CMBA Position statement on translating key regulatory documents: Revised July 2018

Background

The Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (the National Law), as in force in each state and territory, establishes the expected standards of practice for registered health practitioners, including Chinese medicine practitioners.

Introduction

Under transitional arrangements for the new registration scheme, from 1 July 2012 until 30 June 2015, special dispensation was provided to Chinese medicine practitioners who could not meet the English language requirements. These practitioners were able to be registered with English language conditions against their registration, which supports effective communication with their patients and emergency services.

From 1 July 2015, all new applicants for registration are required to meet the English Language Skills Registration Standard.

It is expected that all registered Chinese medicine practitioners fully understand their obligations in regard to being registered under the National Law. Those with English language conditions are expected to make suitable arrangements to ensure their understanding of regulatory documents issued by the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (the Board). These documents are always published in English, including the renewal of registration form.

From time to time the Board will consider the need to translate a document into other languages, which would usually be into Chinese.

Criteria for assessing whether to translate publications

On a case-by-case basis the Board takes into account the following criteria:

• Whether the document relates to a significant public safety issue,
• The primacy / relevance of the document to that issue,
• The existence of complaints or other concerns related to the issue, and
• The cost-benefit of providing in-language publications.

Translations will be provided by accredited translators as determined by the Board.