HL Deb 07 January 2004 vol 657 cc48-9WA
Lord Morris of Manchester

asked Her Majesty's Government:

By what processes the Health Professions Council ensures that applicants for "grandparenting" are required to demonstrate their fitness to provide legal, safe and effective practice as a chiropodist or podiatrist; and what assurances they have had from the council that "grandparenting" procedures do not undermine public safety by allowing people who have failed approved courses to be admitted to the register.[HL450]

Lord Warner

When completing an application all candidates, including those applying under the transitional provisions, have to supply a character reference and a health reference. In addition, applicants seeking registration under the transitional provisions also have to provide a specific "grandparenting reference" which supports their claim to have practised the profession for which they are applying for registration. Proof of practice is required and applicants are also requested to confirm whether they hold or have ever held professional indemnity insurance and, if so, whether any claims have been made on that insurance or whether they have had such insurance refused or altered subject to any increased or loaded premiums.

Applicants are required to declare criminal convictions; whether civil proceedings have been brought against them and whether they have ever been disciplined by a professional or regulatory body in the United Kingdom or elsewhere.

All applications received under the transitional provisions are scrutinised by two Health Professions Council assessors, one clinical and one academic, from the applicant's profession. If the opinion of the two assessors differs or if there appears to be any inconsistency between the two assessments, the application is referred to a third assessor.

If the assessors identify any shortfalls in a grandparenting application the candidate may be required to take a test of competence. The scope and nature of that test depends upon the extent of any deficiencies identified by the assessors after scrutinising a particular case.

A person commits an offence under Article 39(1) of the Health Professions Order if, with intent to deceive (whether expressly or by implication) he falsely represents himself to possess qualifications in a relevant profession.

Lord Davies of Coity

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What legal action is open to the Health Professions Council to prevent an applicant who failed a podiatry degree course from being included on the register and practising as a podiatrist.[HL454]

Lord Warner

A person commits an offence under Article 39(1) of the Health Professions Order 2001 (2002 No.254) if, with intent to deceive (whether expressly or by implication), he falsely represents himself to possess qualifications in a relevant profession.

Article 39(4) of the Health Professions Order makes it an offence for a person to procure, or try to procure fraudulently the making, amendment, removal or restoration of an entry in the register.