Health Professions Council
Mission To govern the professional conduct of certain health professionals and to protect the welfare and interest of these professionals as well as the public who makes use of their services.
Overview The Health Professions Council became operational on 1 May 2000 in accordance with the date stipulated in the Health Professions Act, which came into force in 1998. It is a statutory body with responsibility for the regulation of certain health professionals throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. The Council is also able to monitor the quality of healthcare throughout The Bahamas, in addition to promoting an increase of knowledge, skills and proficiency in the various professions.
The Health Professions Council is presently responsible for the following health professions:
- Acupuncture Therapy
- Audiology and Speech Language Pathology
- Chiropody and Podiatry
- Chiropractic
- Clinical Psychology
- Dietetics
- Emergency Services Technology
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Occupational Therapy
- Optometry and Opticianary
- Pharmacists and Pharmacy Testing
- Physiotherapy and Respiratory Therapy
- Radiography
The Act also makes provisions for the inclusion of other health professionals whenever necessary at a later date.
The Health Professions Council is composed of an 11 member team of suitably qualified and committed Bahamian citizens, including the Chief Medical Officer of The Bahamas:
Dr. Charles Diggiss, Chairman
Mr. Charles Barnett, Deputy Chairman
Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis
Mrs. Damaris Thompson
Mrs. Lilamae McPhee
Mrs. Sharlyn Wilson Smith
Ms. Jalna Bullard
Dr. Williamson Chea
Mr. Carroll Sands
Dr. Charlene Wallace Ferguson
Mrs. Louise Gomez
The Registrar, Ms. Bernadette Ellis, along with support staff is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Council.
The Council members also sit on the following Standing Committees:
- Registration/Licensing/Credentials/Education
- Investigating
- Disciplinary
- Finance
- Public Relations
The Health Professions Council is allowed to co-opt members of various health professions to assist on these Committees as necessary in order to effectively carry out its responsibilities. The Registration/Licensing/Credentials/Education committee reviews applications, researches credentials and documents to ensure standards, qualifications and suitability for registration and licensing. The Investigating and Disciplinary committees are responsible for investigating any complaints or queries that are brought to the Council's attention as well as carry out any disciplinary action, if necessary. The Public Relations committee is responsible for the marketing and development of relevant programmes, activities and materials related to matters of the Health Professions Council. The Finance Committee is responsible for the oversight of financial matters.
Contact Us
Jonathan Forbes Building
Delancy Street (opposite Ministry of Health's exit gate)
Health Professions Council
The Registrar
P.O. Box N-7528
Nassau, The Bahamas
Telephone: 326-7740/326-0566, Fax: 326-0537
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