How the CNHC works with the Professions

The key function of the voluntary regulator (CNHC) is to enhance public protection. This will be achieved by working with the professions to maintain and improve standards, by providing a route for enquiries about registered complementary healthcare practitioners, and, if necessary, for managing a complaint about a practitioner.

CNHC strongly encourages practitioners on its Register to be a member of a relevant professional association.

The key function of the professional associations will be to continue to provide support for the practitioners themselves. This will be achieved variously in the form of standard setting, provision of courses, CPD and a range of other services, such as information and insurance services. The professional bodies play a crucial role in supporting practitioners and in furthering their professional development. Click here for further information on the key differences between regulatory bodies and professional bodies.

Representatives from many professional associations have helped set up the CNHC register, and have worked hard as part of the Federal Working Group and beyond to develop this approach. They continue to be involved via CNHC's Profession Specific Boards (PSBs). See The Role, Terms of Reference and Membership Criteria of PSBs for further information.

Several Professional Associations have also been working with us to communicate the professional advantages of registration for their members.  We see this as a good example of the mutually beneficial relationship between CNHC and the professional associations in the complementary healthcare field.

In April 2010, the CNHC Board confirmed that CNHC should accept verifications by all PAs who can meet CNHCs verification requirements, and not just those who are members of the appropriate Professional Forum. For full details see Board statement on verification procedure. 

CNHC's bottom line will always be that only those who meet the CNHC criteria/standards for entry will be admitted to the register. Click here to view the new verification processes.

CNHC, as the regulatory body, will continue to work very closely with professional associations on a variety of professional issues.

See Events for information on our next event for Professional Associations.