This is the legislation under which physiotherapists must be registered practice their profession in New Zealand. When the original Act was passed in 1949 it was not intended that the Masseurs Association (forerunner of the NZSP) would see the Bill until after the second reading.
This is the legislation under which physiotherapists must be registered practice their profession in New Zealand.
When the original Act was passed in 1949 it was not intended that the Masseurs Association (forerunner of the NZSP) would see the Bill until after the second reading. The only reason the profession had any input into the Act was because Joan McGrath (Advisory Physiotherapist) was appointed to the Department of Health before the revision of the Act. Eventually the Masseurs Association was satisfied with the Act.
1953 - Limiting the use of therapeutic ultrasound equipment on the human body to doctors and registered physiotherapists.
1961 - Including obstetrical treatments in the definition of physiotherapy.
1964 - Further amendments without reference to the Society - mostly to do with administrative details and not controversial except for the clause that stated that the Chairman of the Board (not a physiotherapist) after consulting the Registrar, could act on all matters concerning the Board between meetings. Despite protests from the profession the Bill was passed.
1964 - Administrative alterations to give legal recognition to some of the functions acquired by the Board as the scope of physiotherapy widened. The Society had a chance to comment before the amendment was passed.
1969 - Administrative details as well as cancelling requirements for the annual renewal of ultrasonic licences.[1]
Further administrative amendments were passed in 1974 ; 1982; and 1994. Since 1979 the Society has tried to have the Physiotherapy Act 1949 revised.
A post graduation pre-registration year was proposed in March 1977 by the Physiotherapy Board. Some Society members felt Hospital Boards should offer internships of one year, to be a consolidation of training.. By October 1977 enthusiasm for the plan was waning, and the idea was returned to branches. The matter was still being discussed in September 1979 but never implemented[2].
The profession of physiotherapy in New Zealand has been regulated since 1921 when the Masseurs Registration Act took effect. This was introduced when it was recognised that there was a need to differentiate between those persons providing massage and exercise for therapeutic reasons and those who provided massage for a range of other reasons. This Act was revised and replaced by the Physiotherapy Act 1949. The change in title reflected international and local changes in the practice of massage therapy/physiotherapy.
The Physiotherapy Act 1949 regulates the practice of physiotherapy. The Act contains a definition which has been modified through a series of amendments (1953, 1961). The 1953 amendment incorporated a licensing regime into the practice of physiotherapy; only those persons registered under the Act may practice physiotherapy. This 1953 amendment limits the use of Ultra Sound therapy equipment to those physiotherapists and medical practitioners who hold a licence (conferred under the Act) to use Ultra Sound therapy apparatus for the purpose of providing physiotherapy. The 1961 amendment included obstetrical treatments in the definition of physiotherapy. Later amendments (1964, 1969, 1979, 1982, 1994 and 1999) have been of an administrative nature. The Society admits to full membership physiotherapists who are registered under the Act.
The Physiotherapy Board is appointed by the Governor General; under the Physiotherapy Act 1949, and is charged with the protection of the public through the registration of physiotherapists. The Board sets standards of education and training for physiotherapists, grants registration to both NZ graduates and physiotherapists from overseas, and issues annual practising certificates. In addition the Board exercises discipinary powers over practitioners, and may advise the Government on issues affecting the profession. It is illegal to pracice physiotherapy in NZ without a practising certificate, which cost $110 in 1998. In 1998 the total number of practising certificates issues was 2311.
[1] Golden Jubilee Enid Anderson page 16
[2] E/M 22--9-79
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