South Africa
Allied Health Professions Act, 1982
Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa: Executive Committee SARS-COV-2 / COVID-19 Directives and Extraordinary Policy Decisions: 10 March 2020 to 22 June 2020
Board Notice 95 of 2020
- Published in Government Gazette 43613 on 14 August 2020
- Commenced on 14 August 2020
- [This is the version of this document from 14 August 2020.]
Addendum C
Extraordinary AHPCSA Policy Decision
25 March 2020Extraordinary AHPCSA Policy Decision
Telehealth and telemedicine as a result of South African State of Disaster
The Executive Committee of the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa ("the AHPCSA Exco"), after due consideration and in light of the South African State of Disaster as a result of the magnitude and severity of the Covid-19 outbreak which has been declared a global pandemic, taking into account sections 1(2)(a), 3, 4, and 9 of the Allied Health Professions Act, Act No 63 of 1982 ("the Act"), read together with Regulation 54(g) of Regulations No R 127 of 12 February 2001 and the Code of Ethics in terms of Section 54(9) of the Regulations No. R. 127 of 12 February 2001 to the Allied Health Professions Act, Act 63 of 1982, as amended ("the Code of Ethics"), has resolved that all practitioners and therapists may practice Telehealth and/or Telemedicine for the period of the South African State of Disaster or as otherwise directed by the AHPCSA or the AHPCSA Exco, subject to the Guidelines as provided by the AHPCSA and the scope of practice of your profession.Any previous Board Notice dealing with Telemedicine is hereby suspended for the duration of the period South Africa is declared a State of Disaster or as otherwise directed by the AHPCSA or the AHPCSA Exco.Should the AHPCSA become aware of any practitioner or therapist who does not comply with the Guidelines and/or practise outside his/her scope of practice, such person shall make himself/herself guilty of unprofessional conduct and face disciplinary action in terms of sections 23 to 30 of the Act.Dr Louis MullinderRegistrar: Allied Health Profession Council of South AfricaAddendum D
Guidelines to the extraordinary AHPCSA policy decision: Telehealth and telemedicine as a result of South African State of Disaster as published at www.ahpcsa.co.za on 25 March 2020
25 March 2020Guidelines: Telehealth and telemedicine as a result of South African State of Disaster
Addendum K
Extraordinary AHPCSA Policy Decision
28 April 2020Extraordinary AHPCSA Policy Decision:
State of Disaster: Guidelines for Good Practice Hygiene related to SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
The Executive Committee of the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa ("the AHPCSA Exco"), after due consideration and in light of the South African State of Disaster as a result of the magnitude and severity of the Covid-19 outbreak which has been declared a global pandemic, taking into account sections 1(2)(a), 3, 4, and 9 of the Allied Health Professions Act, Act No 63 of 1982 ("the Act"), read together with Regulation 54(g) of Regulations No R 127 of 12 February 2001 and the Code of Ethics in terms of Section 54(9) of the Regulations No. R. 127 of 12 February 2001 to the Allied Health Professions Act, Act 63 of 1982, as amended ("the Code of Ethics"), has resolved that all practitioners and therapists shall adhere to the Guidelines for Good Practice Hygiene with immediate effect for the period of the South African State of Disaster or as otherwise directed by the AHPCSA or the AHPCSA Exco.Should the AHPCSA become aware of any practitioner or therapist who does not comply with the Guidelines and/or practises outside his/her scope of practice, such person shall make himself/herself guilty of unprofessional conduct and face disciplinary action in terms of sections 23 to 30 of the Act.Dr Louis MullinderRegistrar: Allied Health Profession Council of South AfricaAddendum L
Guidelines to the Extraordinary AHPCSA Policy Decision: State of Disaster: Guidelines for Good Practice Hygiene related to SARS-CoV-2 epidemic
Published at www.ahpcsa.co.za on 28 April 2020
28 April 2020Guidelines: State of Disaster: Guidelines for Good Practice Hygiene in relation to SARS-CoV-2
Guidelines for Good Practice Hygiene
Disclaimer
Any hygiene intervention must be viewed as a barrier to reduce the spread of disease, but may not be 100% effective. Practitioners should always be cognisant of the associated risks to themselves and patients in the current pandemic relating to the nature of our work, and ensure they are up to date with the latest information and directives regarding aspects of controlling the spread of COVID-19, as indicated in paragraph 3 above.1. Background
These guidelines have been developed to assist practitioners with regard to practice hygiene, specifically as a response to the pandemic, and the need to set out how practices should institute mechanisms to prevent the spread of the disease. The first case of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) in South Africa was reported on 5 March 2020 and the disease declared a pandemic on 15 March 2020 by the WHO. The virus itself is referred to as SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) and is extremely infectious, 2.5 times more than influenza. Patients who contract COVID-19 present predominantly with fever, dry cough, malaise and shortness of breath.COVID-19 compared to other common conditions
| Symptom | COVID-19 | Common cold | Flu | Allergies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fever | Common | Rare | Common | Sometimes |
| Dry cough | Common | Mild | Common | Sometimes |
| Shortness of breath | Common | No | No | Common |
| Headaches | Sometimes | Rare | Common | Sometimes |
| Aches and pains | Sometimes | Common | Common | No |
| Sore throat | Sometimes | Common | Common | No |
| Fatigue | Sometimes | Sometimes | Common | Sometimes |
| Diarrhea | Rare | No | Sometimes* | No |
| Runny nose | Rare | Common | Sometimes | Common |
| Sneezing | No | Common | No | Common |
2. How SARS-CoV-2 is spread
The virus is spread by droplets during sneezing, coughing or talking, and contact with droplets on surfaces (skin or inanimate objects [fomites]). It enters the body via the mucosal lining of the eyes, nose and mouth. Personal, respiratory and surface hygiene are therefore important to stop the spread:• Personal hygiene - washing hands (with soap and water) and/or disinfection with sanitiser of hands to remove or inactivate the viruses (if) present on the hands and stop the transfer to your eyes, mouth and nose as well as other surfaces. A minimum of 70% ethyl or isopropyl alcohol solution is required for adequate disinfection.• Respiratory hygiene - covering of the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing either with your elbow, or a tissue or paper towel that must be discarded immediately into a waste bin that can close. Make sure to wash of disinfect your hands after you discard the tissue or paper towel.• Surface hygiene - cleaning and disinfecting general surfaces (with appropriate solutions) that may have been exposed to, or that potentially have virus containing droplets.• Social distancing - ensuring that there is at least a 1.5 metre distance between people in case a person sneezes or coughs expelling any virus containing droplets.3. Hand washing
The correct method of hand washing is an important aspect of controlling the spread of the disease. The following figures demonstrate the correct method of washing your hands and using hand sanitisers. It is important to note that hand sanitisers will not work if the hands are visibly dirty. Practitioners may consider printing these and place them in practices to assist patients in hand washing principles, and are available for viewing at www.who.int/gpsc/5may/resources/posters/en/.
4. Personal protection equipment (PPE)
The wearing of personal protective equipment ("PPE") by both practitioner and patient is subject to any requisite safety directive and protocol which may be issued by the Minister of Health, the National and Provincial departments of Health or any other appropriate South African healthcare authority or by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases www.nicd.ac.za and in the event that such safety directives or protocols supersede any or all of the below, adherence to such safety directives or protocols are required at all times:Face masks
It is important to use these correctly, as incorrect use may do more harm than good, and equally important to appreciate that the mask may make you more likely to touch your face, as it may become an irritant, or that breathing and communication will be affected. Additional information is available at:www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masksGuide for using a face mask:• How to put on a face mask:✓ Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser before touching the mask.✓ Remove a mask from the box and make sure there are no obvious tears or holes in either side of the mask.✓ Determine which side of the mask is the top. The side of the mask that has a stiff bendable edge is the top and is meant to mould to the shape of your nose.✓ Determine which side of the mask is the front. The coloured side of the mask is usually the front and should face away from you, while the white side touches your face.✓ Face Mask with Ear loops: Hold the mask by the ear loops. Place a loop around each ear.✓ Face Mask with Ties: Bring the mask to your nose level and place the ties over the crown of your head and secure with a bow.✓ Face Mask with Bands: Hold the mask in your hand with the nosepiece or top of the mask at fingertips, allowing the headbands to hang freely below hands. Bring the mask to your nose level and pull the top strap over your head so that it rests over the crown of your head. Pull the bottom strap over your head so that it rests at the nape of your neck.✓ Mould the stiff edge to the shape of your nose.✓ If using a face mask with ties: Then take the bottom ties, one in each hand, and secure with a bow at the nape of your neck.✓ Pull the bottom of the mask over your mouth and chin.• How to take the face mask off:✓ Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser before touching the mask. Avoid touching the front of the mask. The front of the mask is contaminated. Only touch the ear loops/ties/band. Follow the instructions below for the type of mask you are using.✓ Face Mask with Ear loops: Hold both of the ear loops and gently lift and remove the mask.✓ Face Mask with Ties: Untie the bottom bow first then untie the top bow and pull the mask away from you as the ties are loosened.✓ Face Mask with Bands: Lift the bottom strap over your head first then pull the top strap over your head.✓ Throw the mask in a bin with a cover. Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser.Other PPE
Clinic gowns or scrubs/ disposable aprons: You may consider wearing a clinic jacket or gown to protect underlying clothes to avoid contaminated clothes being taken home.Gloves: These are not advised, unless performing techniques that require barrier protection. Hand hygiene is more important for treatment procedures.Face masks/eye protection: Appears to be mainly for aerosolized treatment approachesOther recommendations: Given the close contact nature of healthcare, distancing is not possible. A level of personal protection and personal protection equipment (PPE) should be considered.Minimum protocol:• No jewellery (watches, rings etc.), these make it difficult to clean effectively and can become carriers for droplets• No sleeves, hand washing should be up to and including the elbows• Face masks (for the doctor and patient) - sufficient evidence now exists, but no gloves - face mask protocols must be adhered to• Clothes worn should be washed after practice (on a wash cycle that has a high temperature with washing powder with proper oxidizing agent, and should be tumble dried or hung in the sun for UV disinfection), and preferably not taken home.5. Risk symptoms and history
It is imperative to ensure the safety of yourself, staff and patients to try ensure no patients with the viral disease access the practice.Important risk symptoms and history are:• Cough, fever (above 38 degrees), sore throat, malaise• Exposure to anyone with suspected or diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days• Worked or attended a clinic facility treating COVID-19 patients• Travel internationally or domestically in the last 14 daysOther factors relating to patient considerations:Certain groupings have been identified as higher risk relating to the severity of disease, these include:• Over 60 years of age• Pre-existing conditions such as:> asthma> chronic lung conditions> hypertension> autoimmune diseases> organ transplants> cancer> Immunocompromised> Obesity (BMI over 40)> Liver or kidney conditionsIt should be considered whether the increased risk associated with these groups necessitates face-to-face consultation or treatment. Telemedicine consultations should be considered to triage patients in these groups, and face-to-face consultation or treatment be considered only if necessary.6. Patient screening and arrival at practice
Minimum protocols:• Patients should be phoned and screened the day before consultations, and requested to take appropriate action if they are presenting with any risk symptoms or history.• Appropriate signage at the outside entrance to the practice should warn patients of hygiene and screening procedures.• Patients should be stopped from entering the practice without control.• All patients should be sprayed with hand sanitiser and asked to wait outside.• All patients should wear or be given a face mask to reduce droplet spread.• On arrival, patients must be screened for risk factors, and preferably sign they do not have risk symptoms or history.• Consent forms should acknowledge the risks associated with potential exposure to SARS-CoV-2.• Temperature testing/screening of patients before or as they enter the practice.• Appropriate medical and administrative records must be kept that will facilitate tracing should a patient develop symptoms.• A register should be kept of all persons entering the practice on any given day.7. Patient distancing
Social distancing that will be part of everyday living for the foreseeable future as a mechanism to limit the spread of the disease.Minimum protocol:• No patients in the waiting room, and patients requested to wait in their car, and called to the reception when suitable. Ideally patients should have no contact with other patients. If not possible, patient should be staggered in a way that allows for 3 meters between where patients will be sitting. Rooms must remain open with adequate air flow to assist in removal of potential airborne droplets.• Patients should only be accompanied if minors, or require assistance. Family members or friends should be requested to stay in the car.• Sufficient spacing between consultations (15 minutes is recommended) is critical to allow for ventilation and surface hygiene protocols• The patient should not be allowed to touch anything inside the practice and use of the toilets should be carefully monitored with a thorough cleaning of surfaces after every use, including doorknobs and door surfaces.8. Cleaning, disinfection and surface hygiene procedures
• Remove any items in your waiting or consulting rooms that are not required or that patients may come into contact with unnecessarily, such as books, magazines, children’s toys, pens, models etc.• If towels are to be used, these must be changed after every patient consultation and laundered by the practice to ensure adequate cleaning; this is preferable to having a patient bring in their own linen or towels.• If gowns are provided for patients, these may not accumulate in changing rooms, and must be removed for laundering between patients; the practitioner is responsible for cleaning these to ensure that they are adequately cleaned.• Use of disposable linen savers, single use paper towels and other consumables should be used wherever possible.• Practices should have the necessary waste management, including separating medical waste from routine waste, all needle and sharp containers safely mounted or stored and all used and full medical waste bins and sharps containers in a designated and locked area.Minimum protocol:• Surfaces to clean include the entire bed (not only head piece) or examination couch, desks, chairs, door handles.• Any equipment used during the consultation or for treatment should be thoroughly cleaned and/or disinfected as appropriate between each patient, e.g. BP cuffs, diagnostic equipment, wedges/blocks, activators, fascial release equipment etc.• Cleaning solutions with at least 70% ethyl or isopropyl alcohol, or 0.5% sodium hypochlorite are recommended (or approved cleaning detergent): check cleaners on small areas before use, as they can damage surfaces.• Surfaces must be washed at the start and end of the day, and disinfected between each patient.• Floor surfaces and general areas should be cleaned appropriately as often as required using an appropriate cleaning agent.9. Staff in the practice
All staff in the practice must be familiar with screening and hygiene protocols and these should be clearly written up and displayed or readily availableMinimum protocol:• A staff disinfection and hygiene protocol should be implemented.• All staff should have PPE as prescribed, a minimum being a face mask at all times• Consideration must be given to ensure adequate distancing in the workspace and use of/disinfection of shared office equipment, telephone etc.• Staff temperature screening daily, and recorded.• All staff members must engage in rigorous hand hygiene after every patient and ensure reception areas, pens, clipboards, credit card machines, credit cards are cleaned between each patient (ask patients to bring own pen, gown, shorts etc.).• Ensure waiting room chairs, door handles etc. are cleaned between patients.• Cleaning staff: Must have correct training and PPE, as they are a critical link in the process: Those cleaning chairs and surfaces should use gloves, plastic apron, and disposable paper towels.• All mops and cleaning equipment should remain in the detergent.10. If the practice is exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 patient
• Close off areas visited by the ill persons.• Open outside doors and windows and use ventilating fans to increase air circulation in the area.• Wait 24 hours or as long as practical before beginning cleaning and disinfection.• Cleaning staff should clean and disinfect all areas and equipment used by the ill persons, focusing especially on frequently touched surfaces.• If it has been more than 7 days since the person with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 visited or used the facility, additional cleaning and disinfection is not necessary.Hard (Non-porous) Surfaces• If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.• For disinfection, most common household disinfectants should be effective. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.• Diluted household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted. Prepare a bleach solution by mixing 20 ml bleach per litre of water.Soft (Porous) Surfaces• For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces.• If the items can be laundered, launder items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and then dry items completely. Do not shake laundry before cleaning.Electronics• Remove visible contamination if present. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Use of alcohol-based wipes containing at least 70% alcohol to disinfect touch screens. Dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid pooling of liquids.• Cleaners should wear gloves and otherwise follow normal preventive actions while at work and home, including cleaning hands and avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.Source:www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaningdisinfection.html11. Compounding and dispensing practices
• At all times practitioners who dispense, or compound and dispense medicines should adhere to Good Dispensing Practice protocols• Hand washing with soap and water or disinfection of hands with hand sanitiser should occur before compounding and/or dispensing activities• Dispensing and /or compounding activities do not require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)• Maintain social distancing procedures and minimise contact with patients when giving them dispensed medicines.Acknowledgements
• University of Johannesburg, Standard Operating Procedure for Clinics relating to COVID and Hygiene 2020• Prof TG Barnard, Director: Water and Health Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg.• Prof Shabir Moosa <profmoosa.com/covid-19-guidelines-for-private-general-practitioners-in-south-africa/>Dr Louis MullinderRegistrar: Allied Health Profession Council of South AfricaAddendum N
Extraordinary AHPCSA Policy Decision
29 April 2020State of Disaster: COVID19 pandemic: AHPCSA Exco directive
Operating during Government implemented lockdown
Ref no. 2 - 29 April 2020
The Executive Committee of the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa ("the AHPCSA Exco"), after due consideration, in light of the South African State of Disaster and as a result of the magnitude and severity of the Covid-19 outbreak which has been declared a global pandemic, taking into account sections 1(2)(a), 3, 4, and 9 of the Allied Health Professions Act, Act No 63 of 1982 ("the Act"), read together Regulations No R 127 of 12 February 2001 and the Code of Ethics in terms of Section 54(9) of the Regulations No. R. 127 of 12 February 2001 to the Allied Health Professions Act, Act 63 of 1982, as amended ("the Code of Ethics"), hereby issues the following directive regarding the exercise of any professional function by any AHPCSA-registered practitioners and therapists during lockdown Alert Level 4, or lower, as determined by the South African Government.The AHPCSA Exco directive dated 26 March 2020 (Ref no. 1 - 26 March 2020) has reference and is repealed effective as from 1 May 2020 with the issuance of this Board Notice directive, dated 29 April 2020 in order to achieve the objectives of the Act (being inter alia to assist in the promotion and protection of the health of the public during the State of Disaster declared by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 15 March 2020, subsequently declared a Level 4 Alert Level by President Ramaphosa on 23 April 2020 with effect from 1 May 2020) and the following revised AHPCSA Exco directive shall apply during the State of Disaster period of lockdown or partial lockdown of Level 4 Alert Level or lower and/or until a further directive is issued by the AHPCSA or the AHPCSA Exco:4. Legal aspects of lockdown and amended alert levels
The purpose of the lockdown and/or partial lockdown is to enforce isolation to prevent the spread of the virus further throughout the South African population and to gradually open up businesses, however with the minimum risk of spreading the virus. As per the directive and protocol of the South African Government, Level 4 Alert Level means that some activity may be allowed to resume subject to extreme precautions required to limit community transmission and outbreaks. President Ramaphosa emphasised that during this period (Level 4 Alert Level), the public is encouraged to stay at home, other than for essential personal movement, doing essential work and work in sectors that are under controlled opening.Pursuant to the South African Government Level 4 Alert Level notification, any AHPCSA-registered practitioner or therapist is allowed to receive patients, but only at his/her registered private practice (as per the records of the AHPCSA) as from 1 May 2020 and until further notice from the South African Government and/or the AHPCSA or the AHPCSA Exco.Any visit to a patient's private residence is not permitted, save in emergency circumstances only and only if prescribed personal protective equipment ("PPE") is utilised and worn and there is adherence to an appropriate hygiene protocol. Apart from the appropriate record-keeping on a patient's file in such a case, an additional separate register of visits to any patient's private residence for emergency visits, containing all salient information, shall be kept for all such cases by any practitioner or therapist carrying out such a home visit for emergency purposes and shall made available to the AHPCSA on request.During this Level 4 Alert Level or any lower lockdown level, all AHPCSA-registered practitioners and therapists are required to adhere to and comply with the directives and/or protocols for good practice hygiene as stipulated by the AHPCSA'S Board Notice and Guidelines for Good Practice Hygiene as published on the AHPCSA website on 28 April 2020 (or as subsequently amended), and further, to ensure the safety of any patient, by also conforming with any requisite safety directive and protocol which may be issued by the Minister of Health, the National and Provincial Departments of Health or any other appropriate South African healthcare authority or by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (www.nicd.ac.za); in the event that such safety directives or protocols supersede any AHPCSA directive and/or protocols, then adherence to such healthcare authority safety directives or protocols is required at all times.AHPCSA-registered practitioners and therapists are, notwithstanding the allowance to re-open practices or healthcare establishments, advised to rather make use of telehealth/telemedicine according to the Guidelines and Board Notice published on the AHPCSA website on 25 March 2020, where at all possible and especially for patients over sixty (60) years of age and other high-risk populations. In all circumstances the practitioner or therapist should perform appropriate triage and a risk-benefit analysis for each patient before deciding on the appropriate course of action.As a result of the gradual upliftment of lockdown and strict directives and protocols issued by the South African Government, all AHPCSA-registered practitioners and therapists will still be required to have their permit, registration certificate and ID with them at all times when performing an essential service.5. Permit to perform essential service
The above-mentioned permit is issued to you in your individual capacity as a practitioner or therapist for the purposes of performing an essential service. This permit:• permits you to conduct your practice only as per the Act, concomitant Regulations, all applicable Board Notices and Guidelines, the Code of Ethics and the AHPCSA'S Board Notice and Guidelines for Good Practice Hygiene as published on the AHPCSA website on 28 April 2020 (or as subsequently amended);• does not permit you to travel to the home of any patient, except for emergency purposes only, and then subject to the keeping of an appropriate register with the entry of all salient details as indicated above, in addition to an appropriate entry on the relevant patient file;• is not transferable to any member of staff for whatever reason and is practitioner / therapist specific and limited;• may not be edited, emended or changed in any way or manner whatsoever and is required to be presented to any law enforcement officer as issued by the AHPCSA, together with a copy of your registration certificate and the appropriate identification document; and• is subject at all times to the Laws of South Africa and prescribed regulations and protocols from time to time by the South African Government and/or decisions or directives of the AHPCSA and/or AHPCSA'S EXCO.6. Non-compliance
Any non-compliance with the above directive shall be regarded as unprofessional conduct and the AHPCSA-registered practitioner or therapist may face disciplinary action in terms of sections 23 to 30 of the Act and may furthermore be liable to possible prosecution by national law-enforcement authorities.Dr Louis MullinderRegistrar: Allied Health Profession Council of South AfricaAddendum P
Extraordinary AHPCSA Policy Decision
22 June 2020Extraordinary AHPCSA Policy Decision: Revised
Telehealth and telemedicine dispensation as a result of South African State of Disaster
The Executive Committee of the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa ("the AHPCSA Exco"), after due consideration and in light of the South African State of Disaster as a result of the magnitude and severity of the Covid-19 outbreak which has been declared a global pandemic, taking into account sections 1(2)(a), 3, 4, and 9 of the Allied Health Professions Act, Act No 63 of 1982 ("the Act"), read together with Regulation 54(g) of Regulations No R 127 of 12 February 2001 and the Code of Ethics in terms of Section 54(9) of the Regulations No. R.127 of 12 February 2001 to the Allied Health Professions Act, Act 63 of 1982, as amended ("the Code of Ethics"), has resolved that all practitioners and therapists may practice Telehealth and/or Telemedicine for the period of the South African State of Disaster or as otherwise directed by the AHPCSA or the AHPCSA Exco, subject to the revised Guidelines as published at www.ahpcsa.co.za on 22 June 2020 and the scope of practice of your profession.Board Notice 185 of 2011 dealing with Telemedicine remains suspended for the duration of the period South Africa is declared a State of Disaster or as otherwise directed by the AHPCSA or the AHPCSA Exco.Should the AHPCSA become aware of any practitioner or therapist who does not comply with the Guidelines and/or practise outside his/her scope of practice, such person shall make himself/herself guilty of unprofessional conduct and face disciplinary action in terms of sections 23 to 30 of the Act.Dr Louis MullinderRegistrar: Allied Health Profession Council of South AfricaAddendum Q
Guidelines to the Extraordinary AHPCSA Policy Decision: Telehealth and telemedicine as a result of South African State of Disaster as published at www.ahpcsa.co.za on 22 June 2020
22 June 2020Revised guidelines: Telehealth and telemedicine as a result of South African State of Disaster
The Allied Health Professions Act 63 of 1982 as amended ("the Act"), the Regulations in terms of the Allied Health Professions Act of 1982 as amended ("the Regulations") and the Code of Ethics in terms of Section 54(9) of the Regulations No. R.127 of 12 February 2001 to the Allied Health Professions Act, Act 63 of 1982, as amended (the Code of Ethics") have reference.In order to achieve the objectives of the Act, being inter alia to assist in the promotion and protection of the health of the population of the Republic during the declared State of Disaster by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 15 March 2020 and in order to protect the health of the practitioners and therapists themselves, health care providers which include AHPCSA-registered practitioners and therapists are informed that the dispensation that they may practice telehealth and/or telemedicine pursuant to the EXTRAORDINARY AHPCSA POLICY DECISION: TELEHEALTH AND TELEMEDICINE AS A RESULT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN STATE OF DISASTER, published at www.ahpcsa.co.za on 25 March 2020, has been revised by a subsequent EXTRAORDINARY AHPCSA POLICY DECISION: TELEHEALTH AND TELEMEDICINE AS A RESULT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN STATE OF DISASTER, published at www.ahpcsa.co.za on 22 June 2020, to provide as follows:History of this document
14 August 2020 this version
Commenced