Rules on referral letters for therapy may be eased

The Health Bureau on Tuesday proposed allowing physiotherapists and occupational therapists to provide services to patients without the need for a doctor’s referral in certain circumstances. These include if a patient has proof of a relevant diagnosis dated within the last 12 months, has an emergency need for treatment, or lives in a care home. In a paper to Legco, the bureau said the changes would help patients get treatment quicker. The authorities are also planning to make continuing professional development a mandatory requirement for physiotherapists and occupational therapists to be allowed to renew their licence to practise.