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This is a Bill, not an Act. For current law, see the Acts databases.


CHIROPRACTORS REGISTRATION BILL 1996

Clause                              Page

            Chiropractors Registration Act 1996
                                  Act No.


                      TABLE OF PROVISIONS
Clause                              Page

PART 1--PRELIMINARY                                                         1
  1.     Purposes                                                           1
  2.     Commencement                                                       2
  3.     Definitions                                                        2

PART 2--REGISTRATION                                                        5
Division 1--Procedure for Obtaining Registration                            5
  4.     Application for registration                                       5
  5.     Qualifications for general registration                            5
  6.     General registration                                               6
  7.     Specific registration                                              8
  8.     Entitlement of applicant to make submissions                       9
  9.     Notification of outcome of application                             9
  10.    Duration and renewal of registration                              10
  11.    Application for renewal of and refusal to renew registration      10
  12.    Restoration of name to the register                               10
  13.    Effect of suspension of registration                              11
  14.    Registration obtained by fraud                                    11
Division 2--The Register                                                   12
  15.    The Register                                                      12
  16.    Certificates                                                      12
  17.    Use of certificate as evidence                                    13
  18.    Requirement to notify the Board of change of address              13
  19.    Notification of death by Registrar of Births, Deaths, Marriages
         and Names                                                         14

PART 3--INVESTIGATIONS INTO REGISTERED
CHIROPRACTORS                                                              15
Division 1--Preliminary investigations into professional conduct           15
  20.    Complaints about the professional conduct of chiropractors        15
  21.    When complaints about professional conduct are to be
         investigated by Health Services Commissioner                      15
  22.    When complaints about professional conduct are to be
         investigated by the Board                                         16


                                       i
531071B.I1-16/10/96                            BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Clause Page 23. Outcome of preliminary investigation 16 24. Board may institute a hearing into professional conduct 17 25. Suspension of registration upon commencement of investigation 17 Division 2--Preliminary investigation into the health of registered chiropractors 18 26. Commencement of preliminary investigation 18 27. Notification to chiropractor 18 28. Medical examination 19 29. Report of examination 19 30. Outcome of preliminary investigation 20 31. Referral to formal hearing 20 32. Request for conditions, limitations or restrictions 21 33. Revocation of suspension of registration or condition, limitation or restriction imposed on registration 21 34. Immediate suspension of registration 22 Division 3--Formal and Informal Hearings 22 35. Establishment and notification of an informal hearing 22 36. Constitution of a panel for an informal hearing 23 37. Notice of an informal hearing 23 38. Conduct of an informal hearing 24 39. Findings and determinations of an informal hearing 24 40. Change of informal hearing to formal hearing during course of hearing 25 41. Request for formal hearing upon completion of informal hearing 25 42. Establishment and notification of formal hearing 25 43. Constitution of a hearing panel for a formal hearing 26 44. Notice of a formal hearing 27 45. Conduct of a formal hearing 27 46. Findings and determinations of a formal hearing into conduct 28 47. Findings and determinations of a formal hearing into ability to practise 29 Division 4--General Provisions relating to Investigations 30 48. Procedure at formal and informal hearings 30 49. Powers of panel conducting a formal hearing 30 50. Determinations 31 51. Removal of suspension, condition, limitation or restriction 31 52. Reasons for determinations of panel or Board 31 53. Notifications 32 54. Offence to disclose information identifying complainant 33 55. Terms and conditions of appointment of panel members 33 PART 4--REVIEW BY ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS TRIBUNAL 35 ii 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Clause Page 56. Review by AAT 35 57. Notification 35 PART 5--OFFENCES 37 58. Claims by persons as to registration 37 59. Fraud, forgery etc. 38 60. Advertising 38 PART 6--ADMINISTRATION 40 61. Establishment of Board 40 62. Powers, functions and consultation requirements 40 63. Membership of the Board 41 64. Terms of office 41 65. Resignation and removal 42 66. President and Deputy President 42 67. Acting member 43 68. Payment of members 43 69. Procedure of Board 44 70. Member's interests 44 71. Resolutions without meetings 45 72. Approved methods of communication for Board 46 73. Effect of vacancy or defect 46 74. Immunity 46 75. Staff 47 76. Delegation 47 PART 7--REPORTING AND FINANCIAL PROVISIONS 49 77. Chiropractors Registration Board Fund 49 78. Investment powers 49 79. Repayment of advances 49 PART 8--ENFORCEMENT AND SUPPLEMENTARY POWERS 51 80. Proceedings for offences 51 81. Identification 51 82. Powers of entry with warrant 51 83. Announcement before entry 53 84. Copy of warrant to be given to occupier 53 85. Copies or receipts to be given 53 86. Powers of Board in relation to fees 54 PART 9--REGULATIONS 55 87. Supreme Court--Limitation of jurisdiction 55 88. Regulations 55 iii 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Clause Page PART 10--SAVINGS, TRANSITIONAL AND AMENDMENTS 57 89. Definitions 57 90. Repeal 57 91. New Board succeeds old Board 57 92. Proceedings before the old Board 58 93. Application of this Act to conduct occurring before commencement of this Act 59 94. Existing registrations 59 95. References 61 96. Preparation of annual report 61 97. Amendment of Health Services (Conciliation and Review) Act 1987 61 98. Minor consequential amendments 62 _______________ SCHEDULE 63 NOTES 64 iv 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

A BILL to make further provision for the registration of chiropractors, the investigation into the professional conduct or fitness to practise of registered chiropractors, to regulate the advertising of chiropractic services, to establish the Chiropractors Registration Board of Victoria and the Chiropractors Registration Board Fund of Victoria, to repeal the Chiropractors and Osteopaths Act 1978 and to make consequential amendments to other Acts and for other purposes. Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 The Parliament of Victoria enacts as follows: PART 1--PRELIMINARY 1. Purposes The main purposes of this Act are-- (a) to protect the public by providing for the 5 registration of chiropractors and investigations into the professional conduct 1 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 2 Act No. and fitness to practise of registered chiropractors; and (b) to regulate the advertising of chiropractic services; and 5 (c) to establish the Chiropractors Registration Board of Victoria and the Chiropractors Registration Board Fund of Victoria; and (d) to repeal the Chiropractors and Osteopaths Act 1978; and 10 (e) to make consequential amendments to other Acts; and (f) to provide for other related matters. 2. Commencement (1) Section 1 and this section come into operation on 15 the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent. (2) Subject to sub-section (3), the remaining provisions of this Act come into operation on a day or days to be proclaimed. 20 (3) If a provision referred to in sub-section (2) does not come into operation before 1 July 1997, it comes into operation on that day. 3. Definitions In this Act-- 25 "Administrative Appeals Tribunal" means the Administrative Appeals Tribunal established under the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1984; "alcoholic" has the same meaning as in the 30 Alcoholics and Drug-dependent Persons Act 1968; 2 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 3 Act No. "Board" means the Chiropractors Registration Board of Victoria established under Part 6; "drug-dependent person" has the same meaning as in the Alcoholics and Drug-dependent 5 Persons Act 1968; "Fund" means the Chiropractors Registration Board Fund established under Part 7; "Health Services Commissioner" means the Health Services Commissioner within the 10 meaning of the Health Services (Conciliation and Review) Act 1987; "lawyer" means a person admitted to practise as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court; 15 "register" means the register of chiropractors kept under Part 2; "registered chiropractor" means a person registered under Part 2, whether or not the registration of that person is general or 20 specific; "unprofessional conduct" means all or any of the following-- (a) professional conduct which is of a lesser standard than that which the 25 public might reasonably expect of a registered chiropractor; (b) professional conduct which is of a lesser standard than that which might reasonably be expected of a 30 chiropractor by his or her peers; (c) professional misconduct; (d) infamous conduct in a professional respect; 3 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 3 Act No. (e) providing a person with health services of a kind that is excessive, unnecessary or not reasonably required for that person's well-being; 5 (f) influencing or attempting to influence the conduct of a chiropractic practice in such a way that patient care may be compromised; (g) the failure to act as a chiropractor when 10 required under an Act or regulations to do so; (h) a finding of guilt of-- (i) an indictable offence in Victoria, or an equivalent offence in 15 another jurisdiction; or (ii) an offence where the chiropractor's ability to continue to practise is likely to be affected because of the finding of guilt or 20 where it is not in the public interest to allow the chiropractor to continue to practise because of the finding of guilt; or (iii) an offence under this Act or the 25 regulations; or (iv) an offence as a chiropractor under any other Act or regulations. _______________ 4 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 4 Act No. PART 2--REGISTRATION Division 1--Procedure for Obtaining Registration 4. Application for registration (1) An application for registration as a chiropractor 5 may be made to the Board. (2) An application must be-- (a) in writing in the prescribed form and accompanied by evidence of the qualifications which the applicant claims 10 entitle him or her to the type of registration applied for; and (b) accompanied by the fee determined by the Board. (3) The Board-- 15 (a) may require the applicant to provide further information or material in respect of the application; and (b) may require that the information in the application be verified by a declaration under 20 section 107 of the Evidence Act 1958; and (c) may require proof of identity of the person making the application. 5. Qualifications for general registration A person is qualified for general registration as a 25 chiropractor if that person-- (a) has successfully completed a course of study accredited by the Board; or (b) in the opinion of the Board, has a qualification that is subsantially equivalent 5 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 6 Act No. or is based on similar competencies to an accredited course; or (c) has passed an examination set by or on behalf of the Board; or 5 (d) has a qualification that is recognised in another State or Territory of the Commonwealth for the purposes of undertaking work of a similar nature to that which a person, holding a qualification to 10 which paragraph (a), (b) or (c) applies, is qualified to undertake. 6. General registration (1) The Board must grant general registration as a chiropractor to an applicant, if-- 15 (a) the applicant is qualified for registration under section 5; and (b) there are no grounds under sub-section (2) under which the Board may refuse to grant registration to the applicant; and 20 (c) the circumstances are such that section 7 does not apply; and (d) the applicant has paid the fee determined by the Board under section 4(2)(b). (2) The Board may refuse to grant registration to an 25 applicant on any one or more of the following grounds-- (a) that the character of the applicant is such that it would not be in the public interest to allow the applicant to practise as a registered 30 chiropractor; (b) that the applicant is unfit to practise as a registered chiropractor because he or she is an alcoholic or drug-dependent person; 6 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 6 Act No. (c) that the applicant has been found guilty of an indictable offence in Victoria or an equivalent offence in another jurisdiction; (d) that the applicant has been found guilty of an 5 offence where the ability of the applicant to practise is likely to be affected because of the finding of guilt or where it is not in the public interest to allow the applicant to practise because of the finding of guilt; 10 (e) that the applicant has previously been registered under this Act or the Chiropractors and Osteopaths Act 1978 and during the course of that registration has had proceedings under Part 3 or similar 15 proceedings under the Chiropractors and Osteopaths Act 1978 brought against him or her and those proceedings have never been finalised; (f) that, in the opinion of the Board, the 20 applicant is unfit to be registered because he or she has a physical or mental impairment which significantly impairs his or her ability to practise as a registered chiropractor; (g) that the applicant's competency in speaking 25 or communicating in English is not sufficient for that person to practise as a registered chiropractor; (h) that the applicant has previously held a right to practise as a chiropractor in another 30 country, being the equivalent of registration as a chiropractor under this Act, and that right has been cancelled or suspended and not restored because of conduct which, if committed within Victoria, would entitle the 35 Board to suspend or cancel registration. 7 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 7 Act No. (3) A grant of registration under this section is subject to any conditions, limitations or restrictions that the Board thinks fit. (4) The Board may, upon application by the 5 registered chiropractor, amend, vary or revoke any condition, limitation or restriction imposed under sub-section (3). 7. Specific registration (1) The Board may grant or refuse to grant specific 10 registration as a chiropractor to an applicant if the applicant holds qualifications in chiropractic which do not qualify that applicant for general registration-- (a) to enable that applicant to undertake 15 supervised study or training or a course approved by the Board at a tertiary institution; or (b) to enable that applicant to fill a chiropractic teaching or research position at a tertiary 20 institution approved by the Board; or (c) to enable an applicant from another country to practise in Victoria if that applicant has exchanged practice with a registered chiropractor for a limited period with the 25 prior permission of the Board. (2) A grant of specific registration under this section is subject to any conditions, limitations or restrictions imposed by the Board including the period of registration which must not exceed 12 30 months. (3) The Board may of its own motion, or upon application by the chiropractor granted specific registration, amend, vary or revoke any condition, limitation or restriction imposed under sub-section 35 (2). 8 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 8 Act No. 8. Entitlement of applicant to make submissions If the Board is proposing to refuse an application for registration or to impose conditions, limitations or restrictions on the registration of an 5 applicant, the Board must not do so until-- (a) it has given the applicant notice of this proposal; and (b) it has given the applicant an opportunity to make submissions to the Board about the 10 proposal. 9. Notification of outcome of application (1) Upon determining an application for registration under this Part, the Board must notify the applicant as to whether or not registration has 15 been granted to the applicant. (2) A notice under sub-section (1) must include the following information-- (a) if the registration has been granted-- (i) the type of registration granted; and 20 (ii) whether or not any conditions, limitations or restrictions have been imposed on the registration and, if so, the reasons for imposing the conditions, limitations or restrictions; or 25 (b) if the registration has not been granted-- (i) the reasons why it has not been granted; and (ii) a statement that the applicant has a right to obtain a review of the decision 30 not to grant registration. 9 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 10 Act No. 10. Duration and renewal of registration The registration of a chiropractor which is not specific or renewal of such registration continues in force for 12 months after the grant or renewal 5 of registration. 11. Application for renewal of and refusal to renew registration (1) An application for renewal of registration which is not specific-- 10 (a) must be made to the Board before the existing registration expires; and (b) must be accompanied by the fee determined by the Board. (2) If a person does not apply for renewal of 15 registration before the end of the existing registration period, the Board may renew that person's registration if application is made within 3 months after the end of the registration period and if the applicant pays an additional renewal fee 20 determined by the Board which must not be more than 50% of the original fee. (3) If a person's registration has expired without being renewed that person is deemed to be registered for a period of 3 months after that expiry, and if, at 25 the end of that period of 3 months, that person has not renewed his or her registration, the Board must remove that person's name from the register. (4) The Board may refuse to renew the registration of an applicant under this Part on any ground on 30 which the Board might refuse to grant registration. 12. Restoration of name to the register If a person whose name has been removed from the register under section 11(3)-- 10 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 13 Act No. (a) applies to the Board within 2 years from the date of that removal to have his or her name restored to the register; and (b) pays to the Board the fee fixed by the Board 5 for that purpose within that period-- the Board may restore that person's name to the register. 13. Effect of suspension of registration For the purposes of this Act, a chiropractor whose 10 registration is suspended is deemed to be not registered for the period of that suspension. 14. Registration obtained by fraud (1) If the Board believes that the registration of a chiropractor has been obtained by fraud or 15 misrepresentation or that the qualifications upon which the chiropractor relied for registration have been withdrawn the Board must conduct a hearing into the matter. (2) The Board must give notice of the time and place 20 of the hearing to the chiropractor. (3) The provisions applying to the conduct of a formal hearing under Part 3 apply to a hearing under this section as if a hearing under this section were a formal hearing. 25 (4) If, at the end of the hearing, the Board determines that the registration of the chiropractor has been obtained by fraud or misrepresentation or that the qualifications upon which the chiropractor has relied for registration have been withdrawn, the 30 Board must cancel the registration of the chiropractor. 11 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 15 Act No. Division 2--The Register 15. The Register (1) The Board must cause to be kept a register of all chiropractors to whom the Board has granted 5 registration under this Act. (2) The register is to be called the Register of Chiropractors. (3) The following particulars must be included on the register against the name of the chiropractor to 10 whom they apply-- (a) any current suspension of the registration of the chiropractor; (b) any current condition, limitation or restriction imposed on the registration of the 15 chiropractor; (c) the prescribed information. (4) The register may be inspected at the office of the Board by any person during ordinary office hours without charge. 20 (5) A person may obtain a copy of or an extract from the register on payment of the fee determined by the Board. (6) A registered chiropractor's private address must not appear on that part of the register which is 25 open to the public for inspection, unless the chiropractor so authorises. 16. Certificates (1) Upon-- (a) granting registration to a person under this 30 Part; or 12 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 17 Act No. (b) renewing the registration of a person under this Part-- the Board must issue a certificate of registration to that person. 5 (2) The following particulars must be included on a certificate of registration-- (a) any condition, limitation or restriction imposed on the registration of the chiropractor; and 10 (b) the prescribed information. (3) If a chiropractor's registration under this Part has been suspended or cancelled, that chiropractor must return his or her certificate of registration to the Board. 15 Penalty: 20 penalty units. 17. Use of certificate as evidence A certificate purporting to be signed by the President or any two members of the Board to the effect that-- 20 (a) a chiropractor is or is not or was or was not, at any specified date, registered; or (b) that any disciplinary or other action is or is not or was or was not, at any specified date, being taken against that chiropractor-- 25 is evidence, and, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, is proof of the matters stated in it. 18. Requirement to notify the Board of change of address A registered chiropractor must notify the Board of any change of the address of the chiropractor 30 which appears on the register within 14 days after that change having been made. Penalty: 10 penalty units. 13 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 19 Act No. 19. Notification of death by Registrar of Births, Deaths, Marriages and Names (1) Upon registering the death of any person appearing from the records of the Registrar of 5 Births, Deaths, Marriages and Names to be a registered chiropractor, the Registrar must immediately give notice of the death by post to the Board. (2) Upon receiving a notice under sub-section (1), the 10 Board must cause the name of the chiropractor to be removed from the register. _______________ 14 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 20 Act No. PART 3--INVESTIGATIONS INTO REGISTERED CHIROPRACTORS Division 1--Preliminary investigations into professional conduct 5 20. Complaints about the professional conduct of chiropractors A person may make a complaint about a registered chiropractor to the Board. 21. When complaints about professional conduct are to be 10 investigated by Health Services Commissioner (1) If the Board receives a complaint about a registered chiropractor, and the complaint is of a kind which may be made under the Health Services (Conciliation and Review) Act 1987, 15 the Board must notify the Health Services Commissioner and give a copy of the complaint to the Health Services Commissioner as soon as possible after it has received the complaint. (2) The Board, in consultation with the Health 20 Services Commissioner, must determine whether or not the complaint is to be dealt with by the Commissioner or the Board. (3) The Health Services (Conciliation and Review) Act 1987 applies to a complaint made under this 25 Part which is to be dealt with by the Health Services Commissioner as if the complaint were made under section 16 of that Act. (4) The Board must not deal further with a complaint made under this Part that is to be dealt with by the 30 Health Services Commissioner unless the Health Services Commissioner refers the matter back to the Board under section 19(6) of the Health Services (Conciliation and Review) Act 1987. 15 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 22 Act No. (5) If a complaint has been referred to and is being dealt with by the Health Services Commissioner, the Commissioner must advise the Board, when the matter is completed, of the outcome of the 5 matter. 22. When complaints about professional conduct are to be investigated by the Board (1) The Board must investigate a complaint concerning the professional conduct of a 10 registered chiropractor unless-- (a) the complaint is to be dealt with by the Health Services Commissioner under section 21; or (b) the Board has determined the complaint to 15 be frivolous or vexatious. (2) In order to determine whether or not it is necessary to conduct a formal or informal hearing into a complaint, the Board must conduct a preliminary investigation into the complaint. 20 (3) The Board may, in writing, delegate to-- (a) an officer of the Board; or (b) a lawyer or investigator retained by the Board; or (c) a sub-committee of the Board consisting of 25 not more than 3 members of the Board-- its power to conduct a preliminary investigation into a complaint, other than its power to make determinations upon a preliminary investigation. 23. Outcome of preliminary investigation 30 (1) Upon completing a preliminary investigation, the person conducting the investigation may make one of the following recommendations-- 16 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 24 Act No. (a) that the investigation into the matter should not proceed further; or (b) that an informal or formal hearing should be held into the matter. 5 (2) The Board must determine whether or not to act on the recommendations of the person conducting the preliminary investigation. 24. Board may institute a hearing into professional conduct 10 The Board may, of its own motion, determine to conduct a formal or informal hearing into the professional conduct of a registered chiropractor without conducting a preliminary investigation. 25. Suspension of registration upon commencement of 15 investigation (1) The Board, upon making a determination-- (a) to conduct a preliminary investigation into a complaint made to the Board about the professional conduct of a registered 20 chiropractor; or (b) to conduct a formal or informal hearing into the professional conduct of a registered chiropractor without preliminary investigation-- 25 may suspend the registration of the chiropractor until any investigation and any hearing into the matter is completed if the Board is of the opinion that it is necessary to do so because there is a serious risk that the health and safety of the public 30 will be endangered. (2) If the Board has suspended the registration of a chiropractor under sub-section (1), it must-- (a) immediately notify the chiropractor of that suspension; and 17 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 26 Act No. (b) ensure that the matter is investigated as soon as possible after that suspension. Division 2--Preliminary investigation into the health of registered chiropractors 5 26. Commencement of preliminary investigation If the Board believes the ability of a chiropractor to practise chiropractic may be affected because-- (a) of the physical or mental health of the chiropractor; or 10 (b) the chiropractor has an incapacity; or (c) the chiropractor is an alcoholic or drug- dependent person-- the Board may appoint one of its members to conduct a preliminary investigation into the 15 matter. 27. Notification to chiropractor (1) The member of the Board appointed to investigate the matter must give notice of the preliminary investigation to the chiropractor. 20 (2) A notice under sub-section (1) must-- (a) be in writing; and (b) be sent by registered post as soon as possible after the Board's decision has been made; and 25 (c) advise the chiropractor of the nature of the matter to be investigated; and (d) ask the chiropractor to advise the Board as to whether or not he or she will agree to undergo a medical examination within 28 30 days after receiving the notice; and 18 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 28 Act No. (e) advise the chiropractor of the procedures that can be taken under this Part. 28. Medical examination (1) If the chiropractor agrees to undergo a medical 5 examination within 28 days, the chiropractor must be examined by a registered medical practitioner who is agreed upon by the Board and the chiropractor. (2) If the Board and the chiropractor are unable to 10 agree upon a registered medical practitioner to conduct the examination, the Minister must appoint a registered medical practitioner to perform the examination. (3) The Board must pay for the examination. 15 29. Report of examination (1) The examining medical practitioner must give a report of his or her examination to the member of the Board appointed to investigate the matter, and, not more than 7 days later, to the chiropractor 20 being investigated. (2) The person appointed to investigate the matter must discuss the report with the chiropractor, and, in the case of an adverse finding in the report, the possible ways of dealing with that finding. 25 (3) After discussing the report with the chiropractor, the person appointed to investigate the matter must report to the Board. (4) Despite sub-section (1), if the report contains information of a medical or psychiatric nature 30 concerning the chiropractor, and it appears to the person appointed to conduct the investigation that the disclosure of that information to the chiropractor might be prejudicial to the physical or mental health or well being of the chiropractor, 35 the investigator may decide not to give that 19 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 30 Act No. information to the chiropractor but to give it instead to another chiropractor nominated by that chiropractor. (5) Before acting under sub-section (4), the 5 investigator must report to the Board and, if the investigator is not a chiropractor and the Board is of the opinion that it is necessary for the investigation of the matter to be continued by a chiropractor, the Board may appoint a 10 chiropractor to continue the investigation. 30. Outcome of preliminary investigation (1) If, after considering the reports given under section 29, the Board decides that further action should be taken, the Board must ask the 15 chiropractor whether or not he or she is prepared to agree to-- (a) alter the way in which he or she practises chiropractic; or (b) the imposition of conditions, limitations or 20 restrictions on his or her registration; or (c) the suspension of his or her registration for the period of time specified by the Board. (2) The Board may take any action that is necessary to implement an agreement under sub-section (1). 25 31. Referral to formal hearing If a registered chiropractor who is the subject of a preliminary investigation under this Division-- (a) does not agree to undergo a medical examination or does not abide by an 30 agreement to undergo a medical examination; or (b) does not reach an agreement with the Board under section 30 or does not abide by an 20 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 32 Act No. agreement reached with the Board under section 30-- the Board may refer the matter to a formal hearing. 5 32. Request for conditions, limitations or restrictions (1) A registered chiropractor who believes that his or her ability to practise chiropractic is affected because-- (a) of his or her physical or mental health; or 10 (b) he or she has an incapacity; or (c) he or she is an alcoholic or drug-dependent person-- may ask the Board to impose a condition, limitation or restriction on his or her practice. 15 (2) If the Board and the chiropractor agree upon the condition, limitation or restriction to be imposed, the Board may impose it. (3) If the chiropractor and the Board do not agree upon the condition, limitation or restriction to be 20 imposed, the Board must refer the matter to a preliminary investigation. 33. Revocation of suspension of registration or condition, limitation or restriction imposed on registration The Board may revoke a condition, limitation or 25 restriction imposed on the registration of a registered chiropractor or the suspension of a registered chiropractor's registration, if the chiropractor satisfies the Board that his or her ability to practise chiropractic is no longer 30 affected. 21 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 34 Act No. 34. Immediate suspension of registration (1) If the Board has referred a matter to a formal hearing under this Division, the Board may suspend the registration of the chiropractor until 5 the hearing is completed, if the Board is of the opinion that the ability of the chiropractor to practise chiropractic is affected to such an extent that to allow the chiropractor to continue to practise would pose a serious risk that the health 10 and safety of the public will be endangered. (2) If the Board has suspended the registration of a chiropractor under sub-section (1), it must-- (a) immediately notify the chiropractor of that suspension; and 15 (b) ensure that the matter is investigated as soon as possible after that suspension. Division 3--Formal and Informal Hearings 35. Establishment and notification of an informal hearing 20 If the Board has determined that an informal hearing be held into the professional conduct of a registered chiropractor under section 23 or 24, the Board must-- (a) appoint a panel to hold the hearing; and 25 (b) fix a time and place for the hearing to be held; and (c) by registered post, serve a notice on the chiropractor which complies with section 37; and 30 (d) serve notice on any complainant by registered post under section 53(4)(a) and (b). 22 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 36 Act No. 36. Constitution of a panel for an informal hearing (1) A panel appointed under section 35 is to consist of not more than 3 persons-- (a) who are to be members of the Board; and 5 (b) of whom, at least 1 is to be a registered chiropractor. (2) If-- (a) the Board is unable to appoint a panel because there are not enough members 10 available to sit on it; or (b) the Board is of the opinion that a person with special expertise is required for the hearing-- the Governor in Council may appoint persons who 15 are not members of the Board to fill the vacant positions on the panel. (3) A person who has undertaken a preliminary investigation of the matter is not entitled to be a member of the panel. 20 37. Notice of an informal hearing A notice of an informal hearing under section 35 must-- (a) state the nature of the hearing and the allegations made against the chiropractor; 25 and (b) give the time and place of the hearing; and (c) state that the chiropractor may choose to have the matter determined by a formal hearing and state the differences between a 30 formal and informal hearing; and (d) state that there is no right to legal representation at the hearing, but that the 23 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 38 Act No. chiropractor is entitled to be present and to make submissions and to be accompanied by another person, that the hearing is not open to the public and list the possible findings 5 the panel can make or orders the panel can give. 38. Conduct of an informal hearing At an informal hearing-- (a) the panel must hear and determine the matter 10 before it; and (b) the chiropractor who is the subject of the hearing is entitled to be present, to make submissions and to be accompanied by another person but is not entitled to be 15 represented; and (c) the proceedings of the hearing must not be open to the public. 39. Findings and determinations of an informal hearing (1) After considering all the submissions made to the 20 hearing the panel may find either-- (a) that the chiropractor has, whether by act or omission, engaged in unprofessional conduct which is not of a serious nature; or (b) that the chiropractor has not engaged in 25 unprofessional conduct. (2) If the panel finds that the chiropractor has, whether by act or omission, engaged in unprofessional conduct which is not of a serious nature, the panel may make one or more of the 30 following determinations-- (a) that the chiropractor undergo counselling; (b) that the chiropractor be cautioned; (c) that the chiropractor be reprimanded. 24 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 40 Act No. 40. Change of informal hearing to formal hearing during course of hearing If, before the end of the hearing-- (a) the chiropractor who is the subject of the 5 hearing fails to attend the hearing without good cause; or (b) the chiropractor requests that a formal hearing be held; or (c) the panel is of the opinion that a formal 10 hearing should be held-- the panel must abandon the informal hearing and refer the matter to a formal hearing. 41. Request for formal hearing upon completion of informal hearing 15 Upon the completion of an informal hearing, the chiropractor who was the subject of the hearing may request that a formal hearing be held to review any findings and determinations of the informal hearing. 20 42. Establishment and notification of formal hearing If-- (a) the Board has determined that a formal hearing be held under section 23 or 24 or has referred a matter to a formal hearing under 25 section 31; or (b) a chiropractor has requested a formal hearing under section 41; or (c) a panel has referred a matter to a formal hearing under section 40-- 30 the Board must-- (d) appoint a panel to hold the hearing; and 25 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 43 Act No. (e) fix a time and place for the hearing to be conducted; and (f) serve a notice on the chiropractor by registered post which complies with section 5 44; and (g) serve a notice on any complainant by registered post under section 53(4)(a) and (b). 43. Constitution of a hearing panel for a formal hearing 10 (1) A panel appointed under section 42 must consist of not less than 3 persons-- (a) who are to be members of the Board; and (b) of whom 1 is to be a lawyer and at least 1 is to be a registered chiropractor. 15 (2) If-- (a) the Board is unable to appoint a panel because there are not enough members available to sit on it; or (b) the Board is of the opinion that a person with 20 special expertise is required for the hearing-- the Governor in Council may appoint persons who are not members of the Board to fill the vacant positions on the panel. 25 (3) The following people are not entitled to be members of a panel for a formal hearing-- (a) a person who has undertaken a preliminary investigation of the matter which is the subject of the hearing; 30 (b) a person who has been a member of a panel which held an informal hearing into the matter. 26 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 44 Act No. 44. Notice of a formal hearing A notice of a formal hearing under section 42 must-- (a) state the nature of the hearing and the 5 allegations made against the chiropractor; and (b) give the time and place of the hearing; and (c) state that there is a right to make submissions and to be represented, that the hearing is 10 open to the public, list the possible findings the panel can make and state that there is a right to apply for review of the panel's findings. 45. Conduct of a formal hearing 15 At a formal hearing-- (a) the hearing panel must hear and determine the matter before it; and (b) the chiropractor who is the subject of the hearing is entitled to be present, to make 20 submissions and to be represented; and (c) if the hearing arises out of a complaint, the identity of the complainant is not to be published or broadcast and the complainant-- 25 (i) in the case of a proceeding which has not been closed under paragraph (d), is entitled to be present; and (ii) if not called as a witness, may make submissions with the permission of the 30 Board; and (d) the proceedings are to be open to the public unless the panel determines that the proceedings should be closed because the 27 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 46 Act No. hearing is taking evidence of intimate, personal or financial matters and, if the panel has determined that the proceedings are closed, the panel may determine that the 5 identity of any witness giving evidence in the proceedings is not to be published or broadcast. 46. Findings and determinations of a formal hearing into conduct 10 (1) After considering all the submissions made to a formal hearing into the professional conduct of a registered chiropractor the panel may find that-- (a) the chiropractor has, whether by act or omission, engaged in unprofessional conduct 15 of a serious nature; or (b) the chiropractor has, whether by act or omission, engaged in unprofessional conduct which is not of a serious nature; or (c) the chiropractor has not engaged in 20 unprofessional conduct. (2) If the panel finds that the chiropractor has, whether by act or omission, engaged in unprofessional conduct of a serious nature, the panel may make one or more of the following 25 determinations-- (a) require the chiropractor to undergo counselling; (b) caution the chiropractor; (c) reprimand the chiropractor; 30 (d) require the chiropractor to undertake further education of the kind stated in the determination and to complete it within the period specified in the determination; 28 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 47 Act No. (e) impose conditions, limitations or restrictions on the registration of the chiropractor; (f) impose a fine on the chiropractor of not more than $2000; 5 (g) suspend the registration of the chiropractor for the period specified in the determination; (h) cancel the registration of the chiropractor. (3) If the panel finds under sub-section (1)(b) that the chiropractor has, whether by act or omission, 10 engaged in unprofessional conduct which is not of a serious nature, the panel may make any determination which a panel at an informal hearing is able to make upon making such a finding. 15 (4) The panel must not impose a fine where the conduct which is the subject of the finding has resulted in a fine being imposed by another tribunal or court of law. (5) If the panel has made an order under sub-section 20 (2)(a) or (d) and the chiropractor has not complied with the order within the time specified in the order, the Board may suspend the chiropractor's registration until the order is complied with. 47. Findings and determinations of a formal hearing into 25 ability to practise (1) After considering all the submissions made to a formal hearing into the ability to practise of a registered chiropractor, the panel may find that-- (a) the ability of the chiropractor to practise is 30 affected because-- (i) of the physical or mental health of the chiropractor; or (ii) the chiropractor has an incapacity; or 29 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 48 Act No. (iii) the chiropractor is an alcoholic or drug- dependent person; or (b) the ability of the chiropractor is not affected. (2) If the panel makes a finding under sub-section 5 (1)(a), the panel may make one or more of the following determinations-- (a) to impose conditions, limitations or restrictions on the registration of the chiropractor; 10 (b) to suspend the registration of the chiropractor for the period and subject to the conditions, limitations and restrictions, if any, specified in the determination. Division 4--General Provisions relating to Investigations 15 48. Procedure at formal and informal hearings At a formal or informal hearing-- (a) subject to this Part, the procedure of a panel is in its discretion; and (b) the proceedings must be conducted with as 20 little formality and technicality as the requirements of this Act and the proper consideration of the matter permit; and (c) a panel is not bound by rules of evidence but may inform itself in any way it thinks fit; 25 and (d) a panel is bound by the rules of natural justice. 49. Powers of panel conducting a formal hearing Sections 14, 15, 16 and 21A of the Evidence Act 30 1958 apply to a panel in the conduct of a formal hearing as if it were a Board or the Chairman of a Board appointed by the Governor in Council. 30 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 50 Act No. 50. Determinations (1) A determination made by a panel on a hearing comes into operation on its making or at any later time stated in the determination. 5 (2) A determination of a panel is to have effect as if it were a determination of the Board. (3) If a fine is imposed by a panel it may be recovered by the Board as a debt due to the Board. 51. Removal of suspension, condition, limitation or 10 restriction (1) If the Board has suspended the registration of a chiropractor until the completion of a hearing and, at the completion of the hearing, the panel determines that the suspension should be 15 removed, the Board must remove the suspension. (2) If a condition, limitation or restriction has been imposed on the registration of a chiropractor and, at the completion of a hearing, the panel determines that the condition, limitation or 20 restriction should be removed, the Board must remove that condition, limitation or restriction. 52. Reasons for determinations of panel or Board (1) A panel must give reasons for a determination made under this Part to the chiropractor who was 25 the subject of the determination within 28 days after the making of the determination. (2) A person affected by a determination of a panel may apply to the panel for the reasons for that determination. 30 (3) An application under sub-section (2) must be made within 45 days after the making of the determination and reasons must be given to the applicant within 45 days after receiving the application. 31 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 53 Act No. 53. Notifications (1) If a determination has been made by a panel-- (a) imposing conditions, limitations or restrictions on the registration of a 5 chiropractor; or (b) suspending the registration of a chiropractor; or (c) cancelling the registration of a chiropractor-- 10 the Board must give notice of the determination-- (d) in the Government Gazette; and (e) to the chiropractic registration authorities in all other States or Territories of the Commonwealth and in New Zealand; and 15 (f) to the Health Services Commissioner; and (g) if the chiropractor is an employee, to his or her employer; and (h) if the Board has received a request for information about the person in respect of 20 whom the determination has been made from a chiropractic registration authority outside Australia, that authority. (2) Notice under sub-section (1) must be given as soon as possible after the determination has been 25 made. (3) No action for defamation lies against the Board or its members for giving a notice under this section. (4) If a complaint has been made to the Board, the Board must notify the complainant-- 30 (a) of whether or not a formal or informal hearing is to be conducted into the matter and, if so, of the time and place of the 32 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 54 Act No. hearing and, in the case of a formal hearing, of the fact that the complainant's identity is not to be published or broadcast; and (b) in the case of a formal or informal hearing, 5 of whether or not the complainant has any right to make submissions at the hearing; and (c) of the findings and determinations of any hearing arising from that complaint and the reasons for those findings and 10 determinations, within 28 days after their having been made. 54. Offence to disclose information identifying complainant A person must not publish or broadcast or cause 15 to be published or broadcast any report of a formal hearing under this Part which contains information which would enable-- (a) the complainant to be identified; or (b) if the panel has made a determination 20 prohibiting the publication or broadcast of the identity of a witness, that witness to be identified-- unless the complainant or witness has, before publication or broadcast, consented to this. 25 Penalty: 50 penalty units for a natural person or 100 penalty units for a body corporate. 55. Terms and conditions of appointment of panel members (1) A member of a panel, whether appointed by the 30 Board or the Governor in Council, is appointed on the terms and conditions determined by the Board for that member. (2) A member of a panel, other than a member who is an officer or employee of the public service within 33 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 55 Act No. the meaning of the Public Sector Management Act 1992, is entitled to receive the fees that are fixed from time to time by the Governor in Council for members of panels. 5 (3) A member of a panel is entitled to receive the allowances that are fixed from time to time by the Governor in Council. (4) In fixing fees under sub-section (2), the Governor in Council may fix different fees for different 10 classes of cases. (5) The Governor in Council may fix fees and allowances by reference to the regulations or guidelines made under the Public Sector Management Act 1992. 15 _______________ 34 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 56 Act No. PART 4--REVIEW BY ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS TRIBUNAL 56. Review by AAT (1) Without limiting section 27 of the Administrative 5 Appeals Tribunal Act 1984 a person may apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of-- (a) a decision to refuse a person's application for registration or renewal of registration; or 10 (b) a decision to impose conditions, limitations or restrictions on a person's registration; or (c) a decision of the Board to suspend the registration of a person, if the Board has not instituted an investigation into the 15 professional conduct or ability to practise of that person within a reasonable time after having suspended that registration; or (d) a finding or determination made at a formal hearing under Part 3. 20 (2) The application must be made within 28 days after the date on which the Board gives notice of the decision or determination to the person concerned. (3) If a provision of this section is inconsistent with a provision of the Administrative Appeals 25 Tribunal Act 1984, the provision of this section prevails. 57. Notification If a decision or determination has been reviewed by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, the 30 Board must notify any person who was notified of the 35 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 57 Act No. original decision or determination of any change to that decision or determination by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. _______________ 5 36 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 58 Act No. PART 5--OFFENCES 58. Claims by persons as to registration (1) A person who is not a registered chiropractor must not-- 5 (a) take or use the title of registered chiropractor or any other title calculated to induce a belief that the person is registered under this Act; or (b) claim to be registered under this Act or hold 10 himself or herself out as being registered under this Act; or (c) carry out any act which is required to be carried out by a registered chiropractor by or under an Act; or 15 (d) claim to be qualified to practise as a chiropractor. Penalty: 100 penalty units. (2) A registered chiropractor whose registration is specific must not-- 20 (a) take or use any title calculated to induce a belief that the chiropractor's registration is not specific; or (b) claim to have or hold himself or herself out as having general registration. 25 Penalty: 50 penalty units. (3) A registered chiropractor whose registration is subject to a condition, limitation or restriction must not-- (a) take or use any title calculated to induce a 30 belief that the chiropractor's registration is not subject to a condition, limitation or restriction; or 37 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 59 Act No. (b) claim to have or hold himself or herself out as having a registration which is not subject to any condition, limitation or restriction. Penalty: 50 penalty units. 5 (4) A person must not hold out another person as being registered under this Act if the person knows or ought reasonably to know that the other person is not so registered. Penalty: 100 penalty units. 10 59. Fraud, forgery etc. A person must not-- (a) fraudulently or by false representation or declaration (either orally or in writing) obtain registration under this Act; or 15 (b) fraudulently or by false representation (either orally or in writing) procure any person to be registered under this Act; or (c) forge, counterfeit or alter any certificate of registration under this Act or any degree, 20 diploma or other evidence of qualifications for registration under this Act; or (d) aid in the commission of an offence under paragraph (a), (b) or (c). Penalty: 100 penalty units or imprisonment for a 25 period of 2 years or both. 60. Advertising (1) A person must not advertise a chiropractic practice or chiropractic services in a manner which-- 30 (a) is or is intended to be false, misleading or deceptive; or 38 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 60 Act No. (b) offers a discount, gift or other inducement to attract patients to a chiropractor or chiropractic practice unless the advertisement also sets out the terms and 5 conditions of that offer; or (c) refers to, uses or quotes from testimonials or purported testimonials; or (d) unfavourably contrasts chiropractic services provided by a chiropractor or chiropractic 10 practice with services provided by another chiropractor or chiropractic practice. Penalty: 50 penalty units for a natural person or 100 penalty units for a body corporate. (2) If a body corporate contravenes sub-section (1), 15 any person who is concerned in or takes part in the management of that body corporate who was, in any way, by act or omission, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in or party to the commission of the offence also commits an 20 offence under sub-section (1) and is liable for the penalty applicable to a natural person for that offence. (3) A person who, in good faith, publishes or prints an advertisement which contravenes sub-section 25 (1) on behalf of another person, is not guilty of an offence under that sub-section. _______________ 39 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 61 Act No. PART 6--ADMINISTRATION 61. Establishment of Board (1) There is established a Board to be called the Chiropractors Registration Board of Victoria. 5 (2) The Board-- (a) is a body corporate with perpetual succession; and (b) has a common seal; and (c) may sue and be sued in its corporate name; 10 and (d) may acquire, hold and dispose of real and personal property; and (e) may do and suffer all acts and things that a body corporate may, by law, do and suffer. 15 (3) The common seal must be kept as directed by the Board and must not be used except as authorised by the Board. (4) All courts must take judicial notice of the seal of the Board on a document and, until the contrary is 20 proved, must presume that the document was properly sealed. 62. Powers, functions and consultation requirements (1) The Board has the following functions-- (a) to register persons who comply with the 25 requirements of this Act as to registration so that they may practise chiropractic in Victoria; (b) to accredit courses which provide qualifications for registration and practice as 30 chiropractors; 40 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 63 Act No. (c) to regulate the standards of practice of chiropractic; (d) to investigate the professional conduct or fitness to practise of registered chiropractors 5 and impose sanctions where necessary; (e) to issue guidelines about appropriate standards of chiropractic practice; (f) to advise the Minister on any matters relating to its functions; 10 (g) when so requested by the Minister, give to the Minister any information reasonably required by the Minister; (h) any other functions conferred on the Board by this Act. 15 (2) The Board has all the powers necessary to enable it to perform its functions. (3) The Board must consult with the Minister and have regard to the Minister's advice in carrying out its functions and exercising its powers. 20 63. Membership of the Board (1) The Board consists of 7 members nominated by the Minister and appointed by the Governor in Council. (2) Of the persons appointed to the Board-- 25 (a) 4 must be registered chiropractors; and (b) one must be a lawyer; and (c) 2 must be persons who are not chiropractors. 64. Terms of office (1) A member of the Board holds office for not more 30 than 3 years from the date of his or her appointment. 41 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 65 Act No. (2) A member of the Board is eligible for reappointment. (3) The Public Sector Management Act 1992 (except Part 9 or in accordance with Part 8) does 5 not apply to a member in respect of the office of member. 65. Resignation and removal (1) A member of the Board ceases to be a member if he or she is absent, without leave first being 10 granted by the Board, from 3 consecutive meetings of which reasonable notice has been given to that member, either personally or by post. (2) A member of the Board may resign the office of member by writing signed by the member and 15 addressed to the Governor in Council. (3) The Governor in Council may at any time remove a member of the Board from office. (4) If a member of the Board dies, resigns or is removed from office, the Governor in Council 20 may, in accordance with this Act, on the recommendation of the Minister, fill the vacant office. (5) A member appointed under sub-section (4) holds office for the rest of the term of appointment of 25 the member whose place he or she fills. 66. President and Deputy President (1) The Governor in Council may appoint members of the Board who are registered chiropractors to be President and Deputy President of the Board. 30 (2) A person appointed to an office under sub-section (1) holds office for the term specified in his or her instrument of appointment and is eligible for reappointment. 42 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 67 Act No. (3) A person appointed to an office under sub-section (1) may resign that office by writing signed by the person and addressed to the Governor in Council. (4) The Governor in Council may at any time remove 5 a person appointed under sub-section (1) from office. (5) A person appointed to an office under sub-section (1) ceases to hold that office on ceasing to be a member of the Board. 10 67. Acting member (1) If a member of the Board is unable to perform the duties or functions of the office, the Governor in Council may appoint a person qualified to be appointed as that member to act as the member 15 during the period of inability. (2) The Governor in Council-- (a) subject to this Act, may determine the terms and conditions of appointment of an acting member; and 20 (b) may at any time terminate the appointment. (3) While the appointment of an acting member remains in force, the acting member has and may exercise all the powers and perform all the duties and functions of the member. 25 68. Payment of members (1) A member or acting member of the Board, other than a member who is an officer or employee of the public service within the meaning of the Public Sector Management Act 1992, is entitled 30 to receive the fees that are fixed from time to time by the Governor in Council for that member. (2) Each member or acting member of the Board is entitled to receive the allowances that are fixed from time to time by the Governor in Council. 43 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 69 Act No. (3) The Governor in Council may fix these fees or allowances by reference to regulations or guidelines made under the Public Sector Management Act 1992. 5 69. Procedure of Board (1) The President or, in the absence of the President, the Deputy President must preside at a meeting of the Board at which he or she is present. (2) If neither the President nor Deputy President are 10 present at a meeting the members present may elect a member to preside at the meeting. (3) The person presiding at a meeting has a deliberative vote and a second or casting vote. (4) A majority of the members of the Board currently 15 holding office constitutes a quorum. (5) Subject to this Act, the Board may regulate its own proceedings. 70. Member's interests (1) A member who has a pecuniary or other interest in 20 any matter in which the Board is concerned must-- (a) if the member is present at a meeting of the Board at which the matter is to be considered, disclose the nature of the interest 25 immediately before the consideration of that matter; or (b) if the member is aware that the matter is to be considered at a meeting of the Board at which the member does not intend to be 30 present, disclose the nature of the interest to the President or Deputy President of the Board before the meeting is held. (2) The member-- 44 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 71 Act No. (a) may take part in the discussion in the meeting; and (b) must leave the meeting while any vote is taken on a question relating to the matter. 5 71. Resolutions without meetings (1) If-- (a) the Board has taken reasonable steps to give notice to each member setting out the terms of a proposed resolution; and 10 (b) a majority of the members for the time being sign a document containing a statement that they are in favour of the resolution in the terms set out in the document-- a resolution in those terms is deemed to have been 15 passed at a meeting of the Board held on the day on which the document is signed or, if the members referred to in paragraph (b) do not sign it on the same day, on the day on which the last of those members signs the document. 20 (2) If a resolution is, under sub-section (1), deemed to have been passed at a meeting of the Board, each member must as soon as practicable be advised of the matter and given a copy of the resolution. (3) For the purposes of sub-section (1), 2 or more 25 separate documents containing a statement in identical terms, each of which is signed by one or more members, are deemed to constitute one document. (4) The majority of members referred to in sub- 30 section (1)(b) must not include a member who, because of section 70, is not entitled to vote on the resolution. 45 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 72 74 Act No. (5) This section does not apply to any resolution of the Board relating to a matter being considered under Part 3. 72. Approved methods of communication for Board 5 (1) If not less than two thirds of the members of the Board for the time being holding office so agree, a meeting of the Board may be held by means of a method of communication, or by means of a combination of methods of communication, 10 approved by the President of the Board for the purposes of that meeting. (2) For the purposes of this Part, a member of the Board who participates in a meeting held as permitted by sub-section (1) is present at the 15 meeting even if he or she is not physically present at the same place as another member participating in the meeting. (3) This section-- (a) applies to a meeting or a part of a meeting; 20 (b) does not apply to a meeting conducted for the purposes of Part 3. 73. Effect of vacancy or defect An act or decision of the Board is not invalid only because-- 25 (a) of a vacancy in its membership; or (b) of a defect or irregularity in the appointment of any of its members; or (c) in the case of an acting member, the occasion for that member so acting had not 30 arisen or had ceased. 74. Immunity (1) A member of the Board or person responsible for keeping the register is not personally liable for 46 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 76 Act No. anything done or omitted to be done in good faith and without negligence-- (a) in the exercise of a power or the discharge of a duty under this Act; or 5 (b) in the reasonable belief that the act or omission was in the exercise of a power or the discharge of a duty under this Act. (2) Any liability resulting from an act or omission that would, but for sub-section (1), attach to a 10 member of the Board or the person responsible for keeping the register attaches instead to the Board. 75. Staff The Board may employ a person to be responsible for maintaining the register and any other persons 15 that are necessary for the purposes of administering this Act. 76. Delegation The Board may, in writing, delegate to-- (a) a member of the Board; or 20 (b) the person responsible for maintaining the register or any other member of the staff of the Board-- its powers and functions under this Act, other than-- 25 (c) the power to refuse to grant or refuse to renew registration; or (d) the power to impose or to amend, vary or revoke conditions, limitations or restrictions on registration; or 30 (e) the power to conduct any hearing or to make any determination under Part 2 or Part 3; or (f) this power to delegate. 47 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 Act No. _______________ 48 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 77 Act No. PART 7--REPORTING AND FINANCIAL PROVISIONS 77. Chiropractors Registration Board Fund (1) The Board must establish and keep a Chiropractors Registration Board Fund. 5 (2) All fees, fines and penalties paid or recovered by the Board under this Act must be paid into the Fund. (3) The Board must pay any other money received by it into the Fund, including income from the 10 investments of the Fund. (4) Out of the Fund, the Board must pay-- (a) the expenses incurred by it in carrying out its functions, powers and duties; and (b) any other expenses incurred in the 15 administration of this Act; and (c) any payments to be made to members of the Board under this Act and any payments to be made to other persons under this Act; and (d) any other payments recommended by the 20 Board and approved by the Minister. 78. Investment powers The Board may invest money credited to the Fund that it does not immediately require-- (a) in any manner in which money may be 25 invested under the Trustee Act 1958; or (b) in any other manner that the Minister approves. 79. Repayment of advances (1) The Board must pay into the public account the 30 amounts that the Minister administering section 14 of the Financial Management Act 1994, in 49 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 79 Act No. consultation with the Treasurer, determines are required to repay advances from the Public Account for the establishment and operation of the Board, including costs incurred before the 5 establishment of the Board to ensure that, when established, it can operate in a fully effective way. (2) Payments under sub-section (1) must be made in accordance with any other terms and conditions from time to time determined by the Minister 10 administering section 14 of the Financial Management Act 1994 in consultation with the Treasurer. (3) The Board must, as and when directed to do so by the Minister administering section 14 of the 15 Financial Management Act 1994, provide a plan for the repayment of advances referred to in sub- section (1). (4) The Board must, at least once in each period of 6 months after the commencement of this section, 20 and at any other time that the Minister administering section 14 of the Financial Management Act 1994 directs it to do so, report to that Minister in writing on its progress in making payments under sub-section (1). 25 _______________ 50 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 80 Act No. PART 8--ENFORCEMENT AND SUPPLEMENTARY POWERS 80. Proceedings for offences (1) The person responsible for maintaining the 5 register or any other officer authorised by the Board may take proceedings under this Act in the name of the Board. (2) Any prosecution instituted in the name of the Board must, in the absence of evidence to the 10 contrary, be taken to have been instituted by the Board. 81. Identification (1) The Board must issue an identification card to each person appointed by the Board to apply for 15 or execute search warrants for the purposes of this Act. (2) A person appointed by the Board must, in the course of performing his or her functions under this Act, produce his or her identification card to 20 any person who requests its production. 82. Powers of entry with warrant (1) A person appointed for that purpose by the Board may apply to a magistrate for the issue of a search warrant in relation to particular premises if that 25 person believes, on reasonable grounds-- (a) that there is or has been a contravention of this Act or the regulations on the premises; or (b) that entry into or onto the premises is 30 necessary for the purpose of investigating a complaint made under this Act which, if substantiated, may provide grounds for the 51 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 82 Act No. suspension or cancellation of registration of a registered chiropractor. (2) If a magistrate is satisfied by evidence on oath, whether oral or by affidavit, that there are 5 reasonable grounds for suspecting that there is on the premises a particular thing that may be evidence of the commission of an offence against this Act or the regulations or of grounds for the suspension or cancellation of the registration of a 10 chiropractor, the magistrate may issue a search warrant authorising any person named in the warrant-- (a) to enter the premises, or the part of the premises, named or described in the warrant; 15 and (b) to search for and seize a thing named or described in the warrant; and (c) to bring the thing before the Court so that the matter may be dealt with according to law. 20 (3) In addition to any other requirement, a search warrant issued for the purposes of this section must state-- (a) the offence or grounds of suspension or cancellation suspected; and 25 (b) the premises to be searched; and (c) a description of the thing to be searched for; and (d) any conditions to which the warrant is subject; and 30 (e) whether entry is authorised to be made at any time or during stated hours; and (f) a day, not later than 7 days after the issue of the warrant, on which the warrant ceases to have effect. 52 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 83 Act No. (4) A search warrant must be issued in accordance with the Magistrates' Courts Act 1989 and in a form prescribed under that Act. (5) The rules to be observed with respect to search 5 warrants mentioned in the Magistrates' Courts Act 1989 extend and apply to warrants under this section. 83. Announcement before entry (1) Immediately before executing a search warrant, a 10 person named in the warrant must announce that he or she is authorised by the warrant to enter the premises. (2) The person need not comply with sub-section (1) if he or she believes on reasonable grounds that 15 immediate entry to the premises is required to ensure the safety of any person or that the effective execution of the search warrant is not frustrated. 84. Copy of warrant to be given to occupier 20 If the occupier or another person who apparently represents the occupier is present at premises when a search warrant is being executed, the person or persons named in the warrant must-- (a) identify themselves to that person by 25 producing their identification card for inspection by that person; and (b) give to that person a copy of the execution copy of the warrant. 85. Copies or receipts to be given 30 (1) If a person seizes-- (a) a document, disk or tape or other thing that can be readily copied; or 53 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 86 Act No. (b) a storage device the information in which can be readily copied-- under a warrant the person, on request by the occupier, must give a copy of the thing or 5 information to the occupier as soon as practicable after the seizure. (2) If a person seizes a thing under a warrant and has not provided a copy of the thing or information under sub-section (1) the person must provide a 10 receipt for that thing as soon as practicable after the seizure. 86. Powers of Board in relation to fees (1) In the case of any fee which the Board is empowered to fix under this Act-- 15 (a) the Board must fix the fee for a period of 12 months and may amend or vary the fee at the end of that period; and (b) the Board may fix a different fee for a different case and may allow for the 20 reduction, waiver or refund, in whole or in part, of any fee; and (c) the Board must publish any fee it has fixed in a newspaper circulating generally throughout Victoria and in the Government 25 Gazette. (2) In fixing fees under this Act the Board is entitled to ensure that the amount of money collected in fees under this Act is sufficient to cover the cost to the Board of administering this Act. 30 _______________ 54 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 87 Act No. PART 9--REGULATIONS 87. Supreme Court--Limitation of jurisdiction It is the intention of this section to alter or vary section 85 of the Constitution Act 1975 to the 5 extent necessary to prevent the bringing before the Supreme Court of actions of the kind referred to in section 53. 88. Regulations (1) The Governor in Council may make regulations 10 for or with respect to-- (a) registration, including periods of registration, and renewal of registration, and applications for registration and renewal of registration; 15 (b) the register, including particulars to be noted on the register and the manner of keeping the register; (c) forms for the purposes of this Act; (d) time limits for the purposes of this Act; 20 (e) penalties, not exceeding 10 penalty units, for breaches of the regulations; (f) any matter or thing required or permitted to be prescribed or necessary to be prescribed to give effect to this Act. 25 (2) The regulations-- (a) may be of general or limited application; and (b) may differ according to differences in time, place or circumstance; and (c) may apply, adopt or incorporate any matter 30 contained in any document, code, standard, rule, specification, or method, formulated, 55 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 88 Act No. issued, prescribed or published by any person whether-- (i) wholly or partially or as amended by the regulations; or 5 (ii) as formulated, issued, prescribed or published at the time the regulations are made or at any time before then; or (iii) as formulated, issued, prescribed or published from time to time; and 10 (d) may leave anything for the approval or satisfaction of a specified person. _______________ 56 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 89 Act No. PART 10--SAVINGS, TRANSITIONAL AND AMENDMENTS 89. Definitions In this Part-- "new Board" means the Chiropractors 5 Registration Board of Victoria established under this Act; "old Act" means the Chiropractors and Osteopaths Act 1978 as in force immediately before its repeal; 10 "old Board" means the Chiropractors and Ostepaths Registration Board of Victoria established under the old Act. 90. Repeal The Chiropractors and Osteopaths Act 1978 is 15 repealed. 91. New Board succeeds old Board (1) On the commencement of this section-- (a) the old Board is abolished and its members go out of office; and 20 (b) the new Board is substituted for the old Board as a party in any proceeding, contract, agreement or arrangement commenced or made by, against or in relation to the old Board; and 25 (c) the new Board may continue and complete any other continuing matter or thing commenced by, against or in relation to the old Board. (2) Any rights, assets, liabilities and obligations of the 30 old Board , immediately before its abolition, that the Minister determines should become rights, assets, liabilities and obligations of the new Board 57 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 92 Act No. become assets, liabilities and obligations of the new Board on the date determined by the Minister. (3) In making a determination under sub-section (2), 5 the Minister must take into consideration the number of chiropractors deemed to be registered under section 94 compared to the number of chiropractors and osteopaths registered under the old Act immediately before the commencement of 10 this section. (4) On and from the date determined by the Minister under sub-section (2), the assets that become assets of the new Board under sub-section (2)-- (a) if they are moneys or amounts standing to 15 the credit of any fund or account of the old Board, must be taken to form part of the Chiropractors Registration Board Fund; and (b) if they are assets in which the funds of the old Board have been invested, must be taken 20 to be investments of the Chiropractors Registration Board Fund. (5) The Minister, by notice published in the Government Gazette, may make a determination for the purposes of sub-section (2). 25 92. Proceedings before the old Board (1) If an investigation or inquiry into the activities of a registered chiropractor or osteopath under the old Act has commenced but not been completed before the commencement of Part 3 of this Act-- 30 (a) that investigation or inquiry may be completed on and after that date; and (b) any appeal or other further proceedings which might have been taken in relation to that investigation or inquiry under the old 35 Act might be taken on and after that date-- 58 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 93 Act No. by the old Board as if this Act had not been enacted. (2) The new Board must give effect to a decision made on an inquiry, investigation or appeal 5 completed by the old Board as if it were a decision under this Act. 93. Application of this Act to conduct occurring before commencement of this Act (1) In the case of activities of a person who is deemed 10 by section 94 to be a registered chiropractor under this Act which occurred before the commencement of Part 3 and in respect of which no proceedings have been commenced under the old Act, this Act applies to the extent that there 15 was power to conduct an inquiry under section 13 or 13A of the old Act into those activities. (2) Any determination or outcome of a hearing into those activities must be one which would have been available as a finding or decision in an 20 inquiry by the Board under the old Act. (3) This section does not apply to activities which are the subject of proceedings to which section 92 applies. 94. Existing registrations 25 (1) A person who was registered as a chiropractor and osteopath under the old Act immediately before the commencement of Part 2 of this Act and to whom sub-section (3) does not apply whose registration was endorsed to the effect that the 30 person may use the title "chiropractor" is deemed to have general registration under this Act. (2) A person who was registered as a chiropractor and osteopath under the old Act immediately before the commencement of Part 2 of this Act-- 59 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 94 Act No. (a) whose registration was endorsed to the effect that the person may use the titles "chiropractor" and "osteopath"; and (b) who makes an election to the new Board to 5 be registered in accordance with this section; and (c) whose registration was in force at the time of that election; and (d) to whom sub-section (3) does not apply-- 10 is deemed to have general registration under this Act from the date of making that election. (3) A person who held temporary registration to practise as a chiropractor under section 9 of the old Act immediately before the commencement of 15 Part 2 of this Act, is deemed to hold specific registration under this Act and that registration is deemed to be subject to the same conditions, limitations and restrictions including the period of registration as those which applied to that 20 registration under the old Act. (4) If a person is deemed to be registered under this section and the registration of that person under the old Act, immediately before the commencement of this section, was suspended, 25 the registration of that person under this Act is deemed to be suspended for the remainder of the period for which that person's registration would have been suspended under the old Act. (5) If a person is deemed to be registered under this 30 section and the registration of that person under the old Act, immediately before the commencement of this section, was subject to conditions, limitations or restrictions, the registration of that person under this Act is 35 deemed to be subject to the same conditions, 60 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 s. 95 97 Act No. limitations or restrictions as those to which the registration under the old Act was subject. (6) The registration of a person who is deemed to be registered under this section expires (unless 5 sooner cancelled) at the end of the period for which the person was registered under the old Act. 95. References In-- 10 (a) an Act; or (b) a subordinate instrument within the meaning of the Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984-- in relation to any period occurring on or after the 15 commencement of this section, and unless inconsistent with the context or subject matter, a reference to -- (d) a chiropractor and osteopath registered under the old Act who is deemed by section 94 to 20 be registered under this Act is to be taken to be a reference to a registered chiropractor under this Act; and (e) the old Board in relation to a chiropractor is to be taken to be a reference to the new 25 Board. 96. Preparation of annual report The new Board shall prepare the annual reports that the old Board would have been required to prepare under the Financial Management Act 30 1994 in respect of any part of the financial year ending on 30 June 1997 during which the old Board operated. 97. Amendment of Health Services (Conciliation and Review) Act 1987 61 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 Act No. In the Schedule to the Health Services (Conciliation and Review) Act 1987, for "Chiropractors and Osteopaths Registration Board of Victoria" substitute "Chiropractors 5 Registration Board of Victoria". 98. Minor consequential amendments An Act specified in the heading to an item in the Schedule is amended as set out in that item. _______________ 10 62 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 Sch. Act No. SCHEDULE CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS 1. Accident Compensation Act 1985 1.1 In section 5(1), in the definition of "medical service" for 5 "registered chiropractor and osteopath" substitute "registered chiropractor, registered osteopath" 1.2 In sections 111(2)(a)(ii) and 113(3)(b) for "or registered chiropractor and osteopath" substitute ", registered chiropractor or registered osteopath"; 10 1.3 In section 112(1) for "registered chiropractor and osteopath" substitute "registered chiropractor, registered osteopath". 2. Medical Practice Act 1994 In section 37(2) for paragraph (f) substitute-- "(f) a chiropractor registered under the Chiropractors 15 Registration Act 1996;". 3. Physiotherapists Act 1978 In section 24(3), for paragraph (f) substitute-- "(f) a registered chiropractor or a registered osteopath.". 4. Transport Accident Act 1986 20 In section 3(1), in paragraph (e) of the definition of "medical service" for "registered chiropractor and osteopath" substitute "registered chiropractor, registered osteopath". 5. Workers Compensation Act 1958 25 In section 26(2)(d) for "registered chiropractor and osteopath" substitute "registered chiropractor or registered osteopath" 63 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


 

Chiropractors Registration Act 1996 Notes Act No. NOTES By Authority. Government Printer for the State of Victoria. 64 531071B.I1-16/10/96 BILL LA INTRODUCTION 16/10/96

 


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