Healthcare Professions Council
The Healthcare Professions Council currently regulates 13 health professions:
- Arts therapists,
- Biomedical scientists,
- Chiropodists/podiatrists,
- Clinical scientists,
- Dietitians,
- Occupational therapists,
- Operating department practitioners,
- Orthoptists,
- Paramedics,
- Physiotherapists,
- Prosthetists/orthotists,
- Radiographers,
- Speech and language therapists
All of these professions have at least one professional title that is protected by law, including those shown above. This means, for example, that anyone using the titles 'physiotherapist' or 'dietitian' must be registered with the HPC.
It is a criminal offence for someone to claim that they are registered with the HPC when they are not, or to use a protected title that they are not entitled to use. The HPC will prosecute people who commit these crimes.
The Investigation and Adjudication Process
Once a complaint has been made, it is investigated by the Council.
They are likely to invite you to comment on the complaint and information they disclose. We can assist you in this process, however the sooner you seek legal advice the better as usually a 28 day time limit is imposed for consideration and comments.
The matter will then be considered by the Investigation Committee who will decide whether there is a case to answer. If there is a case to answer, the matter will be passed to one of the fitness to practice committees. At this point the Council will instruct solicitors to prepare the case against you on their behalf.
During the course of proceedings, if the Council feels there is a public safety issue, they may hold an interim hearing to try and either suspend or place restrictions on your registration. We have specialist advocates who can represent you in this process with the objective of keeping you in practice.
We can assist you in the preparation of your case according to your instructions. If your case is referred to a Panel your registration is at risk. Our regulatory team can advise you on the merits of the Council’s case and act as your advocate at the hearing. We have experience of factually disputing and mitigating a variety of different types of allegations.
Contact Us
If you are subject to investigation or sanctions by the HPC you should seek advice immediately. If you are not a member of a defence organisation or want your own choice of legal advice, we can offer you expert help and support throughout the HPC investigative and adjudication process. We have extensive experience gained from representing many professionals through their disciplinary proceedings. Please contact us with any queries.