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Resources > Professional Bodies and Institutions
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Regulating health and care professionals in the UK
Source: Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is a UK-wide regulatory body responsible for setting and maintaining standards of proficiency, conduct, and ethics for 15 health and care professions. Many of these professions regularly work with autistic individuals, including occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, and practitioner psychologists. The HCPC's role is to protect the public by ensuring that registered professionals meet strict standards in their training, professional skills, and behaviour. They investigate complaints and can take action against those who do not meet these standards. For autistic people and their families, the HCPC provides reassurance that the professionals they interact with are qualified and accountable. Their website offers a public register where individuals can check if a professional is registered and offers information on how to raise concerns about a professional's conduct or competence. This regulatory oversight is crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of care provided to autistic individuals across various health and social care settings.
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