News
Update on Regulation
Members will be aware that we have been updating you on a regular basis on the progress and development of voluntary regulation and so the announcement in January from one of the regulators (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council – CNHC) should have not come as a surprise.
The AoR has for the past two years have been involved in developments and have been monitoring the formation and development of the various emerging regulators.
So….What is this all about?
The main function of a regulator is to protect the Public and practitioners are able to voluntary register with any of the three regulators. Information on all three including structure and costs are available on the website or by calling the Taunton office.
Do I have to register?
Individual practitioners are able to voluntary register on the schemes. Please note that all three are entirely voluntary schemes and it is your choice as to whether you wish to join.
Is this a good thing?
The AoR is committed to supporting regulation for complementary healthcare and this has been demonstrated by our full participation in the Reflexology Forum and our considered response to the Federal Working Group Progress Report. We believe that there are a number of benefits such as:
• Belonging to such a register offers enhanced credibility with Clients
• Will increase public confidence in practitioners
• The medical professional bodies respect such schemes
• As yet there is no evidence to suggest that joining any regulatory board will facilitate employment within the NHS although this will be considered by the Regulators and would be a definite benefit to registrants.
Will the AoR recommend a specific Register?
The final choice of who to register with is obviously yours and we hope that the information provided will enable you to make an informed choice. The AoR however has established a good relationship with CNHC who launched its register in January this year. Having studied the structure and processes of all three regulators we feel that CNHC is probably the regulator that may be more suited to our members needs.
How and when will the CNHC register be available to Reflexologists?
At the time of writing the register is not yet open for reflexology and we hope to be in a position to inform members shortly.
What will it cost?
The proposed fees will depend on (1) whether you can take advantage of an arrangement we may make with CNHC as a Professional Association, (2) whether you are able to claim an Early Bird discount when reflexology becomes eligble to register, and (3) the number of disciplines or therapies you want to register. If you can join via an arrangement ww may have the cost in the first year will be £30 for your first discipline/therapy plus £10 for each subsequent discipline, up to a maximum of £60. When you renew your Registration, the cost will be £30 plus £5 for each additional discipline, up to a maximum of £50. If you cannot take advantage of an arrangement with a Professional Association, you can still apply on-line. The fee will be a £15 Application Fee, followed by an annual Registration Fee of £30, plus £10 for each additional discipline/therapy, up to a maximum of £60. When you renew your Registration, the cost will be £30 plus £5 for each additional discipline, up to a maximum of £50. If you are applying within the Early Bird period (within six months of the Register opening to your discipline)the cost is £30 for the year. After that, the cost of initial registration is £45.
What shall I do now?
The AoR advises members to wait for further information and guidance prior to joining a Register. We will keep members updated via:
• The website
• Information to Area Groups and Accredited Centres
• Reflexions
• Emails to members.
Fore those of you who wish to be updated by post please call the Taunton office.
Finally!
Please remember that this is an exciting period of development for our profession and we will continue to represent the interests of both our members and the profession in a supportive and dynamic way.
Doreen Baker MCIM
Chief Executive AoR
