§ Dr. Evan HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the action he has taken to protect titles for physiotherapists and chiropodists. [81572]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Health Professions Order provides a register which will be divided into parts in respect of which there will be designated titles
Under transitional arrangements a person who has not previously been registered may qualify for registration on the basis of safe and effective practice for a specified period or by satisfying the Health Professions Council (HPC) that additional experience and training give him the requisite standard of proficiency to be registered. To benefit from the transitional arrangements a person must apply within two years of the opening of the relevant part of the register. The HPC expect to open the new register in April 2003. Once the register is open no one can use the designated title lawfully unless he is registered or benefits from transitional arrangements