Regulation of healthcare professionals plays an important role in ensuring the quality and safety of healthcare services. The Centre conducts a number of studies to support the Government in developing and strengthening regulatory frameworks for healthcare professionals in Hong Kong. Through these studies, we generate evidence to inform policy decisions and improve patient care.

Public and Professional Values on Additional Regulatory Requirement for Primary Care Doctors

The Centre was awarded a one-year consultancy by the Primary Healthcare Commission of the Health Bureau in November 2025 to conduct this study.

Using a sequential mixed-methods approach, the study examines the current regulatory framework and assesses the potential impact of introducing additional regulatory requirements on healthcare quality, workforce capacity, and professional capability. The study will also identify key factors for successful implementation and develop recommendations, including a phased implementation plan, to support policy development.

Accredited Registers Scheme (AR Scheme) for Healthcare Profession

Since 2014, the Centre has been commissioned by the Department of Health to develop, pilot and evaluate a novel Accredited Registers Scheme (AR Scheme) for Healthcare Profession. The Centre completed the first cycle evaluation and made recommendations on resources, incentives, and public awareness to strengthen its sustainability.

Since June 2022, the Department of Health has further commissioned the Centre to conduct re-accreditation assessments and follow-up reviews of the five accredited professional bodies.

Regulatory Assessment of Healthcare Professions

Funded by the Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF), the Centre developed a locally adapted risk-assessment tool [https://internationalforum.bmj.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Hong-Kong-Guide-DIGITAL-DPS.pdf] to evaluate healthcare professions and determine the appropriate level of regulatory oversight. The tool provides evidence to support policy decisions on professional regulation, with the aim of safeguarding quality of care and patient safety.

Direct Access to Physiotherapists in Primary Care

In response to the Government’s proposal to allow direct access (patient self-referral) to physiotherapists in Hong Kong, the Centre was awarded funding by the Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) to conduct a study on “Development of the Implementation Strategies for the Policy of Direct Access (Patient Self-Referral) to Physiotherapists in Primary Care”.

Using Implementation Science approach, the study examines policy design options, identifies barriers and facilitators to implementation, and develops practical implementation strategies for the policy through consensus-building Delphi survey. The findings have generated peer-reviewed publications [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39696665/ and https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13690-026-01882-7] and have contributed to policy discussions and legislative reform relating to direct access to physiotherapists in Hong Kong, including issues concerning patient safety, professional competency, and service governance.