsible to managing the organizational affairs, as well as the subscribed general membership. An annual general meeting is held once in a year in any agreed upon province within Zambia. Tenure for executive members is four years.  Objectives of Zambia Society of Physiotherapy The main objective of ZSP is to promote professionalism and advance the profession through knowledge and research To promote improved standards of physiotherapy training and practice in order to provide the highest quality of services to the clients. To provide, promote and maintain the highest standards of professional conduct amongst physiotherapy practitioners. To make constructive proposals and suggestions on any matter considered to affect the physiotherapy profession. To promote the advancement of physiotherapy through research and the diffusion of knowledge. To help members advance in physiotherapy training and practice through continued professional development (CPD) so as to improve competences. To promote relationships and encourage developmental discussions with other professionals involved in preventive, promotive curative and rehabilitative services. To convene conferences, public meetings and lectures in line with the general activities of the Society. To provide information, counsel and assistance in matters related to physiotherapy. To provide a forum for physiotherapy practitioners to participate in formulation of policy on any matter considered to affect the professional standards, interest, welfare and morale of the members. To safeguard and maintain the honour, status and interest of the physiotherapy profession. To carry out any other activity that may assist in progressing the objectives of the Society. Regulation of the Physiotherapy profession (International) WP believes it is in the public interest for the practice of physiotherapy to be regulated as such systems protect the health and safety of the public. In view of this, WP has produced guidelines to support the development of legislation/regulation/recognition of Physical Therapists. This includes the preparation of the national Physiotherapy Act, especially countries that may not have Health Professions Act. The regulations and recognition elements should provide mechanisms for the identification of the Physiotherapy body as being responsible for self- governing and setting/maintaining standards of competence. WP encourages member organisations to work towards regulation systems that: Define the qualifications required for licensure/regulation/recognition to practice physical therapy Restrict use of the titles of physical therapist and physiotherapist, and their abbreviations, to licensed/registered/recognised physical therapists  Set and monitor standards for the practice of physical therapy by recognised/registered/ licensed physical therapists Establish processes to assure the competence of applicants seeking recognition to practice the profession Establish processes to deal with complaints regarding licensed/registered/recognised physical therapists  Regulation of Physiotherapy practice in Zambia Physiotherapy practice is Zambia is regulated by the Zambia Society of Physiotherapy and the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ). Zambia Society of Physiotherapy (ZSP) is the professional body for Physiotherapists in Zambia. Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ) is the regulatory body for all health professions in Zambia. Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ) HPCZ is a statutory regulatory body established under the Health Professions Act No. 24 of 2009 of the Laws of Zambia. Before 2009, HPCZ was called “Medical Council of Zambia” under the Medical and Allied Professionals Act, 1977.  The main objective of HPCZ is to regulate both public and private: - health sectors, - health professionals - and training institutions This is in order to protect the public.  Principle functions of HPCZ Registration of health practitioners and regulate their professional conduct (Except Nurses & Midwives). Licensing of public and private health facilities. Accreditation of health care services provided by health facilities. Recognition and approval of training programmes for health practitioners.  Professional registration Physiotherapy is a regulated profession One needs to be registered to practice World over This is to protect both the clinician and patient Registration body is the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ).  The registration of Health Practitioners ensures that only duly qualified practitioners are legally allowed to register and practice in Zambia. Entry on the register indicates that the practitioner has acquired the necessary qualifications, knowledge and skills in their profession to provide health care services in Zambia. Various fees are charged according to qualification  Registration fees: Effective April 2018 Category Registration Registration Renewal Renewal Zambians Non-Zambians Zambian Non-Zambian (ZMW) (ZMW) Diploma and certificate 700.00 3,000.00 520.00 3,000.00 holders Degree holders- Doctors 1,200.00 5,000.00 1,200.00 5,000.00 Degree holders- Other 900.00 5,000.00 900.00 5,000.00 professionals Specialist registration 2,660.00 15,000.00 2,580.00 10,000.00 Restoration on register 1,200.00 10,000.00  Statutory registration requirements A full qualification from a recognised institution is a requirement. If foreign trained, qualifications must be verified by Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA). Recognised Physiotherapy qualifications: Diploma, Degree, Master and PHD (Doctor of Philosophy).  Health Practitioners’ registers under HPCZ According to Section 6 (1) of the Health Professions Act No. 24 of 2009, a health practitioner shall not practice unless that person is registered in accordance with this Act. Under the Health Professions Act, the Council is mandated to maintain the following Registers: Limited Register Temporary Register Provisional Register Full Register Specialist Register 1. Provisional Register Applicable to locally trained practitioners; Valid for 1 year for both diploma holders and degree holders including Medical Licentiates, For Doctors who undergo internship it is valid for one year six months. Upon successful completion of Provisional Registration period a practitioner applies for Full Registration. 2. Full Register Register for all Health practitioners who have successfully completed their Provisional or Temporary registration period. 3. Limited register  Registration granted to foreign trained practitioners who intend to work in Zambia for a limited period of time not exceeding six (06) months. 4. Temporary Register: Register for foreign trained practitioners intending to practice for a period longer than six months. Validity: One year for diploma holders and two years for degree holders. Practitioners apply for Full Registration Upon successful completion of the Temporary Registration period. 5. Specialist Register A register for practitioners who hold a Post Graduate Degree relevant to their primary qualification. A practitioner can only apply for Specialist Registration if he/she is on the Full Register. 6. Student register: All students undertaking health related programmes in Zambia must be accredited by HPCZ.  Practicing license A person shall not practice as a health practitioner unless that person holds a valid Practicing Certificate issued by the Council. A holder of a Full Practicing License shall display the license in a clearly visible place at the place of practice. Renew the license every year before 31st December. Renewing your licence requires continued education. Minimum of 100 points are required to be accumulated before renewal of a license. Points are made through clinical presentations, seminars, workshops, etc.  Importance of practice licensing Registration protects both the clinician and patients. Prevents the clinician from malpractice. Clinician can be sued in malpractice. Registration body protects clinician when sued but can also deregister when unethical issues arise.  Student Indexing Student indexing is a mandatory procedure in the registration process that assigns each student a unique identification. Student indexing system has become a common practice locally, regionally and globally. The system ensures that all enrolled students meet the minimum admission requirements before they commence training. The Council believes that using a student indexing system will help students develop a sense of professional responsibility and accountability early in their careers.  Specific objectives of student indexing Monitoring compliance to admission criteria for students pursuing health related programs Determining student teacher ratio Tracking the development of health professionals Inculcate professionalism and professional accountability in students Planning for human resource employment and deployment to the health related labour market  Fees for student indexing Program Indexing fee (ZMW) Degree 250.00 Diploma 220.00 Certificate 190.00  Health statutory bodies Statutory bodies have been established to provide technical and regulatory support to the health system in Zambia. All regulated professions need to be affiliated to the respective service delivery statutory bodies. Health statutory bodies in Zambia include: Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ), General Nursing Council (GNC), the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA), the Radiation Protection Authority (RPA) and the Occupational Health Services Board (OHSB).  Legal liabilities Legal liabilities relates to legal obligations/responsibilities of healthcare professionals to observe regulations. Regulations apply to the following areas: - Departmental and unit regulations - Hospital regulations - Governmental and non governmental regulations - Professional regulations - National and international regulations - Insurance regulations  Departmental and unit regulations Observe time Patients flow should be maintained (Reduce waiting time) Sessions time should be considered Professionalism and conduct, hierarchy, order, discipline Units regulations must be followed e.g wards rounds for surgery  Hospital regulations Hospital order must be maintained. Hospital patient flow should be maintained (level of hospital be considered). Hospital rules pertaining to charges must be observed. Hospital hierarchy must be followed.  Governmental and non-governmental regulations Government has a proper bureaucracy which should be followed. All protocols need to be observed in govt. Private institutions have less bureaucracy, but stakeholders protocol need to be followed.  Professional regulations What HPCZ stipulates should be followed All practitioners including students should be registered Annual renewal of practicing licence All should be fully paid up members with ZSP Patients standards should be maintained  National and international regulations All professionals should be registered to practice National registration feeds into international registration You need a good standing in your own country to be registered in another country Need for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points at all levels  Insurance regulations Method of payment should be observed Payment plan should be managed well Information need to be fed to the hospital as well as the insurance company for payments Out of pocket payments are majority in Zambia Now mandatory National Health Insurance Scheme under National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA). Payment should be ensured, it’s an obligation to the employer  References Zambia National Health Strategic Plan 2017-2021. www.moh.gov.zm/docs/ZambiaNHSP.pdf. Accessed July 6, 2019. Health Professions Council of Zambia. www.hpcz.org. https://world.physio/