1. 1 THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS AMENDMENT BILL BRIEFING BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CAPE TOWN 2 AUGUST 2006

2. 2 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF HPCSA  In 1994 the existing Medical Councils were disbanded and an Interim Medical Council was established to prepare for a democratic permanent Council.  In 1999 the first democratic Council was inaugurated with 12 Professional Boards.  The term of office was 5 years.

3. 3 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF HPCSA  The second democratic elected Council was inaugurated in May 2004 and its term of office ends in May 2009.  The Council currently consists of 52 members.

4. 4 BACKGROUND OF THE HPCSA  The process to transform the Council was initiated in 1994.  In November 2001 the Minister of Health accelerated the process by appointing a task team consisting of members from professional and technical Councils as well as the Department of Health to look at the transformation of Statutory Health Councils.

5. 5 BACKGROUND OF THE HPCSA  Some of the recommendations of the TT are as follows: - The main purpose of Professional Councils is to protect and promote the public’s interests, including ensuring delivery of quality care. - Introduction of good corporate governance. - Introduction of the Charter for Council members.

6. 6 BACKGROUND OF THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS AMENDMENT BILL - Council to be receptive to community and public interests. - Smaller but more productive Councils - streamlining of Councils.

7. 7 BACKGROUND OF THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS AMENDMENT BILL  The Health Professions Amendment Bill has incorporated these recommendations.

8. 8 PURPOSE OF THE BILL The primary purpose is to transform the Health Professions Council of South Africa so as to increase the protection of the interest of the public and to promote greater accountability by Council members and the Registrar. The Bill is intended to encompass some of the provisions of the National Health Act, 2003 (Act No. 61 of 2003) and other relevant statutes.

9. 9 PURPOSE OF THE BILL The Bill seeks to make consequential amendments to other legislation in order to update outdated references.

10. 10 OBJECTS OF THE BILL The Bill aims to: a. Serve and protect the public in matters involving health services provided by the profession; b. Foster close liaison between the Council and the boards when considering certain matters;

11. 11 OBJECTS OF THE BILL The Bill aims to: c. Reduce the the number of Council members from 52 to about 25 - 30, and to further regulate the appointment of the President, members of the Council and the Registrar;

12. 12 OBJECTS OF THE BILL The Bill aims to: d. Ensure accountability and transparency by the Council and by the Registrar, particularly relating to financial administration of the Council; e. Empower the Minister to appoint members of professional boards on the basis of nominations as opposed to the costly exercise of elections by members of the profession concerned; f. Make provision for an evaluation, quality assurance and accreditation process for teaching institutions and training facilities;

13. 13 OBJECTS OF THE BILL g. Empower the Minister to make Regulations excluding certain persons from performing compulsory community service; h. Guide the professions;

14. 14 SECTION 5 OF THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS AMENDMENT BILL Not more than 16 persons designated by professional boards to serve on the Council (Presently is 25)

15. 15 SECTION 13 OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS AMENDMENT BILL  Financing of Council replaced by Corporate Finance and Governance.  Aim is to strengthen Corporate Governance and financial Management

16. 16 SECTION 15 OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS AMENDMENT BILL Establishment of Professional Boards  The profession will nominate and the appointment will be made by the Minister.  20% of members to be community representatives not registered with the Council.

17. 17 SECTION 16 OF THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS AMENDMENT BILL Control on training  HPCSA endorsed as the ETQA for the health professionals registered with the Act