Cap. 359

To provide for registration, discipline and the better control of persons engaged in occupations and professions of allied health. (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 3) [1 October 1980] L.N. 274 of 1980(Format changes—E.R. 5 of 2020) Part I Preliminary 1. Short title and application (1) This Ordinance may be cited as the Allied Health Professions Ordinance.(2) This Ordinance shall apply to any profession included in Schedule 1. (Amended 67 of 1985 s. 2; 37 of 2000 s. 3)(Amended 33 of 2025 s. 4) 2. Interpretation (1) In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires—board (委員會) means any board established under section 5;certificate of registration (註冊證明書) means a certificate of registration or a duplicate certificate of registration issued under section 14; (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 5)Council (管理局) means the Allied Health Professions Council established under section 2C; (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 5)designated institution (指定機構)—see section 2B; (Added 33 of 2025 s. 5)full registration (正式註冊)—see section 2A(a); (Added 33 of 2025 s. 5)Hospital Authority (醫院管理局) means the body corporate established under section 3 of the Hospital Authority Ordinance (Cap. 113); (Added 33 of 2025 s. 5)limited registration (有限度註冊)—see section 2A(b); (Added 33 of 2025 s. 5)optical appliances (視光用具) includes lenses, spectacles, eye glasses, artificial eyes and contact lenses; (Added 67 of 1985 s. 3)practising certificate (執業證明書) means a certificate issued under section 16;profession (專業) means any profession specified in the second column in Schedule 1; (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 5)provisional registration (臨時註冊)—see section 2A(d); (Added 33 of 2025 s. 5)registered (註冊) means entered in a register in accordance with section 13, 13A, 13B or 15 or restored to the register in accordance with section 10; (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 5) registered medical practitioner (註冊醫生) means— (a) a registered medical practitioner as defined by section 2(1) of the Medical Registration Ordinance (Cap. 161); or (b) a person who is provisionally registered in accordance with section 12(1) or (1A) of that Ordinance and is deemed to be registered as a medical practitioner under section 12(2) of that Ordinance; (Added 33 of 2025 s. 5) regulation (《規例》) means a regulation made under section 29; (Added 33 of 2025 s. 5)specified form (指明格式) means a form specified by the Council under section 33; (Added 33 of 2025 s. 5)temporary registration (暫時註冊)—see section 2A(c); (Added 33 of 2025 s. 5)The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (香港中醫醫院) has the meaning given by section 2(5) of The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong Ordinance (Cap. 655). (Added 33 of 2025 s. 5)(Amended 68 of 1995 s. 33)(2) A profession specified in the second column in Schedule 1 means the occupation of persons of the description specified opposite thereto in the third column. (Amended L.N. 587 of 1995; 33 of 2025 s. 5)(3) For the purposes of this Ordinance, a person shall be deemed to practise a profession, who, for gain or otherwise, represents himself, whether directly or by implication from his conduct, as practising or being prepared or entitled to practise that profession.(4) For the purposes of sections 22(2) and 24(2), an appeal to the Court of Appeal shall be deemed to be finally determined when the earliest of the following events occurs, whichever is applicable in the circumstances—(a) when the appeal to the Court of Appeal is withdrawn or abandoned;(b) when the specified period expires without an application for leave to appeal having been made to the Court of Appeal;(c) if, before the expiry of the specified period, an application for leave to appeal is made to the Court of Appeal—(i) when the application is withdrawn or abandoned;(ii) if the application is refused, when the specified period expires without an application for leave to appeal having been made to the Court of Final Appeal; or(iii) if the application is granted, when the appeal to the Court of Final Appeal is withdrawn, abandoned or disposed of; or(d) if, before the expiry of the specified period, an application for leave to appeal is made to the Court of Final Appeal—(i) when the application is withdrawn, abandoned or refused; or(ii) if the application is granted, when the appeal to the Court of Final Appeal is withdrawn, abandoned or disposed of. (Added 10 of 2005 s. 76)(5) In subsection (4)—application for leave to appeal (上訴許可申請) means an application made to the Court of Appeal or the Court of Final Appeal under section 24 of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance (Cap. 484) for leave to appeal to the Court of Final Appeal from a judgment of the Court of Appeal; specified period (指明限期)— (a) in the case of an application for leave to appeal made to the Court of Appeal, means—(i) subject to subparagraph (ii), the period of 28 days within which the notice of motion referred to in section 24(2) of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance (Cap. 484) is required to be filed; or(ii) if, on an application made within the 28-day period referred to in subparagraph (i), the Court of Appeal extends that period, the period as so extended; or (b) in the case of an application for leave to appeal made to the Court of Final Appeal, means—(i) subject to subparagraph (ii), the period of 28 days within which the notice of motion referred to in section 24(4) of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance (Cap. 484) is required to be filed; or(ii) if, on an application made within the 28-day period referred to in subparagraph (i), the Court of Final Appeal extends that period, the period as so extended. (Added 10 of 2005 s. 76) 2A. Construction of references to full registration, limited registration, temporary registration and provisional registration For the purposes of this Ordinance—(a) a person with full registration is a person whose name is entered in a register in accordance with section 13;(b) a person with limited registration is a person whose name is entered in a register in accordance with section 13A;(c) a person with temporary registration is a person whose name is entered in a register in accordance with section 13B; and(d) a person with provisional registration is a person whose name is entered in a register in accordance with section 15,and references to full registration, limited registration, temporary registration and provisional registration are to be construed accordingly.(Added 33 of 2025 s. 6) 2B. Meaning of designated institution (1) For the purposes of this Ordinance, a designated institution is an institution—(a) that is specified in Part 1 of Schedule 2;(b) that falls within any of the categories of institution specified in Part 2 of Schedule 2; or(c) that is designated as a designated institution by the Secretary for Health by notice published in the Gazette.(2) A notice published under subsection (1)(c) is not subsidiary legislation.(Added 33 of 2025 s. 6) Part II Establishment and Powers of Council and Boards 2C. Allied Health Professions Council (1) On and after the 2025 Ordinance commencement date, the authority established under the former section 3(1) and known as “Supplementary Medical Professions Council” in English and “輔助醫療業管理局” in Chinese immediately before that date is known as—(a) “Allied Health Professions Council” in English; and(b) “專職醫療業管理局” in Chinese.(2) Despite the amendments to the former section 3(1)—(a) the authority established under that section continues in existence as the Allied Health Professions Council on and after the 2025 Ordinance commencement date;(b) the jurisdiction, powers, functions and duties of that authority are not affected in any way by the change of name effected by subsection (1); and(c) the validity of any committees appointed by the authority under section 9 is not affected in any way by the change of name effected by subsection (1).(3) To avoid doubt, the amendments to the former section 3(1) or the change of name effected by subsection (1) does not affect any power exercised, or function or duty performed, by that authority before the 2025 Ordinance commencement date.(4) In this section—2025 Ordinance commencement date (《2025年條例》生效日期) means the date on which section 7 of the Supplementary Medical Professions (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 (33 of 2025) comes into operation*;former section 3(1) (原有第3(1)條) means section 3(1) as in force immediately before the 2025 Ordinance commencement date.(Added 33 of 2025 s. 7) Editorial Note: * Operation date: 1 January 2026. 3. Composition of Council (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 8)(1) The Council is to consist of the following members— (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 8)(a) a Chairman to be appointed by the Chief Executive;(b) a Deputy Chairman, being a specified officer, appointed by the Chief Executive; (Replaced 33 of 2025 s. 8)(c) not more than 4 specified officers appointed by the Chief Executive; (Replaced 33 of 2025 s. 8)(d) 3 persons, being specially qualified to advise the Council on professional education, appointed by the Chief Executive; (Replaced 33 of 2025 s. 8)(e) 1 person appointed by the Chief Executive from each profession; (Added 33 of 2025 s. 8)(f) 4 persons, other than registered persons, appointed by the Chief Executive; (Added 33 of 2025 s. 8)(g) 1 registered medical practitioner appointed by the Chief Executive; (Added 33 of 2025 s. 8)(h) 1 registered Chinese medicine practitioner (as defined by section 2(1) of the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Cap. 549)) appointed by the Chief Executive; and (Added 33 of 2025 s. 8)(i) the chairman of the board for each profession. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 8)(1A) A member appointed by the Chief Executive holds office for a period of 3 years, or such lesser period as the Chief Executive may specify in the appointment. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 8)(2) Any member appointed under subsection (1)(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) or (h) may, upon the expiry of his term of office, be reappointed. (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 8)(3) Any member appointed under subsection (1)(b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) or (h) or reappointed under subsection (2) may at any time resign the office by written notice to the Chairman of the Council. (Replaced 33 of 2025 s. 8)(3A) The Chairman of the Council may at any time resign the office by written notice to the Chief Executive. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 8)(3B) The Chief Executive may remove from office any member appointed under subsection (1)(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) or (h), or reappointed under subsection (2), for permanent incapacity or other sufficient cause. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 8)(3C) The Chief Executive has the final decision on whether a sufficient cause under subsection (3B) exists. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 8)(3D) On the resignation or removal of a member under subsection (3), (3A) or (3B), the term for which the member was appointed or reappointed is regarded to have expired. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 8)(4) There shall be—(a) a secretary; and(b) one or more legal advisers, (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 8)to the Council who shall be appointed by the Chief Executive.(5) In this section—specified officer (指明人員) means—(a) a public officer;(b) a person who holds an appointment at the Hospital Authority; or(c) a person who holds an appointment at the Primary Healthcare Commission. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 8)(Amended 37 of 2000 s. 3) 4. Purposes of the Council (1) The purposes of the Council shall be—(a) to promote adequate standards of professional practice and of professional conduct in the professions;(b) to co-ordinate and supervise the activities of the boards established under section 5; and(c) to carry out any additional functions assigned to it by this Ordinance.(2) The Council shall perform its function of co-ordinating and supervising the activities of the boards—(a) by making to each board, or inviting the board to make to the Council, proposals as to the activities to be carried on by the board or other boards;(b) by recommending a board to carry on such activities, or to limit its activities in such manner, as the Council considers appropriate after consultation with the board on the proposals referred to in paragraph (a); (Amended 68 of 1995 s. 2)(c) by concerning itself with matters appearing to it to be of special interest to any 2 or more of the boards, and by giving to the boards such advice and assistance as it thinks fit with respect to such matters; (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 9)(d) by exercising its powers under this Ordinance in such manner as the Council considers most conducive to the satisfactory performance by each board of the board’s functions under this Ordinance; and (Amended L.N. 587 of 1995; 33 of 2025 s. 9)(e) by providing a board with steers or instructions for better carrying out the purposes of the Council mentioned in subsection (1). (Added 33 of 2025 s. 9) 5. Establishment and composition of boards (1) For each profession there shall be a board consisting of the following members— (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 10)(a) (Repealed 33 of 2025 s. 10)(b) 1 registered medical practitioner—(i) whose name is included in the Specialist Register (as defined by section 2(1) of the Medical Registration Ordinance (Cap. 161)) under a particular specialty that is relevant to the profession of the board;(ii) nominated by the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine established under section 3(1) of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine Ordinance (Cap. 419); and(iii) appointed by the Chief Executive; (Replaced 33 of 2025 s. 10)(c) 1 registered medical practitioner nominated by the Hospital Authority and appointed by the Chief Executive; (Replaced 33 of 2025 s. 10)(d) 1 person, being specially qualified to advise the board on professional education, appointed by the Chief Executive; (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 10)(e) not less than 5 and not more than 8 persons, being members of the relevant profession, appointed by the Chief Executive; and (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 10)(f) 2 persons, not being persons registered in the profession of that board, appointed by the Chief Executive. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 10)(1A) A member appointed by the Chief Executive holds office for a period of 3 years, or such lesser period as the Chief Executive may specify in the appointment. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 10)(2) Any member of a board may, upon the expiry of his term of office, be reappointed.(3) Any member of a board appointed under subsection (1) or reappointed under subsection (2) may before the expiry of his term of office—(a) resign his office by notice to the chairman of the board; or (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 10)(b) be removed from office by the Chief Executive for permanent incapacity or other sufficient cause (as to the existence of which the decision of the Chief Executive shall be final),and upon such resignation or removal the term for which he was appointed or reappointed shall be deemed to have expired.(3A) The chairman of a board—(a) is appointed by the Chief Executive from the members of the board;(b) subject to subsection (3B), holds office for 3 years or until the chairman ceases to hold office as a member of the board, whichever is the earlier; and(c) is eligible for reappointment. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 10)(3B) The chairman of a board may at any time resign the chairman’s office by written notice to the Chief Executive. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 10)(4) There shall be—(a) a secretary; and(b) one or more legal advisers, (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 10)to each board who shall be appointed by the Chief Executive.(Amended 37 of 2000 s. 3) 6. Purposes of boards The purposes of a board appointed under section 5 shall be—(a) to promote adequate standards of professional practice and professional conduct among members of the relevant profession;(b) to carry out the functions assigned to it under this Ordinance; and(c) to carry out any function assigned to it by the Council for better carrying out the purposes of the Council mentioned in section 4(1). (Added 33 of 2025 s. 11)(Amended 33 of 2025 s. 11) 7. Meetings of the Council and boards (1) The Council and each board shall meet at such times and places as their respective Chairmen may appoint.(2) At any meeting of the Council, the quorum is 8 members. (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 12)(2A) At any meeting of a board, the quorum is 4 members. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 12)(3) In the absence of the Chairman from any meeting of the Council, the Deputy Chairman shall act in his place and if the Deputy Chairman is also absent, those members present shall appoint one of their number to act as chairman. (Amended 68 of 1995 s. 2; 80 of 1997 s. 102)(4) In the absence of the Chairman from any meeting of a board, those members present shall appoint one of their number to act in his place. (Amended 68 of 1995 s. 2; 80 of 1997 s. 102)(5) Every item for consideration before any meeting of the Council or a board shall be determined by a majority of the votes of the members present and voting thereon and in the event of an equality of votes the Chairman or member presiding shall have a casting vote in addition to the original vote, except in the case of an inquiry in which case the Chairman or member presiding has only an original vote. (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 12)(6) Subject to this Ordinance, the Council and a board may regulate its own procedure. 8. Transaction of business by circulation of papers (1) The Council and a board may transact any of its business by the circulation of papers without a meeting. (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 13)(2) Subject to subsection (5), a written resolution that is approved by a majority of the members is as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Council or a board by the votes of the members so approving. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 13)(3) A member of the Council may, by giving a written notice to the Chairman of the Council within the period as may be specified in the paper being circulated, request the Chairman to refer any item of business in the paper to the next meeting of the Council for determination. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 13)(4) A member of the board may, by giving a written notice to the Chairman of the board within the period as may be specified in the paper being circulated, request the Chairman to refer any item of business in the paper to the next meeting of the board for determination. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 13)(5) If a member gives a notice under subsection (3) or (4) in relation to an item of business, a written resolution that relates to the item of business approved in accordance with subsection (2) is invalid to the extent that it so relates. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 13) 9. Appointment of committees (1) Subject to this section the Council and any board may appoint committees for the better discharge of its functions under this Ordinance.(2) The number of members of any such committee and their term of office shall be fixed by the Council or the board, as the case may be.(3) Any committee may include persons who are not members of the Council or the board.(4) Each committee shall have as its chairman a member of the Council or of the board, and the Council or the board may make rules respecting the quorum, proceedings and place of meeting of any committee.(5) The Council or a board may in writing delegate to a committee, with or without restrictions or conditions, any of the powers or functions of the Council or the board:Provided that no delegation made hereunder shall preclude the Council or the board from exercising or performing at any time any of the powers or functions so delegated. 9A. Council and boards may provide information to Secretary for Health The Council and boards may provide any information to the Secretary for Health if the Secretary for Health requests the information for the formulation of health care policies.(Added 33 of 2025 s. 14) Part III Registration and Practising Certificates 10. Every profession to have a separate register (1) Each board shall cause a register for the relevant profession to be kept in the specified form and the secretary of the board shall be responsible for the maintenance and custody of the register.(2) The secretary of the board shall from time to time insert in the register any alteration or addition which may come to his knowledge to the particulars, as specified by the Council, of any person registered.(3) The secretary shall make such amendments to the register as are made necessary by any decision of the board.(4) The board may direct the removal from the register of the name of any person— (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 15)(a) who requests in writing that his name be so removed;(b) who is deceased;(ba) whose registration is no longer in force; (Added 33 of 2025 s. 15)(c) who has failed to obtain a practising certificate within 6 months after the date of the person’s registration or after the expiry date of the last practising certificate issued to the person; or (Replaced 33 of 2025 s. 15)(d) (Repealed 33 of 2025 s. 15)(e) who has not supplied the secretary of the board with an address in Hong Kong at which all notices from the board may be served on him: (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 15) Provided that any person failing to acknowledge within 6 months of the date of dispatch the receipt of a registered letter addressed to him at the last address supplied by him to the secretary shall be deemed not to have supplied the secretary with an address under this paragraph. (4A) If the name of a person with full registration or provisional registration is removed from a register under this section or section 22, the person may apply to the board for the restoration of the person’s name to the register. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 15)(4B) The application must be supported by a declaration by the applicant stating whether, since the date of the last declaration made by the applicant for the purpose of registration or application for a practising certificate (as the case may be) or for similar purposes, the applicant has been convicted in Hong Kong or elsewhere of an offence punishable with imprisonment. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 15)(4C) The board may approve or reject an application made under subsection (4A) and may, for the purpose of determining the application, conduct an inquiry as it considers appropriate. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 15)(4D) On approving an application, the board may impose any condition on the applicant that the board considers appropriate. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 15)(4E) The board must notify an applicant in writing of—(a) the board’s decision; and(b) if the application is rejected, the reason for it. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 15)(5) If an application under subsection (4A) is approved, the secretary of the board must—(a) notify the applicant of the requirement to pay the prescribed fee for restoration of the applicant’s name and the time within which the prescribed fee is to be paid; and(b) after the prescribed fee is paid, restore the name of the applicant to the register. (Replaced 33 of 2025 s. 15)(6) A register (other than the part in relation to temporary registration) may be inspected without payment of any fee, during usual business hours upon application to the secretary of the board.(Amended 33 of 2025 s. 15) 11. Publication of register and evidence of registration (1) As soon as may be after 1 July of every year, the secretary of each board shall prepare and publish in the Gazette, lists of the names, addresses, qualifications and dates of the qualifications of all persons whose names appear on the register maintained by the secretary, on 1 July immediately preceding the publication of such list.(2) The publication of a list under subsection (1) shall be evidence that each person named in such list is registered.(3) The absence of the name of a person from the list last published under subsection (1) shall be evidence that such person is not registered.(4) A certificate under the signature of the secretary of a board stating that the name of a person is or is not at any date or was or was not at any date registered shall be admitted in evidence on its production without further proof and—(a) until the contrary is proved it shall be presumed that the certificate was signed by that secretary; and(b) the certificate shall be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein. (Replaced 67 of 1985 s. 4) 12. Persons who are qualified for full registration (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 16)(1) Subject to this Ordinance, the following persons are qualified for full registration— (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 16)(a) a person who—(i) holds the qualification, and (as the case requires) has the experience, specified by the Council in accordance with the regulations; or (Replaced 33 of 2025 s. 16)(ii) holds a certificate from the relevant board stating that the person has passed an examination conducted by the board under section 15A; (Replaced 33 of 2025 s. 16)(b) a person who holds such other degree, diploma or any other document of any examining body, which together with appropriate experience, may from time to time be recognized by the Council as qualifying the holder thereof to be registered; and in deciding whether or not to so recognize the Council may consult the relevant board; or(c) a person who, on the date on which this section commenced to apply to a profession, is practising that profession and who by reason of his education, training, professional experience and skill satisfies the Council, after consultation with the relevant board, that he is a fit person to be registered.(1A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Ordinance, the Council shall—(a) determine in which part of the register, not being a part referred to in sections 13A(6), 13B(7) and 15(8), the name of a person qualified to be registered by virtue of subsection (1)(b) or (c) shall be entered, subject to his application for registration being approved under section 13(2); and (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 16)(b) direct the secretary of the relevant board accordingly for the purposes of entry in the register under section 13(4). (Added 70 of 1989 s. 2)(2) (Repealed 33 of 2025 s. 16) 13. Application for full registration (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 17)(1) A person claiming to be qualified for full registration may apply to the secretary of the relevant board for full registration. (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 17)(1A) The application must—(a) be made in the specified form; and(b) be supported by a declaration by the applicant as to—(i) whether the applicant has been convicted in Hong Kong or elsewhere of an offence punishable with imprisonment;(ii) whether the applicant has been found guilty in Hong Kong or elsewhere of unprofessional conduct; and(iii) whether, at the time of the application, the applicant is the subject of any criminal or disciplinary proceeding in Hong Kong or elsewhere. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 17)(2) Subject to subsection (3), the board must approve an application if the applicant is qualified for full registration under section 12 and the application has complied with subsection (1A). (Replaced 33 of 2025 s. 17)(3) If, after due inquiry into a case referred to it by a Preliminary Investigation Committee in accordance with the regulations, the board is satisfied that the applicant—(a) has been convicted in Hong Kong or elsewhere of an offence punishable with imprisonment;(b) has been found guilty in Hong Kong or elsewhere of unprofessional conduct; or(c) is not of good character,the board may, in its discretion, reject the application. (Replaced 33 of 2025 s. 17)(3A) The secretary of the board must notify an applicant in writing of—(a) the board’s decision; and(b) if the application is rejected, the reason for it. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 17)(4) If an application is approved, the secretary of the board must—(a) notify the applicant of the requirement to pay the prescribed fee for registration and the time within which the prescribed fee is to be paid; and(b) after the prescribed fee is paid, enter the applicant’s name in the part of the register in accordance with this Ordinance. (Replaced 33 of 2025 s. 17)(5) On the entry of the applicant’s name into the register, the applicant is entitled to—(a) represent himself or herself in the capacity of the profession that the applicant is registered; and(b) subject to section 16(1) and the regulations, practise the profession. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 17) 13A. Limited registration (1) A person may apply to the Council for limited registration.(2) The application must—(a) be made in the specified form; and(b) be supported by a declaration by the applicant as to—(i) whether the applicant has been convicted in Hong Kong or elsewhere of an offence punishable with imprisonment;(ii) whether the applicant has been found guilty in Hong Kong or elsewhere of unprofessional conduct; and(iii) whether, at the time of the application, the applicant is the subject of any criminal or disciplinary proceeding in Hong Kong or elsewhere.(3) On receiving an application made in accordance with subsection (2), the Council must approve the application if—(a) the applicant has been selected for full-time employment as a person with limited registration in a designated institution;(b) the applicant has obtained a qualification outside Hong Kong and the Council is satisfied that the qualification is sufficient for the applicant to perform the scope of work of the employment;(c) unless the applicant is a person with limited registration when the application is made, or was such a person at any time before the application is made—the applicant possesses a valid certificate, issued by a certifying body recognized by the Council from time to time, to practise the relevant profession constituting sufficient evidence of the applicant’s competency to practise the relevant profession;(d) the applicant has had at least 1 year of full-time post qualification experience that is relevant to the employment; and(e) the Council is satisfied that the applicant is of good character and has good professional conduct.(4) On approving an application, the Council—(a) must specify a period of not more than 3 years during which the registration is to be in force; and(b) may impose any condition that the Council considers appropriate.(5) The Council must notify an applicant in writing of—(a) the Council’s decision; and(b) if the application is rejected, the reason for it.(6) If an application is approved, the Council must—(a) notify the applicant of the requirement to pay the prescribed fee for registration and the time within which the prescribed fee is to be paid; and(b) after the prescribed fee is paid, direct the secretary of the relevant board to enter the applicant’s name in the part of the register in accordance with the regulations.(7) On the entry of the applicant’s name in the register, the applicant is entitled to—(a) represent himself or herself in the capacity of the profession that the applicant is registered; and(b) subject to section 16(1) and the regulations, practise the profession in the designated institution mentioned in subsection (3)(a).(8) The registration of a person under this section is in force until the earliest of the following—(a) the expiry of the period during which the registration is in force;(b) the termination of the person’s employment as a person with limited registration in the designated institution mentioned in subsection (3)(a);(c) the removal of the person’s name from the register under a direction made under section 10(4);(d) the removal of the person’s name from the register under an order made under section 22.(Added 33 of 2025 s. 18) 13B. Temporary registration (1) A relevant institution may apply to the Council for temporary registration of a person (subject person) exclusively for conducting clinical demonstration for, or academic exchanges with, the relevant institution.(2) The application must—(a) be made in the specified form; and(b) be supported by a declaration by the subject person as to—(i) whether the subject person has been convicted in Hong Kong or elsewhere of an offence punishable with imprisonment;(ii) whether the subject person has been found guilty in Hong Kong or elsewhere of unprofessional conduct; and(iii) whether, at the time of the application, the subject person is the subject of any criminal or disciplinary proceeding in Hong Kong or elsewhere.(3) On receiving an application made in accordance with subsection (2), the Council may approve or reject it.(4) However, the Council must not approve an application unless the Council is satisfied that it is appropriate and necessary for the subject person to be granted temporary registration to enable the person to conduct the clinical demonstration or academic exchanges concerned.(5) On approving an application, the Council—(a) must specify a period of not more than 14 days during which the registration is to be in force; and(b) may impose any condition on the subject person that the Council considers appropriate.(6) The Council must notify the relevant institution in writing of—(a) the Council’s decision; and(b) if the application is rejected, the reason for it.(7) If an application is approved, the Council must direct the secretary of the relevant board to enter the subject person’s name in the part of the register in accordance with the regulations.(8) On the entry of the subject person’s name in the register, the subject person is entitled to—(a) represent himself or herself in the capacity of the profession that the subject person is registered; and(b) subject to section 16(1) and the regulations, practise the profession for the purpose of conducting clinical demonstration for, or academic exchanges with, the relevant institution.(9) The registration of a person under this section is in force until the earliest of the following—(a) the expiry of the period during which the registration is in force;(b) the removal of the person’s name from the register under a direction made under section 10(4);(c) the removal of the person’s name from the register under an order made under section 22;(d) the Council’s receipt of the relevant institution’s notice in writing for the termination of the registration.(10) For the purposes of this section, an institution is a relevant institution if it is specified as such by the Council by notice published in the Gazette.(11) A notice published under subsection (10) is not subsidiary legislation.(Added 33 of 2025 s. 18) 14. Certificate of registration (1) When a person has been registered (other than under section 13B), the secretary of the relevant board shall issue to him a certificate of registration in the specified form specifying the type of registration of the person. (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 19)(2) The secretary of the board may amend any particulars contained in a certificate of registration.(3) A person registered who requires a certified copy of his certificate of registration in order to comply with section 18 shall apply in writing to the secretary of the relevant board stating the address of the premises at which he proposes to practise, and the secretary shall upon payment of the prescribed fee issue to the person registered a certified copy of his certificate of registration with the words “certified copy” and “核證副本” endorsed thereon. (Amended 80 of 1997 s. 130)(4) (Repealed 68 of 1995 s. 34)(5) Every person registered shall report to the secretary of the relevant board—(a) every address at which he practises his profession; and(b) any change in any address referred to in paragraph (a) within 2 months of such change. (Replaced 68 of 1995 s. 34)(6) Any person registered who fails without reasonable excuse to make a report in accordance with subsection (5)(a) or (b) commits an offence.(7) If a certificate of registration has been lost, destroyed or defaced, the person registered may apply in writing to the secretary of the relevant board to issue to him a duplicate certificate of registration and the secretary, upon being satisfied as to such loss, destruction or defacement, shall upon payment of the prescribed fee issue to the person registered a duplicate of such certificate with the word “duplicate” and the words “複本” endorsed thereon. (Amended 80 of 1997 s. 130)(8) If it appears to the secretary of a board that a certificate of registration is defaced or that the photograph thereon is not a reasonable likeness of the person registered to whom the certificate of registration relates the secretary by notice in writing may require the person registered to lodge his certificate of registration with the secretary and to apply for the issue of a duplicate certificate of registration or of another certified copy, as the case may be, and any person registered who on being so required fails without reasonable excuse to do so within 7 days of the service of such notice commits an offence. 14A. Certificate of standing The board may, upon application made for the purpose and upon payment of the prescribed fee, issue to a person whose name appears in the register, a certificate of standing and a certificate verifying registration.(Added 70 of 1989 s. 4) 15. Provisional registration (1) A person who is practising a profession on the date when this Part commenced to apply to that profession, but who, on that date, is not qualified under section 12 to be registered, may apply, within such period of time from such date as may be determined by the Council, to the secretary of the relevant board for provisional registration.(2) Subject to subsection (2A), if the board is satisfied that an applicant for provisional registration has acquired substantial knowledge, experience and skill in the practice of his profession the board may authorize its secretary, upon payment of the prescribed fee (if any), to issue to the applicant a certificate of registration under section 14. (Amended 70 of 1989 s. 5; 80 of 1997 s. 131; 33 of 2025 s. 20)(2A) The board may, in order to satisfy itself that an applicant for provisional registration has acquired substantial knowledge, experience and skill in the practice of his profession, require him to pass an examination held under section 15A for the purposes of this section. (Added 70 of 1989 s. 5)(3) The board may, in exercising the powers conferred by subsection (2), impose on an applicant for provisional registration such conditions as it thinks fit.(4) Where the board has imposed conditions under subsection (3) it may cancel, amend or add to those conditions.(5) Any conditions imposed under subsection (3), as the same may have been amended or added to under subsection (4), shall be included in the certificate of registration issued to the person to whom the conditions apply. (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 20)(6) (Repealed 33 of 2025 s. 20)(7) Section 13 (other than section 13(1), (2) and (4)) applies to every application for provisional registration under this section as if the words “provisional registration” were substituted for the words “full registration” in that section. (Amended E.R. 5 of 2020; 33 of 2025 s. 20)(8) The names and particulars of persons to whom certificates of registration are issued under this section shall appear in a separate part of the register. (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 20) 15A. Examinations by the board Each board may—(a) hold examinations for the purposes of sections 12(1)(a) and 15(2) and (2A) as and when it considers expedient or necessary;(b) conduct such examinations itself or appoint examiners to conduct them on its behalf; and(c) specify conditions as regards the eligibility of persons to sit for—(i) any examination held under paragraph (a);(ii) any examination so held which is of a particular class; or(iii) any particular examination so held.(Added 70 of 1989 s. 6) 15AB. Registration by false or fraudulent representation or declaration A person who wilfully procures himself or herself or any other person to be registered by making or producing or causing to be made or produced, any false or fraudulent representation or declaration, whether in writing or otherwise, commits an offence.(Added 33 of 2025 s. 21) 15B. Appeal to Council (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 22)(1) Any person aggrieved by a decision of the board, other than—(aa) a decision to reject an application for restoration of the person’s name to a register under section 10; (Added 33 of 2025 s. 22)(aab) a decision to impose a condition under section 10; (Added 33 of 2025 s. 22)(a) a decision under section 13(3) or an order under section 22;(b) a decision relating to admission to provisional registration under section 15; (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 22)(c) a decision relating to an examination referred to in section 15A; (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 22)(d) a decision to reject an application for a practising certificate under section 16; or (Added 33 of 2025 s. 22)(e) a decision to specify a condition in a practising certificate under section 16, (Added 33 of 2025 s. 22)may appeal against the decision to the Council in accordance with regulations made under this Ordinance.(2) Upon hearing the appeal, the Council may confirm, vary or revoke the decision of the board.(3) The decision of the Council under subsection (2) shall be final.(Added 70 of 1989 s. 6) 16. Registered person not to practise without practising certificate (1) A registered person must not practise a profession in Hong Kong unless the person is the holder of a practising certificate of that profession that is in force. (Replaced 33 of 2025 s. 23)(2) Subject to subsection (2A), a board must issue a practising certificate in the specified form to a registered person if—(a) the person applies for a practising certificate to a board, that is the relevant board of the person’s profession;(b) the application is made in the specified form and contains information on the person’s employment and practice as required by the specified form;(c) for a person who is not applying for a practising certificate for the first time—the application is supported by a declaration by the person stating—(i) whether, since the date of the person’s last application for a practising certificate, the person has been convicted in Hong Kong or elsewhere of an offence punishable with imprisonment; and(ii) if the person has been so convicted—the details of the conviction; and(d) the prescribed fee for the application has been paid. (Replaced 33 of 2025 s. 23)(2A) If a person applying for a practising certificate—(a) is a person with full registration, limited registration or provisional registration; and(b) is not applying for a practising certificate for the first time,the board must not issue a practising certificate to the person unless the board is satisfied that the person has complied with the requirement regarding continuing professional development determined by the Council as applicable to the person. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 23)(2B) When issuing the practising certificate, the board may—(a) if the person to whom the practising certificate is issued is a person with full registration or provisional registration—specify in the practising certificate any condition that the board considers appropriate; or(b) if the person to whom the practising certificate is issued is a person with limited registration or temporary registration—specify in the practising certificate any condition that the board considers appropriate, subject to the approval of the Council. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 23)(3) If a board issues a practising certificate to a person with full registration or provisional registration, the certificate is in force, subject to subsection (5), beginning on the date specified in the certificate (specified day) and ending on the date immediately before the third anniversary of the first day of the processing cycle on which the specified day falls. (Replaced 33 of 2025 s. 23)(3A) A practising certificate issued to a person with limited registration is in force, subject to subsection (5), for a period of not more than 3 years, as specified in the certificate, beginning on the date of issue of the certificate. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 23)(3B) A practising certificate issued to a person with temporary registration is in force, subject to subsection (5), for a period of not more than 14 days, as specified in the certificate, beginning on the date of issue of the certificate. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 23)(4) (Repealed 64 of 1991 s. 2)(5) If at any time during the currency of a practising certificate, the holder of the certificate ceases to be registered, the certificate shall thereupon be deemed cancelled.(6) A person who is required under this section to be the holder of a practising certificate under this section shall be deemed to have obtained the certificate when he has duly applied to the secretary of the board and has paid the prescribed fee mentioned in subsection (2)(d). (Amended 80 of 1997 s. 97; 33 of 2025 s. 23)(6A) If—(a) the board issues a practising certificate to a person; or(b) the board rejects an application made under subsection (2) by a person,subsection (6) ceases to have effect in relation to that person. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 23)(7) A person who is required under this section to be the holder of a practising certificate shall not be entitled to recover any fees, costs or other remuneration on any cause of action relating to the practice of his profession unless he was, at the time when the cause of action arose, the holder of a valid practising certificate.(8) In subsection (3)—processing cycle (處理周期) means a period of 12 months beginning on 1 July of each year. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 23) 17. (Repealed 33 of 2025 s. 24) 18. Certificate of registration to be displayed in premises (1) A person registered shall keep displayed in a conspicuous position in any premises in which he practises his profession, his certificate of registration, or a certified copy of such certificate issued under section 14(3).(2) A person registered who fails to comply with subsection (1) commits an offence.(3) A person who displays or causes or permits to be displayed in any premises, a certificate of registration or a certified copy of a certificate of registration bearing his name or photograph, at a time when his name does not appear on the register kept for the profession to which that certificate relates, commits an offence. Part IV Control of Professions 18A. Applicants under section 15 deemed to be registered (1) Subject to subsection (2), any person practising a profession on the date when sections 20 and 21 commenced to apply to that profession who applies for provisional registration under section 15 within the period of time determined by the Council under that section shall be deemed to be registered in respect of that profession for the purposes of those sections, until his application for provisional registration is disposed of by the board.(2) Subsection (1) shall not apply in respect of any person who has appealed to the Court of Appeal under section 25 from a decision of the board made under section 13(3) rejecting the person’s application for registration. (Amended 80 of 1997 s. 102; 33 of 2025 s. 25)(Added 70 of 1989 s. 7) 19. Premises to be suitable for practice (1) No person registered shall practise his profession in premises which are considered by the relevant board to be unsuitable for such practice.(2) A public officer with the authorization of the board, which shall be signed by the Chairman of the board, may at any reasonable time enter and inspect premises used or proposed to be used, for the practice of a profession and shall on demand, produce such authority.(3) A person wilfully obstructing or resisting a public officer duly authorized by the board, in the inspection of premises used or proposed to be used for the practice of a profession, commits an offence. 20. Companies may carry on professions by way of trade or business (1) Except as provided by subsection (2) no corporation may carry on the business of practising a profession.(2) A company registered under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) or under the Companies Ordinance (Cap.

32) as in force at the time of the registration may carry on the business of practising a profession if— (Amended 28 of 2012 ss. 912 & 920)(a) at least one director thereof (professionally qualified director) is a person— (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 26)(i) who is with full registration or provisional registration in respect of that profession; and(ii) who satisfies any requirements imposed by any regulations made under this Ordinance as to qualifications, experience or training necessary for a person registered in respect of that profession to practise without supervision; and (Amended 70 of 1989 s. 12; 33 of 2025 s. 26)(b) all persons practising the profession who are employed by the company are registered in respect of that profession.(3) Within 14 days after 1 July in each year, a company carrying on the business of practising a profession shall transmit to the secretary of the relevant board a statement in the specified form containing— (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 26)(a) the names and addresses of all persons who are professionally qualified directors, directors other than professionally qualified directors, and of all managers of the company;(b) the names, addresses, occupations and qualifications of all persons employed by the company who are practising the profession and the duties performed by such persons; and(c) such other particulars as may be specified by the Council. (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 26)(4) A corporation which carries on the business of practising a profession other than in compliance with subsection (2) commits an offence and—(a) every—(i) director thereof other than a professionally qualified director; and(ii) manager thereof,unless he proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge; and(b) every professionally qualified director,commits a like offence.(5) A company which fails to comply with subsection (3) commits an offence and every professionally qualified director commits a like offence.(Replaced 67 of 1985 s. 6) 21. Professions only to be practised by persons registered (1) Except as provided in section 20(2), a person who practises a profession without being registered in respect of that profession commits an offence. (Amended 67 of 1985 s. 7)(2) Any person who employs any other person to practise a profession to which this Ordinance relates when the second-mentioned person is not registered in respect of that profession commits an offence.(3) Where a person has been convicted of an offence under this section, a magistrate may, on application made on behalf of the Government, order that all materials and equipment in the possession or under the control of that person and used in the practice of a profession shall be forfeited. (Amended 37 of 2000 s. 3) 21A. Practice of profession subject to supervision or referral requirements A registered person must not practise a profession in Hong Kong unless the person complies with the supervision or referral requirements (as the case requires) under the regulations.(Added 33 of 2025 s. 27) Part V Discipline 22. Disciplinary powers of board (1) If after due inquiry into any case referred to it by a Preliminary Investigation Committee in accordance with regulations made under section 29 a board is satisfied that a person registered by that board—(a) has been convicted in Hong Kong or elsewhere of an offence punishable with imprisonment;(b) has been guilty in Hong Kong or elsewhere of unprofessional conduct; (Replaced 67 of 1985 s. 8)(ba) has contravened any condition imposed under section 10, 13A, 13B or 15, or specified under section 16; (Added 33 of 2025 s. 28)(c) was not at the time of his registration qualified to be registered;(d) has obtained registration by fraud or misrepresentation; or(e) has failed to comply with this Ordinance, (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 28)the board may—(i) order the name of the person registered to be removed from the register;(ii) order the name of the person registered to be removed from the register for such period as it thinks fit;(iii) order the person registered to be reprimanded; or(iv) order that a warning letter in such terms as it considers appropriate be served on the person registered.(2) Within 1 month after the expiry of the time within which an appeal against an order made by a board under subsection (1) may be made to the Court of Appeal under section 25 or if such appeal has been made, within 1 month after the appeal is finally determined, the board— (Amended 10 of 2005 s. 77)(a) shall, in the case of an order made under subsection (1)(i), (ii) or (iii), publish the order or, if the order is varied on appeal, the order as so varied in the Gazette together with an account of the particulars and the nature of the matter to which such order relates; and(b) may, in the case of an order made under subsection (1)(iv), publish the order or, if the order is varied on appeal, the order as so varied in the Gazette together with an account of the particulars and the nature of the matter to which such order relates. (Amended 10 of 2005 s. 77)(3) In any inquiry held under this section, a board may make such order as it thinks fit for the payment of the costs of its secretary, a complainant, counsel or a solicitor present at the inquiry and the person registered or any one or more of them and any costs awarded may be recovered as a civil debt.(4) Nothing in this section shall require a board to inquire into the question whether the person registered was properly convicted but the board may consider any record of the case in which such conviction was recorded and any other evidence which may be available and is relevant as showing the nature and gravity of the offence. (Added 67 of 1985 s. 8)(5) (Repealed 33 of 2025 s. 28) 23. Powers of boards at inquiries (1) For the purposes of an inquiry under section 10, 13 or 22 or when it otherwise appears desirable to a board that any matter relating to the relevant profession should be inquired into, the board shall subject to subsection (4) have power— (Amended 67 of 1985 s. 9; 33 of 2025 s. 29)(a) to hear, receive and examine evidence on oath;(b) to summon a person to attend the inquiry to give evidence or produce a document or other thing in his possession and examine him as a witness or require him to produce a document or other thing in his possession; (Amended 67 of 1985 s. 9)(c) to admit to the inquiry or to exclude therefrom the public or any member of the public; (Added 67 of 1985 s. 9)(d) to admit to the inquiry or to exclude therefrom the press; and (Added 67 of 1985 s. 9)(e) to award any person summoned to attend the inquiry such sum or sums as in the opinion of the board may have been reasonably expended by him by reason of his attendance. (Added 67 of 1985 s. 9)(2) A summons under subsection (1) shall be in the specified form and signed by the secretary of the board. (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 29)(3) Subject to subsection (4), a person who—(a) being summoned under subsection (1) to attend an inquiry to give evidence or to produce a document or other thing in his possession, refuses or neglects to do so; or(b) being examined under subsection (1) as a witness by or before a board, refuses or neglects to answer a question put to him by or with the concurrence of the board, or to produce a document or other thing in his possession when required to do so,commits an offence.(4) Notwithstanding subsection (3) a person who appears as a witness before a board shall be entitled to the same privileges in respect of the giving of evidence and the production of a document or other thing as he would be entitled to if appearing as a witness in civil proceedings before the Court of First Instance. (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)(5) A person whose conduct is the subject of an inquiry, or who is implicated or concerned in the subject matter of the inquiry, shall be entitled to be represented by counsel or a solicitor at the inquiry.(6) A person who—(a) behaves in an insulting manner or uses any abusive, threatening or insulting expression to or in the presence of a board; or(b) wilfully disrupts the proceedings of a board,commits an offence. 24. Provisions relating to decisions and orders of boards (1) The secretary of a board shall cause a copy of any order made by the board under section 22 to be served forthwith upon the person concerned. (Amended 67 of 1985 s. 10; 33 of 2025 s. 30)(2) No order of a board under section 22(1) shall take effect while the person to whom the order relates remains entitled to appeal to the Court of Appeal against the decision in accordance with section 25 or, if such an appeal has been made, before the appeal is finally determined. (Amended 10 of 2005 s. 78) 25. Appeals to Court of Appeal (1) A person who is aggrieved by— (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 31)(a) a board’s decision rejecting the person’s application for restoration of the person’s name to a register under section 10;(b) a board’s decision imposing a condition under section 10;(c) a board’s decision rejecting the person’s application for registration under section 13;(d) the Council’s decision rejecting the person’s application for registration under section 13A or 13B;(e) the Council’s decision imposing a condition under section 13A or 13B;(f) a board’s decision relating to admission to provisional registration under section 15;(g) a board’s decision rejecting the person’s application for a practising certificate under section 16;(h) a board’s decision specifying a condition under section 16; or(i) an order made in respect of the person under section 22(1), (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 31)may appeal to the Court of Appeal and the Court of Appeal may thereupon affirm, reverse or vary the decision or order appealed against. (Amended 67 of 1985 s. 11; 33 of 2025 s. 31)(2) (Repealed 10 of 2005 s. 75)(3) The Court of Appeal may make such order for the payment of costs as it considers reasonable.(4) Subject to subsection (5), the practice in relation to the appeal shall be subject to any rules of court made under the High Court Ordinance (Cap. 4). (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)(5) Notwithstanding subsection (4), the Court of Appeal shall not hear an appeal against the decision or order referred to in subsection (1) unless notice of the appeal was given within 1 month of the service of the decision or the order (whichever is applicable) on the person. (Amended 67 of 1985 s. 11; 33 of 2025 s. 31) Part VI General 26. Boards may prepare Codes of Practice (1) A board may prepare and revise Codes of Practice which shall not be inconsistent with this Ordinance or any regulations made thereunder for the relevant profession for the purposes of this Ordinance— (Amended 70 of 1989 s. 8)(a) prescribing standards of conduct and practice for persons practising that profession, for the employers of persons practising that profession and the directors of any company carrying on the business of practising that profession;(b) regulating the activities of persons practising that profession including the activities of such persons in the supervision and control of unqualified persons assisting such persons in the practice of the profession; (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 32)(c) regulating the activities of persons—(i) who are required to be supervised in the practice of their profession by regulations made under this Ordinance, in the practice of the profession; and(ii) in the supervision of persons referred to in subparagraph (i); and (Added 70 of 1989 s. 8. Amended 33 of 2025 s. 32)(d) for occupational therapists and physiotherapists—specifying the circumstances that are considered an emergency situation, or that are considered to involve the provision of community services, in which the service of an occupational therapist or a physiotherapist may be provided without a referral, (Added 33 of 2025 s. 32)and the Codes of Practice may prohibit specified activities. (Amended 70 of 1989 s. 8)(1A) Where, under subsection (1), a board—(a) prepares a Code of Practice, it shall inform the Council in writing that such a Code of Practice has been prepared and serve a copy thereof on the Council; and(b) revises a Code of Practice, it shall inform the Council in writing of any changes made thereto and serve a copy of the revision on the Council. (Added 70 of 1989 s. 8)(1B) Any Code of Practice prepared under subsection (1) or any revision of such a code shall not come into operation unless it is approved by the Council. (Added 70 of 1989 s. 8. Amended 33 of 2025 s. 32)(2) The secretary of the board shall cause a copy of a Code of Practice and each revision thereof to be served upon each person registered in respect of the profession to which the Code of Practice or revision applies.(3) A person, who contravenes any Code of Practice prepared or revised under subsection (1) and applicable to his profession, may be subject to inquiries held by a board; but the fact that any matters are not mentioned in a Code of Practice, shall not preclude the board from judging a person to be guilty of unprofessional conduct by reference to those matters. (Amended 67 of 1985 s. 12; 68 of 1995 s. 35) 27. Penalties A person who commits an offence under— (Amended L.N. 123 of 1982; 67 of 1985 s. 13)(a) (Repealed 33 of 2025 s. 33)(b) section 14(6) or 14(8), is liable on conviction to a fine at level 1;(ba) section 15AB, is liable on conviction to a fine at level 2 and to imprisonment for 2 years; (Added 33 of 2025 s. 33)(c) section 18(2) or 18(3), is liable on conviction to a fine at level 1;(d) section 19(3), is liable on conviction to a fine at level 1 and to imprisonment for 6 months;(e) section 20(4), is liable on conviction to a fine at level 2 and to imprisonment for 6 months; (Amended 67 of 1985 s. 13)(f) section 21(1) or 21(2), is liable on conviction to a fine at level 2 and to imprisonment for 6 months;(g) section 20(5), 23(3) or 23(6), is liable on conviction to a fine at level 1 and to imprisonment for 3 months. (Amended 67 of 1985 s. 13)(Amended E.R. 5 of 2020) 28. Notices Where any notice or order is required by this Ordinance to be served upon or given to a person by the secretary then it shall be sufficient if it is sent by registered letter addressed to him at his address last known to that secretary.(Amended 68 of 1995 s. 36) 29. Regulations (1) The Chief Executive in Council may by regulation provide for the fees to be paid in connection with matters within the scope of this Ordinance. (Replaced 80 of 1997 s. 21. Amended 37 of 2000 s. 3)(1A) The Secretary for Health may by regulation provide for— (Amended L.N. 106 of 2002; L.N. 130 of 2007; L.N. 144 of 2022)(a) the duties of any—(i) secretary of a board;(ii) legal adviser to a board;(b) the duties of the members and the officers of the Council or any board;(c) anything referred to in this Ordinance as prescribed;(d) exempting or providing for the exemption of any specified class of persons from all or any of the provisions of this Ordinance;(e) empowering any board to exempt any person from all or any provisions of any regulation made under this section;(f) appeals to the Council from any decision of any board under section 15B; and (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 34)(g) enabling this Ordinance to have full effect. (Added 80 of 1997 s. 21)(1B) Subject to the approval of the Secretary for Health, the Council may by regulation provide for— (Amended L.N. 106 of 2002; L.N. 130 of 2007; L.N. 144 of 2022)(a) the establishment and functions of one or more committees for each profession, each to be known as a Preliminary Investigation Committee, to make such preliminary investigation as it considers appropriate regarding any complaint or information that may be the subject of an inquiry by a board under this Ordinance and to determine whether or not there is to be an inquiry; (Replaced 33 of 2025 s. 34)(b) the prohibition of a member of any Preliminary Investigation Committee who is also a member of any board from attending any meeting of the board while it is inquiring under section 13 or 22 into a complaint or information, in the preliminary investigation of which he took part;(c) the form of any certificate, form or other document which is a certificate, form or other document to be used for a purpose of this Ordinance;(d) (Repealed 33 of 2025 s. 34)(e) specifying the entry of the names of registered persons in different parts of the register according to the types of registration, qualifications and experience of the persons; (Replaced 33 of 2025 s. 34)(f) the categorization of registered persons in a profession according to their qualifications, training and experience;(g)-(h) (Repealed 33 of 2025 s. 34)(i) the conduct of examinations held under this Ordinance; (j) the registration of premises used by persons to practise a profession;(k) the licensing of premises referred to in paragraph (j);(l) the furnishing of information;(m) regulating the conduct of persons other than registered persons while assisting registered persons in the practice of a profession;(n) for the purpose of section 10(1), the form and number of parts of every register to be kept and the particulars to be entered in such parts of the register;(o) the manner in which applications for registration shall be made;(p) the receipt of complaints or information about any registered person or any applicant for full registration or provisional registration; (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 34)(q) the procedure to be followed in relation to—(i) the submission of complaints or information to any Preliminary Investigation Committee;(ii) the preliminary investigation of any complaint or information by any Preliminary Investigation Committee;(iii) the formulation of charges arising out of any complaint or information;(iv) the reference of any matter by a Preliminary Investigation Committee to a board;(v) inquiries held by a board under section 13 or 22;(r) the service of notices. (Added 80 of 1997 s. 21)(1C) Regulations made under subsection (1B) may empower the Council to specify by notice published in the Gazette—(a) the qualification and (as the case requires) experience required for full registration in a profession for the purposes of section 12(1)(a)(i);(b) the qualification, training or experience required in a profession to practise that profession without supervision;(c) the qualification, training or experience required for a person with full registration to be entered in different parts of the register of a profession; and(d) the qualification, training or experience for the categorization of registered persons in a profession. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 34)(2) Regulations made under this section may provide—(a) that the contravention of any particular regulation shall constitute an offence and may prescribe penalties for any such offence not exceeding a fine at level 2 or imprisonment for 1 year or both such fine and such imprisonment; and (Amended 80 of 1997 s. 21; E.R. 5 of 2020)(b) for different fees to be paid by different categories of a profession. (Amended 80 of 1997 s. 21)(c)-(d) (Repealed 80 of 1997 s. 21)(3) The Secretary for Health may by regulations— (Amended 80 of 1997 s. 21; L.N. 106 of 2002; L.N. 130 of 2007; L.N. 144 of 2022)(a) prohibit, restrict or otherwise regulate the practice, otherwise than under supervision, by registered persons of their profession where those persons have not the qualifications, training or experience specified by the Council under the regulations made under subsection (1B) in relation to the profession; (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 34)(b) prohibit, restrict or otherwise regulate the performance, or engagement in, in the course of practising their professions by registered persons, of any function or activity specified in the regulations;(c) prescribe particulars of any supervision required by regulations under this section; and (Added 70 of 1989 s. 9. Amended 80 of 1997 s. 21; 33 of 2025 s. 34)(d) prohibit, restrict or otherwise regulate the practice, otherwise than on referral by a person specified in the regulations, by registered persons of their profession. (Added 33 of 2025 s. 34)(4) Regulations under subsection (3) may—(a) apply to registered persons generally;(b) apply by reference to any qualification, training or experience specified in the regulations; or(c) apply to registered persons who are of a class, category or other description specified in the regulations. (Added 70 of 1989 s. 9)(5) In this section—supervision (監督) in relation to a profession means supervision prescribed under subsection (3)(c) and applicable to that profession. (Added 70 of 1989 s. 9) 30. Disapplication of certain provisions to certain classes of person (1) Any person who—(a) holds a teaching appointment at a university, polytechnic, school or institution approved for the purposes of this section by the Chief Executive by notice in the Gazette; (Amended 37 of 2000 s. 3)(b) holds an appointment as a public officer;(c) holds an appointment in a subvented voluntary organization approved for the purposes of this section by the Council by notice in the Gazette; (Amended 33 of 2025 s. 35)(d) holds an appointment at the Hospital Authority; (Added 89 of 1991 s. 2. Amended 33 of 2025 s. 35)(e) holds an appointment at the Primary Healthcare Commission; or (Added 33 of 2025 s. 35)(f) holds an appointment at The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong, (Added 33 of 2025 s. 35)and is practising a profession directly connected with and necessary for the discharge or performance of his duties while serving in such appointment, shall be exempt from sections 18 and 19. (Replaced 70 of 1989 s. 10. Amended 89 of 1991 s. 2; 34 of 1995 s. 39)(2) The following persons practising a profession directly connected with and necessary for the discharge or performance of their duties shall while serving in or holding the appointments or positions specified be deemed to be registered but sections 13, 13A, 13B, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19 and 21A shall not apply to or in relation to them— (Amended 2 of 2012 s. 3; 33 of 2025 s. 35)(a) a member of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army; and (Replaced 2 of 2012 s. 3)(b) a person holding an appointment in a ship.(3) Subsections (1) and (2) shall not extend to any person specified therein who is practising a profession privately in Hong Kong. 31. Exemption of course of training Nothing in this Ordinance shall operate to prevent the conducting of any course of training by a school, polytechnic, university or institution approved for the purposes of this section by the Chief Executive.(Amended 37 of 2000 s. 3) 32. Ordinance not to derogate from other Ordinances This Ordinance shall be in addition to and not in derogation from any other Ordinance that regulates the manner in which a person may practise a profession. 33. Council may specify forms (1) The Council may specify—(a) the form for making an application under this Ordinance; and(b) the form of a certificate or any other document required or authorized to be issued under this Ordinance.(2) The Council’s power under subsection (1)(a) includes the power to specify in the specified form a statutory declaration (whether attached to the form or not)—(a) to be made by the person completing the form; and(b) as to whether the particulars contained in the form are true and correct to the best of the person’s knowledge and belief.(3) A form specified under subsection (1)(a) must—(a) be completed in accordance with the directions and instructions as specified in the form; and(b) be accompanied by the statements, certificates or any other documents as specified in the form.(Added 33 of 2025 s. 36) 34. Secretary for Health may give directions (1) The Secretary for Health may, if the Secretary for Health considers it is in the public interest, give written directions of a general or specific character to the Council, or a board, in relation to the performance of its functions or the exercise of its powers.(2) The Council and the board must comply with any direction given under subsection (1).(Added 33 of 2025 s. 36) 35. Amendment of Schedule 2 The Secretary for Health may, by notice published in the Gazette, amend Schedule 2.(Added 33 of 2025 s. 36) 36. Savings and transitional provisions relating to Supplementary Medical Professions (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 (33 of 2025) The savings and transitional provisions as set out in Schedule 3 have effect.(Added 33 of 2025 s. 36) Schedule 1 [ss. 1 & 2](Format changes—E.R. 2 of 2012)(Renumbered 33 of 2025 s. 37) Item Profession Interpretation 1. MedicalLaboratoryTechnologist(Amended 70 of 1989 s. 11) A person trained in the practice of processing clinical, medical, legal, public health or veterinary specimens for the sole purpose of making and reporting on analysis or examination in vitro and the processing of all matters for human and animal consumption for the sole purpose of making and reporting on analysis or examination in vitro. 2. Radiographer A person trained to operate either— (a) radio-diagnostic, ultra sound and thermographic equipment for the purpose of radiological diagnosis; or (b) radiation therapy equipment for the treatment of diseases; and (Amended 70 of 1989 s. 11) (c) radionuclear equipment including isotopes. 3. Physiotherapist A person trained to assess and treat physical disabilities by means of remedial exercises, manual therapy and mechanical, thermal or electrical energy. 4. OccupationalTherapist A person trained to assess and treat disabilities caused by diseases or injuries using mental, physical or social activities to enable the disabled to achieve the maximum possible independence in daily life. 5. Optometrist A person trained in the practice of— (a) testing vision; (b) prescribing optical appliances; (c) fitting optical appliances; or (d) supplying optical appliances on prescription. (Added 67 of 1985 s. 15) Schedule 2 [ss. 2B & 35]Designated Institutions (Schedule 2 added 33 of 2025 s. 38) Part 1 Institutions Specified for Section 2B(1)(a) 1. Department of Health 2. Hospital Authority 3. Primary Healthcare Commission 4. The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong Part 2 Categories of Institution Specified for Section 2B(1)(b) 1. A university, school or institution operating programmes for conferring or awarding qualifications for the purposes of section 12(1)(a) 2. An institution providing the types of employment for which limited registration is appropriate or necessary as determined and promulgated by the Council by notice published in the Gazette Part 3 Supplementary Provision to Part 2 of this Schedule 1. A notice published for the purposes of item 2 of Part 2 of this Schedule is not subsidiary legislation. Schedule 3 [s. 36]Savings and Transitional Provisions relating to Supplementary Medical Professions (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 (Schedule 3 added 33 of 2025 s. 38) Part 1 Preliminary 1. Interpretation of Schedule 3 In this Schedule—amended Ordinance (《經修訂條例》) means this Ordinance as amended by the Amendment Ordinance;Amendment Ordinance (《修訂條例》) means the Supplementary Medical Professions (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 (33 of 2025). 2. Provisions not to derogate from section 23 of Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance The provisions in this Schedule are in addition to and not in derogation of section 23 of the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance (Cap. 1). Part 2 Matters relating to Change of Short Title 3. Interpretation of Part 2 of Schedule 3 In this Part—*commencement date (生效日期) means the date on which section 4 of the Amendment Ordinance comes into operation;pre-amended Ordinance (《原有條例》) means this Ordinance as in force immediately before the commencement date. Editorial Note: * Commencement date: 25 July 2025. 4. Pre-existing decisions etc. not affected Unless otherwise provided in this Schedule, the coming into operation of any provision of the Amendment Ordinance does not affect—(a) the validity of any decision, determination, order, direction, sanction or action, or any other act, that was made, given, imposed, taken or done under the pre-amended Ordinance before the commencement date; and(b) the taking effect of any such decision, determination, order, direction, sanction, action or act. Part 3 Matters relating to Council and Boards Division 1 Terms of Office of Members etc. and Hearing of Inquiries 5. Interpretation of Division 1 of Part 3 of Schedule 3 In this Division—*commencement date (生效日期) means the date on which sections 7 and 10(1), (2), (3), (6), (7) and (8) of the Amendment Ordinance come into operation;former board (前委員會) means a board established under section 5(1) of the pre-amended Ordinance;former Council (前管理局) means the Council established under section 3(1) of the pre-amended Ordinance;PIC (初步調查小組) means—(a) a Preliminary Investigation Committee established under regulation 17 of the pre-amended Cap. 359A;(b) a Preliminary Investigation Committee established under regulation 17 of the pre-amended Cap. 359B;(c) a Preliminary Investigation Committee established under section 17 of the pre-amended Cap. 359F;(d) a Preliminary Investigation Committee established under section 20 of the pre-amended Cap. 359H; or(e) a Preliminary Investigation Committee established under section 17 of the pre-amended Cap. 359J;pre-amended Cap. 359A (《原有第359A章》) means the Medical Laboratory Technologists (Registration and Disciplinary Procedure) Regulations (Cap. 359 sub. leg. A) as in force immediately before the commencement date;pre-amended Cap. 359B (《原有第359B章》) means the Occupational Therapists (Registration and Disciplinary Procedure) Regulations (Cap. 359 sub. leg. B) as in force immediately before the commencement date;pre-amended Cap. 359F (《原有第359F章》) means the Optometrists (Registration and Disciplinary Procedure) Regulation (Cap. 359 sub. leg. F) as in force immediately before the commencement date;pre-amended Cap. 359H (《原有第359H章》) means the Radiographers (Registration and Disciplinary Procedure) Regulation (Cap. 359 sub. leg. H) as in force immediately before the commencement date;pre-amended Cap. 359J (《原有第359J章》) means the Physiotherapists (Registration and Disciplinary Procedure) Regulation (Cap. 359 sub. leg. J) as in force immediately before the commencement date;pre-amended Ordinance (《原有條例》) means this Ordinance as in force immediately before the commencement date. Editorial Note: * Commencement date: 1 January 2026. 6. Former Council members (1) This section applies if—(a) before the commencement date, a person was appointed as a member of the former Council described in section 3(1) of the pre-amended Ordinance; and(b) immediately before the commencement date, the term of office of the member has not yet expired.(2) Despite section 3 of the pre-amended Ordinance, the term of office of the person is to be regarded as having expired when the commencement date begins. 7. Former members of boards (1) This section applies if—(a) before the commencement date, a person was appointed as a member of a former board described in section 5(1)(a), (b) or (c) of the pre-amended Ordinance; and(b) immediately before the commencement date, the term of office of the member has not yet expired.(2) Despite section 5 of the pre-amended Ordinance, the term of office of the person is, subject to section 9 of this Schedule, to be regarded as having expired when the commencement date begins. 8. Secretary of, and legal adviser to, Council (1) On and after the commencement date, the person who was appointed under section 3(4)(a) of the pre-amended Ordinance as the secretary of the former Council and was holding that office immediately before the commencement date continues to hold office as the secretary of the Council as if the person were appointed as the secretary of the Council under section 3(4)(a) of the amended Ordinance.(2) On and after the commencement date, the person who was appointed under section 3(4)(b) of the pre-amended Ordinance as a legal adviser to the former Council and was holding that office immediately before the commencement date continues to hold office as a legal adviser to the Council as if the person were appointed as a legal adviser of the Council under section 3(4)(b) of the amended Ordinance. 9. Cases referred to board (1) This section applies if, before the commencement date—(a) a PIC has determined to refer a case against a person (person charged) to a former board under any of the following provisions (whichever is applicable) for an inquiry to be held—(i) regulation 21(2)(b) of the pre-amended Cap. 359A;(ii) regulation 21(2)(b) of the pre-amended Cap. 359B;(iii) section 21(2)(b) of the pre-amended Cap. 359F;(iv) section 24(2)(b) of the pre-amended Cap. 359H;(v) section 21(2)(b) of the pre-amended Cap. 359J;(b) the secretary of the former board has read the notice of inquiry at the opening of an inquiry held for the case in accordance with any of the following provisions (whichever is applicable)—(i) regulation 32(1) of the pre-amended Cap. 359A;(ii) regulation 32(1) of the pre-amended Cap. 359B;(iii) section 32(1) of the pre-amended Cap. 359F;(iv) section 35(1) of the pre-amended Cap. 359H;(v) section 32(1) of the pre-amended Cap. 359J; and(c) the case has not been disposed of by the former board.(2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(c), a case has been disposed of by a former board if—(a) the former board has announced, under any of the following provisions (whichever is applicable), that the person charged is not guilty—(i) regulation 35 or 37 of the pre-amended Cap. 359A;(ii) regulation 35 or 37 of the pre-amended Cap. 359B;(iii) section 35 or 37 of the pre-amended Cap. 359F;(iv) section 38 or 40 of the pre-amended Cap. 359H;(v) section 35 or 37 of the pre-amended Cap. 359J; or(b) the former board has announced under any of the provisions (whichever is applicable) referred to in paragraph (a) that the person charged is guilty and an order has been made or a decision has been announced by the former board under any of the following provisions (whichever is applicable)—(i) regulation 38 or 40 of the pre-amended Cap. 359A;(ii) regulation 38 or 40 of the pre-amended Cap. 359B;(iii) section 38 or 40 of the pre-amended Cap. 359F;(iv) section 41 or 43 of the pre-amended Cap. 359H;(v) section 38 or 40 of the pre-amended Cap. 359J.(3) On and after the commencement date, to the extent that it relates to the hearing of the inquiry, section 5 of the pre-amended Ordinance continues to apply in relation to the membership of the former board (including a vacancy in the membership). Division 2 Complaints to Preliminary Investigation Committee 10. Interpretation of Division 2 of Part 3 of Schedule 3 In this Division—*commencement date (生效日期) means the date on which sections 111 and 171 of the Amendment Ordinance come into operation. Editorial Note: * Commencement date: 25 July 2025. 11. Complaint or information submitted to former PIC under pre-amended Cap. 359F (1) This section applies if, before the commencement date—(a) the secretary of the board has submitted a complaint (as defined by section 18(2) of the pre-amended Cap. 359F) to the former PIC under section 18 of the pre-amended Cap. 359F; and(b) the former PIC has not determined under section 21(2) of the pre-amended Cap. 359F as to whether the complaint is to be referred to the board for inquiry.(2) On and after the commencement date, sections 20 and 21 of the pre-amended Cap. 359F continue to apply in relation to the consideration of the complaint for the purpose of determining whether the complaint should be referred to the board for inquiry.(3) In this section—former PIC (前初步調查小組) means the Preliminary Investigation Committee established under section 17 of the pre-amended Cap. 359F;pre-amended Cap. 359F (《原有第359F章》) means the Optometrists (Registration and Disciplinary Procedure) Regulation (Cap. 359 sub. leg. F) as in force immediately before the commencement date. 12. Complaint or information submitted to former PIC under pre-amended Cap. 359J (1) This section applies if, before the commencement date—(a) the secretary of the board has submitted a complaint (as defined by section 18(2) of the pre-amended Cap. 359J) to the former PIC under section 18 of the pre-amended Cap. 359J; and(b) the former PIC has not determined under section 21(2) of the pre-amended Cap. 359J as to whether the complaint is to be referred to the board for inquiry.(2) On and after the commencement date, sections 20 and 21 of the pre-amended Cap. 359J continue to apply in relation to the consideration of the complaint for the purpose of determining whether the complaint should be referred to the board for inquiry.(3) In this section—former PIC (前初步調查小組) means the Preliminary Investigation Committee established under section 17 of the pre-amended Cap. 359J;pre-amended Cap. 359J (《原有第359J章》) means the Physiotherapists (Registration and Disciplinary Procedure) Regulation (Cap. 359 sub. leg. J) as in force immediately before the commencement date. Part 4 Matters relating to Registration 13. Interpretation of Part 4 of Schedule 3 In this Part—*commencement date (生效日期) means the date on which section 16 of the Amendment Ordinance comes into operation;existing prescribed fee (原有訂明費用), in relation to a matter, means the fee prescribed for the matter in the pre-amended Ordinance;existing register (原有註冊名冊), in relation to a profession, means the register for that profession kept under section 10(1) of the pre-amended Ordinance;existing registrant (原有註冊人) means a person whose name was entered in an existing register immediately before the commencement date in accordance with section 13 of the pre-amended Ordinance;new register (新註冊名冊) in relation to a profession, means the register for that profession kept under section 10(1) of the amended Ordinance;pre-amended Cap. 359A (《原有第359A章》) means the Medical Laboratory Technologists (Registration and Disciplinary Procedure) Regulations (Cap. 359 sub. leg. A) as in force immediately before the commencement date;pre-amended Cap. 359B (《原有第359B章》) means the Occupational Therapists (Registration and Disciplinary Procedure) Regulations (Cap. 359 sub. leg. B) as in force immediately before the commencement date;pre-amended Cap. 359F (《原有第359F章》) means the Optometrists (Registration and Disciplinary Procedure) Regulation (Cap. 359 sub. leg. F) as in force immediately before the commencement date;pre-amended Cap. 359H (《原有第359H章》) means the Radiographers (Registration and Disciplinary Procedure) Regulation (Cap. 359 sub. leg. H) as in force immediately before the commencement date;pre-amended Cap. 359J (《原有第359J章》) means the Physiotherapists (Registration and Disciplinary Procedure) Regulation (Cap. 359 sub. leg. J) as in force immediately before the commencement date;pre-amended Ordinance (《原有條例》) means this Ordinance as in force immediately before the commencement date; qualification amendments (資格修訂) means the amendments to— (a) section 12(1)(a) of the pre-amended Ordinance by section 16(3) of the Amendment Ordinance; (b) regulation 4 of the pre-amended Cap. 359A by section 41 of the Amendment Ordinance; (c) regulation 4 of the pre-amended Cap. 359B by section 70 of the Amendment Ordinance; (d) section 4 of the pre-amended Cap. 359F by section 99 of the Amendment Ordinance; (e) section 6 of the pre-amended Cap. 359H by section 129 of the Amendment Ordinance; and (f) section 4 of the pre-amended Cap. 359J by section 160 of the Amendment Ordinance; regulation (《規例》) means a regulation made under section 29 of the amended Ordinance. Editorial Note: * Commencement date: 25 July 2025. 14. Registration The qualification amendments do not affect the validity of any registration approved under section 13 of the pre-amended Ordinance before the commencement date and that is subsisting on that date. 15. Registration and register (1) On the commencement date, an existing registrant is to be regarded as a person with full registration.(2) Accordingly, the secretary of the relevant board for a profession must, on the commencement date, transfer the name and particulars of each person whose name and particulars are contained in a part of the existing register to the corresponding part of the new register in accordance with the regulations. 16. Certificate of registration (1) On and after the commencement date, a certificate of registration issued to an existing registrant under section 14(1) of the pre-amended Ordinance that was in force immediately before the commencement date (existing certificate of registration) continues to be in force as if it were issued under section 14(1) of the amended Ordinance to a person with full registration.(2) Accordingly, a duplicate or certified copy of an existing certificate of registration is to be regarded as a duplicate or certified copy of a certificate of registration issued under section 14(1) of the amended Ordinance to a person with full registration.(3) On and after the commencement date, a certificate of provisional registration issued to a person with provisional registration under section 15(2) of the pre-amended Ordinance that was in force immediately before the commencement date (existing certificate of provisional registration) continues to be in force as if it were a certificate of registration issued under section 14(1) of the amended Ordinance to a person with provisional registration.(4) Accordingly, a duplicate or certified copy of an existing certificate of provisional registration is to be regarded as a duplicate or certified copy of a certificate of registration issued under section 14(1) of the amended Ordinance to a person with provisional registration. 17. Pending application for registration (1) An application made under section 13 of the pre-amended Ordinance that was pending immediately before the commencement date is, subject to subsections (2) and (3), to continue to be processed under that section.(2) If an application referred to in subsection (1) is approved on or after the commencement date, the secretary of the board for the profession must, after the existing prescribed fee is paid—(a) enter the applicant’s name in the corresponding part of the new register in accordance with the regulations; and(b) issue to the applicant a certificate of registration under section 14(1) of the amended Ordinance.(3) If an application referred to in subsection (1) is rejected on or after the commencement date, the decision is to be regarded as a decision made by a board to reject an application under section 13(3) of the amended Ordinance and sections 13(3A) and (as the case requires) 25 of the amended Ordinance apply in relation to the decision accordingly. 18. Pending application for restoration of name to register (1) This section applies if—(a) before the commencement date, a person’s name was removed from a part of an existing register (original part);(b) the person has, before the commencement date, applied to the relevant board for the restoration of the person’s name to the original part under section 10(5) of the pre-amended Ordinance; and(c) the application was pending the decision of the relevant board immediately before the commencement date.(2) The application is, subject to subsections (3) and (4), to continue to be processed under section 10(5) of the pre-amended Ordinance.(3) If the application is approved on or after the commencement date, the board for the profession must direct the secretary of the board to restore the person’s name to the part of the new register that corresponds to the original part in accordance with the regulations.(4) The secretary of the board must, after the existing prescribed fee is paid, restore the person’s name accordingly.(5) Subsections (6) and (7) apply if on the restoration of the person’s name, the person is a person whose name was entered in an existing register in accordance with section 13 of the pre-amended Ordinance immediately before the removal.(6) The certificate of registration issued to the person under section 14(1) of the pre-amended Ordinance that was in force immediately before the removal (original certificate of registration) is to be regarded as being in force as if it were issued under section 14(1) of the amended Ordinance to a person with full registration.(7) Accordingly, a duplicate or certified copy of an original certificate of registration is to be regarded as a duplicate or certified copy of a certificate of registration issued under section 14(1) of the amended Ordinance to a person with full registration.(8) Subsections (9) and (10) apply if on the restoration of the person’s name, the person is a person whose name was entered in an existing register in accordance with section 15 of the pre-amended Ordinance immediately before the removal.(9) The certificate of provisional registration issued to the person under section 15(2) of the pre-amended Ordinance that was in force immediately before the removal (original certificate of provisional registration) is to be regarded as being in force as if it were issued under section 14(1) of the amended Ordinance to a person with provisional registration.(10) Accordingly, a duplicate or certified copy of an original certificate of provisional registration is to be regarded as a duplicate or certified copy of a certificate of registration issued under section 14(1) of the amended Ordinance to a person with provisional registration. 19. Restoration of name removed from register under pre-amended Ordinance (other than one removed for specified period) (1) This section applies if—(a) before the commencement date, a person’s name was removed from a part of an existing register under section 22(1)(i) of the pre-amended Ordinance; and(b) either—(i) there was no pending application under section 10(5) of the pre-amended Ordinance for the restoration of the person’s name to the existing register immediately before the commencement date; or(ii) there was such an application immediately before the commencement date but the application was rejected.(2) Section 10 of the amended Ordinance applies in relation to the person as if the person’s name were removed from a corresponding part of a new register in accordance with the provisions of the amended Ordinance. 20. Restoration of name removed under pre-amended Ordinance for specified period (1) This section applies if—(a) before the commencement date, a person’s name was removed from a part of an existing register for a period under section 22(1)(ii) of the pre-amended Ordinance; and(b) either—(i) there was no pending application under section 10(5) of the pre-amended Ordinance for the restoration of the person’s name to the existing register immediately before the commencement date;

or(ii) there was such an application immediately before the commencement date but the application was rejected.(2) Section 10 of the amended Ordinance applies in relation to the person as if the person’s name were removed from a corresponding part of a new register on an order made under section 22(1)(ii) of the amended Ordinance with a right to apply for restoration under section 10 of the amended Ordinance after the expiry of the period.(3) Subsections (4) and (5) apply if on the restoration of the person’s name, the person is a person whose name was entered in an existing register in accordance with section 13 of the pre-amended Ordinance immediately before the removal.(4) The certificate of registration issued to the person under section 14(1) of the pre-amended Ordinance that was in force immediately before the removal (original certificate of registration) is to be regarded as being in force as if it were issued under section 14(1) of the amended Ordinance to a person with full registration.(5) Accordingly, a duplicate or certified copy of an original certificate of registration is to be regarded as a duplicate or certified copy of a certificate of registration issued under section 14(1) of the amended Ordinance to a person with full registration.(6) Subsections (7) and (8) apply if on the restoration of the person’s name, the person is a person whose name was entered in an existing register in accordance with section 15 of the pre-amended Ordinance immediately before the removal.(7) The certificate of provisional registration issued to the person under section 15(2) of the pre-amended Ordinance that was in force immediately before the removal (original certificate of provisional registration) is to be regarded as being in force as if it were issued under section 14(1) of the amended Ordinance to a person with provisional registration.(8) Accordingly, a duplicate or certified copy of an original certificate of provisional registration is to be regarded as a duplicate or certified copy of a certificate of registration issued under section 14(1) of the amended Ordinance to a person with provisional registration. 21. Existing practising certificate issued to registered person (1) On and after the commencement date, a practising certificate issued to a person under section 16(2) of the pre-amended Ordinance that was in force immediately before the commencement date (existing certificate) continues to be in force for the unexpired period.(2) If the person is an existing registrant, the existing certificate is regarded as a practising certificate issued to a person with full registration. 22. Pending application for practising certificate (1) Subject to subsections (2), (3) and (4), the pre-amended Ordinance applies in relation to an application for the issue of a practising certificate under section 16 of the pre-amended Ordinance made by a registered person that was pending immediately before the commencement date.(2) If an application referred to in subsection (1) is approved on or after the commencement date and the person is an existing registrant, the board must, after the existing prescribed fee is paid, issue a practising certificate under section 16 of the amended Ordinance to the person as if the application were made by a person with full registration.(3) If an application referred to in subsection (1) is approved on or after the commencement date and the person is a person with provisional registration, the board must, after the existing prescribed fee is paid, issue a practising certificate under section 16 of the amended Ordinance to the person as if the application were made by a person with provisional registration.(4) A practising certificate issued under subsection (2) or (3) is in force for a period in accordance with section 16(3) of the pre-amended Ordinance.