To ask the Minister of Health what action the Department intends to take to regulate and protect therapists working in businesses which claim to be medical clinics.

The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) is responsible for the registration and inspection of independent clinics in accordance with the Independent Health Care Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005.

The Regulations require the establishment to have a written statement of purpose and patient’s guide and to have arrangements for regular review. The registered provider/organisation and manager must be able to demonstrate that they are fit to perform their responsibilities and possess the training and skills necessary for this purpose.

The Regulations also address the quality of treatment and service provision, the care and welfare of patients, the numbers, qualification and experience of staff and their fitness to perform their work, professional practice, records, staff views, complaints, fitness of premises, financial viability and notification of events.

Terms and conditions of employment between individuals working in these areas and their employers would be private. Health Professionals such as Doctors, Dentist, Nurses working in these areas are subject to their regulatory bodies for example the General Medical Council, General Dental Council and Nursing and Midwifery Council.