Pharmacy laws, The Allied health professionals act

Establishment of the council

The law officially establishes a body called the Allied health professionals council, which shall be a body corporate (recognized by the law as a separate legal person) and perpetual succession (will continue existing even when members change, retire or die).

The council also shall have a common seal (official stamp/sign/design used on important documents to show authenticity) and may sue or be sued in its corporate name (can take someone to court or someone can also take the council to court), and used its corporate name (official name in legal matters).

Seal of the council

The seal of the council shall be such device as the council may determine (The council itself choose what official seal/stamp will look like), and shall be authenticated in the manner provided under the schedule to this act. (There are official rules on how the seal should be used or confirmed as genuine and those rules are written in the schedule attached to the act.)

Functions of the council in details

(a) to regulate the standards of allied health professionals in the

country;

(b) to regulate the conduct of allied health professionals and to

exercise disciplinary control over them;

(c) to approve courses of study for allied health professionals;

(d) to approve, supervise and regulate the training institutes for the

different categories of allied health professionals;

(e) to approve the qualifications awarded by the different institutes

in respect of the different categories of the allied health

professionals;

(f) to supervise the registration of allied health professionals and the

publication of the names of registered allied health professionals

in the Gazette;

(g) to advise and make recommendations to the Government on

matters relating to the allied health professions;

(h) to exercise general supervision and control over the allied health

professions and to perform any other function relating to those

professions or incidental to their practice; and

(i) to perform any other functions conferred upon it under this Act

Simplified functions of the council

a) Regulate standards of allied health professionals

- b) Regulate code of conduct and ethics

- c) Exercise disciplinary control over them

- d) Approve courses of study

- e) Approve supervising and training institute

- f) Approve the qualifications awarded by the different institutes of AHP

- g) Supervise registration and the publication of the names of registered AHP

- h) Advise and make recommendations to the government on matters relating to AHP

- i) Exercise general supervision and control over AHP

- j) Perform any other functions conferred upon it under this act

Composition of the council

(a) a chairperson who shall be a senior allied health professional appointed by the Minister;

- (b) a representative of the Director General of Health Services;

- (c) the Assistant Commissioner of Health Services responsible for allied health professionals;

- (d) one person representing each of the following professions:

i. Dentistry

ii. Pharmacy

iii. Clinical medicine

iv. Medical laboratory technology

v. Orthopaedic technology

vi. Physiotherapy

vii. Public health

viii. Radiography

(e) a representative of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council;

- (f) a representative of the Nurses and Midwives Council;

- (g) one representative of all faculties of medicine of all universities established in Uganda by law; and

- (h) a representative of the National Drug Authori

ty.

How members of the allied health professionals council are chosen

The members of the council shall be appointed by the minister in consultation with the professional groups (they must first discuss and agree with the professional groups they represent).

- The council shall make rules of procedure for the election of members representing the various allied health professions.

- The council will create and explain how representatives from different allied health professions are elected.

What is the primary purpose of The Allied Health Professionals Act?

The Act provides for the regulation, supervision, and control of allied health professionals, and establishes a council to register and license them.

What is the name of the council established by The Allied Health Professionals Act?

The Act establishes the Allied Health Professionals Council.

What are the key functions of the Allied Health Professionals Council?

The functions include regulating standards, exercising disciplinary control, approving courses and training institutions, supervising registration, and advising the Government on matters relating to allied health professions.

Who appoints the chairperson of the Allied Health Professionals Council?

The chairperson is a senior allied health professional appointed by the Minister.

What are the general categories of members on the Allied Health Professionals Council?

The Council includes a chairperson, representatives from health services leadership, representatives from specific allied health professions (dentistry, pharmacy, clinical medicine, etc.), representatives from other professional councils (Medical and Dental, Nurses and Midwives), university faculties of medicine, and the National Drug Authority.

What is the term of office for a member of the Council?

A member of the council, including the chairperson, shall hold office for a term of three years from the date of appointment and shall be eligible for reappointment.

What are advisory boards established for?

Advisory boards are established for each allied profession to advise the council on policy and other matters relating to the functions of the council, including training.

Who is the chief executive officer of the council and head of the secretariat?

The Registrar of the council is the chief executive officer and head of the secretariat.

What are some key functions of the Registrar?

The Registrar's functions include keeping and maintaining registers, making alterations and corrections in registers, removing names from registers, reinstating names, inspecting allied health units, implementing council decisions, and serving as the secretary to the council.

What are the sources of funds for the council?

Funds come from money appropriated by Parliament, grants, gifts, donations, fees for services rendered, and any other monies payable to the council.

What is the financial year of the council?

The financial year is the twelve months beginning from the 1st day of July and ending on the 30th day of June.

What is required for a training institution to be recognized by the council?

The council may recognize an institution and its qualifications based on entrance requirements, curriculum, and professional standards exhibited by its graduates.

What happens if the council withdraws recognition of a training institution

Withdrawal of recognition does not affect the registration of an already registered professional or their entitlement

What types of qualifications make a person eligible for registration as an allied health professional

Eligibility includes holding a Bachelor of Science degree in allied health, a certificate or diploma in allied health, or an allied health qualification recognized by the council. Persons who are members of recognized foreign associations may also apply

What process can a person with unrecognised qualifications undergo for registration?

They can apply to the council, which may arrange for them to attend an interview and sit for oral or written examinations, and potentially undergo further training or examination

What must accompany an application for registration?

The application must be in the prescribed form, accompanied by documentary proof of qualifications and the prescribed fee.

What information is entered in the Register of Allied Health Professionals

The register includes the person's name, address of contact, date of entry, qualification(s) and additional qualifications, and other particulars determined by the council.

What is a Certificate of Registration?

It is a certificate issued by the registrar to a registered allied health professional, in the prescribed form and sealed with the council's seal.

Does registration under this Act grant the right to practice medicine?

No, registration does not confer the right to assume titles, practice medicine or dentistry (except as provided), grant medical certificates, or undertake charge of abnormalities in parturition under the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act.

Under what circumstances can a professional's name be removed from the register?

Removal can occur if the person is convicted of a criminal offence involving moral turpitude, found guilty of professional misconduct by the council, or suspended from practice.

Can a name removed from the register be restored?

Yes, the council may reinstate a name on application after a prescribed period and payment of the prescribed fee.

What is required to engage in private practice?

A registered professional must obtain a practising licence issued under the Act

What is a key experience requirement for obtaining a private practice licence?

The applicant must generally have at least four years of satisfactory full-time experience in a hospital or health unit approved by the council, or equivalent experience.

How long is a private practice licence valid?

The licence is valid for the calendar year in which it is issued and is subject to renewal for one calendar year at a time.

What information must be published in the Gazette regarding allied health units?

The Gazette publication includes the name, address, qualifications and registration date of the owner, any conditions attached to the licence, and the name and address of the unit

What is an offence related to the operation of private health units?

It is an offence for a registered allied health professional to employ an unregistered person as a substitute in the same discipline. It is also an offence to stockpile, retail, or wholesale drugs without a special licence.

Who can inspect health units?

The registrar or any allied health professional authorized by the council can inspect units.

What is the role of the supervisory authority?

The supervisory authority exercises general supervision, investigates malpractice, can suspend professionals for up to three months, and reports convictions to the disciplinary committee.

What is the composition of the disciplinary committee?

It includes the chairperson, council members, a person registered in the same discipline as the subject of inquiry, an advocate, a member of the Health Service Commission, a supervisory authority, and the registrar.

What powers does the disciplinary committee have during an inquiry?

The committee has the powers of the High Court to summon witnesses, call for documents, and examine witnesses on oath.

What are the potential disciplinary actions recommended by the committee?

The committee may recommend to the council the removal of a professional's name from the register or order suspension from practice for a specified period.

What is the process for appealing a decision of the Council?

An aggrieved person can appeal to the High Court within one month of notification, or a further period allowed by the court. The appeal is made by petition.

What is the requirement for a registered professional changing their practising venue?

They must give notice, accompanied by a recommendation from the supervisory authority of the previous practice location, within seven days before commencing practice in the new place.

What is the purpose of minimum continuing education for registered professionals

Registered professionals engaged in active practice are required to undergo minimum continuing education courses prescribed by the council to remain on the register.

What constitutes an offence for an unregistered person?

It is an offence for an unregistered person to pass themselves off as registered, or to practise for gain as an allied health professional.

What are the penalties for committing an offence under this Act?

A person convicted of an offence is liable to a fine of not less than three hundred thousand shillings, or imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both.

What is the role of the Registrar in relation to the register?

The Registrar keeps and maintains the register, makes necessary alterations and corrections, removes names of deceased professionals or those ordered removed, and reinstates names upon payment of fees.

What is the purpose of publishing the register in the Gazette?

Publication in the Gazette serves as prima facie evidence of registration and makes the information accessible to the public.

Can a professional charge for services rendered?

Yes, a professional engaged in private practice may demand reasonable charges for attendance, treatment, services, and drugs supplied, and can sue to recover them.

What can the Minister do on the recommendation of the Council regarding regulations?

The Minister can make regulations for better carrying into effect the provisions of the Act, including prescribing fees, application forms, forms for certificates, election procedures, register forms, application requirements, examinations, and standards for certificates/diplomas.

Who is responsible for appointing the chairperson of the Council?

A

The President

B

The Council itself

C

The Director General of Health Services

D

The Minister

1/10

The Minister

Which of the following is NOT typically represented on the Allied Health Professionals Council?

A

One person representing each of several allied health professions

B

A representative of the Ministry of Education

C

A representative of the National Drug Authority

D

A representative of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council

A representative of the National Drug Authority

What is the primary role of the advisory boards established under the Act?

A

To conduct disciplinary inquiries independently.

B

To manage the financial affairs of the council.

C

To advise the council on policy and matters related to specific allied professions.

D

To directly register allied health professionals.

3/10

To advise the council on policy and matters related to specific allied professions.

Who serves as the chief executive officer and head of the secretariat for the Council?

A

The Minister

B

The Deputy Registrar

C

The Registrar

D

The Cha

irperson

The Registrar

When does the financial year of the Allied Health Professionals Council begin and end?

A

January 1st to December 31st

B

July 1st to June 30th

C

April 1st to March 31st

D

September 1st to August 31st

July 1st to June 30th

On what basis can the Council recognize a training institution?

A

The popularity of its courses among students.

B

Entrance requirements, curriculum, and professional standards of graduates.

C

The number of facilities the institution possesses.

D

The institution's accreditation by a foreign body.

7/

Entrance requirements, curriculum, and professional standards of graduates.

If the Council withdraws recognition from a training institution, what is the impact on professionals already registered from that institution?

A

They are required to undergo further training.

B

Their registration is automatically revoked.

C

Their registration is unaffected.

D

They must re-apply for regis

tration.

Their registration is unaffected.

Which of the following qualifications generally makes a person eligible for registration as an allied health professional?

A

Completion of a short online course in healthcare.

B

A certificate or diploma in an allied health profession.

C

A high school diploma with relevant volunteer experience.

D

A degree in a non-health-related field.

9/10

A certificate or diploma in an allied health profession.

What options are available for individuals whose qualifications are not initially recognized by the Council?

A

They can only register if they have a foreign degree.

B

They can be interviewed and examined, and may be required to undergo further training.

C

They must wait for the Council to recognize their specific qualification.

D

They are automatically disqualified from registration.

10/10

They can be interviewed and examined, and may be required to undergo further training.