Explanatory note

This Order, which is made under the Health Professions Order 2001 (“the Order”), approves Rules made by the Health Professions Council which amend the Health Professions Council (Registration and Fees) Rules 2003 (as Scheduled to S.I. 2003/1572). They provide for an application for registration to be made electronically. Secondly, they amend the way in which a registration period is calculated. Thirdly, they provide for a scrutiny fee to be paid by an applicant relying on article 12(1)(b) of the Order (EEA nationals who have qualifications to which the European Communities (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) Regulations 1991 or the European Communities (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) (Second General System) Regulations 1996)). Fourthly, they provide for a reduced fee to be paid in specified circumstances and give the Council a discretion to waive or reduce any fee or part of any fee and to refund the whole or any part of a fee paid under the Rules. Finally, they make minor amendments to the application form for admission to the register.