Historic Health Professions (Amendment) Ordinance and Regulations 2024 Officially Signed into Law

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 19^th August 2024– The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the official assent of the Health Professions (Amendment) Ordinance and Regulations 2024 by the Governor, followed by its publication in the Gazette. The Honourable Minister of Health, Shaun Malcom, has signed this landmark legislation, which officially came into force Friday, August 16, 2024, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of healthcare regulation in the territory.

The amendments introduced by the Ordinance are designed to bring transformative changes to the healthcare landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The most notable of these amendments include:

1. Empowerment of the Nursing and Midwifery Professions Council (NMPC): The NMPC is now vested with the authority to regulate the curriculum and training of nurses; host and administer examinations for nursing registration; and serve as the sole authorized body for administering nurse registration and licensure examinations. This landmark change will, for the first time, allow for the training and licensing of registered nurses within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
2. Enhancement of the Health Professions Authority (HPA): The amendments also expand the functions of the HPA, particularly in the process of verifying the registration and licensure of medical professionals providing services through the Migrant Health Programme. Additionally, the ordinance will significantly enhance the operational efficiency of the HPA, streamlining its processes to improve overall functioning and effectiveness.

The Honourable Minister of Health, Shaun Malcom, expressed his pride in the legislative advancements, stating, “These amendments represent a crucial step forward in our commitment to ensuring that healthcare professionals in the Turks and Caicos Islands are held to the highest standards of practice and professionalism. By empowering our local regulatory bodies, we are not only enhancing the quality of healthcare services but also investing in the future of our healthcare system.”

These legislative changes underscore the Government’s dedication to strengthening the regulatory framework governing health professions, ensuring that both the NMPC and HPA continue to uphold the highest standards of healthcare within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.