Functions

The main functions of the Council are to establish the statutory registration of the above professions, with a system in place that will allow for:

  • Additional Health and Social Care professions to be added on approval by the Minister for Health and Children;
  • Enforcement powers through a fitness to practise regime; and
  • Establishment of standards in education, practice and policy and codes of ethics and conduct.

 

The aim of the Council is to progress the implementation of the Act including:

  • The establishment of Registration Boards and Registers for each of the 12 professions;
  • Approval for Education and Training courses;
  • Dealing with Complaints, Inquiries and Discipline;
  • Protection of Professional Titles; and other matters.

 

The Council’s functions under the Act include the following:

  • To oversee and co-ordinate the activities of the registration boards
  • To establish dedicated statutory registration boards for each of the twelve professions and to oversee the work of these boards – including the establishment of registers for each profession
  • To provide administrative support to the registration boards and their committees
  • To enforce standards of practice and education for registrants of the designated professions including codes of professional conduct and ethics adopted by the registration boards.
  • Developing mechanisms concerning complaints, inquiries and discipline that will meet the requirements of the Act including:
    • To establish committees of inquiry into complaints against registrants of the designated professions.
    • To make decisions and give directions relating to the imposition of disciplinary sanctions on registrants of the designated professions.
  • To make statutory rules providing for any matters relating to the Council’s functions.
  • A range of other tasks under the Act in relation to such matters as Education and Training and Professional Titles.