It has come to the attention of the Board that unregistered persons, often with no qualification at all, are involved in performing and running diagnostic and therapeutic sleep testing services (Polysomnography).

These services are often provided by private companies, owned by unregistered persons. Such practices are unlawful and in terms of section 33 of the Health Professions Act. Registration is a prerequisite for practicing a profession falling under the ambit of the HPCSA. In terms of the ethical rules applicable to the Radiography and Clinical Technology professions a practitioner should only practice in his/her own name, as an i ncor porated company, or in partnership or association with another registered practitioner who is registered in the same category.

The Board is concerned that services provided by unregistered persons may result in incorrect diagnoses and treatments which might result in the patient’s health being compromised and or loss of life.

The Board would like to stress that any registered practitioner associated with or referring services to an unregistered and unqualified person, will be held liable for contravening the ethical rules of the HPCSA and may face charges and have fines imposed. Any unregistered person who performs professional acts falling within the scope of a registable profession will be prosecuted.

Registered practitioners are reminded that collusion with medical device companies and or receiving any financial gain from such practices must be companies and or receiving any financial gain from such practices must be reported to the HPCSA interms of the ethical rules. No practitioner should share fees or receive payment for procedures not involved with directly, except in the case of locums. Practitioners are also reminded to the practice within their scope of practice and may not perform procedures or investigations that fall outside their scope of practice.