PSYCHOTHERAPISTS have not been included in a new law around the regulation of health and social care professionals in Jersey because the profession is not regulated in the UK, the Health Minister has stated.
Deputy Tom Binet addressed the matter during question time in the States Assembly, when he was asked by Deputy Tom Coles about the draft Health and Social Care Professionals Register Law and why psychotherapists were not included.
“Only professions with statutory regulation in the UK are included,” Deputy Binet said. “Psychotherapy is not regulated in the UK, there are no statutory national standards, fitness-to-practice arrangements or qualifications.
“Local regulation would not enhance the position in Jersey, it would create unnecessary red tape which would be of no meaningful benefit to anyone.”
If approved, the new law would require health and care professionals to register with the Jersey Care Commission to practice locally, relying on existing UK statutory registration as a foundation.
Deputy Binet added that if the situation in the UK situation was to change in future, Jersey would be able to amend the law quickly and easily.
Asked by Deputy Coles whether he considered the Island’s approach was balanced and just, Deputy Binet said that he believed that this was the case.
