Rwanda
Ministerial Order determining the List of Paramedical Professions and their Regulations
Ministerial Order 24 of 2011
- Published in Official Gazette 52 on 26 December 2011
- Assented to on 20 October 2011
- Commenced on 26 December 2011
- [This is the version of this document from 26 December 2011.]
Chapter One
General provisions
Article One – Purpose of this Order
This Order determines the list of paramedics professional and the act corresponding to them.Article 2 – Definition
In this order, the following term shall mean:Paramedical profession: allied health profession.Chapter II
Categories of proffesionals and equipments
Section One – Categories of prefessionals
Article 3 – Categories of allied health professionals
The allied health professionals are classified in following categories:1°Anesthesia Practitioners;2°Biomedical Laboratory Technologists;3°Clinical Psychologists;4°Dental Therapy Practioners;5°Environmental Health Officers;6°Medical Imaging Practioners;7°Nutritionists/ Dieticians/ Nutritionist Assistants;8°Ophthalmic Clinical Officers/ Cataract Surgeons;9°Optometrists/Opticians;10°Orthopedic Clinical Officer;11°Physiotherapists/Physiotherapy Technicians/ Assistants;12°Prosthetics and Orthotics Technicians.And any other health profession that may be established after fulfilling the requirements.Subsection One – Anesthesia Practitioners
Article 4 – Definition of anesthesiologist
Anesthesiology is the science of rendering a patient insensible to pain by the administration of anesthetic agents, related drugs and procedures.Anesthesia and anesthesia related care are services often provided by professionals to facilitate diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical procedures.Article 5 – Professional anesthesiologist
A professional anesthesiologist is any person who has completed a three (3) year Advanced Diploma training program and additional two (2) years for a BSc (Hons) degree program in Anesthesia. He/she is a professionally qualified health care anaesthesia practitioner who specializes in the provision of anaesthesia and resuscitation in operation theatres and other areas where life-saving procedures and pain management are of paramount importance.Their responsibilities, whether in collaboration or functioning independently, are largely related to operative procedures.Article 6 – Anesthesia Practitioners
An Anesthesia Practitioner, is any person who has completed a three year Advanced Diploma training program (A1) who has formally been trained to provide or participate in the provision of anaesthesia health care services to patients requiring anaesthesia and surgery, respiratory care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other emergencies requiring critical health care services.He/she works under instructions of a professional anaesthesiologist. In the absence of a professional anaesthesiologist she/he may take a decision in collaboration with at least one (1) anaesthesia practitioner.Subsection 2 – Biomedical laboratory technologists
Article 7 – Biomedical laboratory technology practitioners
A biomedical laboratory technologist is a person who pursued and successfully passed exams, completing educational courses prepared and organized by an accredited institution and obtained an advanced Diploma up to BSc (Hons) Degree and above.Article 8 – Biomedical laboratory technologist/biomedical laboratory scientist
A biomedical laboratory technologist/biomedical laboratory scientist is someone holding a BSc (Hons) degree or equivalent and above up to Masters and PhD. Level A biomedical laboratory technologist / scientists holding a BSc (Hons) degree should have undergone four (4) years of undergraduate study or equivalent at a recognized university or college/ institute.A biomedical laboratory technologist scientist will be allowed to operate a public/ private laboratory in accordance with the rules and regulations, capable of handling all routine and specialize laboratory tests, except histopathology and bone marrow tests or any other tests specifically reserved for a clinical laboratory pathology specialist.Article 9 – Biomedical laboratory technologist/Biomedical laboratory scientist
A Biomedical laboratory technologist/biomedical laboratory scientist is someone holding an Advanced Diploma or its equivalent should have undergone three (3) years of undergraduate or equivalent in biomedical laboratory technology/sciences, from a recognized institution.A Biomedical laboratory technologist/biomedical laboratory scientist shall operate in public /private medical laboratory under the supervision of a qualified professional with BSc (Hons) capable of handling the complementary/ district hospital tests package.Article 10 – Biomedical laboratory technician
A biomedical laboratory technician is someone holding a certificate, with six (6) years of formal secondary school training in a recognized biomedical laboratory sciences / medical laboratory technology school.A biomedical laboratory technician works under supervision of a qualified professional holding at least an Advanced Diploma. He/she shall be allowed to operate a public/private laboratory capable of handling the minimum package equivalent to a health centre laboratory tests package.Subsection 3 – Clinical psychology
Article 11 – Clinical psychologist
A clinical psychologist is a therapist who deals with mental and emotional disorders.A clinical psychologist is a holder of at least a Bachelor's degree in Clinical psychology or related field in an accredited institution.A clinical psychologist assesses, diagnoses and manages psychological disorders and other mental conditions; refer accordingly.They may specialize in other related fields (Psychotherapy, Psychiatry, counseling psychology, mental health counseling, clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, rehabilitation counseling, music therapy, occupational therapy, psychiatric nursing, psychoanalysis, educational psychology).Clinical psychologists work in public and private institution and receive clients referred by other health professionals.A minimum experience of three (3) years is required to open a private practice.Subsection 4 – Dental Therapy Practitioners
Article 12 – Dental Therapist, Specialist
A Dental Therapy Practitioner is an individual who has obtained a postgraduate degree, Masters or PHD, in a specialty related to dental therapy from a recognized institution. They must have successfully completed a minimum of four (4) years undergraduate training in dental therapy in an approved institution.A Dental Therapy Practitioner practices the skills of their specialty in addition to those of a therapist, and is called a Dental Therapist Specialist.Article 13 – Dental Therapist BDT (Honors)
An Individual who has successfully completed a minimum of four (4) years undergraduate training in dental therapy in an approved institution.Dental Therapist BDT is an individual is allowed to carry out oral health education and preventive procedures, all classes of restorations (classes I-V), non invasive periodontal therapy, Prepare partial denture prosthesis, orthodontic assessment and adjustment of orthodontic appliances under supervision of a registered Orthodontist and oral surgery procedures limited to extractions excluding impactions, common acute and chronic oral infections, drainage of dentoalveolar abscesses and management of dentoalveolar fractures, facial trauma including immobilization of hair line fracturesDental Therapists BDT recognize oral facial disorders like malocclusions, tumors, cysts and refer appropriately.Other medical fields and community care also falls within the scope of Dental Therapist.Article 14 – Dental Therapist / (TSOS) (A1)
An Individual who has successfully completed a minimum of three (3) years undergraduate training in dental therapy in an approved institution.A Dental Therapist is allowed to carry out the following:Oral health education and preventive procedures, ART restorations, Class I and V restorations; non invasive periodontal therapy; four tooth anterior partial denture prosthesis and minor oral surgery procedures limited to simple extractions and drainage of dentoalveolar abscesses; common acute and chronic oral infections, facial trauma including immobilization of hair line fractures. They recognize oral facial disorders like malocclusions, tumors, cysts and refer appropriately.Other medical fields and community care also falls within the scope of Dental Therapist.Article 15 – Dental hygienist
An individual who has successfully completed a minimum of three (3) years undergraduate training in dental hygiene in an approved institution.Such an individual is allowed to the following:1°carry out oral health education and preventive procedures;2°Cleaning and polishing teeth, non invasive periodontal therapy and work chair side as needed, with the Dental Therapist or Dental Surgeon during examination and treatment.Article 16 – Dental laboratory technologist
An Individual who has successfully completed a minimum of three (3) to four (4) years undergraduate training in dental laboratory technology in an approved institution.Such an individual is allowed to carry out the fabrication of all manner and forms of dental prostheses and appliances on order from Dental surgeons or Dental Therapists.Article 17 – Dental laboratory technician
An Individual who has successfully completed a minimum of two (2) to three (3) years undergraduate training in dental laboratory technology in an approved institution.Such an individual is allowed to carry out the fabrication, under the supervision of a Dental Technologist, of removable forms of dental prostheses and appliances on order from Dental surgeons or Dental therapistArticle 18 – Dental Nurse (Dental Chairside assistant)
An Individual who has successfully completed a minimum of two (2) to three (3) years undergraduate training in Dental nursing or Dental Chairside assisting in an approved institution.Such an individual is allowed to assist the dental surgeons/dental therapist/dental hygienist at the chairside and infection control procedures.Article 19 – Dental therapy clinic
A dental therapy clinic shall be run by a Dental Therapist with a minimum qualification of Bachelors degree in Dental Therapy with a minimum experience of three (3) years post registration.Subsection 5 – Environmental Health Practitioners
Article 20 – Definition of Environmental Health Practitioners and categories of Environmental Health Practitioners
Environmental health is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as comprising those aspects of human health, including quality of life that is determined by physical, biological, social and psychological factors in the environment. It also refers to the theory and practice of assessing, correcting, controlling and preventing those factors in the environment that can adversely affect the health of present and future generations.Specifically the components of environmental health include:1°water supply and water quality;2°personal and domestic hygiene;3°food hygiene and safety;4°occupational health and safety;5°environmental pollution;6°vectors and vermin control;7°housing and settlements;8°solid and liquid waste management;9°environmental health education;10°disaster and emergency preparedness;11°inspection of premises;12°environmental health Law;13°institutional health;14°disposal of the dead.Environmental Health Professionals individuals who shall have obtained training of at least three years (3) of Environmental health and or have specialized in Environmental health related fields. Environmental Health Professionals shall include:1°an Environmental Health officer;2°environmental health practitioner;3°Environmental health expert.Article 21 – Environmental Health expert/ specialist
An individual who successfully completed under graduate training in Environmental Health sciences and later specialized to the level of masters or PhD in the field related to Environmental Health from a recognized institution or university.Environmental Health Practitioner is an Individual who successfully obtained a bachelors degree in Environmental Health Sciences from a recognized institution.Both environmental health professionals are involved in the following:1°conducting research in Environmental Health and related fields;2°developing or building capacity of Environmental health;3°participating in the development and consultancy, reviewing of policies and strategic plans, developing and evaluating project aimed at promoting environmental health;4°providing technical advice and guidance to matters related to Environmental Health;5°developing plans and coordinate the control of disease vectors, rodents pests and other carriers of micro-organisms;6°conceive and conduct Environmental and occupational health Impact Assessment;7°inspect water and waste treatment plants, solid waste management landfills to ensure compliance with health and safety legislations;8°Conduct food safety and water quality surveillance;9°Design and supervise construction of small scale sanitation technologies in urban and rural areas;10°advice on health and safety issues related to building sites;11°construction and repairs and maintenance of public and private building.12°preparing and execute the water, hygiene and sanitation contingency plan in the aftermath of disaster;13°elaborate and execute a plan of (BCC) Behavior Change Communication plan for the prevention and control of communicable diseases and the promotion of health;14°formulate or develop standards and guidelines related to Environmental health;15°prevent trans-boundary transmission of diseases and inspection goods at points of entry.Article 22 – Environmental Health Officer
An Individual who has obtained an advanced diploma or its equivalent in Environmental Health sciences from a recognized institution. He/she is allowed to practice all the above in Article 21 under supervision of an Environmental Health Practitioner.Subsection 6 – Medical Imaging Practioners
Article 23 – Definition of Medical Imaging Profession
Medical Imaging Profession (Medical Radiation Profession) previously referred to as Radiography is a unique health profession that involves both clinical and technical knowledge and skills. It is a field that applies science, arts and technology. The areas of practice and specialty in medical imaging include diagnostic imaging, computerized tomography (CT scan) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and ultrasound), Nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, management, medical physics (radiation protection), information technology (imaging informatics), biomedical engineering (radiology equipments) and education.Medical Imaging professionals are entitled to practice in accordance with international safety standards governing the use of ionising and nonionising radiation for medical and other purposes.Article 24 – Radiographer
Is a radiographer, any person who has successfully undertaken a prescribed educational program in Medical Imaging Sciences or its equivalent with an Advanced Diploma from a recognized institution.A Radiographer is authorized to prepare patients for radiographic procedures, carry out radiographic imaging procedures, ensure Quality Assurance in radiographic imaging, prepare patients requiring specialized imaging procedures and ensure protection of patients, staff and public. A radiographer is authorized to practice in accordance with his/her educational courses as approved by the council.Article 25 – Medical Imaging Technologist (Radiological Technologist)
A Medical Imaging Technologist is any person who holds a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Medical Imaging or its equivalent from a recognized institution.A Medical Imaging Technologist is authorized to:1°carry out radiographic procedures and provide a pattern recognition report in consultation with the radiologist/imaging specialist to clinician on musculoskeletal system, chest & abdomen, perform sonographic procedures and provide a report to clinician;2°to carry out imaging procedures using different imaging modalities such CT scan, MRI with the supervision of a radiologist or imaging specialist.A Medical Imaging Technologist works as Radiological Safety Officer.A Bachelor's Degree in medical imaging or its equivalent with a minimum of three (3) years experience as the professional qualification to operate a private diagnostic imaging practice and provide professional health care at advanced level.Article 26 – Medical Imaging Specialist
Is a Medical Imaging Specialist, any person who holds at least masters degree in medical imaging or its equivalent from a recognized institution; having advanced skills in image pattern recognition; authorized to provide care and advice to patients, perform imaging procedures and provide an image pattern recognition report of non-invasive imaging procedures.Article 27 – Medical sonographer
A medical sonographer is any person who has successfully undertaken a prescribed Certified Ultrasound Program or its equivalent with a diploma or degree from a recognized institution.Medical Imaging professionals shall possess an advanced diploma or bachelor's degree with at least a certificate in diagnostic medical Sonography.Medical sonographers are authorized to independently perform and interpret, within clinical parameters, the non-invasive ultrasound procedures.Article 28 – Nuclear Medicine Technologist
A nuclear medicine technologist, any person who has successfully undertaken a prescribed educational program in Nuclear Medicine or its equivalent with a diploma or degree from a recognized institution.Medical Imaging professionals who already possess an advanced diploma or bachelor's degree with at least a certificate are authorized to practice as Nuclear Medicine Technologist.Medical Imaging Technologist performs a range of nuclear medicine procedures using radiopharmaceuticals, ensures protection of patients, workers and public. He/she is authorized to practice in accordance with his/her educational courses.Article 29 – Radiation Therapist
Is a radiation therapist, any person who has successfully undertaken a prescribed educational program in Radiation Therapy or its equivalent with a diploma or bachelor's degree from a recognized institution.Medical Imaging professionals who already possess an advanced diploma or bachelor's degree with at least a certificate are authorized to practice as Radiation Therapist.Subsection 7 – Nutritionists/Dietitians
Article 30 – Definition of science and profession of nutrition and dietetics
The science and profession of nutrition and dietetics is based on the application of foods and nutrition to promote health and treat disease. Most of nutritionists and dietitians work in clinical, community, public health or food service settings.Article 31 – Nutritionists/Dietetians
Nutritionists/Dietetians are individuals who have pursued and successfully completed educational courses in nutrition sciences in an accredited institution/University (Human nutrition, Nutrition and Public Health, Food and Nutrition, Nutrition and Dietetic, Dietetic, Clinic Nutrition, Community based Nutrition and any other qualification related to Health and human nutrition.A Nutritionist/Dietetian is a health professional who is trained to provide reliable nutrition advice and care in a variety of settings. He/she is a person who holds (1) at least a degree (A0) and licensed to practice in public or private clinical and community settings without any technical supervision in his/her activities.Nutritionists/Dietitians can work in the public or private sector or as a third option open a private practice and become self sufficient. Clients may be referred by medical officers or as a result of a decision made by the health care team discussing their clients' issues or by the client's initiative.Clinical Nutritionist/dietitians, also known as medical nutrition therapists, usually work in a hospital as part of a health care team. This person is responsible for using diet to treat disease and as part of the treatment plan. Clinical dietitians assess needs, manage the nutrition care of patients in a variety of the clinical settings and conduct individual or group counseling sessions.Community Nutritionist refers to persons that work in community programs that are funded by governmental organizations or private groups.Nutritionists/Dietitians are involved in food service work in hospitals, schools, and long-term care facilities. They have responsibilities related to the day-to-day preparation and delivery of foods, food acquisition, employee supervision, and fiscal matters.Nutritionists work in behavior change communication programs, nutritional rehabilitation, sports, food legislation, marketing, pharmaceuticals and wellness settings.Article 32 – Associated Nutritionnist
An Associated Nutritionnist (A1) is a person who holds an advanced diploma or its equivalent. He/she works under the supervision of a high level Nutritionist. In any case, an associate Nutritionist shall be accountable on the basis of his/her performance and shall be liable before his/her supervisor for all the tasks assigned.Article 33 – Associated Nutritionnist (A2)
An Associated Nutritionnist (A2) is a person who holds a secondary school certificate or its equivalent. He/she works under strict supervision of a high level Nutritionist.Subsection 8 – Ophtalmic Clinical Officer
Article 34 – Definition of an Ophtalmic Clinical Officer
An Ophthalmic Clinical Officer (OCO) is a professional health worker who has completed a three years training in Ophthalmology from an accredited institution and obtained an Advanced Diploma or its equivalent.Article 35 – Ophthalmic Clinical Officer
An Ophthalmic clinical Officer (OCO) should be able to provide appropriate preventive, curative and rehabilitative eye care services, and delivery to individuals and communities.An OCO is allowed to work in both Public and Private sector.Article 36 – OCO Cataract Surgeon
An OCO Cataract Surgeon is an OCO who has completed one year training program in cataract surgery from a recognized institution. The competence is as that of OCO in addition to cataract surgery. He/she works under supervision of an Ophthalmologist.Subsection 9 – Optometrist & Opticians
Article 37 – Optometrist
Optometry: BSc in Optometry Degree, Msc, PhDOptometrist is a health care professional that examine and test eyes for disease, general health problems and defects in eyesight. In a clinical setting, they advise on corrective options, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, issue healthcare advice, monitor eye conditions and refer eye disorders that cannot be managed in a primary care (non hospital) setting to ophthalmologists.Rwandan optometrists are not called doctors.Optometrists or Refracting Opticians study at university for three years (four in some other countries) and then undergo a pre-registration 6 month-1 year of supervised clinical practice prior to professional examinations.Article 38 – Optician: Advanced Diploma
Opticians are health care providers who fill prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses to consumers. Opticians are also known as dispensing opticians and ophthalmic dispensers.Opticians may not perform eye examinations or issue prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses.A dispensing optician is specially trained to take essential measurements to enable manufacture of glasses according to the prescription from an optometrist, Opthalmogist or licensed physician. They also make sure the glasses fit properly and advise on style and shape. With further training they can fit contact lenses.Contact lens dispensing means the fabrication, ordering, adjustment, dispensing, sale, and delivery to the consumer of contact lens prescribed by and dispensed in accordance with a prescription from a licensed physician, Ophthalmologist or optometrist.Spectacle dispensing means the design, verification, fitting, adjustment, sale, and delivery to the consumer of fabricated and finished spectacle lenses, frames or other ophthalmic devices, prescribed by and dispensed in accordance with a prescription from a licensed physician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist.In order to practice, the qualified Optician/ Opthlamic dispenser would have undergone two (2) years undergraduate study or equivalent at a recognized university or college offering optician training. This strict regulation of the profession is maintained as a quality assurance measure and to ensure that only qualified Optician are allowed to practice the art of dispensing.Subsection 10 – Orthopaedic Clinical Practitioners
Article 39 – Orthopaedic clinical Officer
An Orthopaedic clinical Officer is a health professional that manages and treats Orthopedics conditions like congenital malformation, residue deformities and nerve palsy conservatively, infections and clinical interventions.In order to practice, the qualified orthopaedic clinical officer would have undergone three (3) years undergraduate study at a recognized university or college (Advanced diploma holder). Orthopaedic clinical officer works in private or public set up under supervision of an Orthopaedic Surgeon. However in absence of orthopaedic surgeon, she/he may take decision in collaboration with another orthopedic clinical officer.Subsection 11 – Physical Therapy Practitioners: Physiotherapist
Article 40 – Physiotherapist
A Physiotherapist is a holder of at least a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Physical Therapy from any accredited institution(s). A physiotherapist with a qualification of a Masters degree or a PhD is called a Physiotherapy Specialist, and he/she may specialize in one of many clinical areas in hospitals, as well as many diverse areas in sports medicine and rehabilitation.A Physiotherapist assesses, diagnoses, treats and manages a wide variety of injuries including ailments from the fields of orthopedics, neurology, respiratory and thoracic, cardiovascular, obstetrics, sports medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics, intensive care units and general rehabilitation.Other medical fields and community care also falls within the scope of physiotherapy.In order to practice, the qualified Physiotherapist shall undergone four (4) years undergraduate study or equivalent at a registered university or college.Physiotherapists can find employment in the public or private sector or as a third option open a private practice and become self sufficient. Clients may be referred by medical officers or as a result of a decision made by the health care team discussing their clients' issues or as a first line therapist/contact.Article 41 – Physiotherapy Technician - Advanced Diploma (A1)
A Physiotherapy Technician would have undergone three (3) years undergraduate study or equivalent at a recognized university or college. He / She assesses, diagnoses, treats and manages a wide variety of injuries including ailments from the fields of orthopaedics, neurology, respiratory and thoracic, cardio-vascular, obstetrics, sports medicine, paediatrics, geriatrics, intensive care units and general rehabilitation. Other medical fields and community care also falls within the scope of physiotherapy.A Physiotherapy Technician works under supervision of a Physiotherapist.Article 42 – Physiotherapy Assistant (A2)
An Physiotherapy Assistant with A2 level is trained in High School of Physiotherapy which usually lasts three (3) years post-ordinary level (O level) or its equivalent.This category of staff is restricted to employment in Public Institutions/ Hospitals. A physiotherapy assistant is a person employed and trained to assist a physiotherapist to implement physiotherapy programmes or undertake specified patient/client care activities under the direction and strict supervision of physiotherapists.Subsection 12 – Prosthetics and Orthotics Practitioners
Article 43 – Prosthetist and Orthotist
A Prosthetist is a person that has been certified to fit prostheses to residual limbs of the upper and lower extremities.A Prosthetist is a person who measures, designs, fabricates, fits, or services prosthesis as prescribed by a licensed physician, and who assists in the formulation of the prosthesis prescription for the replacement of external parts of the human body lost due to amputation or congenital deformities or absences.An Orthotist is a person who measures, designs, fabricates, fits, or services orthoses, and/or assists in the formulation of orthoses.Article 44 – Prosthetist Orthotist (Category I)
Prosthetist Orthotists are classified in following categories:1ºProsthetist Orthotist (Category I)Holder of advanced diploma four (4) years formal structured education in a school with accreditation of ISPO.2ºProsthetist Orthotist (Category II)Holder of advanced diploma three (3) years formal structured education in a school with accreditation of ISPO.All above mentioned categories Orthopaedic engineer, category I, Category shall work in public and private sector under supervision of an Orthopaedic Surgeon or any Dr. specialised in rehabilitation treatmentSection II – Requirements for equipments
Article 45 – Standard requirements for equipments and premises
The list of standard requirements and premises for the allied health profession is annexed to this Order.The instructions of the Minister in charge of health shall determine the detailed specifications and use of standards equipments and premises provided for in Paragraph One of this Article.Chapter III
Registration
Article 46 – Registration place and fees to be paid
All allied Health Professionals shall register with the Ministry of Health.Registration fees are determined by an instruction of the Minister having health is his/her attributions.Article 47 – Conditionalities for registrations
A person shall be qualified to register as Allied Health Professionals in Rwanda if he/she satisfies the following requirements:1°have graduated from an accredited Institution;2°have shown evidence of attendance of at least two (2) relevant Continuing professional Development (CPD) programs in a year (for renewals only);3°be a holder of previous professional/provisional practicing license;4°pay any application fee(s) as may be prescribed from time to time by the Ministry of Health;5°be of good character and without any criminal record;6°satisfy the conditions as may be prescribed by the Ministry of Health (for an annual renewal of license).Any applicant that complies fully with the above mentioned title requirements shall be issued a Certificate to practice and qualifyto use the protected titles related to Allied Health Professions.Article 48 – Temporary registration
Foreign Allied Health Professionals on temporary employment in Rwanda may be considered for temporary registration and must notify the Ministry of Health of such appointment and apply for temporary registration.They shall satisfy the following requirements:1°have a qualification certificate equivalent to those offered in Rwanda;2°show evidence of attendance of at least two (2) relevant continuing professional development programs (CPD) in his chosen area of specialty (for renewals only);3°pay any fees prescribed by the Ministry of Health;4°be of good character and without any criminal record;5°satisfy the conditions as may be prescribed by the Ministry of Health;Foreign Allied Health Professionals on temporary employment in Rwanda shall renew a license every year.Foreign Allied Health Professionals on temporary employment in Rwanda shall cease to be a registered member upon the expiration of his/her appointment or termination of the said appointment.Article 49 – Returned Registrant
Any registrants that have been out of practice of his/her profession for at least two (2) consecutive years and above and who wishes to come back shall be regarded as a Returned Registrant.The Returned registrant must fulfill the following conditions:1°undergo a through scrutiny by the Ministry of Health if he/she has been out of practice for two (2) years;2°Undergo three (3) months period of training organized and supervised by the Ministry of Health, if he/she has been out of practice between two (2) to five (5) years.If the returner has been out of practice for five years or more, he/she shall undergo six (6) months of thoroughly supervised practice in order to be appointed by the Ministry of Health.Such a supervisor must have been on the relevant part of the allied health professional register and have been in regulated practice for at least five (5) years and without any criminal record.Article 50 – Non-registered
Any practicing Allied Health Professionals that is not licensed by the Ministry of Health shall not be allowed to practice in Rwanda.Any practicing Allied Health Professional that fails to register with the Ministry of Health or renew his/her license shall be regarded as illegal and be dealt with accordingly.Article 51 – Benefits of registrants
Only registered members are:1°entitled to associate with the Ministry of Health on issues connected with training and practice of the professions;2°allowed to participate in compulsory continuing professional development (CPD) programs organized by the Ministry of Health or other recognized institutions;3°allowed to participate in matters related to the promotions of the professions under the Ministry of Health;4°have access to information centrally available to members from the Ministry of Health on a range of professional, educational, legal and ethical matters;5°have access to information on job opportunities available locally and internationally and printed guidelines on many topics;6°qualified to be members of professional bodies of relevant professions and eligible to join clinical interest and employment groups;7°have the right to practice his/her profession publicly or privately or otherwise in Rwanda.Article 52 – Legal implications of breaching the standards of proficiency
Non registered members are prohibited from holding any appointment in the public or private establishment, body or institution, if the holding of such appointment involves the performance by them in Rwanda of any duty pertaining to the relevant profession for gain.Non-registered members shall not be entitled to establish a private professional practice in Rwanda.The Ministry of Health shall close down any unregistered Clinics/hospitals/ Institutions or suspend any Allied Health Profession business in any registered clinics/ hospitals/institutions where set standards are being compromised.Chapter IV
Final provisions
Article 53 – Repealing provision
All prior provisions contrary to this Order are hereby repealed.Article 54 – Commencement
This Order shall come into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Rwanda.History of this document
26 December 2011 this version
Commenced
20 October 2011
Assented to