Explanatory note

This Order establishes a body corporate to be known as Health Professions Wales or Proffesiynau Iechyd Cymru (“HPW”) (article 2).

HPW is established for the purpose of undertaking functions in relation to health care professions and health care support workers.

HPW will undertake certain functions on behalf of the Assembly in respect of promoting and advising on the quality and provision of education, training and practice of health care professions, local supervising authority for midwives and functions under section 63 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1963 (article 3(2)(a)). HPW will also undertake certain functions in Wales on behalf of bodies such as the Health Professions Council, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (article 3(2)(b),(c) and (d)).

This Order also makes provisions for the constitution and membership of HPW including procedural and administrative arrangements (articles 6 to 12).