Two studies on regulation of healthcare professionals is being conducted to provide insights and policy guidance to government in developing a regulatory framework for healthcare professionals in Hong Kong which is critical in ensuring to better quality of care and patient safety for society.

(i) Funded by the Department of Health, we have developed the first Accredited Registers Scheme for Healthcare Profession (AR Scheme) and piloted it on five unregulated healthcare professionals in Hong Kong. Evaluation of this pilot AR Scheme has been completed and we identified key recommendations including resources required, publicity, incentives to motivate enrolment etc. to enhance and sustain the scheme. Currently we are conducting re-accreditation assessment and follow-up reviews for the five healthcare professional organisations accredited under the AR Scheme.

(ii) In a second related study commissioned by the Food and Health Bureau (FHB), Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF), we have developed an instrument for assessing healthcare professions which will inform the appropriate regulatory oversight to ensure quality and safety of clinical practice.  The final report has been submitted in 2021 to provide options for government’s decision of future direction of regulatory framework for healthcare professionals in Hong Kong.